DAILY KENT STATER Thursday, April 21, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Mostly sunny, HI 48, LO 37
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Lefton submits bonds proposal Ohio Board of Regents to review Kent State renovations plans Julie Sickel
jsickel@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater President Lester Lefton has formally submitted a $210 million bonds proposal to Chancellor Jim Petro of the Ohio Board of Regents as part of a $250 million campus renovation plan. “The bond issue will ensure that Kent State will be able to provide students now and in the future with a world-class education,” Lefton said in a press release Wednesday. “In addition to funding improvements in academic and student support facilities, the bond complements our local engagement in economic development.”
The proposal will be open to public comment until April 29, after which Petro has the power to accept or deny the bonds, said Holly Hollingsworth, the deputy director of communications for the Board. “My consideration of this proposal is influenced by the documented need to address these urgent maintenance and renovation projects at Kent State University and the realistic constraints of the state budget to provide alternative funding,” Petro said in a press statement. Lefton previously submitted the $210 million proposal to former Chancellor Eric Fingerhut in Fall 2010, hoping to take advantage of low-interest Build America Bonds. Fingerhut neglected to approve the proposal before the December 31 expiration date of the low-interest bonds because the fee structure to students challenged affordability. See BONDS, Page 2
VALERIE BROWN | DAILY KENT STATER
(From left) Barry Habusta, sophomore psychology major; Lorenzo Thomas, activities coordinator and sophomore philosophy major; Jamie Mileti, president and sophomore psychology major and other members of the soon-to-be student organization, Gay Rights Revolutionaries, met in the Cyber Cafe in the basement of the Student Center on Tuesday. The group, which will be an official group next school year, discusses current LGBT news, plans events to spread awareness and then ends each meeting with a group bonding exercise.
LGBT REVOLUTIONARIES EYE ‘POLITICAL’ INTEREST Daniel Moore
dmoore63@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Starting next fall, there could be more than one student group serving as the voice for the LGBT community on campus. Jamie Mileti, sophomore psychology major and president of Gay Rights Revolutionaries, said the group is not official but currently has a little over 20 members and a faculty adviser. But she said she hopes by fall to be ready to “kick it off with a bang, hopefully with a booth at welcome weekend.” “We don’t intend to sit around and be quiet,” Mileti said. The executive board first thought of the idea around Thanksgiving, she said, and then started growing this semester. “We just want to promote equality and
then also be able to work with major organizations like Cleveland LGBT Center,” she said. “We want to try to do things with them and maybe invite them here.” Mileti said the group’s formation is not an opposition to anything PRIDE! Kent — the main organization representing LGBT students — has or hasn’t done. She said she feels there is still too much inequality and ignorance about the gay community on campus, and her group could be another activist. “It’s not so much anything that PRIDE! is lacking,” Mileti said. “There’s just a small gap in the gay community where there’s nothing really being done. PRIDE! does things, and they have their fundraisers, but there’s not enough political awareness on campus.” Jack Twedt, freshman geology major and secretary for the group, said she sees nothing confrontational or competitive about having
two groups on campus. “We want their support, and we in turn will support them, of course,” Twedt said. “We’re all working for the same thing. It’s just, you know, there are tons of Christian organizations on campus. Why can’t there be more than one gay rights group?” PRIDE! President Trae Ruscin said he hasn’t spoken with anybody within GRR about the new group yet, but it reminded him of the Queer Liberation Front, an alternative group created October 2006 to complement PRIDE!. “I kind of have a feeling that it’s similar to what happened to QLF that PRIDE! wasn’t being as active in the community,” Ruscin said. “They weren’t being as activist geared, and therefore people feel the need to make another group.” See GAY RIGHTS, Page 2
Try exotic foods for free at the International Cook-Off Jessica Costello
jcostel4@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Students will have a chance to sample foods from foreign countries such as Saudi Arabia and India at the International Cook-Off from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Eastway Center. Eight teams will compete in the cook-off hosted by the Office of International Affairs and Eastway Center. “Our goal has also been to give international students a place to showcase their culture and also for domestic students to be able to try authentic cuisine from different countries,” said Jessica Cohen, marketing coordinator for the Office of International Affairs. Students can watch teams prepare food “Top Chef” style and listen to music from around the world starting at 4 p.m. Two staff members from Kent State will be judging the competition at 6 p.m. Teams will be judged based on taste, appeal and if they provide an “over-the-top” factor,
such as traditional garments from that of their culture. Students can also vote on their favorite team. The team that wins the most votes from the crowd will receive the “Fan Favorite Award.” After the judging, students can enjoy free food samples from China, India, Israel, Lebanon, Indonesia, Greece, Italy and Saudi Arabia. Students can also indulge in homemade ice cream made by the Eastway Center staff. First place winners will receive $100 in Flashcash, which can be used at any dining hall or off-campus approved eatery. Second place will receive $50 in Flashcash, and third place takes home $25 in Flashcash. “We really want to promote that all Kent students get involved, anyone who maybe has a recipe passed down from their family they want to share,” Cohen said. “Every person has a heritage to share and this is a good way to share it.” Jessica Costello is the international affairs, graduate and undergraduate reporter.
Kent State alum chases dream USG programming board seeks more student feedback to France for Cannes Film Festival Anthony Dominic
adomini1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater As the Undergraduate Student Government director of programming, Jeff Hammond is in the business of pleasing his constituents. However, as he has discovered over the past year, his constituents aren’t always receptive. Hammond and the USG pro-
gramming board have been on the receiving end of both praise and criticism from the student body since announcing the lineup for FlashFest 2011. However, new statistics suggest that those dissenting voices don’t always play a role in the collegiate democracy. USG adviser Donna Carlton said that of the 20,377 undergraduate students currently enrolled at Kent State’s main campus, only
2,235, or 10 percent, voted in this year ’s USG election. Only the incumbents ran as the sole candidates for several positions, including Hammond’s position as director of programming. Alex Tucker, programming board member, said students are very quick to complain about programming decisions but do little themselves to get involved. See PROGRAMMING, Page 2
AS OF THE 2011 FISCAL YEAR
USG MAKES $863,040 IN STUDENT FEES, $170,550 OF WHICH PAYS OPERATING COSTS. AFTER THIS COST, USG IS LEFT WITH $723,228. 54% IS GIVEN TO THE PROGRAMMING BOARD. SINCE THE 1970s , THE PERCENTAGE HAS BEEN DETERMINED THROUGH UNIVERSITY POLICY. IN 2011, THIS AMOUNT TOTALS $308,409 ALLOCATED FOR ON-THE-SPOT EVENT NEGOTIATIONS. Information provided by Lori Cantor, student media manager, Donna Carlton, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement and USG advisor, and Judy Ripple, senior business manager of the Center for Student Involvement. STEFANIE ROMBA | DAILY KENT STATER
Sarah Husbands
shusband@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Most Kent State students take their marketing degrees into fields such as sales and advertising. Torin Scott had other plans — this Kent State graduate is taking his talents into the film industry. In 2000, Scott graduated with a major in marketing and a minor in advertising. After realizing this wasn’t a career he wanted to pursue, Scott took a crack at the film industry. “I knew I would make a lot of money in sales. I was in it for the business, not the passion,” Scott said. After dropping out of his sales career of eight years, Scott started shooting and editing films. Teaming up with friends Joe Buscemi and Jason Tostevin, they created “Hands Off Productions,” a team that will celebrate their anniversary at this year ’s Cannes Film Festival. See FILM, Page 2
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Page A2 | Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
TODAY’S EVENTS n Campus
Crusade for Christ meeting When: 7 – 11 p.m. Where: Bowman Room 137
n Ceramics Club Ceramic Sale When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Student Center Lobby
DAILY KENT STATER n International
Cook-off When: 6 – 8 p.m. Where: Eastway Center Lower Lounge
n PRIDE!
Kent meeting When: 8 – 10 p.m. Where: Governance Chambers
n USG Comedy Night When: 8 – 11 p.m. Where: Rathskeller
n Kent
Liberty Alliance meeting When: 9 – 11 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 320
240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NewSroom 330-672-2584
Editor Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu Managing editor Kelly Byer kbyer@kent.edu
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Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent.
