Check out tomorrow’s ALL section for our 2010 year in entertainment wrap-up!
DAILY KENT STATER Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Snow, HI 24, LO 14
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Hassler asks for compromise after Provost walk out
Daniel Moore
dmoore63@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater After Monday’s unusual Faculty Senate meeting, during which Provost Robert Frank and some of his administrators walked out, Mack Hassler, Faculty Senate chair, called the event a “travesty” in a memo.
Hassler ’s word choice referenced Faculty Senator Don White’s use of the word to describe editing by Frank’s office of the proposed University Policy and Procedures Regarding Distinguished Academic Ranks. The Faculty Senate and the Provost’s office are working to finalize this policy, but haven’t come to an agreement. The Professional Standard Committee
previously submitted the policy to Frank’s office, which returned it with revisions. “There were 38 words out of a two and a half page document that were left unchanged,” White said after the meeting Monday night. In the memo, titled “Need for Declaration of Mutuality in Shared Governance,” Hassler wrote, “This melodrama of invective, posturing and parade
seems clearly itself to be a travesty in the sense of a ridicule of serious work.” White explained his use of words the next day. “The senate doesn’t feel that the provost is willing to work with us,” White said. “It’s more that he wants to do what he wants to do and not have to negotiate a compromise with anybody about it.” Frank said he didn’t think the
policy was “ready for a full discussion” at the Faculty Senate meeting. “ I d e c i d e d m y p re s e n c e wasn’t enabling the discussions to take place,” he said. Hassler did not directly condemn the actions of either White or Frank and wrote, “The rhetoric of discontent with this situation needs to be put back into its sheath and not used by either partner.” Hassler was not available for
additional comment. “I think he (Hassler) is trying to bridge the two and make peace,” White said. Hassler ’s memo — divided into sections titled “The Setting,” “The Stakes” and “The Solution” — emphasized the idea of power sharing among both administration and Faculty Senate. See COMPROMISE, Page 4
Afternoon snowfall causes car crashes Julie Sickel
jsickel@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Accidents littered Summit Street Tuesday evening as faculty and students attempted to navigate the snow-covered roads. Mike Moses, junior communication studies major and columnist for the Stater, was on his way to Franklin Hall at approximately 4:15 p.m. when his silver Hummer hit another car at the
intersection of Summit Street and South Lincoln Street. Moses said the light was red, and he pressed the gas to close the “huge gap” between his car and the one in front of him. “As soon as I pressed the accelerator, it went and I couldn’t stop in time,” Moses said. “I had like 20 feet to stop. I tried to turn but ended up catching the back corner of (the other car).” See ACCIDENTS, Page 4
Megann Galehouse | Daily Kent Stater
Four Lokos were banned in Ohio due to their 12 percent alcohol content and high caffeine levels.
Four Loko: Coming to a gas pump near you SAM VERBULECZ | DAILY KENT STATER
Four Loko will no longer fuel your buzz Megan Wilkinson
mwilki11@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Next time you’re at the gas station, you may be pumping more than just gas into your car. Stores are sending Four Loko and other alcoholic energy drinks that can no longer be purchased to MXI Environmental Services in Virginia to be recycled into ethanol fuel. MXI Environmental Services has recycled various ethanolbearing wastes since 2003, which includes alcoholic beverages and products, said Brian Potter, vice president of operations. An article from The Associated Press stated that the company is processing 8,000 cases of Four Loko and other alcoholic energy drinks daily. The company intends to continue this process for several months. Chris Meluch, senior political science major, used to drink Four Loko occasionally. He was surprised the banned drink is now being recycled to fuel cars. “It seems kind of ridiculous,” Meluch said. “I honestly think that they should have sold what has already been made. There’s no point in wasting it.” The alcoholic energy drink was banned from Ohio stores
because it contained nearly 12 percent alcohol content in a 23.5 ounce can, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Chemicals in the drink included alcohol, caffeine, taurine, guarana, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and other stimulants. “It tastes terrible, and it’s about as healthy as drinking gas,” said Andy Parina, junior art education major. “At the same time, it’s something that was approved for human consumption, so it can’t be too deadly.” Four Loko is dangerous because of the mixture of caffeine and alcohol, said Scott Olds, social and behavioral science professor. Olds said the reaction between the drugs causes the drinker ’s senses to fade. Although the drink is no longer sold in Ohio, Phusion Projects released a new product this month called Four Loko XXX for fans of the drink. Four Loko XXX is similar to the original Four Loko, but it does not contain any caffeine. The drink will feature new flavors every four months. Its current flavor is green apple, and blueberry lemonade will replace it in May. Meluch said he intends to try the new Four Loko, but he is less enthusiastic about it. “I don’t think it will be as successful as the original,” Meluch said. “The name has already been tainted, so there is a stigma around Four Loko. I think the caffeine added attention to it and was why people drank it before.”
Christina Michalos, sophomore VCD major, skidded into another car at the intersection of Summit Street and Morris Road. “I was the last one through the light and I couldn’t stop,” Michalos said. No one was injured in the collision.
Ohio minimum wage increases by 10 cents Boost can help 269,000 workers with cost of living Maranda Shrewsberry mshrewsb@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Minimum wage workers in Ohio saw an increase in their paychecks this month. Minimum wage increased
by 10 cents because of a higher cost of living, making it $7.40 an hour as of Jan. 1. Hannah Halbert of Policy Matters Ohio said the extra boost will help the nearly 269,000 minimum wage workers in Ohio, giving families more spending money, although it may not seem like much. “It’s a 10-cent-per-hour wage, but 10 cents spread over the Ohio economy keeps Ohio moving forward and helps Ohio families meet their daily needs,” Halbert said. See WAGE, Page 4
Page 2 | Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
TODAY’S EVENTS
DAILY KENT STATER
n Sophomore living learning webinar When: 12:30 p.m. Where: Moulton Hall Ballroom
n Hillel Information Table When: 11 a.m. Where: KSC Main Lobby B
n Graduate
n USG
n Focus
n Public
Public Meeting When: 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Governance Chambers
Student Senate Meeting When: 1 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 310AB
NewSroom 330-672-2584 Editor Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu Managing editor Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu
Health Meeting When: 12 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 314
on the Future: Her Story When: 7 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 317
240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242
Managing editor Kelly Byer kbyer@kent.edu
News
SPORTS
Assigning editors
Sports editor
Lydia Coutré
Have an event you want to see here? Send it to lcoutre@kent.edu by Thursday the week before.
