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Faculty Senate passes new ranks policy Britni Williams

bwilli61@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater After more than an hour of discussion and debate, Kent State Faculty Senate voted to pass a new policy regarding distinguished ranks during its meeting Monday.

Faculty Senate voted on the fifth version of the Policy and Procedures Regarding Distin-

guished Academic Ranks after amending the policy several times before it finally passed.

Six amendments were motioned to tweak the policy, one of which was later withdrawn before the policy was taken to vote.

The policy will address the hiring of faculty with special recognition and accomplishments and the promotion of current faculty members with similar honors. The benefits of becoming

a “distinguished academic rank” range from being granted tenure to a full professorship title.

Sen. Susan Roxburgh said that this policy has been discussed in Faculty Senate for more than a year, and she said she liked that it created lively discussion Monday.

“It’s not normal for this group,” Roxburgh said. “But it’s normal in a democracy that’s vibrant where there are a lot of different perspectives. So to me,

it was perfectly appropriate, and it resulted in a better document than the one that was supposed to be to compromise.”

The last Faculty Senate conversation held about this policy in January caused a spirited debate and ultimately led Provost Robert Frank, accompanied by other administrators, to walk out of the senate meeting.

See POLICY, Page 2

Beer delivery service coming to Kent State in Fall 2011 Beer in a Flash offers convenience to students Leighann McGivern lmcgive2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Beginning in Fall 2011, students won’t have to drive to a gas station or go out to the bars to get their hands on alcoholic beverages.

Daniel Page, junior pre-business management major, said he came up with the idea for Beer in a Flash, an alcohol delivery service, when he was driving in his car last year. He used the concept as part of an entrepreneurship class.

“There’s three successful beer delivery services at (The Ohio State University),” Page said. “If OSU can have three of them and have them all be successful, then Kent can have one.”

Beer in a Flash will run Monday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. and will offer a wide range of beers and other alcoholic beverages. Page said the service will also deliver 30 packs of beer

pong cups and four ping pong balls for $4.

“The best way to describe it is just like ordering a pizza but with beer,” Page said.

Michael Crow, junior history major, said he is considering becoming a driver for Beer in a Flash.

“I think it has the potential to be a great asset to those of us who enjoy the party scene,” Crow said. “However, the underage market could very quickly put an end to the service, so that would have to be addressed.”

Page said Beer in a Flash would be a licensed alcohol distributer and check IDs upon delivery. The service will deliver beverages at the same price as gas stations but with a 15 percent delivery charge.

“If you think about it, if you get three cases, 15-percent delivery charge on $40 is $6, so to get it delivered, that’s not much,” Page said.

Elizabeth Murray, sophomore education major, said she wouldn’t mind paying the extra money to have her drinks delivered when she turns 21 because she doesn’t have a car.

See BEER, Page 2

Gov. John Kasich will announce his first state budget Tuesday, but Kent State administrators have been preparing for cuts for months.

“All the leaders in the state are saying higher education will have some cuts,” Provost Robert Frank said. “It could be anywhere from something that we can manage to something that is very difficult for us to manage.”

Frank said the ability to manage would partly depend on whether Kasich increases or removes the

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Students’ artwork on display at annual student exhibition Show provides preview of judging process, getting paid Kasey Fahey

kfahey@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Undergraduate and graduate art students get a glimpse of the real world by showcasing their work in the 2011 Annual Student Exhibition at the School of Art Gallery.

Students can have up to two pieces in the show. About 100 students applied, and more than 60 pieces of work were chosen.

“We hire a juror who comes for a day to judge the work; it’s totally subjective,” said Anderson Turner, director of galleries for the School of Art. “It’s set up that way because it’s very much like a professional show.”

Kasich to announce first state budget Daily Kent Stater

Daniel Page, junior pre-business management major, is starting a beer delivery service in Kent.

The service will start next fall.

The exhibition, curated by Dan Tranberg, helps prepare students for the future, Turner said.

“Any experience helps you with the next step,” said Emma Pavlik, senior fine arts major with a concentration in sculpture. “Obviously it’s great for a resume and gets your name out.”

Pavlik decided to submit a drawing because she has never entered one in to an exhibition before. As for her other piece, she said she wanted it to be publicly shown.

“You make stuff and don’t really show it other than during critiques,” Pavlik said.

“Shows like this give you the opportunity to showcase what you’ve done.”

Pavlik chose work that she made for a class and said it reflected the direction she wants to pursue. She said her drawing “Lay Me Down” is about the feeling of deflating and the fleeting nature of life and how quickly youthful moments pass. Pavlik, who works at the Downtown Gallery, was also in last year’s show.

See ARTWORK, Page 2

MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER

Junior sculpture major Emma Pavlik holds up her work titled “Lay Me Down” in the Art Building Gallery on Monday. Her work is among that of other students on display through Wednesday.

in an eight-week summer session or more than 12 credit hours for all summer sessions combined.

Under the current policy, which took effect Fall 2010, any student with a GPA between 2.500-2.749 can schedule one extra credit hour, 2.750-2.999 can schedule up to two extra credit hours and 3.000-4.000 can schedule up to three extra credit hours.

See SCHEDULE, Page 2

Faculty prepares for possible budget cuts jwhite83@kent.edu

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Kent State students will be required to have completed at least 12 credit hours from a Kent State campus in order to schedule an automatic overload.

The Kent State Educational Policies Council passed the amendment, which will take effect Fall 2011.