Students required to pay for internship credit Leighann McGivern lmcgive2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Megan Blankenship expects she will have to work from 9 a.m. until midnight this summer for an internship. She doesn’t know how she will have time for a part-time job to support herself. Blankenship, senior fashion merchandising major, still hasn’t secured an internship and isn’t anticipating it will be paid. Instead, she will have to pay Kent State for it on top of basic living expenses. Beginning in Fall 2012, all Kent State students will have to complete an Experiential Learning Requirement in order to graduate. These experiences could constitute as an internship, practicum, service-learning project or other similar professional experience. Students may not be aware, however, that in order to fulfill this requirement, they will have to pay the university to receive academic credit. Ohio residents at the Kent campus pay $411 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $773. The number of required internship credits varies by major and department. Some majors, such as early childhood education, require students to complete up to 18 credit hours of internship experience in order to graduate. However, if students complete internships during the fall and spring semesters, they will not have to pay extra money on top of tuition to receive credit for them. During the summer when students aren’t paying the school, they must pay per credit hour. Most summer internships fall in the oneto four-credit range. Blankenship said she will have to pay for a three-credit-hour internship this summer. “It’s basically a class, so I understand why we have to pay,” Blankenship said.
“But if it’s not paid, then I don’t think it should cost us that much money.” Greg Jarvie, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, said students must pay for internships like any other class they receive academic credit for. “Everything that is done at the university, you get academic credit, so there’s a cost to it — tuition,” Jarvie said. He said the internship tuition goes toward paying faculty members who work with students on internships. “If a student needs to write, has to do anything in written form, any academic work related to the internship, obviously the faculty member who’s responsible would be looking at that and grading it,” Jarvie said. “Ultimately, the grade is the responsibility of a faculty member.” When the internship requirement is instated at Kent State, Jarvie said the university plans to create a clearinghouse to help students find and prepare for internships and other related experiences. So far, however, the university doesn’t have any measures in place to help students fund these internships. “Internships aren’t always guaranteed, meaning a student does have to be prepared, has to sell themselves,” Jarvie said. “It’s so important that a student is ready for an internship and is prepared for it because this is an opportunity for a student — ultimately they may get a job out of this.” Megan Bennett, senior advertising major, said she will be taking an unpaid internship with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. “This was the only internship I applied to,” Bennett said. “I decided the experience at this location was more important than being paid. Had I not been offered this position, I would have looked to apply at other locations that would have been paid.” Bennett said she is currently searching for a part-time job on top of her
HOW KENT STATE COMPARES The totals are the tuition costs for one credit hour at each institution for the 2010-11 school year.
SCHOOL
IN STATE
KENT STATE OHIO UNIVERSITY MIAMI UNIVERSITY BOWLING GREEN CLEVELAND STATE
411 773 304 599 482.80 791.28 404 709 352.75 657
Nick Walton
nwalton1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater City Council voted on several motions involving the downtown revitalization project at its meeting Wednesday night. Two days after city officials celebrated the signing of AMETEK and the Davey Tree Expert Company as anchor tenants for the city’s downtown urban renewal plan area, council members voted to buy the current AMETEK property on Lake Street for $106,000. The purchase of the current property was part of the 15-year lease AMETEK signed. “We’re delighted that we’re able to complete the deal,” said Dave Ruller, Kent city manager. “For us the ability to get that property as an asset in our inventory to be able to market and use as an a potential industrial redevelopment site combined with that being the linchpin to sealing the deal with AMETEK and getting them downtown.” Ruller said the property is currently going
From Page 1
PROGRAMMING USG programming board seeks more student feedback “People complain, but they don’t come to the programming board with their concerns,” Tucker said. “Personally, I don’t ever hear any suggestions, like, ‘Hey, you guy should bring this band,’ and if I do, it’s unrealistic requests, like Lil Wayne and Lady Gaga, that would cost millions.” Tucker said the programming board holds open meetings every Monday where students can voice their concerns and opinions. The lack of a major rock act has been a common complaint from students about FlashFest. Hammond said USG took a risk with rock band 30 Second to Mars in October.
through an environmental assessment process that lasts over multiple seasons to allow industrial properties to be redeveloped. Another concern discussed involving the lease was the issue of parking. Jim Bowling, Kent city engineer, said the city has to ensure a certain number of parking spots for the employees of the two tenants because the city is leasing the property. While employees will use a certain number of parking spaces during the day, Bowling said the spaces will be available to the public at night, including spaces in PARTA’s multimodal facility. “The city wanted to maintain as much control over its public parking resources as possible so that when development is done and people are coming to town and using it we need flexibility to say ‘We need more spots for retail users, how can I get those retail spots,’” Bowling said. “On the adjacent streets we would make it so that those spots are only available to park an hour at a time because it’s a retail need.” The council also approved an ordinance that authorized the cooperative agreement between the city and PARTA to provide for the construction of the multimodal parking facility. Councilman John Kuhar said the parking deck will save money because it is part of Kent
Gateway Center instead of being an individual parking deck. “Parking decks are very expensive, so this is our opportunity to get a first-class parking deck at a discount store price,” Kuhar said. The cost of the upper deck is $4 million, and the lease is for 50 years. After purchasing the property on 238 E. Main St. for $95,000 last Friday, PARTA still needs to purchase one property to start building the multimodal facility. Bryan Smith, PARTA planning director, said negotiations for the property would not delay the schedule of construction because PARTA has orders of possession from the owner of the property. Smith said PARTA initially expected to pay $1.5 million to acquire all 12 properties needed to start construction but the company has paid $2 million at this point. Smith added that PARTA cannot exceed the $20 million budget granted by federal grants. “No matter what the cost of (the final property), if it costs more, that just means we’ll have to reduce the scope of the building or the scope of the project in some way to compensate for that,” Smith said.
But they only sold around 2,000 tickets, compared to 4,000 tickets sold for Drake last spring and Kid Cudi in November. “I hate to say it, but Kent State is a pop-oriented campus,” Hammond said. “I know there’s still a large number of hipster-types looking for indie music, but it’s not financially possible for us to book a small band in a huge venue if they won’t sell tickets.” Hammond also said the police play a role in determining who can and cannot perform at Kent State. “Campus police contact other venues and colleges where the band has performed to determine if they feel a concert would be safe or not,” Hammond said. “They don’t want rowdiness and moshing, especially in the M.A.C., and also, no one who has ever been to prison is allowed to perform on campus.” Hammond hinted that USG is looking at a major rock act for Welcome
Weekend’s Blastoff 2011. “I’ve accepted that you can’t please everyone, so it’s my mission to please the majority,” Hammond said. “It’s not my campus; it’s the students’ campus, and seven people trying to please almost 30,000 students is almost impossible, especially without suggestions and student involvement.” Hammond said USG plans on administering online polls next year to find out who students want to see perform. He also said USG programming will be launching its own website where students can find out information on upcoming events and voice their opinions. “If you’re not happy with the way things are, get on the board yourself and make changes,” Tucker said. “All the resources are available; you just have to take the initiative.”
Nick Walton is a public affairs reporter.
Anthony Dominic is the on-campus entertainment reporter.
than pay for each individual credit hour. Bennett said she does understand the university’s policy of paying for internship credit. “I suppose it’s a necessary evil,” Bennett said. “I like the fact that (the School of Journalism and Mass Communication) requires students to complete internships for graduation because it helps students in the future, but to require it, it has to be a class, which means you have to pay for it.” J a r v i e s a i d d e s p i t e t h e c re d i t requirement, he believes having an internship is an important part of a student’s college experience. “I think what you’ll find is that if you’ve got an internship over someone that doesn’t, there you go, you already have a professional reference,” Jarvie said. “You’ve got your foot up on people.” Leighann McGivern is the student finance reporter.
From Page 1
FILM
Kent State alum chases dream to France for Cannes Film Festival The group’s hard work paid off with their short fantasy film “Stones,” which won the Columbus 48 Hour Film Project in September. Each team was asked to design a film in two days with an assigned genre. “We were all brainstorming, and the idea for our film popped into my head. Once I buckled down for some quiet time, I wrote the story from beginning to end,” Scott said. “Stones” is a short film that portrays a man who encounters three magical pebbles. As he runs through the streets of Columbus, he experiences three near-death experiences, forcing him to From Page 1
GAY RIGHTS LGBT revolutionaries eye ‘political’ interest Ruscin said when the PRIDE! board heard about the group, they talked about it and decided it wasn’t a big deal. “I’m fine with it. I think that we could’ve helped them get their stuff together as a group if they wanted our help,” he said. “The more the merrier. That’s just more students who are getting involved. That’s more people doing good things for a good cause.” No one has ever told the PRIDE! board anything about having problems with how PRIDE! runs things, he said. Twedt said one thing GRR would do differently is coordinate and execute events more efficiently. “If you want to do something, plan
From Page 1
BONDS Lefton submits bonds proposal Like the previous proposal to Fingerhut, if the bonds are approved, students will be charged $7 per credit hour in 2013, and that amount would increase to $24 per credit hour by 2016. Campus renovations at other universities are normally paid for by tuition alone, but because tuition is already lower than other Ohio universities, the special fees are needed for a renovation of this scale, Lefton said.