Cody Erbacher
lcoutre@kent.edu
cerbache@kent.edu
Emily Inverso
K e n t W i r e d . co m
2. A heated conservation about what policy caused Provost Robert Frank and his staff members to walk out on a Faculty Senate meeting? a. Distinguished Academic Ranks b. Borrowing
OPINION
Taylor Rogers
trogers@kent.edu
Opinion editor
Rabab Al-Sharif
nstempak@kent.edu
ralshari@kent.edu
Jessica White
Visuals
jwhite83@kent.edu
Photo editor
Copy desk chief
The Daily Kent Stater news quiz is a new page-two feature that will run every Wednesday this semester. Questions and answers are pulled from the last week of our local news coverage. Test your knowledge and find out how you did at the bottom of the page. 1. Budget concerns promoted President Lester Lefton to announce a ban on what? a. Spending b. Quiznos c. Travel d. New hires
llsowsk@kent.edu
kpetrysz@kent.edu
Nicole Stempak
ARE YOU STATER SAVVY?
Jennifer Shore
Rachel Kilroy
jshore2@kent.edu
rkilroy@kent.edu
Kentwired editor
Assistant photo editor
Frank Yonkof
Hannah Potes
fyonkof@kent.edu
hpotes@kent.edu Design director
c. Cheating d. Faculty Professional Improvement Leave
b. Damon’s Grill c. Chili’s d. Red Robin
Features
llofgren@kent.edu
ALL design editor
3. Who is President Lester Lefton’s first ambassador? a. Eboni Pringle b. Andre Thornton c. Alfreda Brown d. Randi Schneider
5. What was the score of the Kent State men’s basketball game against Akron over the weekend? a. 48-39 b. 65-62 c. 78-66 d. 56-42
Assistant Features/ALL editor
kpenrod1@kent.edu
4. What well-known chain restaurant replaced Pete’s Arena in the Rathskeller this semester? a. Applebee’s
Apple and Verizon announce new iPhone
Features/ALL editor
Laura Lofgren
Nicole Aikens
Account executive
Account executive
Nicole Lade
Michelle Bair
330-672-2697 Account executive
330-672-2585 Broadcast and magazine representative
Korie Culleiton
Graduation apps due
330-672-2697 Account executive
Paul Gimmel
330-672-2585 Online representative
Bethany English
330-672-2590 Account executive
Kevin Collins 330-672-3251
Katie Kuczek 330-672-2590
Student media 330-672-2586
in their cell towers. The difference in the hardware
is now available on Flashline. If it’s not submitted by
Manager
means users won’t be able to browse the Internet
Friday, Jan. 14 there will be a $200 late fee.
330-672-0887, lcantor@kent.edu Advertising manager
the phone’s Internet connection.
For instructions on how to apply for graduation,
iPhone doesn’t support Verizon’s faster LTE technology, and using LTE would have forced unwanted design changes. The phone will still use 3G. -Sidney Keith
Electronic tax forms available for students sensitive information, it said.
Lori Cantor
330-672-0884, njyoung1@kent.edu Classifieds ad manager
Tami Bongiorni
330-672-0883, kpickere@kent.edu Stater adviser
330-672-6306, tbongior@kent.edu Production manager
go to http://bit.ly/gWUf9Q In order to make sure the application is submit-
According to Gizmodo.com, this version of the
Lead page designer
AdvertIsing 330-672-2586
and Information, the online graduation application
five Wi-Fi devices to connect to the Internet through
Kate Penrod
sscanes@kent.edu
AT&T and Verizon use different technologies
while talking on the phone, but it will allow up to
sromba@kent.edu
Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330-672-0888
For students in the College of Communication
man advertising major.
Stefanie Romba
Sara Scanes
naikens@kent.edu
ted by the deadline, go to Flashline, click the Student Tools tab and under Graduating Planning Tools, click View Submitted Graduation Application. If non-academic questions need to be addressed about the graduation ceremony, diplomas, etc. go to http://www.kent.edu/commencement/index.cfm. For academic questions contact Sharon Marquis
Chris Sharron
330-672-0886, csharron@kent.edu Business officer
Kelly Pickerel
Carl Schierhorn
330-672-8286, cschierh@kent.edu Newsroom Adviser
Susan Kirkman Zake
330-329-5852, szake@kent.edu
Norma Young
CORRECTIONS The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible.
at 330-672-8281 or smarquis@kent.edu or Professor Tim Smith at 330-672-8289 or tdsmith@kent.edu. -Rebecca Campbell
Students who opt out of receiving their W-2 forms electronically will receive a printed copy. Printed copies will be delivered to the Michael Schwartz Center, Heilman said. Students may pick up their forms beginning noon Jan. 26. All printed forms not picked up by students will be mailed to their residence by Jan 31. Students who miss the deadline to give consent for an electronic copy or pick up their printed copy should not worry, Heilman said. Students still have until mid-April to file their taxes. -Christine Morgan
TV2 auditions, tech sign-up this week
Talent auditions for TV2 will be held Wednesday on the first floor of Franklin Hall. Entertainment auditions will be from 2-5 p.m. and news auditions from 5-11 p.m. To be on the tech crew, sign up from 5-8 p.m. Thursday. “The kind of candidates we’re looking for are people who are dedicated, willing to learn new things and get along with almost anybody,” said Nathan Edwards, TV2 general manager. Students can e-mail TV2kentstate@gmail.com for an online application. Auditions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. For tryouts, students will listen to a welcome orientation and then audition. During auditions, students are expected to read off the teleprompter and do abbreviated forms of the position they are applying for. Those trying out should bring their class schedule and dress professionally for the auditions. More than 100 talent positions are available this semester. These include positions on news, Flashcasts, Sports Corner, The Agenda and The Blurb. -Taylor Titus
. d. 2. c. 3. b. 4. b. 5. b.