An overload is taking more than 18 credit hours in a single fall or spring semester, more than six credit hours in a five-week summer session, more than 10 credit hours

Jessica White

Types of Alcohol that Will Be SOld

Smirnoff Ice 6 Packs:

Students need 12 credit hours to schedule overload

tuition cap — which is currently set at 3.5 percent. The university isn’t keen to raise tuition, Frank said, but it would have to consider the option depending on the budget.

Because Frank doesn’t know the magnitude of the cuts, he said he asked deans to prepare for multiple scenarios. In January, he said to plan for 5, 10 and 20 percent cuts, but now several deans have said they’re expecting the highest number.

“We are working on the strong possibility that it will be 20 percent,” said Robert “Yank” Heisler, dean of the College of Business Administration. “And we’re working through a number of expense possibilities and savings possibilities that might get us close to satisfying our numbers.”

See BUDGET, Page 2

Faculty Senate disapproves of SB 5 KSU union members fear the bill will pass Anna Staver

astaver@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Faculty Senate passed, almost unanimously, a resolution strongly opposing Senate Bill 5, which would restrict public employees’ collective bargaining rights and classify most university faculty as managers. It would all but eliminate faculty unions.

In a testimony before a State Senate subcommittee, the head of the lobbying group for Ohio’s public universities not only endorsed the bill but also suggested the senators look at a 1980 Supreme Court decision that ruled such restrictions were acceptable for private universities.

After his testimony, the senate added similar language to the bill.

Bruce Johnson, head of the Inter-University Council of Ohio, said in a phone interview that the presidents of Ohio’s 14 public universities supported his position.

“They believe that our faculty is our most important asset on the campus, and they are in fact management of the university,” Johnson said. “It is inappropriate to sit down and negotiate collectively with management.”

At Faculty Senate Monday, several senators questioned President

Lester Lefton about Johnson’s testimony. Lefton said he had spoken to Johnson on the phone about the bill but wouldn’t confirm that he had given his endorsement.

“I have taken the position, and the board of trustees has taken the position, that we will not comment on SB 5,” Lefton said.

Marketing chair Pamela Grimm argued Lefton and the presidents in the IUC need to vote formally on SB 5 so professors could see where each university president stands.

Tracy Laux, president of the non-tenure track unit of Kent State’s union, said Johnson and the IUC do not represent Laux’s opinion. He said he is concerned that the amended bill will kill more than collective bargaining.

The amendment states that professors at public universities who participate in a faculty senate and other advisory organizations are ineligible for union membership because they are managers.

“At least at Kent State our governance rights are tied to our contracts,” Laux said. “Without those protections, the administration could decide to do away with governance whenever they want.”

Laux argued that the different faculty organizations at Kent State only make recommendations; they don’t make decisions. He said managers should be defined as decision-makers, and therefore professors should not be considered managers.

See SB 5, Page 2

KENTWIRED.COM Visit KentWired to listen to Bruce Johnson speak about administration support of Senate Bill 5.

Page A2 | Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

TODAY’S EVENTS ■ Coffee

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Corner When: 10 a.m.

Where: Cyber Café

■ International

Peers Association International Cook Book sale When: 11 a.m.

Where: Student Center main lobby H

■ Mortar

■ Rock

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■ KIC

the Runway ticket distribution When: 11 a.m.

Where: Student Center main lobby B

of Testimony prayer When: 2 p.m.

Where: Student Center Room 309

Board sophomore faculty dessert reception When: 5 p.m.

Where: Student Center Room 306ABC

■ Pilates

When: 7:15 p.m.

Where: Student Center Room 310AB

240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NEWSROOM 330-672-2584

Editor Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu Managing editor Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu Managing editor Kelly Byer kbyer@kent.edu

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meeting When: 6 p.m.

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BUDGET Faculty prepares for possible budget cuts John Crawford, dean of the College of the Arts, also said he’s prepared for a 20 percent budget cut. He said he’s redistributing travel expenses, combining class sections and leaving faculty positions unfilled.

In fact, many faculty and staff positions are not being filled because of the university’s recent hiring freeze.

In past years, colleges could make their own hires.

Now, they must go to the provost and prove candidates as necessary, or “mission critical,” hires.

Frank said the university has hired about 20 people since the freeze, and the most common reasons were because classes required a candidate’s level of expertise and because several programs are growing with high enough enrollment to justify an increase in faculty.

“We’ve also hired one or two people that are part of our Excellence Agenda,” he said.

“These are people that are of high national reputation that

From Page 1

ARTWORK Students’ artwork on display at annual...

Stacey Sullivan, senior crafts major with a concentration in textiles, has one piece in the show based on French fabric from the 17th and 18th centuries.

“I picked out a piece that I thought was good enough to stand on its own,” Sullivan said.

These types of fabrics usually portray people doing idyllic activities like fishing or having a picnic.

“Instead, my people are doing subversive things like drinking and smoking,” Sullivan said. “It’s more like taking a look at people in our society now; it’s more about what isn’t

will bring quality programs to Kent State.”

For candidates who don’t make the cut — and to prepare their own budgets — colleges are also combining positions.

For instance, the College of Business Administration and the College of Education, Health and Human Services have been sharing one chief financial officer for about two months, and Heisler said it has been successful thus far.

The university has also made several “coordinated hires” — faculty members that will teach in two or more colleges to save money.

Frank said at this point, the numbers are still speculations, and he’s hoping the cuts won’t be catastrophic.

“Any organization can tighten its belt and survive,” he said. “You can always do better at managing money and being more efficient with it, but when you get into anything that’s double digit drops, you’re talking about major adjustments — and those aren’t just belt-tightening things.”

Jessica White is an assigning editor.

socially acceptable but the media still portrays.”