Lance Lysowski
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OPINION
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internship in order to support herself over the summer. The Honors College has an option for its students to complete an internship for an Honors experience rather than pay for university credit, although this option will not fulfill an internship requirement for their individual program. Honors students need to graduate with a minimum of eight of these experiences. According to the Honors College website, “the Honors College permits Honors students to count one supervised internship as an Honors experience.” Students must devote at least 48 hours of service and fill out a contract prior to the internship. The Ohio State University has a program in place so that students can complete internships without receiving credit but still have them count toward degree requirements. According to the Ohio State University Career Services website, the student must pay a set fee of $286 and fill out forms to have the internship count rather
cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor
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City council presses forward with downtown construction Officials plan to renovate the downtown area
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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.
lose a pebble for every encounter. The film has a mysterious essence to it because you question what is actually happening throughout the entire 6-minute film. Fortunately, the plot unravels at the end, and the story is made clear. The team won the international award at the Cannes International Film Festival, giving them the opportunity to travel to France for a screening of the film. “Stones” will screen May 16 in the Cannes Short Film Corner with other contest winners. It was named one of the best films of the international competition from 3,000 entries and 80 city winners, a dream come true for the production team. “If I could go back to college and give myself advice, I’d tell myself to go after what makes me happy and not after money, for that is what mattered in the end,” Scott said. Sarah Husbands is a features correspondent.
out what you want to do,” Twedt said. “Then you ask the university for funds. Then you use the funds to do that. They never really got past the planning part.” Mileti said GRR already has a couple of future fundraisers in mind such as “Drag Racing” — men in skirts and high heels — running. GRR has already approached other student organizations like College Democrats and Student Liberty Alliance, she said, to make the events a campus-wide effort. “We’re here to help the gay community. We’re not here to compete with anybody,” she said. Twedt said she would like GRR to be its own independent group and not be looked at as “runaway gays.” “We’re really trying to not defy anything,” Twedt said. “There is no animosity between the two groups. We just want to be more active.” Daniel Moore is the diversity reporter.
The planned renovations will improve 30 buildings across campus. Lefton said one of the priorities would be redevelopment of the campus’ science corridor in order to expand on education and research opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. “We’re investing in the future of our students. I am delighted to hear from so many members of the business community, the academic community and the area community that now is the time to do this,” Lefton said in his only comment to the Daily Kent Stater. Julie Sickel is the administration reporter.
OPINION
Daily Kent Stater
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Thursday, April 21, 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.
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FAMOUS QUOTE
our
SUMMARY: By being members of a Kent State atheltic team, student athletes have agreed to live in a fishbowl and represent the university at all times. Thus, they should be an example in and outside of athletic events.
VIEW
Sportsmanship isn’t limited to athletic events
C
ollege can be a demanding time. Personal accountability is tested 24/7. One is responsible for a variety of new tasks, from buying groceries to going to class to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Even the most even-tempered student can feel overwhelmed with such a challenging workload. Yet this cannot be used as an excuse to get involved in criminal activities — especially by those who officially represent the university in the competitive environment of intercollegiate athletics. Student athletes have the responsibility to serve as exemplary role models for the entire Kent State student body. By accepting to be members of a Kent State team, student athletes also accept the idea of living in a fishbowl; they become a smaller version of a public figure. While any student’s scholarships come
from taxpayers’ wallets, the financial aid student athletes receive is based on their athletic abilities and the inherent representation of the university. During the current academic year, some Kent State student athletes have been implicated in criminal activities. The most recent case involves a football player who was arrested Sunday on charges of underage drinking, displaying a fake I.D. and assault; each of the three charges are first-degree misdemeanors. Sophomore safety Zack Gonosz allegedly assaulted a cab driver outside a bar in downtown Kent, according to a police report. Gonosz was also cited in early May for underage drinking. Gonosz has been indefinitely suspended from the team, according to Kent State’s Athletic Communications. While we applaud the
department’s decision of separating the player from the team, we also exhort the university’s Athletic Director Joel Nielsen, coaches and assistants to revisit the department’s code of conduct and oblige student athletes to abide by it more than ever before. While any student attending the university is a Kent State representative, the average student does not have a group of fans expecting outstanding behavior from him or her. Incidents like Gonosz’ stain the university’s reputation. Student athletes should extend their practice of sportsmanship outside the fields, courts and rings. 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
“I like restraint, if it doesn’t go too far.” — Mae West
DID YOU KNOW? According to tradition, on April 21, 753 B.C., Romulus and his twin brother, Remus, found Rome on the site where they were suckled by a she-wolf as orphaned infants. Actually, the Romulus and Remus myth originated sometime in the fourth century B.C., and the exact date of Rome’s founding was set by the Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro in the first century B.C. — History.com
Who protects the troops? There is no nobler thing than to give oneself to his or her country. Our fighting men and women are the absolute best this country has to offer. Faced with two wars, they have met every goal and accomplished every mission this country has asked of them. However, our troops are coming home with the unfortunate side effects of combat. Countless service members are suffering from mental trauma, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Suicides are at heartbreaking levels. For example, last June one service member committed suicide every day leading to an overall increase of 24 percent. Congressman Tim Ryan even discussed the issue, revealing “From ‘05 to ‘09, we’ve had 1,100 soldiers commit suicide, one every 36 hours.” Young males just out of combat usually commit these suicides; however, the number of women is increasing. Sexual assault among soldiers is also on the rise; yet, the Department of Defense has taken a mum’s-the-word stance of that issue. These are the unknown casualties of war. As military operations continue in Afghanistan and Iraq, we can expect more broken soldiers. The suicide rate has already reached epidemic levels. America has seemed to turn a blind eye to a problem that should have our full attention. Maybe this is because we no longer view war the ways we once did. America has come a long way from the romanticized view of combat that was prominent during the Civil War, and it seems that the public has become desensitized to the cru-
Bryan Staul el reality of war and the casualties that war brings. The United States needs to have a national conversation about the mental health problems plaguing those who protect our freedoms and liberties. It is obvious that we need to put a stop to the concept that it is better to remain quiet instead of talking about experiences in combat. The responsibility also lies with the government. Extended tours of duty are just one of many contributing factors to an already stressful job. The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided an excellent service for America’s bravest and it has attempted to address the mental health problem, but it has become abysmally outdated when battling the effects of 21st century warfare. The VA needs more counselors, psychologists and mental health screenings. The mental epidemic is part of many continuing problems facing returning troops, such as unemployment and homelessness. If we abandon those who gave what Abraham Lincoln called their “last full measure of devotion” to this country, we would be allowing a great failure of America’s moral fabric. Bryan Staul is a sophomore political science major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at bstaul@kent.edu.