Students who wish to receive their W-2 forms electronically must give their consent on Flashline before Wednesday, Jan. 12. Students who work on campus received a personal announcement before winter break on Flashline. An e-mail to inform them of their opportunity to receive their W-2 forms online went out Monday, said Payroll Manager Lisa Heilman. To obtain an electronic copy, students must give their consent under the My HR tab on Flashline. From there, students are instructed to check the box labeled “Electronic W-2 Consent” under Employment Details, the announcement said. The Flashline announcement explained the advantages of opting for an electronic copy, including conserving paper, saving money on printing costs and receiving the forms faster. The electronic copy is a safer transfer of students’ personal and
Lance Lysowski
Kelly Petryszyn
Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent.
The Apple iPhone will be available from Verizon Wireless in early February. According to apple.com, existing Verizon customers can preorder the phone beginning Feb. 3, and the general public can purchase the phone Feb. 10. The 16GB model will be available for $199.99, and the 32GB model will be $299.99. Plan pricing for the Verizon iPhone is not set yet. Shawn Cooper, freshman chemistry major, said he has AT&T, but he would switch to Verizon for the iPhone. However, not everyone will be switching phones. “I will not be switching to the iPhone because Droids are better,” said Anthony Wnoroski, fresh-
Assistant sports editor
einverso@kent.edu
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 | Page 3
OPINION
Daily Kent Stater
The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions. Submit letters to: Letters to the Editor Daily Kent Stater 240 Franklin Hall/ KSU Kent, Ohio 44242 ■ stater@kent.edu Subject: Letters to the Editor ■ Fax: (330) 672-5064 ■ Be sure to include your phone number. ■
ABOUT THE OPINION PAGE The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and may be edited for mechanics, Associated Press style and length without notice. Letters should not exceed 350 words and guest columns should not exceed 550 words.
DKS EDITORIAL BOARD Regina GarciaCano Editor Josh Johnston Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Forum editor
Laura Lofgren Features team leader/ALL editor Lydia Coutre Assigning editor
FAMOUS QUOTE
our
SUMMARY: President Lefton enacted a university-wide hiring freeze in December. While we agree money needs to be saved somewhere, we hope the freeze means jobs won’t be cut.
VIEW
Hiring freeze could mean more cutbacks
O
ver break, President Lester Lefton announced a university-wide hiring freeze to prepare for expected cuts facing higher education. In an e-mail sent to faculty and staff on Dec. 15, Lefton pointed to the state’s anticipated $8 billion budget shortfall in 2011 as the primary reason for the freeze on hiring with exceptions only for positions “mission-critical” to the university. In the e-mail, he noted the university has estimated a 10 to 20 percent reduction in its state subsidy. University administrators are now charged with developing plans to deal with this cut in funding, and it is still unclear whether this will result in job losses.
Though a hiring freeze is the practical thing to do at this point, the obscurity of the future is unsettling. With open positions not being filled, the hiring restriction could mean larger classes, fewer elective options and fewer sections of certain classes. These are all things that can affect students. It is still possible; however, to run efficiently and make the best of this situation despite the fact that the Kent State faculty will be shrinking rather than growing. There are concerns about the consequences to follow, but the university is taking necessary measures to prepare for next year. The university needs to start tightening its belt in all areas. That means making small changes to cut back, too.
Things like not traveling when a meeting can be accomplished over Skype, not printing 20 eight-page syllabuses and making more electronic documents can all help contribute to cutting back. As long as the university takes every measure possible to prevent job losses, then they are dealing with this in the right way. Cutting back is necessary during any financial crisis, and the university has to start doing it in a big way somewhere.
The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left.
DON WRIGHT’S VIEW
“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.” — Mark Twain
DID YOU KNOW? On this day in 1926, the two-man comedy series “Sam ‘n’ Henry” debuts on Chicago’s WGN radio station. Two years later, after changing its name to “Amos ‘n’ Andy,” the show became one of the most popular radio programs in American history. — Source: history.com
Leave science to the experts
Daniel Sprocket The new Republican-led House of Representatives has me concerned for the future of science research funding in the United States. While funding comes from many sources, 20 percent of all scientific research done in the U.S. is financed by the National Science Foundation. Last month, Congress passed the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which expanded the NSF’s budget from just under $7 billion in 2010, to just over $7.9 billion by 2013. I realize that $7 billion might sound like a large sum of money, but to put that into perspective, Congress spent 10 times that amount last year on the war in Afghanistan alone. However, the passing of this bill doesn’t guarantee funding. In the coming weeks, Congress will decide how much of the federal budget will actually be allocated to the NSF. These decisions come on the heel of some strong attacks on NSF-funded research by House Republicans. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, recently targeted the NSF as an example of wasteful government spending. He asked Americans to “help us identify (NSF) grants that are wasteful or that you don’t think are a good use of taxpayer dollars,” citing “university academics (who) received a $750,000 grant to develop computer models to analyze the on-field contributions of soccer players,” as an example. The study that Smith was referring to was not “soccer research” at all, but a study of how individual efforts contribute to group success, as LiveScience.com reports. Its conclusions were applicable to all complex, interacting groups – from ecosystems to stock markets. The study simply used soccer players as a model system. Using model systems is quite common in scientific research. Some phenomena are simply too slow, too rare or too complex to study all at once. Researchers also use model systems for ethical reasons, especially in medicine and biology. However, this point seems to escape many of our nation’s politicians. During the 2008 presidential election, Sarah
Palin harshly criticized the federal funding of fruit fly research. But fruit flies, due in part to their small size and high reproduction rates, have been invaluable to our modern understanding of genetics and disease. De-funding such critical research areas merely because some simple-minded politicians don’t understand their goals means cutting off our nation’s primary route toward innovation and technological advancement. Most non-scientists probably don’t realize how difficult it currently is to obtain NSF funding. Investigators are required to submit lengthy, highly technical research proposals and detailed budgets. Other researchers, who are often competing for the same diminishing funding pool, then vet the proposals. As a result, only the best proposals are funded. Overall, the NSF funds less than one-third of all grant requests it receives, and in some research areas, funding rates plummet to less than 5 percent. Smith’s comments are symptomatic of the anti-intellectual rhetoric plaguing the Republican Party. Republicans have attacked evidence-based investigations into areas such as stem cells, global climate change and the entire field of evolutionary biology. While no one expects politicians to be experts in every scientific field, they should at least recognize that winning an election does not qualify them to judge the quality or usefulness of such highly specialized research projects. It is clear that, with such blatant displays of ignorance regarding scientific standard practices, only scientists – not politicians or everyday Americans – are qualified to evaluate the merit of scientific research proposals. Daniel Sprockett is a researcher in the Department of Anthropology and a columnist at the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at dsprocke@kent.edu.