Sullivan said the piece is the jumping-off point for her upcoming senior show.

“It’s for my style now,” Sullivan said. “It’s a good experience to show your work.”

Student works can be purchased upon inquiry, but “the point of (the show) is research and experimenting,” Turner said.

Because the opening reception was snowed out, the exhibition will have a closing reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 16.

The School of Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Kasey Fahey is the College of the Arts reporter.

KSU to have ‘show-and-tell’ with statehouse legislators

Students, staff travel to Columbus Britni Williams

bwilli61@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Faculty, students and administrators will be taking a trip to the statehouse Wednesday to show off the university to legislators and help them understand the necessity of keeping the cost of attending affordable.

Iris Harvey, vice president for university relations, said the university recognizes that there will probably be a budget cut.

“We don’t have a lot of ways of making that up, and so we want to make sure that (legislators) understand that the best way that we can make that up is to really be able to operate with practices that have been proven in business,” Harvey said.

She said she wants to work with the state government to figure out ways to offset the budget cuts, such as lowering operating costs, raising revenue by attracting more students and pricing the tuition accordingly.

“We don’t expect the release of the budget on March 15 to overshadow our presence,” Harvey wrote in an e-mail. “It will make the conversations more meaningful and pointed.

From Page 1

SCHEDULE Students need 12 credit hours to schedule...

The new policy will add the 12-credit hour requirement on top of the GPA requirement.

Mack Hassler, faculty senate chair, said the change in policy was needed because the current policy created confusion.

According to the amendment proposal summary, first-semester transfer students and freshmen’s From Page 1

POLICY From Page 1

SB 5

Faculty senate disapproves of SB 5 The bill is now in a subcommittee of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Kara Robinson, president of Kent State’s AAUP, the faculty union, said the house subcommittee has the potential to remove the amendment about managers from the bill.

If they do not, it will go to the full house for a vote where

representatives can’t offer amendments. Robinson said she thinks the bill in either form will pass once it clears the subcommittee, and “the governor has made it clear he will sign it.”

Kent State professors will be hurt either way, Robinson said.

“If this language weren’t here, it’s still a bad bill,” Robinson said. “This language makes it worse.”

Anna Staver is the enterprise reporter.

Faculty Senate passes new ranks policy The Provost and Faculty Senators disagreed on the exact procedure of approving distinguished ranks.

While Provost Frank did not stay at Monday’s meeting to hear the results of the vote, the policy will have to pass through his office before it can be shown to the Board of Trustees.

“The important thing is to recognize that the policy itself is in response to a directive in the collective bargaining agreement that

Further, our goal in going to the statehouse is not to rally but to engage with the legislators who represent our campuses, our students, faculty and staff.”

Provost Robert Frank said it is traditional to go to Columbus at least once a year for a “showand-tell” about Kent State.

“It’s a time we try and educate legislators and people that are associated with the agencies about what Kent’s doing and what our dreams and ambitions are for the university,” Frank said.

Justin Pierce, executive director of Undergraduate Student Government, said he is excited to go to Columbus and representing Kent State.

“Administrators are getting paid to represent,” Pierce said.

“When students go to represent, it sends a stronger message: We’re here. They need to serve us.”

Harvey said many legislators are new in their current positions and might not know as much about Kent State as she would like them to.

“I really want us to show our blue and gold — for them to recognize how proud we are of our accomplishments and for them to understand all our accomplishments and to understand that we are a great resource,” Harvey said.

She said they would put up an exhibit in an area of the

statehouse that will get good foot traffic but will not be a public access area. Both the house and senate have sessions that afternoon and will be around to see the display. The College of Nursing, the College of Communication and Information, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the College of Technology, the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising and the horticulture program will all have displays in the exhibit. Regional campuses and the Centennial Research Park will also be represented.

“The critical goal is for them to understand how indispensable we are,” Harvey said.

“We’ll be unshameful in sharing our statistics.”

Harvey said she wants the legislators to view Kent State as an asset and has scheduled delegations to have face-to-face meetings with legislators.

“We want them to think of us,” Harvey said. “We have great faculty who are wonderful experts in areas.”

Harvey said she’d like to see legislators use Kent State as a resource. She wants legislators to think, “‘We should be calling the College of Public Health because we have these issues related to public health.’”

eligibility to schedule an overload was being calculated on mid-term grades that didn’t necessarily reflect their final grades. With the new requirement in place, eligibility will be determined from a full semester’s GPA. Students who don’t meet the requirements to schedule an automatic overload can still request permission for an overload through their academic adviser.

—Britni Williams, academics reporter expires quite soon,” Roxburgh said. “The reason that it’s in the collective bargaining agreement is because both sides agreed that was something that needed to be remedied. And so various iterations that produced a policy that is what the provost wanted take the teeth out of a new policy for which there was already an agreement that there was a need for it.”

Sen. Paul Farrell said he hopes this will be the end of discussions for this particular policy.

“We’d like to think what we’ve passed will meet his core needs and will still satisfy most of our core needs, too,” Farrell said.

Britni Williams is the academics reporter.

Britni Williams is the academics reporter.

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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.

From Page 1

BEER

Beer delivery service coming to Kent State in Fall 2011 “Fifteen percent would only be about an extra $3 per case,” Murray said. “They help us, and we help them.”

Page said he hopes Beer in a Flash will reduce the amount of drunk driving in and around Kent.

“We hope to have the support of the Kent State Police Department,” Page said.

Michquel Penn, a Kent State police officer, said delivering alcoholic beverages is not a new concept for the city of Kent.