Shouldn’t we begin slaughtering the sacred cows? We are all aware of the economic crisis and the consequent budgetary crunch. In Washington, D.C., members of Congress are talking (hopefully), for the first time seriously, about reducing various entitlements, like Medicare, agricultural subsidies or age of eligibility for Social Security. State legislations are also trying to cope with the crisis, often regardless of the popularity or unpopularity of the means of coping (we all are painfully aware of Senate Bill 5 voted on in Columbus or of the similar legislation enacted in Madison, Wis.). These programs were traditionally “sacred cows” that no politician dared to attack. Here at Kent State, we are not immune to the budgetary crunch. After Gov. John Kasich released his first biennial budget proposal for the state of Ohio, Provost Robert Frank estimated that Kent State would face an overall reduction in state support of approximately $13 million for fiscal year 2012. Tuition increases are inevitable, but that will not be enough. Therefore, the university froze hiring of new faculty. The retiring faculty is not being replaced. As a result, the faculty in some departments suffers substantial pressure to increase their teaching loads and class sizes to cover for the reduced staffing. The net effect is an inevitable decline in academic quality and faculty morale. At the same time, the faculty is
SENIOR COLUMN
Yoram Eckstein Guest Column rightly pressured to generate more income via research grants, alas in the environment of less and less time left for grant writing between classes. On March 19, Frank laudably announced his “Let’s be Frank” initiative, asking for faculty input on possible savings for the university in the time of crisis. The ideas posted on his webpage ranged from timid to “revolutionary.” One idea, apparently based on the proponent’s personal experience, contended that “phones are barely used by the faculty” (tell it to my students), or another’s, that computer labs are not used (I have to sign up on a list when I want to bring my class to use our computer lab). Other ideas ranged from reducing use of the heating/ cooling system, or increasing teaching loads for the faculty (there goes the time to write the research proposals). But, one proposal was truly “revolutionary.” The proponent hesitantly admitted, “I suspect this suggestions is somewhat controversial but here goes: Does Kent State really need to participate in Division I athletics given the enormous costs of such programs to the university? And, in particular, does a Division I football, basketball and hockey
program really serve the educational mission of the university?” Wow! The gall to ask us to slaughter that sacred cow! Yet, “Let’s be Frank,” Frank. What is more important for an academic institution that prides itself in the motto “Excellence in Action”: academic or sport programs? Our administration is squeezing the academic programs to a point of breaking, while maintaining expensive athletic programs in which only few (i.e., most recently women’s gymnastics) are achieving the level meriting the university motto “Excellence in Action.” President Lefton— please, listen to what is going on in Washington, D.C., Columbus, Madison and everywhere else. Our academic programs are squeezed to a breaking point. Our “output” cannot be measured by the same criteria as applied to assembly workers. Our students cannot support additional tuition increases. It is time that we begin to look seriously into what the university can and cannot afford. I applaud my colleague who has the wit and audacity to ask: Can we afford to be in the Division I of collegial football, basketball and hockey? Do these programs really serve the educational mission of the university? I will only add — how much is the student body served by these programs? Yoram Eckstein is a professor of geology.
What do you live for?
The question, “What are you living for?” grips me. It’s something everyone’s either running toward or away from answering. Where does your passion lie? What is your motivation? It seems like we’re asked those question roughly a million times throughout our college careers. Every character in a story has motivation. Maximus overthrew Commodus because his family was murdered. Luke blew up the Death Star to free the galaxy. Harry and Loyd drove across the country to return a suitcase to Mary Swanson. Terrible stories have characters who aren’t going after anything. Good stories have characters who want something. Great stories have characters who will lay down their lives for a cause greater than themselves. In four years at Kent State and nearly 23 years of life, I know no
Josh Johnston greater story than that of Jesus. “For I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. The story I told freshman year was of a selfish kid living out selfish motives. If I wanted something for myself, I pretty much took it. I didn’t want much for anyone or anything else. I didn’t really like who I was. Because what kind of a story is that? Not one many would care to read, I’m assuming. But sadly, that sort of story is told over
KENTWIRED.COM KENTWIRED.COM KENTWIRED.COM KENTWIRED.COM
and over by countless others — people living for themselves. Four years older and four years wiser, I hope the story I’m telling now is one of selflessness — of giving to others — of living for something other than myself — greater than myself. The story I live for and have chosen to commit my life to is that I’ve failed, fail and will continue to fail. But the beautiful resolution is that in spite of who I am, God still loves me. Enough that he would come down as Jesus on Earth and die on a cross for the messed-up person I am. I know you might see me as a religious nut now, if you’re still reading this at all, but these truths I will live, fight and die for. Is there anything in your life that you could say the same for? I hope there is.
Josh Johnston is a senior journalism major and managing editor/city editor of the Daily Kent Stater.
Page A4 | Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
Egyptian composer joins students for African dance performance Professor brings movement, music together in Cultural Expressions class Ryan Collins
rcolli12@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
THOMAS SONG | DAILY KENT STATER
Keith Yost, senior criminal justice major, gets dunked during Delta Tau Delta’s Fundraising event Wednesday.
Sporting a mix of modern clothing and what looked like traditional African garb, students’ bodies moved in lively, haphazard dances from different African cultures in Oscar Ritchie Hall on Wednesday evening. Halim El-Dabh, Pan-African studies emeritus professor, led the students as they performed their project put together in El-Dabh’s Cultural Expressions classes. Before each dance began, he gave an explanation of the
dance’s significance. “The activity itself is really not a show, but it’s a way of life to do it,” El-Dabh said. El-Dabh has produced 13 albums and composed the music for a show performed at the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. Wendy Wilson-Fall, chair of Pan-African studies, compared the dancing modern Americans do today and these African dances. She said the context is different, and the African dances are not necessarily sexual. “In many cultures, it has nothing to do with sex, but it has to do with your body,” she said. Wilson-Fall elaborated on the meaning of different forms of dance. “People shake their butts in all African dance, but it’s not really sexual.” El-Dabh did not use music in Wednesday’s performance aside from occasionally beating a drum. He said music comes
from within. “I don’t use exterior music to dance to because that would be contrary to the nature of the experience,” he said. “We generate sound that we dance to. I don’t put a recording (on) and dance to it. The group generates its own music.” Alexis and Joe Kline, both members of the Stow community, said they came for personal enjoyment after hearing about the show on Facebook. “We’re interested very much in the West African rhythms and always have been, so we wanted to come out and see what Halim was conducting here with his students,” Joe Kline said. El-Dabh emphasized the link between African cultures and their music and dances. “The real history of Africa comes from its songs and dances,” El-Dabh said. Ryan Collins is the ethnic affairs reporter.
ANTHONY VENCE | DAILY KENT STATER
Halim El-Dabh, Pan-African studies professor, performs with his Cultural Expressions class Wednesday night at Oscar Ritchie Hall.
Daily Kent Stater
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Thursday, April 21, 2011 | Page A5
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Rent COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH... Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming
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 Now Hiring: KSU Rec Center will host open interviews for Member and Guest Services 4/21 @ 7-9:30pm. Bring cover letter, resume, and application. Email with questions: recmgs@kent.edu Drivers: OTR Co.Drivers & O/O CDL-A with 2 years OTR Exp Great Pay,Miles,Benefits and Home Time Passenger & Pet Polices 1-800-831-4832 x1404 Tutor needed in home for 7 y/o autistic boy. Flexible hours. Pay dependent on prior experience and performance. Send resume to 4willnicholson@gmail.com. Miller Community House- Do you enjoy helping others in a time of crisis? Portage County’s only homeless shelter seeks a caring/ dedicated person to join our team as a Housing Specialist. Duties include answering the support line, admitting new clients, and providing a supportive yet professional environment. Part time work is available immediately- apply now for consideration. Send resume to HR Director, Family & Community Services, Inc., 705 Oakwood St. #221, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. EOE Summer Jobs Dependable people for our fundraising company seeking employees for summer. Flexible hours. Call 330-650-6011 for Joy. SUMMER—Attendant for female w/ disability. Part time hours. Able to drive van. 330-678-7747 CSR/New Accountant Specialist needed at in-bound Dish Satellite Call center. Hiring full-time night 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
Alpha Xi Delta would like to congratulate Kelsey Fisher, Lauren Davis, Meagan Dzurinda, Rachel Bright and Breanna Pertee on being Sisters of the Week!
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.
FREE HEAT Affordable Housing! 1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656 -On Busline -Laundry Facility -Secured Buildings -Appliances included -Free Gas, Heat & Water
CALL 330-678-0761
Hrs. M-F, 9-5. Sat, by appt. only. leasing@mjmmanagement.com 1214 ANITA DR., #101 EHO TTY711 special expires 02/28/11 WHITEHALL EAST TOWNHOMES Whitehall Boulevard off Summit now taking apps for fall 2011. 5 bedroom/3 bath. All appliances including Dishwasher, W/D. Rent plan starting at $290/person/ month. Ask about the all-inclusive plan! Call or text 330-434-6141 www.rentalsakron.com
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
horoscope By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (04/21/11) This year may provide great travel opportunities. Go to places you never thought you’d go. Open your heart to new experiences, new relationships and new interpretations of what abundance is. Discover your own wealth. 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 7 — Move quickly to get a good deal. Devise a plan with your partner or mate. By now you should know how much you can spend. Accept a gift. Follow a strong recommendation. You’re learning fast. Taurus (April 20–May 20) Today is a 9 — You have no trouble getting your message across. Keep team communication channels open. Accept a pearl of wisdom from a friend who can guide past fears that have detained you. Gemini (May 21–June 21) Today is a 9 — It’s a good time to ask for money, whether it be a raise, an invoice or a donation for a fundraiser. Use some of what you personally earn to feather your nest. Cancer (June 22–July 22) Today is a 9 — You’re entering a highly creative, artistic phase, which advances your career over the next month. Work out a plan for the future you want, and share it with loved ones.