The worst commercial in the world There has to be one, right? It just so happens the worst commercial in the world isn’t one particular commercial, but a series of commercials from Toyota. If you have watched a fraction of the amount of television I have over the past three weeks, you have probably seen one. The ads are for Toyota’s 2011 Highlander SUV. The ads feature a boy of an indeterminable age with unkempt blonde curls explaining how his once-lame parents have become cool after spending roughly $30,000 on a glorified Japanese station wagon. I don’t think this boy has a name, so I have taken the liberty of naming him Flynn. Now, Flynn’s friends’ parents are lame. They drive a Ford Taurus, one of the many models of automobiles that have somehow infested our streets, despite not having a DVD-supported back seat entertainment apparatus. “He needs a Highlander,” Flynn says with disgust after rolling up his window to further demonstrate his superiority over his (now, assumingly, former) friend. And that’s the theme of these advertisements. You and your parents are not cool unless you have this car. Of course, this is the basis for all ads: our thing is better than their thing. But good ads make you forget that you’re watching an ad and that you are
James Sherman blatantly being sold something. Instead, we have an unlikable floppy-haired kid telling us how to be cool. These Toyota ads make you hate yourself for ever buying anything nice at all. What’s the angle here? What’s the appeal? If movie clichés have taught me anything (and they haven’t), it’s that multinational corporations like Toyota have a big headquarters somewhere with about 14 middle-aged, overweight, balding men sitting around a table pitching ideas that will “put Toyota back on the map!” Let’s try to guilt America into buying our automobile by using this bratty kid. Is this the best thing their collective brains could come up with? Is this commercial supposed to appeal to kids? No, that doesn’t make any sense. Kids don’t have any say in what car their parents drive. Even the spoiled kids you see on MTV who somehow swindle their parents
into spending $15,000 to have Joey Fatone perform at their 16th birthday party don’t have this power. Is this commercial supposed to appeal to parents who are concerned that their offspring may be ridiculed because they didn’t shell out the extra coin on a vehicle that entertains them exclusively in the back seat so unnecessary parent-child communication will not have to take place? Nope. They already have this car. Nothing about these ads add up. So, what can we do? How do we make this terrible, terrible thing go away? I guess we could not buy their product, the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Warning: This plan may backfire. If the Highlander isn’t selling well, those in charge may think the commercials aren’t getting enough rotation, leading to more of the same ads, maybe even some kind of reality-show spinoff featuring our hero, Flynn. Maybe we’re all doomed. So, there you have it, the worst commercial in the world; there has to be one, there can be only one: HIGHLANDER! James Sherman is junior newspaper journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at jsherma8@kent.edu.
Life lessons from a 2-week-old baby Over break, a friend of mine confided in me about the status of a boy named Samuel, the newborn son of one of her friends. At two weeks old, baby Samuel had suffered a series of medical problems such as decreased lung capacity that required him to be hooked up to a ventilator, and endured numerous surgeries. His parents remained hopeful and clung to the support of friends and family, but on Christmas Eve, baby Samuel passed away. In the aftermath of a tragedy that no parent should ever have to face, Samuel’s parents remained positive and were even thankful that they were blessed to have a son at all, even though he never got to leave the hospital. Such strength and courage when everyone expected them to wallow in despair is amazing to me. No one would have faulted those parents for breaking down and losing sight — maybe, but still they showed that true joy in life depends on more than just circumstance. Baby Samuel didn’t live long enough to walk or speak, but I think there is much to be learned from his brief life. I believe Samu-
Sarahbeth Caplin el taught his parents to not take anything for granted, and that the quality of one’s life is not measured by comparing the number of positive events to the negative ones; rather, it is how we choose to respond to them that shapes character. I won’t pretend to have the answer for why terrible things happen to people who don’t deserve them. However, as difficult and impossible as it may seem, perspective can be an unlikely friend whenever a tragedy shakes one’s faith. I’ve known people who have maintained a strong religious conviction and an optimistic outlook for most of their lives, knowing full well that the world can be a cruel place, only to lose it when something terrible happens to them
HEY YOU! WANT TO GET IN
personally. I’ve never understood that logic. When my father was diagnosed with cancer, he taught me to never wallow in bitterness. He challenged me to turn my grief into something positive, and that is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far. While it’s useless to compare the severity of one person’s tragedy to another, I think that a lot of people are quick to point out the “greater plan” in other people’s problems, and then play the “Why me?” card when it’s their turn to suffer. Too often, we forget that no one is exempt from pain. It’s not a matter of who deserves it and who doesn’t. No one ever promised that life would be easy, but a great many have insisted that it’s worth persevering. The short life of a 2-week-old baby reminded me of this.
Sarahbeth Caplin is a senior English major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at scaplin@kent.edu.