“During the time a local business provided the same service, I did not notice a significant increase or decrease in the number of (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) arrests here on campus,” Penn said.

Jaqui Gemberling, junior English major, said she most likely

won’t use Beer in a Flash, but understands its appeal to students.

“I probably wouldn’t use (Beer in a Flash) because I mainly go to the bars now or just buy beer on the way out for the night,” Gemberling said. “I think the service is a good idea for house parties, though.”

Page said at first he plans to deliver only within the city of Kent but will expand if the business is successful.

“We just have to advertise this as much as we can while kids are in school, and then nail that stuff down over the summer,” Page said. “Advertising is our main business right now.”

Page said he will be promoting Beer in a Flash around campus and is currently selling T-shirts through the company’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ beerinaflashkent, which also has a menu of beverages.

Leighann McGivern is a student finance reporter.

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.

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Tuesday, March 15, 2011 | Page A3

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 Garcia Cano Editor Josh Johnston Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Opinion editor

Laura Lofgren Features/A.L.L. editor Lydia Coutré Assigning editor Hannah Potes Assistant photo editor

FAMOUS QUOTE “Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself.”

—Marcus Tullius Cicero

DID YOU KNOW? On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson addressed a joint session of Congress to urge the passage of legislation guaranteeing voting rights for all.

our

SUMMARY: Students need to be wary of the fun they have on spring break. Have a good time, but do everything in moderation so you can still remember your vacation.

VIEW

Spring break: Have fun in moderation

S

pring break is a time to let loose and be carefree, but students shouldn’t throw all caution into the wind.

The nature of spring break fun has a lot of potential to put us at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia and syphilis are on the rise in Ohio and throughout the nation. Even if you are from an area with relatively low rates, you could be going somewhere with or meeting someone from an area with higher rates.

Dr. Angela DeJulius, Deweese Health Center employee, said a study done by the Summit County Health Department found that half of syphilis cases are the result of anonymous sex.

Those who contract sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases say they use condoms most of the time.

“Most of the time is not enough; you have to use one every single time no matter what,” DeJulius said.

Also, remember that STIs and STDs can be transmitted through oral and anal sex.

STDs can also increase the risk of spreading HIV because of open sores.

Besides the risk of infection and illness, there are emotional repercussions like regret and shame the morning after hazy decisions.

People make choices they would never make sober.

Be cautious of what is in your cup. Date rape drugs are colorless, odorless and almost tasteless. You may not realize what you consumed until you wake up with no recollection of the previous night. Even worse, date rape drugs can induce comas or cause death if taken with other drugs. Even low doses of date rape drugs can kill when mixed with alcohol.

Always watch your drink. Be leery of taking drinks from strangers. When you’re under the influence, this isn’t really on your mind. That’s why it’s important to be with friends you can count on to look out for you.

Alcohol poisoning is always a risk when consuming many drinks.

It’s also important to be cautious during the day, if you’re lucky enough to be somewhere with some sun. Get some color, but do it safely with proper skin protection. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all huge risks when spending time in the sun. These could have some serious effects if severe. Students can end up in the emergency room and miss a couple days of their break simply because they didn’t drink enough water. Be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid such a situation.

If you’re thirsty, drink water. More alcohol isn’t the best response.

To inform students about all the risks of spring break, University Health Services will present “Safe Spring Break” Tuesday from

noon to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center. Students from the Public Health Student Alliance will be at the tables to discuss, conduct demonstrations and hand out information about safe sex, drinking and more to help students prepare for spring break. They will cover everything from how quickly your blood alcohol level rises to preventing skin cancer while you are relaxing on the beach. They will also be handing out free information and packets that include condoms, sunscreen and safety tips.

Alcohol is the common factor among all these risky behaviors. Accidents happen when judgments are impaired. Although staying sober is obviously the number one way to prevent negative consequences, we realize this simply isn’t realistic for college students on spring break. The most reasonable guideline is moderation. Set limits for yourself and always stay in control. Stay with people you trust, and use the buddy system — bring a good friend and be a good friend. Stock up on free condoms before your road trip. They are always free at the University Health Center.

Have fun on spring break, but limit yourself so you will be able to remember the experience.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left.

NATE BEELER’S VIEW

— History.com

Senate Bill 5 for dummies In a generation favoring apathy, it was refreshing to see a small group loudly protesting against Senate Bill 5 in the rain last Wednesday.

If you are in the dark about politics, or have some trouble keeping up, a quick Google search or brief scan of any newspaper should recap.

Last Tuesday, Gov. John Kasich gave his State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse. The speech is customarily delivered annually by the governor of each state, usually before both houses of state legislature, to appease his constitutional condition of letting legislators know what’s occurring with the state.

The controversy that has put the rain-coated protesters on the stairs of the M.A.C. Center and at the speech is opposition of Senate Bill 5.

If Senate Bill 5 passes, the Ohio Legislature will abolish collective bargaining.

What is collective bargaining, and what does it mean for the public?

Collective bargaining is a negotiation between an employer and its employees to determine conditions of employment. It will repeal an Ohio law from 1983 and affect state workers by replacing collective bargaining with a merit-based system.

The bill has the potential to change the rights of education for the public, affect teachers, local police, fire contracts and public employees by limiting negotiations to wages, work hours and conditions. For example, teachers won’t be able to strike according to the recent changes in the bill, which originally preserved that right.

The mayor would also be able to simply tell workers what they are getting and could even cut wages to the current minimum wage law.

Opponents of this bill say it’s “union busting.” Some call it the “death of the middle class.”

Supporters of the bill say getting rid of collective bargaining would save money by inducing

Cassandra Adams increased quality of work and incentive for raises.