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. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-554-8353 KENT RENTALS 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Call Rich 330-221-0030. Spacious 4&5 bedrooms houses with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage. Several units available: -Deluxe 4/5 bedroom units. $360 per room. -All inclusive, $350 per room. 330-808-4045 Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364 1 & 2 bed apartments. All utilities included except electric. Call to schedule your tour today (330)6780972 Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930 Apartments for Rent: 1 bedroom apartment in a house. Kitchen, living room, bath. Separate entrance. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 330-673-8505 or 330-221-8218 Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 2,3,4 bdrm apts Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900$1200 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330-329-1118 kentarearentals.com Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 4/5 Bedroom duplex available for fall $310/mo! Each side has 2 bath, W/D. Dishwasher, deck, garage, etc. Close to campus and on bus route. No Gas Bill. No Water Bill. Last one I have available! Call Sweeney (740) 317-7294 University Town Homes 5 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Starts at $300/month/resident Call 330-990-4019 tahays-management.com
Rent
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Kent- Quiet 2&3 bedroom. $590, $780. short term available 330-6775577
3 bedroom house. $690/month + security deposit and utilites. No pets. 330-673-8271
KSU Large 2BR Luxury 1 car garage. Many amenities $650.+ util (330) 628-0447
Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 4 bedroom house. Close to campus. 330-5549510
Fall: Near KSU. 2 bedroom condo, 3 blocks from campus. Living room, dining room, 1.5 bath, central air, laundry facilities in building, call Drew 330-328-1084.
ULTIMATE COLLEGE LIVING Sunnybrook Road Duplex - 4 bedroom, 2 full bath, huge deck, huge yard, $325/month/person or $1300 total. Free yard/trash/water. Call Justin 330-730-7584.
3BR/1BA/$800 House Near Campus. Great Condition. -Large Yard www. YourHomeRental.com (440)953-8687 UTL INC UNIVERSITY TOWNHOME. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE, REFRIG, W/D, A/C. $345.00 PER PERSON; WWW.JLCASTO.COM CALL 330688-7040. University Townhomes Available For Fall at $275/room Free LCD TV for every group of 5 signing. Call 440-567-5289. HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm ONE UNIT LEFT www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372 Two bedroom, 1.5 bath condo, updated, all appliances, FREE HEAT. One block to KSU. Units available starting in June. No Pets. 330-9573083. Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 For Summer/Fall: 2 bedroom starting at $325/bedroom including utilities. Close to Campus. 330-626-7157 Nice 2 bedroom apartment. Responsible tenants, non-smoking. $600 +utilities. 330-688-1187.
College Tower, 2 bedroom Apartment Sublease $350, negotiable. Call 406-599-8964
ROOMMATE NEEDED NOW OR FALL in nice 4 bedroom twinplex. $385 all inclusive. 5 minute drive to KSU. Free Washer/Dryer. 330-714-0819
XoticStrands.com Kent/Ravenna/Akron/Canton Virgin Remy Extension Provider & Installation Specialist Call 216-773-8257
1 or 2 rooms available in house for the summer. $280/room/month. All utilities included. Call 937-474-9904. Female seeking to sublet room for summer. $350/month all utilities included except Internet. Call 330474-9254 Sublease starting June/July! 2 bedroom apartment $710/month. Includes all utilities, except electric. 614-439-9129
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Stick to the old rules. Good manners get you forward faster. Selfdiscipline’s the best kind, but don’t let guilt get out of hand. Send support to someone on the leading edge. Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is an 8 — Create something beautiful. For the next month, your assets gain value. Helping someone else with their finances is actually fun. Offer advice when asked. Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today is a 9 — Romance is brewing. Friends help you understand. It may require a compromise or use of your hidden resources. There’s plenty of good work ahead. Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — It’s easy to get distracted by financial obligations and forget about loved ones. Find a way to balance it all. Take a walk and give thanks for what you’ve got.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today is a 7 — Art and creativity take over. Work/play with a loved one and you’ll get more satisfaction. Replace something volatile with something secure. Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — The next four weeks are good for wrapping yourself in arms of sweet romance. Discuss esoteric subjects with a friend. Loving words come back multiplied. Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today is a 7 — The following four weeks are perfect to fall in love with a research project. Find satisfaction with cost-effective solutions for routines. The work is challenging, but profitable. Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20) Today is a 7 — Your words have great power now. Accept well-earned compliments. Study and learn with a partner. Business is good and travel is better. Try a new perspective.
Page A6 | Thursday, April 21, 2011
FROM TRASH TO TREASURE KENTWIRED.COM
Ohio public libraries could rely on levies for funding
Go online for more Earth Day craft ideas, instructions and photos.
Joseph Zucker
REUSING THE RECYCLABLES FOR CRAFT-TIME FUN Rachel Hagenbaugh rhagenba@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
jzucker@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
Earth Day is here, as is spring-cleaning. Save some money and use everyday supplies such as empty water bottles, yarn and toilet paper rolls to construct homemade decorations in celebration of Earth Day.
Decorative Containers Supplies Recycled plastic detergent bottles, bleach bottles or floor cleaner bottles n Fabric n Polyvinyl woodworking glue n Sharp scissors or heavy craft knife n Clothespins n
Rachel Hagenbaugh | DAILY KENT STATER
Step 1: Cut bottles where desired to remove top and handle portion creating a nice, shaped container. Step 2: Thoroughly wash and dry container. Step 3: Place container on fabric and bring fabric up around the sides of the container to estimate where the fabric should be cut. The fabric should be large enough to wrap around the sides and base of the container. Step 4: Coat the outside of the container, including the base, with glue.
Daily Kent Stater
Step 5: Carefully pull fabric up the sides of the container, smoothing out any wrinkles. Step 6: Tuck the fabric in corners so the fabric lays flat on all sides. Step 7: Secure fabric to the top edges of the container with clothespins and let dry. Step 8: Add flowers or writing utensils and set on desk to admire. SOURCE: creativejewishmom.com
Public libraries across the state will continue to look to voters to help plug the hole stemming from Gov. Kasich’s proposed budget. The budget, which has yet to be approved, calls for a 5 percent cut in public funding to libraries. State Librarian Beverly Cain said library funding has been decreasing for the past decade. “Libraries are funded on a percentage of the tax revenue,” Cain said. “That revenue goes along with the economy, so it’s been a natural decline.” She said libraries have had difficult decisions to make when it comes to balancing their budgets. “ We ’v e se e n s o m e s t a ff layoffs in libraries across the state,” Cain said. “But the public has been most affected. A lot of libraries have had to cut their hours of operations, so then people aren’t able to go in and use it as much. And the libraries don’t have the same kind money for materials, so instead of getting five copies of the newest John Grisham novel, they can only get one. Then you have a lot of people waiting to get that book.” Operating levies are something of a more recent occurrence. Cain said only a few libraries had them before the economy went down. Now, 62 percent of the libraries in Ohio have operating levies. In the upcoming May elections, 16 libraries have levies on their local ballots. Lynda Murray of the Ohio
Library Council said there will more than likely be more levies on the November ballot. “There was a slight drop-off from the number that was on the previous November ballot to what is on the May ballot,” she said. “What we’re seeing is that a lot of libraries are still waiting to see if the budget will be finalized, so they are holding off until they know the exact numbers.” It is unknown whether the Kent Free Library will pursue an operating levy on the November ballot. Director Carmen Zampini said no decision has been made by the board of directors. Libraries have seen success in more recent elections. In May 2010, 25 of the 29 library levies on the ballot passed, and in November 2010, 12 of 14 passed. Murray said most levies are very small, right around $1 million or a little bit more. She said libraries would only be looking to make up for any money lost by the budget cuts. “Most of these levies are only to bring the libraries back up to where they were or maybe a slight bit lower,” she said. “They won’t be bringing in more money than they had before.” Cain said for the libraries that don’t pass operating levies, the consequences can be severe. “In Holmes County, they tried three times to pass levies for their libraries, and they failed all three times,” she said. “So they had to shut branches down completely. Clearly, these levies can have a big impact.” Joseph Zucker is a public affairs reporter.