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Page 4 | Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Daily Kent Stater From Page 1
WAGE Minimum wage increases by 10 cents There are myths about raising minimum wage that Halbert said she would like to set straight, for example, the rumor that raising minimum wage kills jobs and the money mainly helps teenagers. Halbert said states that have recently raised minimum wage have seen no difference in unemployment, and three-quarters of people who receive minimum wage are over 20. “There’s really not a lot of downsides when we raise the minimum wage,” Halbert said. Lisa DuBois, IT and advertising director of DuBois Book Store, said 10 cents does not seem like a huge amount, but it is a good thing. “People deserve to make a living wage,” DuBois said. DuBois said there is no way to predict how the extra 10 cents for hourly workers will affect the store because each employee works a different amount of hours. But she said she does not foresee any problems. “We’ve been here since 1936,” From Page 1 MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior center Justin Manns goes up for two points during a game at the M.A.C. Center on Tuesday Kent State beat Bowling Green 80-63. From Page 6
BASKETBALL Men’s basketball buries Bowling Green All of the Flashes hope the good graces continue Saturday at Ohio, but Porrini said they need to bring the same defensive strength From Page 6
VICTORY Flashes earn much needed victory The win may have been what the Flashes needed to regain confidence. Kent State took the lead a little more than four minutes into the game. With constant defensive pressure on the Falcons’ offense mixed with an offensive strike that shot 51.9 percent on the game, Kent State led by double digits for nearly three-fourths of the game. It was Kent State’s game to either win or lose. Thanks to Kent State’s starting five, (Greene, senior center
in Tuesday night’s first half for a shot at victory. And while Tuesday night was spent celebrating, Wednesday the preparation begins to face whom Ford calls “one of the most potent offensive teams in the league.” “We haven’t looked at OU yet,” Porrini said. “But (Wednesday) when we wake up, our mindset will be OU.” Justin Manns, junior guard Michael Porrini, sophomore guard Randal Holt and Sherman), the Flashes proved to the home crowd of 2,543 that they could run away with any game if they play together. A large part of the team chemistry though should be attributed to the unselfishness of the roster. The five starters recorded 19 assists. But the win doesn’t erase all doubt from the Kent State team that looked like a disaster against Akron in the conference season opener. To say the Flashes struggle with winning on the road is an understatement. In the five road games this season, Kent State has yet to win. Kent State proved it could snap back from a losing streak, but now the task for the 10-6 Flashes is to prove they can win on an opponent’s court.
ACCIDENTS Afternoon snowfall causes car crashes Mike Eilfield, the driver of the car Moses hit and a former Kent State student, was picking up his girlfriend from class. Eilfield’s vehicle was stopped at the light when he said he saw Moses’s car coming toward him in his mirror. “He clearly couldn’t stop,” Eilfield said. “I could barely stop myself. It’s just really bad driving conditions.” Kent Police and Kent State University Police were out surveying traffic and covering the accidents. “We’ve handled four or five accidents since 3 o’clock, but nothing too significant,” a Kent Police dispatcher said. Several accidents on campus had been reported to Kent State University Police, but no further information was available. Portage County Sheriff David Doak issued a Level 1 snow emergency for the county Tuesday night. In a Level 1 emergency, drivers are advised to use extreme caution as driving conditions are hazardous from ice and drifting snow. Christina Michalos, junior visual communication design major, was driving west on Summit Street when
she said. “We’ve seen minimum wage go up tons of times.” Sophomore architecture major Tim Soeder works two jobs, paying his tuition with a majority of his paychecks. He works at McDonald’s, where he makes more than minimum wage. This is his fourth semester at DuBois Book Store, where he earns minimum wage. Soeder said he is indifferent to the 10 cent raise. “I don’t know how much it’s really going to help someone,” he said. For the university, the raise means adding 10 cents to more than 4,400 paychecks in more than 5,600 jobs, said Ami Hollis, associate director of Career Services. Hollis said all student employees will receive a 10 cent raise, including those who earn more than minimum wage. Despite the extra money it may cost the university, Hollis said students earning more is a positive thing. “This is good news that the state and federal government want to make sure minimum wage stays aligned with the cost of living,” Hollis said. her white Toyota Corolla rear-ended another car at the Morris Road intersection. “I just couldn’t stop. The roads were too slippery,” Michalos said. “I was the last one through the light and I couldn’t stop.” The other car involved had already left the scene of the accident while Michalos waited for friends to come to her aid. Honking horns could be heard as vehicles accelerated cautiously on the snowy roads. Drivers up and down Summit Street left 20 to 30 feet of space between cars to allow for safe stopping. Senior history major Marc Lechlitner shoveled off his car in the Michael Schwartz C-Lot to prepare for his drive home. “I mean, I drove in the last big storm before finals, so I’m not too worried about driving,” Lechlitner said. “All you have to do is go slow and not drive like a maniac.” Cynthia Higgins, a program assistant for Upward Bound, a pre-college program in the Michael Schwartz Center, said the key is to make yourself aware of other drivers and stay calm. “I value my life. I have to pick up my grandkids, and I value their lives, Higgins said. “I just try to take my time and be cognizant of other drivers.”
From Page 1
COMPROMISE Hassler asks for compromise after Provost walk out Administration needs to be transparent, consistent and trustworthy in presenting its expectations to Senate and to Senate Committees, with the
POLICE BLOTTER The blotter is a record of charges filed by the police. The listings do not represent convictions or reflect guilt. It is the Daily Kent Stater’s policy to publish on-campus and off campus arrests, charges and incidents of interest to the public.
CITY
MONDAY n Jamie R. Schubert, 36, of Kent
was charged with driving under suspension at the corner of South Willow Street and East Erie Street after being stopped for making a prohibited left turn.
knowledge that Senate may pass actions it does not like,” Hassler wrote. White also acknowledged compromise has to come from all parties. “Both sides need to look at the way we’re dealing with each other,” he said. “It doesn’t do anybody any good to bicker.” Frank said he looks forward to having more conversations with the Professional Standard Committee regarding the policy.