In Madison, Wis., a few weeks ago, a bill was passed against collective bargaining — even after tens of thousands stood outside of Congress in protest. It seems Ohio has the potential to head down the same path.

I think that this bill, if passed, has the potential to do way more harm than good — sorry, Lefton (he supported Kasich in his address).

While we should have a type of incentive-based system for motivation in employees, anything that banishes rights that have been ensured for decades raises red flags.

If we want to combat our apathetic generation, a call to action is in order — and not just about politics. I’m talking about taking a stand on seemingly everything instead of passively “waiting on the world to change,” in John Mayer’s words.

We must do the work it takes to educate ourselves on these types of topics and banish ignorance. With smart phones, it takes as much time to type a text as it takes to look up current events that could change our future.

What are your options if you have something to say on this bill?

Contact your senator, and maybe make a difference.

Contact your senator at http://www.ohiosenate.gov/ directory.html.

Cassandra Adams is an English and news journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater.

Contact her at cadams35@kent.edu.

What snake legs can teach you about life Understanding the relationships between different groups of plants and animals can sometimes be an entirely unintuitive exercise.

For example, if you were asked to name the four main groups of reptiles, chances are good that your answer would be wrong.

Most non-biologists would be able to get at least two of the groups: alligators/crocodiles (order Crocodylia) and turtles/tortoises (order Testudines). However, identifying the remaining two is a bit trickier.

One group, tuataras (order Rhynchocephalia), has been around since before the rise of the dinosaurs, yet have only one or two remaining species. Tuataras live only in New Zealand and, although they resemble iguanas at first glance, are different from lizards in very fundamental and significant ways. For example, tuataras’ skulls are shaped very differently than lizards’ skulls, and they have a light-sensing organ on top of their heads called a “pineal eye.” In fact, the structure of their skeletons has changed relatively little when compared with other groups, which is why they are sometimes referred to as a “living fossil.”

The fourth group of reptiles combines snakes and lizards in the order Squamata. This group also includes a rare group of under-studied, worm-like reptiles called Amphisbaena.

Squamates all have shared characteristics like tough, scaly skin, specialized reproductive anatomy and the ability to move their upper jaw independent of the rest of their skull. This

Daniel Sprockett grouping reflects a fascinating truth about the way this group of reptiles evolved: Snakes are essentially legless lizards.

And now the Journal of Vertebrate of Paleontology has published a new analysis of a fossil that sheds some light on how exactly snakes lost their legs. Researchers used a powerful new tool called synchrotron radiation computed laminography, which uses X-rays to examine portions of fossils still embedded in rock. SRCL allowed them to look at vestigial hind leg bones in a fossilized snake from around 95 million years ago.

Their analysis revealed that this snake had a simple pelvis and two hind limbs, each with the familiar femur-fibula-tibia pattern found in all vertebrate limbs. Interestingly, it had four tiny ankle-associated bones but no forefoot or toe bones.

SRCL also allowed them to observe the fine detail of the fossilized skeleton in ways that were previously unthinkable. By comparing the micro-scale architecture of these bones to

those of modern lizards, researchers were able to show that their bones likely developed in the same way but were reduced in size because they either grew more slowly or for a shorter period of time.

Of course, reptiles alone won’t tell you the whole story. From an evolutionary perspective, you’d be missing one large piece of the puzzle: birds.

Birds and reptiles both belong to the group Sauropsida because they shared a common ancestor with alligators/crocodiles around 220 million years ago. Multiple lines of evidence, like the genetic similarity between birds and reptiles and the famous transitional fossil Archeopteryx, strongly suggest that birds are simply dinosaurs with feathers.

I think the reason so many Americans have trouble understanding and accepting evolution is because it can sometimes be so unintuitive. Our limited experiences with snakes and lizards, or birds and reptiles, tell us that these groups are very different. But upon careful inspection, a wealth of fundamental similarities becomes apparent. This profound unity of life was Darwin’s greatest lesson; one I still struggle to wrap my mind around.

Daniel Sprockett is a researcher in the KSU Department of Anthropology and a columnist at the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at dsprocke@kent.edu.

Page A4 | Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 | Page A5

Classified ads can be placed by FAX at ­( 330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ksuads@yahoo.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.

www.KentWired.com

COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH...

Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming Pregnant? Need to talk? Call Pregnancy Center of Kent 330-8399919 Andrew Jackson was born on this day in 1767 — I know Andrew would have loved Ray’s Place and their MoFo — You get MoFo your money at RAY’S

Now hiring full-time college students! If you are a student who wants to gain useful job experience in a professional, fun work environment, consider working at the PhoneCenter. We offer flexible scheduling for students, evening and weekend work, and pay $8/ hour with the opportunity to earn bonuses. For an application and/or further information, contact Tricia at phonecenter@kent.edu or leave a message at 330-672-0404 today!

PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! SAVE MONEY! Maine camp needs fun-loving counselors to teach All land, adventure & water sports. Great Summer! Call 888-844-8080, apply: campcedar.com Parasson’s Italian Restaurant Hiring All Positions, All Shifts, Starting at $8-$10/hr. Apply in person 11AM9PM, no phone calls please. 3983 Darrow Rd., Stow Lawn Fertilization Company seeks employee. Must have valid Ohio drivers license 4 points or less, please call 330-688-3389 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT. Summit County Health District Mosquito Control Program. $10.30/hr M-F 8am-4pm. Mid-May through August.