APRIL 21, 2011
Student gives up his own dreams for a greener
AFRICA
Natalie Moses
nmoses1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Sophomore Teejay Avans is one of those familiar faces around campus. Whether he’s socializing at the Student Center or doing quantum physics homework late night at Rosie’s, you’ve probably seen him around before. This is a familiar face you’re going to want to remember because he is the founder of the organization Kani Africa. The word Kani is coined from the Swahili word for energy, and this foundation’s goal is to bring energy to Africa. It’s still in the developmental stages, but it started with an idea full of potential and backed with a leader that has amazing foresight bound to touch thousands of lives. A year and a half ago, Avans arrived on campus just like other nervous freshman, except his journey here was a bit longer than most. He is from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. “I chose Kent State because it offers avenues for hands-on experience in the various fields,” he said. The field he chose was physics. When most people are adjusting to the culture shock of college life, Avans also had to adjust to a whole new country. However, most would agree that he instantly fit right in and got involved on campus. Avans is a member of NAVs, a religious group on campus, and a treasurer in the Students for the Advancement of Science group. He works at Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Student Center and also does undergraduate physics research with Professor Almut Schroeder, which he said is “something I really love doing.” However, physics was not always his first choice as a major. Avans started off as an aerospace engineering major because of his longtime passion for flight design. In an act of selflessness, Avans realized he had a bigger passion. “I always wanted to make it possible for others in Africa who dreamt to be flight engineers to achieve their dreams, and for this reason, I sacrificed my dream,” Avans said. It was this decision that led Avans to Kani, Africa. This non-profit organization “seeks to revolutionize the continent of Africa and ultimately change the dark image that has been tainted of it and its people,” Avans said. He plans on doing this by building self-sustaining schools, which means they’ll run on alternate energy sources, like solar panels in impoverished rural villages of Africa. This will bring education to children who otherwise wouldn’t have such an opportunity. Once these
I want to use my applied physics degree towards the development of alternate energy, which I think is crucial not only in Africa but worldwide.
TEEJAY AVANS | STUDENT
schools are established, Avans said they will be a great addition to the community. “Kani Africa will support innovative ideas by the students in these schools; ideas that can be directly applied to their communities in areas where they may need help,” Avans said. He plans for these ideas to be supported through scholarships and funding in order to integrate them into their communities. Kani will promote the green energy movement. It will implement awareness campaigns “as the blueprint for development” in Africa. The ultimate goal for the future of Africa is to establish a green school in every country on the continent. He wishes to see Africa move forward on its own because it relies too heavily on foreign donors, which he said, “in as much as helping
Africa… lead to the perception that Africa cannot help itself.” “I believe Kani Africa will change this,” Av a n s s a i d . “ K n o w l -
edge is p o w e r. Energy is power. I believe that if Africa is to develop and show the world that it is a force to be reckoned with, the change has to be self-driven.” Starting this foundation has been a long process. Last year, Avans built the website www. kaniafrica.org and, with the help of his friend, constructed a solar panel. “I also started on the legal work, which was both expensive and cumbersome,” he said. He recently set up a board of directors that includes Laurie Walker, a faculty member in the College of Business Administration, and Kendra Sherbourne, senior family studies major. Before this semester ends, the group plans on having a few information sessions. By the time next semester rolls around, look out for tables set up by Kani Africa and the Student for the Advancement of Science Club that will be passing out T-shirts and flyers for more information on getting involved with the organization. The first Kani Africa project is projected to happen in the summer of 2012. Though Kani Africa is still in its first stages of development, it could be a huge step in Africa’s advancement in education and green alternative energy technology. Many factors motivated Avans to get involved in this movement, but one thought particularly fuels his passion. With a smile, he said, “The fact that I know it is possible inspires me.” Natalie Moses is a features correspondent.
Celebrate Earth Day with movie favorites
Adrienne Savoldi
asavoldi@kent.edu
engage in a battle over resources and control.
long been unsuitable for humans to live on.
restaurant or save the burrowing owls that live there?
kind. The world is headed for another ice age.
Daily Kent Stater
EARTH DAYS (2009):
HAPPY FEET (2006):
OVER THE HEDGE (2006):
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON (2002):
Movies and films have been a powerful medium in assisting with change of all kinds, including the save-the-Earth stories. Here are some “green” movies to watch for Earth Day, or any other day, in no particular order:
“AVATAR” (2009):
The popular James Cameron film detailed the story of former Marine Jake Sully, who finds himself on the planet Pandora. The humans and the Pandora natives
This PBS documentary directed by Robert Stone emphasized the environmental movement in the United States. The documentary also highlighted people who have been influential in the movement, such as Jimmy Carter and Denis Hayes, who coordinated the first Earth Day.
WALL-E (2008):
This movie tells the story of an adorable little robot who discovers that he has found the way to restore planet Earth, which has
This cute penguin movie also carried another message. The penguins fear Mumble’s tap dancing is angering their deity, thus their fish supply is depleting. Mumble, like the true hero he is, sets out in search of humans to explain the penguins’ plight.
HOOT (2006):
Several may know this movie by the book that inspired the film. The characters in the story are caught between a dilemma: develop the site to put in a new
If you don’t love Hammy the talking squirrel, then you have no heart. In all seriousness, this movie commented on urban sprawl and the negative effects it has on the environment.
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW (2004):
Paleoclimatologist Jack Hall could never have guessed that when he discovered a huge ice sheet sheared off, that it actually meant trouble for all of human-
This film shows the kidnapping of a wild horse who finds himself involved as a draft-horse in a railroad project that could threaten everything he knows and loves.
FREE WILLY (1993):
Willy, a young orca, is separated from his parents only to become a prisoner in a marina. Then a young boy is able to teach him tricks, which the trainer
could not. The marina owner has some plans for Willy, which Jesse must thwart.
FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST (1992):
The inhabitants of the rainforest FernGully have been quite content, at least until a bat named Batty arrives and informs them that he has seen humans, which up until then had only been myths. Then the humans begin destroying the rainforest that the fairies call home. Adrienne Savoldi is a features correspondent.
Page B2 | Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
thismonth
APRILSpecials
Pie Shots, Apple Pie Shots, Wild $2.50 Vodka tonic Turkey American Honey, Blue $3 SoCo and Lime Moon Honey Moon, Stella Artois $3 Grape and cherry bombs $2 Bud Light bottles Chalice drafts, Red Stripe and Red $2.50 Heineken Stripe Light bottles Ray’s Place $3.50 Newcastle Beer of the month: Budweiser $2.75 shots Jim Beam draft $2.50 (pints) $2.95 for (talls) The Loft $2 baskets of fries & Jo-Jo’s Guinness Imperial Pint Glass, keep Happy hour is from 4 to 9 p.m. with $3 Sauerkraut balls the glass $6, refills are $5. While the $2 off pitchers, 75 cents off pints glass lasts and 50 cents off mugs and liquors Franklin Square $2.95 Pinnacle Whipped Shots $7 pitchers, Deli $2.95 Pinnacle Whipped Monster $1.50 mugs Bud Light Monday—Ungrilled turkey reuben Bombs $6 pitchers, Tuesday—Riverview meatloaf $2.95 Red Stag (shots) $1.25 mugs Natural Light Wednesday—Kent’s best reuben $2.95 Sex on the Beach (shots) $2.50 Cherry and grape bombs Thursday—Louisiana BBQ Pork $2.95 Cherry Bombs $3 Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo, Friday—Deluxe fried bologna $3 Chilled Shark Water Shots rocket pops and lemon drops Saturday and Sunday—Sesame $3.50 Long Island Ice Tea garlic chicken $2.95 Spiced Rum & Coke riverside wine Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. with $2.95 Tropical Rum & Coke Euro Gyro $2.95 Amaretto Sours $1 off drafts. $5 Small one-topping pizza $3.50 Futher Mucker’ s Mondays and Tuesday have no $5 Philly Steak sub corking fee, so patrons pay retail $5 Chicken hoagie sub price to drink wine in restaurant. Brewhouse $5 Gyros $3 Keystone pitchers $5 Any pizza pita Buffalo Wild Wings 75-cent Keystone mugs Wednesday — $5 large one-item Beer of the Month: Budweiser Tall $10 Fishbowls pizza for pick-up only $1.25 Cherry and Grape bombs draft Thursdays $1 Long Islands $3 Wing Tuesdays: 45 cents per Water Street wing Tavern Boneless Thursdays: 60 cents per Guy’s Pizza $7 Bud Light pitchers wing $20 Two large, two-topping pizzas $3 Tootsie Pop Bomb $2 long island Monday/Tuesday: $10 Two $3.50 Olive Chocolate $2 margaritas medium, one-topping pizzas dropped into Monster Khaos Friday: $3 shot bomb day Order as many as you like. Orange Energy Drink Pick-up only. Monthly $3 shot and beer specials: 157 Lounge (Additional toppings $1.25) Sauza Tequila, Patron XO, Cherry $2 bottles Miller Lite
checkers-Ntrophies
D-Fed, b-rich, mic shawn, superjonez, tension, tria mera | The Outpost
Back in rehab & way past curfew | The Outpost Flanked by red flags, something for lucy, the giggitys, no means yes | Checkers-N-Trophies
Little fockers | Kiva 11 p.m. Water for Elephants African Cats
MUGS $3.25 Grape Kool-Aid shot $3.50 Bordon $2 16 oz. Miller Lite draft $3.24 oz., $3.50 short, $4 tall Blue Moon draft $2.75 All bombs
DIGGER’S Tuesday: $3 Long Island ice tea Wednesday: $3 Bahama Mama Thursday: Jimmy Buffett Night with $1.75 Corona bottles and $1.25 Bud Light bottles
DOMINICK’s Free pool Tuesday and Thursdays. $3 bottle Red Stripe and Red Stripe Light. $2.50 Grape and cherry bombs. $2 pints Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Zephyr Pub $2 pints of Bud Light $7 pitchers of Bud Light $2.50 rum and Coke $3 grape vodka and 7UP $3 cherry bombs $3 Jose Cuervo shots
Brewhouse 75-cent mugs, $2.99 pitchers & $1.25 bombs Ladies Night Tuesdays: 99 cent Sex on the Beach Thirsty Thursday: $1 Long Islands
University Architect committed to ‘greening’ Kent State main campus Amy Cooknick
acooknic@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater In an era when it seems everyone and everything is “going green” to save the planet, Kent State has made a major commitment to doing its part for
the environment. Michael Bruder, university architect and director of design and construction, said making Kent State as eco-friendly as possible has been his goal for years. “There’s actually some state mandates now requiring a university to reduce its energy consumption, so Kent State was actually pretty far ahead of the curve on that,” Bruder said. “We’re trying to design the campus so that it’s easy to walk, (and) it’s easy to bike so that people aren’t moving their cars all the time.” Bruder said he considers energy efficiency a necessity in any building’s design. At Kent State, the structural efficiency of a building is measured using a globally recognized rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is an international standard developed by the U.S.