CAMPUS TUESDAY nBrian M. Roberts, 18, of Norwalk, was arrested for possession of marijuana in Korb Hall lot. nTravis R. Bleile, 19, of Norwalk, was arrested for under age drinking in Korb Hall lot. nAlvin J. Woolen, 19, of Shaker, was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. n
Carlos E. Reyes Jr., 20, of Strongsville,
was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Daily Kent Stater
For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011 | Page 5
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COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH... Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming
Looking for part-time assembly work, must be VERY MANUALLY DEXTEROUS, speed and quality are emphasized. $8/hour. Apply in person. No phone calls. 315 Gougler Avenue in Kent. CSR/New Accountant Specialist needed at in-bound Dish Satellite Call center. Hiring part-time evening shift. Great commission with hourly base. Located in downtown Ravenna. Please apply or send resumes at 1101/2 Main St. Ravenna, OH 44266. 330-298-9280 ext 204 or E-mail larinda@weknowdish.com Kent State student needs tutor for basic math course. 440-231-6466 or 440-350-9963 High end tanning salons now hiring part & full time. Flexible hours. Minutes from KSU. 2 locations. Apply in person 9349 S.R. 43, Streetsboro or 1632 Norton Road, Stow. Servers wanted: Freeway Lanes of Solon is aggressively hiring energetic and motivated servers. The harder you work, the more money you will make. Nights/Weekends. Flexible hours. Apply in person: 33185 Bain Bridge Road in Solon. Brubaker’s Pub Stow & Hudson now hiring cocktail waitresses and bartenders. Apply in-person Monday-Friday 10am-6pm at Hudson 5823 Darrow Rd. or Stow 4141 Bridgewater Pkwy. Help with iPhone App Development Needed. Preferred skills: Strong math background including quaternion, experience with Xcode and C++, OpenGL/OpenGLes Pay up to $20.00/per hour Part time, could lead to full time permeant position
Buyer Beware! We make every effort to screen for fraudulent advertising, however, we cannot guarantee the veracity of the advertisers and their messages in this section. It is important for consumers to respond to any advertisement with the utmost caution. Whitehall East Town Homes AKA “The New Town Homes” Whitehall Blvd. off Summit Now taking apps for Fall 2011 *5b/3ba *All Appliances Included *Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer *Lighted Parking *Many units with all newer flooring Rent plans starting at $290/person/ month Ask about the all-inclusive plans Call or text 330-990-4019 www.whitehall-east.com
LUXURY 4-BEDROOM large, clean, all appliances + FREE washer/dryer. 330-714-0819
Room Available Now. 1 block from campus. 224 South Willow Street. $350/mo. Includes ALL utilities incl. cable and internet. Non-Smoking House. Chris Myers 330-678-6984 6 Bedroom House - Excellent location 1 yr lease 1600/mo. +utilities. Fall 2011. Call Ramon 330-671-2384 1 Bdrm Apartment, private great location to KSU. 400/mo + gas & electric. Available Jan. 2011. Ramon 330-671-2384
NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 bedroom duplex available for Fall 2011 Near campus and bus route Starting at $350/month per bedroom Call Sweeney: 330-267-9336 Shrewsberry Rentals 4 and 6 bedrooms. 4 bedrooms $1475. 6 bedrooms $2,100. Trash, sewer, and recycling paid. 330-221-2881 Ravenna Township: 1bdrm house. Nice, clean and quiet. No pets. No yardwork. $490/month. 330-2977882
horoscope By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (01/12/11) It’s time to come out of your shell. The world is your ocean. Take care of it, explore it and share it. Keep it free of clutter so you can swim more freely. Your career is important. Your space -- your ocean, your environment, your community -- is even more important. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8. People tend to avoid change and the unfamiliar. Change can be good, though -- especially today. Rearrange your space and love it. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. If you can’t get what you need close to home, look for it elsewhere. Traveling may suit your wandering spirit anyway. You’ll find what you’re seeking. Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7. Save a little for priorities. To determine them, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Anything you can choose to live without is like money in the bank. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 6. Budget what you have for what you’ll need. Your creativity and analytical nature may conflict with one another, so schedule the time and then get out the paints.
Kent: 2 bdrm twinplex near campus, 721 Mae Street, $600+utilities and Security deposit. 330-633-2229. Newer 4/5 bdrm duplex, flat screen TV, W/D, Air, Sun deck, close to campus, yard & firepit. $1240-$1500/ month. Website http://web.me.com/ allen291. Cell 216-536-3958. Email allen291@me.com Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 Fall: 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes for rent. Close to campus. Great shape. 330-903-0987
All real estate advertised herin is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information. Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746 Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123 $100 OFF 1ST MONTH’S RENT Kent: 2-3 bdrm spacious apt. move in now Call 330-678-0823 Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 6-8 bedroom houses. Close to campus. 330-626-5910. UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4/5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, Washer/ Dryer, available Fall 2011. $340 per month per bedroom ALL inclusive except cable/internet. 440-552-5840. djerina@aol.com University Townhome Roommate needed for spring semester with four girls. $285/month, all inclusive except cable/internet. 440-552-584o. djerina@aol.com NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-734-8350 Available now, clean, spacious, 2BR, 1.5BA, no pets, go to www. lincolnwoodrentals.com or call 330835-7737. Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $525, $590, $780. 330-677-5577
WHITEHALL EAST TOWNHOMES 4/5 bedrooms, 3 bath CONDO. AFFORDABLE rent options including no hassle utilities included plan. Newly renovated, all appliances included, lighted parking, private lighted entrances, on the Campus Loop bus line, near student rec center. Starting at $365/month. 330.689.8888 www.whitehalleast.com
4/5 bedroom house available June 1st. 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, wash/dryer, 2 car-garage, covered front porch, new carpet and paint. $1500+utilities 330-8024000 ksuhouses@neo.rr.com KENT RENTALS 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Call Rich 330-730-4004.
SAVE $$$ Leasing for Fall, beautiful, newly redecorated, 2 bedroom apartment. FREE gas, water and trash. $275/ student. 330-687-6122.
University Townhomes and Whitehall East Townhomes 4/5 bedroom townhomes available for Fall 2011. All utilities included, starting at $340. 440-336-6761 www.kenttownhomes.com.