Primarily outdoor work. Biology/ health/science majors preferred. msmith@schd.org / 330-929-5602 EOE Samira is now hiring cocktail waitresses for spring and summer to work outside patio, great pay, cash daily, only 15min from campus, must be 19 years old, experience preferred but not necessary, 330-923-4233 Immediate Opening for bartender only 10 minutes from campus, must be 21 years old and ABSOLUTELY MUST SHINE in interview and love working with public. Apply at 67 West Ave in Tallmadge, 330-6302888 Fairlawn Country Club is looking for full and part-time servers, banquet staff, bartenders, serving assistants and grounds crew. Experience is preferred but not required. We offer competitive wages and can accommodate flexible schedules.

Applicants can request an application via email or apply in person at 200 North Wheaton Rd Akron, OH 44313. kbutler@fairlawncountryclub.com Bob Evans. 400 Devon Place, Kent.

Hiring grill cooks, kitchen, prep, and dishwashers. Apply within. 330-6739608 Experienced lawn care technician Immediate part-time openings in a Hudson/Stow based company.

Must be motivated, reliable and experienced with commercial equipment. Flexible hours, regular bonuses. Starting at $10-$13 per hour. Call 330-472-1378.

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.

Landscape design/construction company in Hudson seeking fulltime laborers. $8/hour. Call 330-6504337.

Make $250-$400 over spring break! Evening hours, Call now for appointment (330)926-0499

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 cautio

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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

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 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses.

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horoscope

By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (03/15/11) Accept your inquisitive mind and keep asking questions. Even if you don’t ever find “the answer,” the inquiry contributes. This year, you can question everything, even your own thoughts.

Feel free to accept from others, even as you query.

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 a 9. Creativity flows today. It’s time to leave your comfort zone and take risks in business and relationships.

Question who you think you are, and invent something new.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 9. Go for it! You can see clearly now, and dreams inspire you forward. Share them with the world and share them with your partner. Otherwise it could be lonely at the top.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7. Clear up misunderstandings and ask for help if you need it.

You have willing allies close by. Create excitement with a new creative pursuit.

Get others to play along.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. Part of you wants to be social. Part of you wants to stay home and reminisce about the past. Perhaps you can do both. Be true to yourself.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 6. Get plenty of rest. You may feel like you need some change. It will be revealed when and where you least expect it. Did you look under the sofa cushions?

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Honesty, tact and diplomacy are the skills to trot out now, in love, at work and at home. It’s a good day for business partnerships with clearly defined roles.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 9. You have everything going for you today. Work towards a passionate cause. Don’t forget to bring others along for the ride (or the run). Choose wisely.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. Don’t be afraid to look in the mirror. Look deeper than your skin.

Consider what’s most meaningful in your life, but don’t get lost there. Spring into action.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 9. Grow your career and your capacities. Physical exercise improves memory. Focus on what’s important to you. Run, walk or ride a mile, then use your brain.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8. “Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.” The words of JFK fit you perfectly today. Put your energy into community action.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 9. Today offers many possibilities in finances, love and friendship.

Communication channels are open for breakthroughs. Conditions are favorable. Take a risk.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 9. It’s a perfect day for business and money decisions. Be open to constructive criticism, both in the work place and in your love life. Appreciate your luck.

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University Townhome: 5 bedrooms available fall! Washer/Dryer, A/C, $270/room. 330-554-7844 or 330626-4694.

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Page A6 | Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

YOUR LIFE Features editor: Laura Lofgren • llofgren@kent.edu

Wanderloons

wander through Local band sings for “the sun and the stars and the moon” Amy Cooknick

acooknic@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Conjure a warm summer dream under a magical, open sky.

The world is topsy-turvy, and the soundtrack to it all is provided by the Wanderloons.

“They play for the sun and the stars and the moon,” Andy Cook wrote in a poem biography of the band. But mostly they play for PHOTO COURTESY OF JENN MANNA themselves and a slowly growing multiple bands in addition to this number of fans.

Lead singer Andy Cook met one. This makes it difficult for the band mates, Eric Cronstein and band to come together to practice, Laura Dykes, in 2007 when Cron- so Cronstein said they are somestein moved to Cleveland. Cook times forced to go a few weeks and Cronstein began making without rehearsing. Most of their music together while working practices take place leading up to a at the same Cleveland recording tour or big show, when Cronstein studio. Dykes and Haley Antell, makes the drive from his home in friends of Cook from Oberlin, Columbus to Oberlin where the Ohio, joined the boys to round out rest of the band lives.

The Wanderloons and a few extra the Wanderloons quartet.

“The band sort of fell together,” friends took a long weekend in early Cook said. “It’s always changed March to play the East Coast, stopmembers and done a lot of different, ping in Philadelphia, Boston, Washweird things with people coming in ington, D.C. and Somerville, N.J. “We just played with different for a couple shows every once in a while. So it’s been kind of crazy, but people that some of us knew,” Cook now, it’s sort of settled into this. It just said. “It was awesome. It was a blast. It was a lot of driving and a lot happened for the right reasons.”

In 2010, the Wanderloons of time, but we just always had fun. released their first album, “Sing, Dio- The dynamic of the band is really nysus!” under the name Andy Cook. funny and we all just love it.”

“People always seem to think Cook said the group chose to release the album under his name because that band members hate each other,” Cook and Cronstein recorded most Cronstein said. “I’ve spent weeks in of the songs on it with other friends the car with these people and never before Dykes and Antell joined the got remotely upset at anybody.”

Cook said the Wanderloons tour band.

“The next record will probably every six months, on average, but just be the Wanderloons,” Cook said. they plan to do shows every couple “Because we’re all contributing this months starting in the near future. time, and it’s sort of coming together He added that it can be stressful travas a band instead of the way we did eling as a band because they usually it the last time, which was me just have to scrape money together to keep their van in shape, and because writing all the songs.”

Cook cited his love for his friends every new trip presents unexpected and their diversity and creativity as challenges. It has also been difficult his greatest musical influence. He with members joining and leaving also finds inspiration in sitting and the group, but both Cook and Cronlistening to other music for hours on stein said all those annoyances are well worth the final payoff. end.

“There’s never a thought of ‘Man, “We listen to a lot of music,” Cook I would rather be doing something said of the Wanderloons. “I also like to take long walks down the woods, else,’” Cronstein said. “It’s all for the greater good you know. That everything makes me like to You gotta be — we do. You defiwrite songs.” fucking nuts. nitely lose monWhile Cook ey. (Musicians joked about his You gotta be are) not known musical inspirafucking crazy. for being wealthy tion, he added people. It’s just that he doesn’t You have to doing what I love like trying to to do.” define the Wanwant it that Neither Cook derloons’ genre. bad, that’s it. nor Cronstein He described like to think in it best as pop ANDY COOK | LEAD SINGER terms of reachmusic, but said ing certain goals it’s also just music or progressing by for everybody. levels. They said the Wanderloons “I like humans playing music,” like to focus on the present, rather Cook said. “We search for some feelthan plan where they will be in five ings in our playing more than woror 10 years’ time. rying about being spot-on.”

“We only have hopes,” Cook Cronstein said the entire musicsaid. “I don’t wanna roll burritos making process is imprecise. anymore. It would be cool to be able “Songs are not created really until to play music for a living ‘cause right they are recorded,” Cronstein said. now we’re working on new songs, “So there’s like basically the seed of a and we’re just spending this whole song that Andy has, an acoustic guiweek working on music. Now I have tar and the vocal. So the song structo go back to work after this, but this ture is there, the melody is there, the is what I would love to be able to do song is there, and then the rest of the for a living.” writing process happens.”

The Wanderloons promote them“It starts with the idea, and usu- selves through Facebook, posters, ally we demo it out a couple times,” press kits and a soon-to-be launched Cook added. “It leaves a certain ele- website. ment of the environment of wherThey have played in Kent at the ever we’re recording. That moment Rathskeller and the VIP Festival at gives the song a little bit of life that The Vineyard. Cook released an it wouldn’t have had if we had just EP and the CD “Through Leaves, planned everything out before.”

Over Bridges” with Kent band Cook said his songs are all about American War. real issues and experiences in his Despite the 20-some years of life. Writing lyrics is one of his favor- musical experience between Cook ite parts of the musical process — and Cronstein, the Wanderloons choosing the right words to express are still waiting for the break every his feelings in a captivating way and serious musician dreams of. They molding them into a sound he is keep hoping, driven by fervor for happy with. the music.

“I love making that sculpture,” “You gotta be fucking nuts,” Cook said. “The song.”

Cook said. “You gotta be fucking Once the words are down and crazy. You have to want it that bad, the framework of the music is com- that’s it. If it’s not your passion, pleted to Cook’s and his fellow Wan- you’re just not going to do anything derloons’ satisfaction, the band gets about it ‘cause it’s so hard. I work at ready to go live. Cook said his group crappy jobs, and every spare ounce has mostly been working on live per- of my time I’m working on music.” formances for the past few months.

“It’s like being in love with anyIn their live shows, the Wander- thing, I guess,” Cronstein added. loons let their musical variety come “You’re crazy about it. I’m 27 now, through on stage. A typical show and I’m not planning on quitting any involves two hollow-body electric time soon.” guitars for the band’s signature So the Wanderloons wander warmth, an upright electric bass onward, following what moves played by Dykes, a bell kit and piano them and sharing their birdsong played by Antell and anything else along the way. the group manages to throw in.

“I don’t want perfection,” Cook “On the record, there’s prob- said. “We let it be loose. We have a ably 30 different instruments,” good time.”

Cronstein said. “Just whatever’s Amy Cooknick is a features there at the time.” reporter.

All of the Wanderloons play in

HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER

Brendan Meeker, head chef at the Glenmoor Country Club in Canton, has lost 240 pounds over the past 13 months. After losing nearly half his body mass, Meeker made his progress public and created the “Glenmoor Life Challenge,” a program that other country club members could follow.

from

521POUNDS

A new man in a mere 13 months

Rachel Hagenbaugh rhagenba@kent.edu

let everyone in on it. When losing this much weight, it “takes a village,” Meeker said.

Daily Kent Stater

A New Lifestyle

At 521 pounds, the head chef of the Glenmoor Country Club slept with 17 pillows propping him up because he was afraid he would die if he lay down.

Thirteen months after making some lifestyle changes, chef Brendan Meeker weighs 276 pounds. He’s weighed more than 500 pounds three times in his life. His weight-loss strategy was not going to be a diet plan but a lifestyle change.

In the Beginning

Meeker said he had various medical conditions when he weighed 521 pounds, including heartburn, constant indigestion, swollen ankles and bad knees. He was on a sleep apnea machine and took medicine for cardiac arrhythmia.

Because of his weight, it was difficult for him to fit in his car seat and impossible to sit in a seat at the movie theater. When he went to restaurants, he had to ask for a special chair that had armrests.

Meeker said a big problem was walking up stairs. Occasionally, he has to walk up three flights of stairs to a board room for meetings.

“It wouldn’t wind me — it would stop me in my tracks,” Meeker said.

Making a Change

Meeker said he saw an article in Time Magazine about celebrity chefs being responsible to the people they are cooking for. He said the article was about finding alternatives to fattening and high-calorie foods.

“I’m a businessman, not a couch potato — an executive chef,” Meeker said. “I have responsibilities.”

He had a talk with his general manager at the country club and put a plan together.

Instead of a diet, they called it the “Glenmoor Life Challenge,” Meeker said.

The idea of this challenge was to involve everyone at the country club, Meeker said.

He’d work out with the members, display his statistics on the wall and incorporate healthier items on restaurants’ menus.

Meeker said a lot of people try to make a change but don’t tell anybody. The idea was to

Part of the challenge was assigning Meeker a personal trainer, nutritionist and psychologist.

The psychologist said he had to change the way he thought about himself. Meeker said she taught him to “love thy self” and told him if he’s going to care for others, he had to learn to care for himself.

Meeker said that was a difficult challenge because he’s not a selfish person. He wanted to do it for his new baby girl and his wife, but he had to learn to lose weight for himself.

The nutritionist played a huge part in his transformation, Meeker said. He said he always knew what to eat but never had anyone holding him accountable for it.

Meeker said his mentality for cooking and eating was “flour it, egg it, fry it all the time.”

He never thought of grilling or roasting different dishes.

Besides cutting out the fried foods, Meeker said he learned to include a lot of fruits and vegetables into his daily diet. Now he eats fruit four times a day instead of four times a month. He said he learned to substitute three side dishes of chicken and potatoes for three side dishes of broccoli.

Since Meeker works around food all day, he found a trick to ease his cravings. He said he keeps a little celery, carrots and hummus next to him most of the time. If he feels hungry, he snacks on that instead of potato chips, cheese or french fries.

When Meeker went on vacation, he went off his plan but didn’t gain any weight. He said his idea of cheating was having a fried scallop or a few drinks, not going overboard or eating fast food.

“If you knew you were always going to this nutritionist, there was no cheating,” Meeker said.

Getting in Shape

Workouts started out small for Meeker and his personal trainer, Kim Sheridan, fitness director at Glenmoor Country Club. She said he had to use a heart monitor and get a doctor’s approval for a lot of his workouts.

“It was baby steps with him,” she said.

Sheridan said she started his workouts on

the elliptical for five minutes and lifting for 15 minutes. After he got comfortable with the elliptical, Sheridan switched his workout to swimming. She said it’s important to change workouts so it doesn’t get boring.

After that, he began training for 5K runs and started spinning classes in October.

Meeker said he’s come a long way since he started the program but still has difficulty doing crunches, plank position exercises and using the abdominal machine.

“It shows where I’m not done with this journey yet,” Meeker said. “I’m never going to be done with it.”

Living the New Life

Meeker said he’s excited for the warm weather so he can work in his yard. His housework tripled because he has a lot more energy, even after working 12- to 14-hour shifts.

He hasn’t been to Cedar Point in 20 years, but Meeker said it’s definitely on his list. He said he bought tickets for opening day at the Cleveland Indians game because he can fit in a box seat, instead of having to sit on the bleachers.

“It’s like every day is a whole new world for me,” he said.

At 521 pounds, Meeker wore a size 7X and had to shop at a specialty store. At 276 pounds, he’s trying on X-large, 1X and 2X clothes. He said he can walk into a department store and not feel like an outcast. So far, he’s taken 11 bags of clothes to Salvation Army.

Meeker said this has been an emotional journey for him and his family. He said he sometimes catches his wife crying when he stands in front of the mirror. Her new thing is staring at him, Meeker said.

“My wife still cries every time she sees me put on a seat belt,” he said.

What’s Next

Meeker said he doesn’t know what the future will hold, but writing a book is definitely one of his goals. He said there’s so much more of the story to be told. Meeker’s current goal is to weigh 250 pounds, but he said he doesn’t think he’ll stop there.

“I’m still obese, but I look fantastic,” he said. “It’s great how I feel.”

Inspiration blooms in pastels Local artist showcases new work in Youngstown Suzi Starheim

sstarhei@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Branching out into the unknown is not easy for those who are comfortable with a daily routine, but it was the decision to branch out in her artwork that earned Ohio artist Diane Belfiglio an exhibition in The Butler Institute of American Art. The Butler currently holds

SUBMITTED PHOTO

the exhibition, titled “Diane Belfiglio: Transitions,” in its Butler Giffuni Gallery of American Pastel Art. What makes this exhibition different than past ones is that this is Belfiglio’s first exhibition of oil pastels, which she describes as similar to “drawing with lipsticks.” This is her first exhibition using what she considers a drawing medium rather than an aqueous medium, as she has tradition-

ally painted on canvases.

For this exhibition, Belfiglio focused on the flowers she sees every day. These include everything from the daffodils in her front lawn that she sees before her morning bike ride to the red and yellow tulips she noticed on Walsh University’s campus while teaching there. She even admits to finding inspiration in the potted plants on the front porch of her home.

And while the flowers are delicate, yet definite in appearance, the strongest part of each of her pieces is the shadows cast by each flower.

These shadows are the main similarity between this exhibition and earlier exhibitions by the artist, and Belfiglio ensures she captures the real shadows from the flowers she sees by photographing what she later plans to draw.

This exhibition was a big jump for Belfiglio, who was used to painting and spending close to 300 hours on one piece of art, mainly focusing on buildings and architecture (and the shadows produced by them).

“I love painting. I love it,” Belfiglio said. “And there’s part of me that misses it, but for right now, this is where I need to be.”

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Suzi Starheim is a features correspondent.