Green Building Council for identifying where a building’s rate of emissions could be reduced and improving the building to minimize impact on the environment. Once a building has been updated or constructed to meet LEED standards, owners can apply to have it formally certified by LEED. “(LEED has) really become the standard in the construction industry that most people use,” Bruder said. There are three levels of certification a building can fall under based on its LEED score. Those levels are silver, gold and platinum, with silver being the lowest and platinum being the highest. Buildings receive points out of a possible total of 100 based on how they perform in various areas of environmental design. “The Kent campus spends approximately $13 million a year just on energy,” Bruder said. “So if we can drive that
number down, which we have been able to do, that just helps the institution. We’re trying to be sustainable, not just from that environmental aspect, but to sustain the institution in its economic health as well.” Bruder said it is important for everyone at Kent State to do his or her part in helping to make the campus run more efficiently. He asked students and faculty to contact maintenance any time there is a problem with air temperature in a dorm or classroom. “There’s nothing that is more frustrating to us than to see the middle of winter and windows open because the room is too hot,” Bruder said. “Something’s not working quite right, and we don’t have people in every room every minute of the day, so unless somebody tells us, we don’t know. Meanwhile we’re wasting energy.” Amy Cooknick is features reporter.
Thursday, April 21, 2011 | Page B3
Daily Kent Stater
10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint Amy Cooknick
acooknic@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater For the past two decades, environmental discussions have focused on the carbon footprint. This footprint describes the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions by a single person, process or event. The less waste you release into the environment, the smaller your carbon footprint. There are many simple ways you can reduce your own carbon footprint without making major lifestyle adjustments. Melanie Knowles, manager of sustainability at Kent State, shared 10 ways students can reduce their carbon footprint on campus or at home.
1. Drive less; walk more
“The first way to reduce your carbon footprint is just to save energy. And so there’s a variety of ways students can do that. One would be transportation. Walk if you can, use public transportation, ride a bike, use the Flashfleets, carpool — anything you can do to drive less. The nice thing about saving energy is that it generally also always saves you money, so there’s always that benefit to it as well.”
2. Turn off and
unplug electronics when they’re not in use
“Leaving computers on all the time is a big culprit. If you know you’re not going to be coming back to it for a time, go ahead and turn it off. And if it plugs into the wall, unplug it or turn off the power strip because most electronics you buy now have what we call a ‘phantom load,’ which means that even if it’s off, it’s still drawing energy. So unplug phone chargers and other electronics that are in use because those are using electricity all the time. “
3. Energy efficient light bulbs
Knowles said instead of buying regular incandescent light bulbs, buy compact fluorescent or LED bulbs.
have control over things like insulation, but you can make sure that if the windows are open, that the heat or air conditioning is off. You might be willing to go a couple degrees cooler in the winter and a couple degrees warmer in the summer. We don’t want you to have to give up comfort, but you can probably save some energy and still be comfortable if you have control of your thermostat. But that depends on where you live and how your system works.”
6. Close window shades
“In the summertime, close your window shades during the day to stop heat gain in the room and reduce your air conditioning load. Then in the wintertime, you want to pull those shades at night to help keep the warm air in the room.”
4. Take the stairs
“Instead of an elevator. Elevators actually use quite a bit of energy.” Knowles added that taking the stairs instead of the elevator is as good for your body as it is for the environment, which makes this tip a bonus.
5. Practice efficient heating and cooling methods
“I know most students don’t
7. Conserve water
“Aside from those energysaving things, anything you do to save water saves energy, which would reduce your carbon footprint. So take shorter showers and maybe your shower doesn’t have to be so hot.”
8. Recycle
“Recycling saves energy because those products are able to go back into the manufac-
turing process rather than the energy being expended to harvest new materials.”
9. Buy local products
“Things that are produced locally use less energy in their transport. That also has the nice benefit of supporting the local economy. “
10. Take advantage of solar energy
“Students now have options for personal, renewable energy. It’s not just getting solar panels to put them on a building. You could get either solar chargers or kinetic energy chargers that you can then use to charge your computer or your phone or something like that. “ Knowles also said kinetic Personal Energy Generators are a good option for students because they use kinetic energy to charge electronics. These chargers can be carried in a student’s book bag or purse where they gather energy from the movement of the student while walking, running, biking or exercising. For anyone interested in calculating his or her carbon footprint, Knowles recommended visiting ClimateCulture.com and taking the commitment to reduce waste. Amy Cooknick is a features reporter.
A.R.M. Fest to benefit the homeless in Kent Alison Ritchie
aritchi1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Anonymous Relief Mission, Inc. will host its second annual musical festival, A.R.M. Fest, April 22 and 23 at its operation in downtown Kent. The festival will feature a mixture of out-of-state and local musicians in a variety of genres. Founded in 2006, A.R.M. is a non-profit organization in Kent that moves families and individuals out of safe houses and homeless shelters to different housing. It provides furniture, appliances, food and other living necessities to those in need. “I think it’s the coolest thing to help people out who are in a rough place,” said Jesse Sloan, sophomore pre-nursing major and a volunteer for A.R.M. “It allows them to keep their dignity. It’s all done very respectfully.” Sloan said that the festival’s creators drew inspiration from other area festivals, including DIT Fest and Berea Fest. “It’s bands that are playing music just for the love of playing music,” Sloan said. “It’s like a community. They are self-supporting artists. The
Friday, April 22:
2:30 - 2:55 p.m.— Moon High
5:20 - 5:45 p.m. — Cherry Cola Champions
3:10 - 3:35 p.m.— My Mouth is the Speaker
6:00 - 6:25 p.m.— Burning Down Broadway
3:50 - 4:15 p.m.— The Reptilian
6:40 - 7:05 p.m.— Way Yes
4:25 - 4:40 p.m.— Belle Budzar -Poetry
7:20 - 7:45 p.m.— En Garde
4:40 - 5:05 p.m.— Bethesda
8:00 - 8:25 p.m.— Nights
5:20 - 5:45 p.m.— She Bears
8:40 - 9:05 p.m.— City Of Invention
6:00 - 6:25 p.m.— Yourself and the Air
9:20 - 9:45 p.m.— Coping
6:40 - 7:05 p.m.— Empire Empire (I Was a Lonely Estate)
10:00 - 10:25 p.m.— The Ground is Lava 10:40 - 11:05 p.m.— Like The Days
11:50 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.— The Singular 12:30 - 12:55 p.m.— Triangle Shirt Factory 1:50 - 2:15 p.m.— Northwestern festival is celebrating what we create together.” Sloan said the organization recommends a $5 donation each day, as the event is a fundraiser for A.R.M., but those who can’t afford that are still welcome to attend. He
8:00 - 8:15 p.m.— Richard Wehrenberg Jr. -Poetry 8:15 - 8:30 p.m.— Matt Whispers -Poetry
Saturday, April 23:
1:10 - 1:35 p.m.— Shi Sho
7:20 - 7:45 p.m.— The Saddest Landscape
8:40 - 9:05 p.m.— Everyone Everywhere 9:20 - 9:45 p.m.— American War 10:00 - 10:25 p.m.— Annabel 10:40 - 11:10 p.m.— River City Extension
said the event is as much about giving as it is about music. “It’s doing stuff for people who need it,” Sloan said. “I do it because I want to help.” The festival is at The A.R.M. House on 154 N. Depeyster St. The
doors will open at 4:30 p.m. on April 22 and at 11:30 a.m. on April 23. Alison Ritchie is a features correspondent.
Kent Stage hosts Earth Day film festival Rachel Hagenbaugh
rhagenba@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The fifth annual “Who’s Your Mama?” Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival continues Thursday and Friday. Jeff Ingram, executive director of Standing Rock Cultural Arts and producer of the Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival, said this festival is modeled similar to one in Washington, D.C. “There’s a lot of need for environmental education, and people are visual learners,” Ingram said. In the past, the film festival was moderately popular, Ingram said. This year the blockbuster film “Avatar” will be showing at the Kent Stage at 9 p.m. The films shown at the Kent Stage will be solar powered. A projector will be plugged into a cord that runs from the stage to a trailer that will have solar panels to charge batteries to run power to the projector.
FILM SCHEDULE Thursday, April 21 n “The
Vanishing of the Bees”
North Water Street Gallery | 7 p.m. FREE Friday, April 22 n Short Eco Film for Kids | 6 to 7 p.m. n Film
“Turtle: The Incredible Journey” by Nick Stringer | 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
n Film
“Avatar” by James Cameron | 9 to 12 a.m.
n $5
per film | $7 students and seniors for the entire evening | $10 for everyone else.
Rachel Hagenbaugh is a features reporter.
Ichabod Crane’s “Brimstone” is good, not great Conner Howard
chowar15@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Thrash metal is alive and well in Akron, with local band Ichabod Crane releasing its full-length album “Brimstone” April 23. The members of Ichabod Crane seem to know what they are doing inside and out. “Brimstone” is packed with sharp metal fundamentals. The guitars are fast, hard and angry with inventive solos and interludes breaking up the heavy riffs. The percussion hits the eardrums hard without letting up. In some songs, the drums are refreshingly technical and scaled back — a welcome break from the expected double-bass rhythms practiced by many established metal bands. Built on a solid foundation of aggressive yet melodic instrumentals, “Brimstone” is somewhat less impressive when it comes to vocals. The vocalists in Ichabod Crane boast admirable screeching and growling capabilities, which few vocalists can pull off easily. The vocals are delivered through alternating high and low screams. This is an effective singing dynamic in theory but falls flat in the sense that the voices don’t quite mesh as well as they could. At the same time, the last song on the album, entitled “Hail!,” features high-pitched vocals reminiscent of the works of Iron Maiden, and it’s good to see some exploration on the part of the vocalists. As for the lyrics, it’s hard to say what most of the songs are even about; the listener has little more than the song titles to go off of. Ichabod Crane’s vocal styles make it difficult to relate to the song on an artistic level. However, metal
music isn’t always about the storytelling involved in the lyrics. More often than not, it is important to focus instead on the raw emotion present in the music. In this aspect, “Brimstone” delivers. The music is passionate and involving, leaving no doubt in the listener’s mind that Ichabod Crane feel strongly about what they do and that substantial effort was put into this album. On the whole, “Brimstone” feels like a very by-the-book metal album. Ichabod Crane seems to have broken thrash metal down into a formula and followed it to the letter. This is by no means a bad thing. It is clear the band is knowledgeable and talented in the field of producing highly competent metal music. However, there isn’t a whole lot about “Brimstone” that stands out as extraordinary or groundbreaking. On top of that, some of the tracks sounded somewhat sloppy and chaotic (not in a good way) and could use some fine-tuning in both instrumentals and vocals. “Brimstone” is a pure, unfiltered metal album that stays loyal to the roots of the genre. Its flaws are small and few, but perhaps the biggest flaw is that it’s almost too true to the expected traits of thrash metal. There isn’t much here to surprise or amaze the listener. Ichabod Crane has created a very good metal album, to be sure. However, in order to put together a truly great album, the band should do some exploration and experimentation to forge a sound of their own. “Brimstone” shows that the talented lads from Akron have a firm grip on the building blocks of great metal music. Now, it’s time for them to do some building. Connor Howard is a features correspondent.
Page B4 | Thursday, April 21, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
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his eclectic group of songs are arranged to commemorate and raise awareness for Earth Day. Intended to inspire students, this playlist will hopefully promote appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. With songs ranging from Jordin Spark’s “No Air” to Brad Paisley’s hilarious “Water” song, this playlist is anything but ordinary. Whether you are in the mood for country, pop or some good old fashion Beatles, these songs provide you with some jamming beats while reminding you to save our environment. Many of the songs report real life experiences to different parts of the earth. “Ocean Wide” by The After, symbolizes the ocean and how it is as wide as his love. If you want more of a fun fast-tempo song, listen to “Shark in the Water” by VV Brown, which supports sharks in their natural habitat, the water. One of my personal favorites “Mountain and the Sea” by Ingrid Michaelson conveys different parts of the Earth by relating them to her loved one. In the end, all of the songs in this playlist are tremendous and were put together to celebrate our dear mother earth.
The beatles The White Album | ”Mother Nature’s Son”
Jordin sparks Jordin Sparks | “No Air”
Paul McCartney was the primary writer of this Beatles song. McCartney used just his voice and very few instruments to give this song a very soft feeling. It’s very simple compared to many of the other tracks on this album. The song’s beautiful melody evens out the rest of this eccentric record.
A classic Jordin Sparks song depicts the life of a girl who can’t live without a boy, for it’s just like living in a world with no oxygen. We take air for granted and don’t realize the harm that we are doing to it through pollution. This song’s catchy beat reminds us to keep our planet clean because living in a world without air would really blow.
“Swaying daisies sing a lazy song beneath the sun.”
honeywagon Green Day Bluegrass | “When I Come Around (Cover)” This bluegrass group puts a country twang on this alternative rock song. The banjo instrumental breaks are so impressive that they could keep anyone listening. Plus the harmonies give it such a positive spin that it will immediately throw a smile on the listener’s face. “No time to search the world around ‘cause you know where I’ll be found.”
VV Brown Travelling Like the Light | “Shark in the Water” What’s not to love about this song? VV Brown has such a unique voice that gives this fun song an interesting twist. The instrumentals make music lovers want to jam out to their fullest.
“Losing you is like living in a world with no air.”
Sara bareilles Little Voice | “Many the Miles” This song’s soulful outline gives the song an extra kick. This song really shows off Bareilles’s controlled range. The jazzy piano doesn’t miss a beat and keeps the song moving all the way till the last measure. “How far do I have to go to get to you/many the miles”
Ingrid Michaelson Everybody | “Mountain and the Sea” This song relates to the different features of the environment and to Michaelson’s attachment with her love. Upbeat and fun, this song shows her light and flirty relationship with the person that moves her so greatly. “You call me a mountain and I call you the sea/I’ll stand tall uncertain and watch you swallow me”
“Baby, there’s a shark in the water/I caught them barking at the moon”
Brad Paisley American Saturday Night | “Water”
Matt & kim Grand | “Daylight”
This country artist tells you a hilarious story about the way you use water from the time you are a kid until you’ve reached adulthood. He speaks about his times learning to swim to Daytona Beach, Fla., on spring break in college. If anything, you will be picturing the ocean by the end of this song.
The song represents daylight and living your life to the fullest. It describes, “in the daylight everything feels like home,” which means in order to be happy and “at home,” you don’t have to sit indoors where you are restricted. By leaving your dark house, you are free and happy. This song depicts a freedom in nature reflected through a rocking melody.
“Grab your swimming trunks/ice up that old igloo/drive until the map turns blue”
“This car might make a good old boat and float down Grand Street in daylight.”