Now Leasing for Fall 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, Beautiful, Newly Redecorated twinplexes, 1 Block from KSU, 330-687-6122
Spacious 4&5 bedrooms duplexes with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage.
Now Leasing for Fall, a beautiful newer condo, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, double car garage, central air, backyard deck with great view. $375/ student. 330-687-6122
Several units available: -Deluxe 4/5 bedroom units. $360 per room. -All inclusive, $350 per room. -University Townhouse. $275 per room.
3 BR - 2 Bath spacious duplex Olympus Drive - off Loop Close to Campus - $800 419357-4897 jgfrederick78@yahoo. com 2 BR - 2 Bath spacious duplex Olympus Drive- off Loop Close to Campus - $720 419-357-4897 jgfrederick78@yahoo. com For 2011-12: One Month Free Close to Campus 2 huge apartments, licensed, private parking, large yard, large front porch. 4 bedroom $1400/$350 each. 4/5 bedroom $1500, $300-$375 each. (330) 6263957 Kent 2/3 bedroom - heat, water, and trash included. $575/$700. 330-4729671.
330-808-4045 Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 1,2,3,4 bdrm apts 3&4 bdrm townhomes 5,6 bdrm apts Some includes utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com
ROOMMATE NEEDED SPRING SEMESTER in nice 4 bedroom twinplex with three graduate guys. $400 all inclusive. 5 minute drive to KSU. Free Washer/Dryer. 330-7140819 One or two roommates needed to share condo immediately. Rent starting at $285/month. 330.689.8888 www.whitehalleast.com
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5. Be practical. Today you make a good impression. Feed your inspiration by traveling, even if it’s just a walk around the block. This time away allows for new perspective.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7. A conflict can be resolved, but don’t venture far, and keep money in pockets. Use communication skills online or by phone. You’ll be glad you spoke up.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7. Practice delegating work. Today and tomorrow are good for travel, or for learning a new skill. Get in touch with a family member and appreciate them.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Strive for perfection. It may be there all along. Business interferes with pleasure. What if you could mingle both so that work and play were interchangeable?
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7. You’re overly practical today. Balance that with a creative community project or by playing with kids. They remind you how to give and take without consequence.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 7. All may not go as planned. Conserve resources, even if abundant. Who knows what’s next? A mirage appears on the horizon, and something gets revealed.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8. Put all your focus and energy into a new project. Either finish it or get into the completion phase. Plan the celebration for later.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 6. You tried something, and it didn’t work. You can convince others to do it for you instead. Agree to keep expenses down for mutual benefit.
Page 6 | Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
SPORTS Sports editor: Cody Erbacher • cerbache@kent.edu
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry celebrates after a firstquarter stop against the St. Louis Rams in Seattle, Washington, Sunday, January 2, 2011. The Seahawks won, 16-6.
Sleepless in Seattle, for once a good thing MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior guard Michael Porrini drives to the hoop during Tuesday’s game. Kent State beat Bowling Green 80-63.
Men’s basketball buries Bowling Green Rachel Jones
rjones62@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Bowling Green set the pace in the men’s basketball game Tuesday night with a basket two minutes into the game. But that was the only time the Falcons had the lead. The Flashes took control less than two minutes later and continued to bury Bowling Green until the 80-63 finale at the M.A.C. Center. “We haven’t been up 20 on anyone in a long time, so we were a little shocked,” said junior forward Justin Greene. The victory at their Mid-American Conference home opener snapped the Flashes’ three-game losing streak, which junior guard Michael Porrini said he was glad to see. “None of us on the team are losers,” Porrini said. “To get three losses in a row is unacceptable.” The Flashes (10-6, 1-1 MAC) attributed the win to a stronger defense and a solid zone offense. “Our main focus was defense,” Porrini said. “We had to turn the pressure up man-to-man. If we can play good defense, we can do good on offense as well.” Kent State proved this true with 4:49 left in the first half. When Bowling Green stepped up to the perimeter to take a shot, senior center Justin Manns leapt up to knock the ball away from the basket. Randal Holt quickly snatched the rebound and sank a 3-pointer that was so intense the sophomore guard was on the ground when he watched the ball circle the net and put the Flashes up 31-13. “I think Randal Holt (who scored 11 points) had his floor game of the year, offensively,” said Kent State coach
Geno Ford. Even with seven 3-pointers in the second half, Bowling Green could not come back from the 40-21 first half finish. “We guarded terrific in the first half, and then in the second half, they really got hot with the 3-pointers,” Ford said. “In the last two games, they got one three combined.” Rod Sherman scored two 3-pointers of his own, totaling 12 points for the night. But the leader against Bowling Green (6-10, 1-1 MAC) was Porrini. He led the Flashes with a career-high 21 points and eight assists. Porrini also went 7-for-9 on the foul line. Ford said the team has struggled with zone offense before, but Porrini’s smart decisions turned the game in the Flashes’ favor. “We got the ball to Mike in the middle of the zone a whole bunch,” Ford said. “I thought Mike’s catches in the high post led to good things. I know he played well, but I didn’t know he was so close to a triple-double.” After struggling in previous games, junior forward Justin Greene finished with 17 points. “(Ford) talked to me after we lost to Akron,” Greene said. “I haven’t been performing the way I need to be performing. (But) it’s MAC play, so it’s not time to be messing around.” Greene wasn’t just messing around when he made the game 48-25 with 17:11 left in the game with a slam dunk. Most known on the team for dunks, Manns contributed three, scoring 10 total points. “Justin Manns had the best game of his life,” Ford said. “He was effective. He did a lot of good things, and hopefully, it’s a sign of things to come.”
Flashes earn much needed victory
Cody Erbacher Kent State needed that win. The Flashes entered last night’s game against Bowling Green with a three-game losing streak and a sense of urgency to get back on track. With the help of double-digit point totals from the Flashes’ starting five, Kent State coasted to an 80-63 win over Bowling Green. It snapped a losing streak that left Kent State looking for a way to get a win. It cleared some of the doubt surrounding the Flashes, who have been struggling with inexperience the entire season. And, most important, it gave the Flashes a win before starting a stretch where the team will play four road matches in five games. There was no better time for Bowling Green to come to the M.A.C. Center than last night. Kent State had a losing streak that everybody on the roster, except for senior guard Rod Sherman and junior forward Justin Greene, have experienced. After a tough out-of-conference schedule, conference rival Akron beat the Flashes to start the Mid-American Conference. See VICTORY, Page 4
See BASKETBALL, Page 4
Kent State to take on Ohio Bobcats at 7 p.m. Lance Lysowski
llysowsk@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Junior guard Jamilah Humes’s dominant play is leading the way for the Kent State women’s basketball team’s best start in recent memory, but an unknown first-year player is turning heads around the Mid-American Conference. Guard Tamzin Barroilhet, a native of France who sat her freshman season because of NCAA regulations, played a pivotal role in Saturday night’s come-frombehind victory at Buffalo. Barroilhet played the entire second half and recorded nine points with her ability to score inside and on the perimeter. She was one of three players whose shot from behind the arc helped a 15-0 run to sink the Bulls in the Flashes’ second conference game. The six-foot sophomore is averaging 8.7 points per game with only one start on this season, but her offensive prowess off the bench adds to the MAC’s fourthbest scoring offense.
While Barroilhet and the Flashes are 6-0 at home this season, they have dropped two of their last three games on the road. Kent State (11-3, 2-0 MAC) is looking to extend its winning streak to three tonight when they take on Ohio at 7 p.m. The Bobcats, at the bottom of the MAC East Division, with an inability to score on offense, have an issue. Ohio is averaging a conference-low of 53 points per game and sits in last in the MAC with a 34 percent field goal percentage. Ohio (4-11, 0-2 MAC) junior guard Tenishia Benson is the Bobcats’ primary scoring threat; averaging 14.1 points per game. Benson recorded nine points in Ohio’s loss at Akron on Saturday. Although the Bobcats finished with an 8-22 record last season, the Flashes only won both contests by a combined ten points. While Kent State’s offense ranks first in the conference and are coming off an impressive win over Buffalo, they will not overlook Ohio’s aggressive defensive play. Benson is averaging close to three steals per game, while
Michael Moses You laughed when the Seattle Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Now they’re laughing at you. Seattle (yes, they still have a pro franchise) already has made history by becoming the first ever playoff team with a losing record (7-9 in the regular season). But this past weekend, coach Pete Carroll and his Seahawks beat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the opening round of the NFL playoffs. You may think the NFL is cringing, but nothing could be better for this league. Everybody loves an underdog story. As for Seattle, I think it’s safe to say they’d be considered an underdog. If you don’t take part in fantasy football or if you don’t live in the Seattle area, I’d be willing to bet you couldn’t name a Seahawk player not named Matt Hasselbeck. Actually, I’d say most people in Seattle couldn’t even do that. Out of all of the playoff teams this year, Seattle has the worst road record at 2-6. They lost to both the 49ers and the Rams this season. But on the flip side, they beat both the Saints and, get this, Chicago. This Sunday, Seattle will travel to Chicago with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line. It will mark the second time this season that the Seahawks will play at Soldier Field, and they’re hoping the outcome will be the same. In week six, Seattle beat Chicago 23-20. At the time, no one thought anything of it. Nobody knew how bad Seattle would end up being, nor how good the Bears would end up doing. This time; however, a lot more is at stake. In the first matchup, the Seattle defense sacked Bears QB Jay Cutler six times. The pressure caused him to complete just 43 percent of his passes. Seattle must do the same if they want any chance at stopping the red-hot Bears. Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck torched the Saints defense last week for four touchdowns, while RB Marshawn Lynch had
a pinball-like touchdown run that will be aired on NFL Films for years to come. The surprising, high-powered passing attack should match up well with Chicago’s 20th ranked pass-defense. Comeback Player of the Year candidate (and yes, another underdog story in Seattle) Mike Williams had five catches and a touchdown last weekend, while Brandon “He’s Still Playing in the NFL?” Stokley is once again being seen as a threat by opposing defenses. So, with all of these factors in line, would it be that shocking if Pete Carroll’s boys actually go into Chicago and beat “da Bears”? I think not, and I’ll put money on it. Seattle is on cloud nine right now. It may be too good to be true, but everything falls into place. It’s almost like the football Gods want to prove to the world that “peaking” at the right time of the season may actually mean that you could flat out stink throughout the regular season, but turn it around during the playoffs. Who cares what their record is, they’re here to play and they just knocked off the defending champs. Now, they’re playing like New Orleans was last season — a team with something to prove. Playing for the people of their city (only no hurricane ruined Seattle, it’s just flat down horrible to live there, and they need something to be happy about). I’m rooting for the underdog and you should too. As for the other NFC game this weekend, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be pulling for the Green Bay Packers. Why, you ask? It all comes back to Seattle. No, literally, it will. If Green Bay wins at Atlanta, and Seattle wins at Chicago, Seattle will host the NFC Championship because they won their division. Green Bay, on the other hand, did not. Tell me you wouldn’t love to see a 9-9 team host a conference championship game. Fans are sleepless in Seattle, but for once, it’s a good thing.
Nix named to freshman All-American team FILE PHOTO BY LAURA BROWN | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior guard Jamila Humes pushes against a Central Michigan defender during a game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland last season. Humes had 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Flashes’ 68-55 victory over the Chippewas. senior forward Kamille Buckner blocked five shots against the Zips on Saturday. Tonight’s game marks the
67th game in the all-time series between the schools with Kent State winning four of the last six contests.
Kent State defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix was named to the 28-member Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America Team Monday, Jan. 10. Nix, the 2010 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, flourished in his first
season on a collegiate football field finishing fourth in the nation with his conference leading 20 tackles for a loss and 11th in the nation with his conference leading 10 sacks. Nix, who played in every game, finished the season with 43 tackles, four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks.