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Tuesday, April 26, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Thunderstorms, HI 73, LO 61
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Survey suggests CELEBS LOVE ALUMNI JEWELRY job increase for Dirty Pretty Things jewelry worn by Beyonce, Lady Gaga college graduates Christine Morgan
cmorga20@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Scott Burmeister, senior business management major, ponders the same question that haunts many students up until graduation: Will I get a job? According to Recruiting Trends 2010-2011, a job survey given to 4,600 employers by Michigan State University, the answer is yes. Employment for graduates with a bachelor ’s degree is expected to increase by 10 percent. Overall employment for people with degrees is expected to increase 3 percent. The study stated 36 percent of employers surveyed seek candidates in all majors; indicating employers will hire candidates with the best talent, regardless of their major. Burmeister said the key to securing a job is showcasing your knowledge and abilities to employers. “As far as the jobs go, I’m not going to take anything for granted,” Burmeister said. “It’s really about showing people what you know and how you use what you know. I know that with hard work comes with success.” Barbara Marvin, director of recruiting at 21st Century Financial, said they don’t have a particular major in mind when hiring entry-level advisers. She said her company is expected to hire a minimum of 20-25 new people this year. “The financial department at Kent State is extremely strong,” Marvin said. “We don’t get so concerned about grades. It’s more about their attitude and
Kasey Fahey
kfahey@kent.edu
Daily Kent Stater
work ethic. I’m not interviewing anyone except Kent students this week and next week. I think the last three individuals interviewed were from Kent State.” Michael Ellis, associate professor of economics, said he expects the overall economy to grow 3 percent this year. He said businesses have started to hire more employees. “Typically, during the early stages of recovery, businesses don’t run out and start hiring workers right away,” Ellis said. “Looking at the recent improvement in the labor market, I think it’s going to cause the momentum of the recovery to gain pace.” Marvin said her company has grown over the past three years, in terms of employment and profit. “From our firm’s standpoint, we are having the best year we’ve ever had,” Marvin said. “In fact, the past three years were the best. We know the economy is always going to take these ups and downs, and the last dip was lower and longer than normal, but we are hiring and are always trying to find new people.” Ellis said younger workers will find employment faster than older workers. “Job prospects are improving for graduates,” Ellis said. “A lot of young people are entering the labor force. We have to create about 100,000 jobs a month just to keep up. If you’re a 50-yearold person, and you’ve been out of work for two years, it’s going to be very hard for someone to hire you.” See SURVEY, Page 2
Kent State to upgrade Vista by Spring 2012 Updates to include real-time lecture feature for distance learning classes Britni Williams
bwilli61@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State will be updating its method of online class delivery and incorporating tools that will let students take online classes in real time. Blackboard Vista is now being updated to Blackboard 9.0 and will include Wimba, a program that will allow instructors to teach their online lectures live and also record audio and video so students can play back the lectures at a later time. “It’s a part of our distancelearning push,” Provost Robert Frank said. “It’s also part of our effort to provide more tools to instructors to teach in different ways.” Deborah Huntsman, executive director of the office of continuing and distance education, said the university has been considering Wimba for about a year and a half. Huntsman said faculty who offer online classes would be able to give live video and audio lectures online, as well as record them for their students to watch later. Huntsman said the university intends to launch training programs for faculty in the fall.
“We’re in process of actually developing a complete, a very robust set of online training programs for faculty who wish to teach online,” Huntsman said. She said all faculty members will be able to use Blackboard 9.0 by Spring 2012. The transition to Blackboard 9.0 is the university’s first goal before they focus on the integration of Wimba. Huntsman said the university started a small pilot program for Blackboard 9.0 this semester. The pilot will be expanded over the summer and again in the fall. “By Spring 2012, the plan is to allow any faculty who want to make that migration to do so,” Huntsman said. “We’re essentially supporting both systems for about two years so that we have a reasonable timeframe for our faculty to get the training they need to make that transition.” The integration of Wimba will piggyback on the transition to Blackboard 9.0. Huntsman said Blackboard is the foundation that everything else grows out of. Lindsey Schultz, sophomore psychology major, said she would take more online courses if they were broadcast live. Schultz believes the switch to Blackboard 9.0 is a good step forward and doesn’t think the transition will be hard. “I think it’ll be fine as long as it’s similar so people will understand it,” Schultz said. Frank said he believes the new technology will be beneficial. See VISTA, Page 4
Three alumnae started an edgy jewelry company that emphasizes female strength and is gaining popularity, even among celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce. There is a balance of femininity and attitude in the jewelry designs. Dirty Pretty Things jewelry promotes positive strength in today’s women, while it creates an in-yourface fashion statement. Each piece is bold with unique detailed elements. Chrissy LoConti-Clenk, president of the company, got the idea from owning Sinergy, a Cleveland nightclub and restaurant. She wanted to translate the good and bad elements of the interaction between men and women into jewelry. In 2008, the graduate with a degree in jewelry and metals started the female-empowering company with the help of her sister, Annemarie LoConti, and college classmate Sarah Piscazzi. What makes DPT interesting is each piece has meaning through its name and design. The company’s vision is to connect women and send the empowering message of a balance between compassion and confidence. Chrissy LoConti-Clenk named the company after an article she read that introduced jewelry with the statement dirty pretty things. “It made sense,” said LoContiClenk, a 2006 graduate. “You can play off of those words (dirty and pretty) while you’re making jewelry.” Annemarie LoConti, a 2005 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance, said the LoConti family comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, which is where the funding came from. “At Kent, they always asked us to have a concept behind our work,” said Piscazzi, vice president of design. “We carried that through to our business. It sets us apart from other fashion jewelry.” As the entrepreneurial-minded team creates a line, they give it a name and show a side of it that will relate to each kind of woman. They design bold, sparkly pieces that have attitude behind the design. See JEWELRY, Page 2
MEGANN GALEHOUSE | DAILY KENT STATER
Kent State alumni Sarah Piscazzi, Annemarie LoConti, Chrissy LoConti-Clenk and childhood friend William Madansky created a jewelry line called Dirty Pretty Things. All Kent State students will receive a 30 percent off discount on www.dptjewelry.com and type in the code: Kent30.
Come on down! Kent State senior wins cash, prizes on ‘The Price is Right’ Rachel Hagenbaugh rhagenba@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
SUBMITTED PHOTO
CUSUMANO’S Tips to bECOMing a contestant 1. Must have a crazy, fun and outgoing personality. 2. Be crazy, but not insane. 3. Be loud, make up cheers and scream so the producers remember you. 4. If possible, always go in groups. Cusumano said a lot of people who get picked are those who are part of a large group who are wearing themed shirts. She said she saw a group in the audience called Drew’s Crew.
Over spring break, a Kent State student fulfilled one of her childhood dreams of being a contestant on “The Price is Right” TV show. “I grew up watching Bob Barker and always told my family once I was 18, I was going to be on ‘The Price is Right,’” said Chelcie Cusumano, senior human developmentfamily studies major, said. Some of Cusumano’s relatives recently moved to Los Angeles. She said she decided spring break would be the perfect opportunity to visit them and get tickets to the show. Tickets to “The Price is Right” are free, but Cusumano had to get to the box office early. She and a friend were walking down the streets of Los Angeles at 5 a.m. when she turned a corner and saw all these colorfully dressed people waiting in line for tickets. “From the minute I got there, everyone was going crazy, including myself,” Cusumano said. Her plan was to be really loud and obnoxious and to represent Kent State. Cusumano was in the middle of a cheer when one of the producers
asked her what she wanted to do when she graduated. Her reply was, “I want to be on ‘The Price is Right.’” After hours of cheering and waiting in lines, Cusumano finally took her seat among the 200 other audience members. The show began, and Drew Carey stepped out onto the stage. During a commercial break, Cusumano said Carey began talking about college, and she knew that was her chance. She started screaming and showing off the Kent State shirt she was wearing. Carey saw Cusumano and briefly asked her about the bars in Kent, she said. All the sudden, the show was back from break and her name was called. It was the last round to bid on items for a chance to get on stage. The bid was on an Xbox 360. Next to Cusumano was a woman who bid $700. Cusumano bid $701 and won. “It was crazy because I ran up on stage, hugged Drew from the side and patted his belly,” Cusumano said. The game Cusumano played was called Rat Race, where five differentcolored toy rats raced on a track. She said she had to guess the price of three items. She guessed two out of three items correctly and chose two different-colored rats. If either of her rats took first place, she would win a new car. Cusumano said neither of her rats came in first place, but she still won a full cooking set, along with a check for the Xbox 360 she bid on earlier. See PRICE, Page 4
Page 2 | Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DAILY KENT STATER 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
News
Daily Kent Stater
TODAY’S EVENTS n The
D’Angelo Show’s “Lend a Hand to Japan” When: Noon – 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Main Lobby B
n Public
Health Speakers Series When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Moulton Hall Ballroom
n Kent
Interhall Council When: 6 – 10 p.m. Where: Governance Chambers
n Pilates
When: 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 204
Assigning editors
SPORTS
lcoutre@kent.edu
Sports editor
Have an event you want to see here? Send summer events to jsickel@kent.edu.
cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor
K e n t W i r e d . co m
Lydia Coutré
Emily Inverso
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Kelly Petryszyn
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Taylor Rogers
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Lance Lysowski
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OPINION
Jessica White
Rabab Al-Sharif
City editor
Visuals
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Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu
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Rachel Kilroy
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Hannah Potes
Jennifer Shore
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Frank Yonkof
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Features Features/A.L.L. editor
Laura Lofgren
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Design director
Stefanie Romba sromba@kent.edu
A.L.L. design editor
Kate Penrod
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Sara Scanes
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Nicole Aikens
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AdvertIsing 330-672-2586 Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330-672-0888 Account executive
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Katie Kuczek
Account executive
Nicole Lade
330-672-2585 Broadcast and magazine representative
Paul Gimmel
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Kevin Collins 330-672-3251
330-672-2590
Student media 330-672-2586 Manager
Classifieds ad manager
Lori Cantor
Kelly Pickerel
Tami Bongiorni
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330-672-0883 kpickere@kent.edu Stater adviser
330-672-6306 tbongior@kent.edu Production manager
330-672-8286 cschierh@kent.edu Newsroom Adviser
330-672-0886 csharron@kent.edu Business officer
band performance When: 8 – 9 p.m. Where: Cartwright Hall Room 306
Cody Erbacher
Nicole Stempak
nstempak@kent.edu
n Concert
330-329-5852 szake@kent.edu
Norma Young
330-672-0884 njyoung1@kent.edu
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.
Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent. From Page 1
SURVEY Survey suggests job increase for college... Graduate concerns
Carla Owens, associate director of Career Services, said graduates with a negative perception of the job market will have greater unemployment c o m p a re d t o g r a d u a t e s with a positive perception of the job market. “Unfortunately, the new graduate often chooses not to even attempt a job search,” Owens said. “They’ve heard for the last couple years that we’ve had a downturn in the economy, so they’re just going to go home, live with mom and dad, continue working over the summer and go back to graduate school, which I see a lot.” Gina Butrico, senior geography major, said she looks for a new job opportunity every day. “I have heard that the job market has been getting better,” Butrico said. “It’s definitely relieving. I’m on Monster every day applying for a ton of jobs and seeing what’s out there.” The MSU job survey indicated the job market for graduates with a Master ’s in business administration is tight because the amount of graduating M.B.A. students is high. Owens said students should avoid going to graduate school because they fear unemployment. “They’re shooting themselves in the foot because
they’re basically coming out with the same skill set they had before but with a higher degree,” Owens said. “Employers don’t understand the reason to spend an extra $20,000 more to hire a person with the M.B.A. as opposed to a person with a Bachelor’s degree.”
Internship experience
The MSU job survey stated 60 percent of employers surveyed will hire interns this year. Kayla Kmitta, talent development specialist at Fleishman-Hillard, said candidates who have internship experience will stand out among the competition. “Employers can afford to be more selective, which usually happens when there is a downward economy,” Kmitta said. “Actively seek out an internship or volunteer experience. That is one of the things that will set you apart from other students.” Burmeister said he has completed two internships. He said the internships allowed him to apply his skills outside the classroom. “The internships helped me because I was able to manage products and events,” Burmeister said. “There are just a lot of things that you can’t learn in a classroom, like handling events and different things that come at you. It’s learning on the job. That’s the one thing I took away from them.” Meghan Dodley, senior marketing major, said her heavy course load prevented her from completing an
internship. “One of my biggest regrets was not having an internship, so I could put experience down on my resume,” Dodley said. “I’m going to try and get an internship this summer, whether it be paid or not paid. It’s just something I have to do since I didn’t get a chance to do it during school.” Owens said students who have trouble finding an internship should obtain volunteer experience. “Offer your services on a voluntary basis,” Owens said. “An internship is really a volunteer experience. If you have skills to offer, nobody is going to turn down those skills in the environment we live in.”
Tips for undergraduates
Amanda Thompson, senior corporate recruiter at Equity Trust Company, attended the Kent State Spring Job and Internship Fair on April 1. She said students should have come to the fair ready to discuss their career aspirations. “A lot of students didn’t re a l l y c o m e p re p a re d , ” Thompson said. “They should have done their research before approaching the employer. A lot of students we spoke to were just open to everything. An employer wants the student to have an idea of what they ultimately want to do and what they aspire to be.” Ellis said students should work on their skills while in college and invest in themselves by gaining internship experience, seeking volunteer opportunities and taking classes that apply to their major. “I think it’s very important that young people set the foundation for continuous learning,” Ellis said. “People go into many more occupations in the course of their careers than in the past. One of the great things about getting a college education is learning how to learn. Always keep learning and adding to your skill set, so when things change you can change.” Thompson said students should become more active in their job search because are opportunities available. “Go out there and have an open mind, but at the same time, you really need to have an idea of your career path,” Thompson said. “You should be taking advantage of your professors. Pound the pavement and look for the opportunity to land a job. You need to be motivated instead of just thinking that something will fall into your lap.” Christine Morgan is the student affairs reporter.
From Page 1
JEWELRY Celebs love alumni jewelry Chrissy LoConti-Clenk created the company’s first character, Marie Neville, in February 2009. She is a fictional character who is described as a force of nature: a bombshell, a heart breaker. She is relatable and represents independent, strong women. “It’s about being strong but still being a lady,” Chrissy LoContiClenk said. “Marie Neville is aggressive — big pieces — she’s the dirtier side.” Charms on a necklace could include a cupcake and a heart next to a skull and a gun, showing the delicate balance of strength and femininity. The next character created in February 2010 is the more feminine character, Medea Maple. The line plays up the pretty side of DPT jewelry by using softer metal elements. There are pearls and flowers, but it still maintains the edgy vibe. The two characters reflect each of the designers’ personalities. “Everything that we do is definitely a collaboration; one character leans toward each of us,” said Piscazzi, a 2007 graduate with a degree in jewelry and metals. Chrissy LoConti-Clenk said they take inspiration from their surroundings and people they meet. Currently, the company manufactures necklaces, bracelets and earrings that sell from $18 to $98. Their goal is to have their characters chosen to represent a MAC or Urban Decay line of makeup. “We like to think of them as a potential comic book series where the line would grow, and we’d create a drawing and a life for her in the jewelry,” Chrissy LoConti-Clenk said. “Each has a weapon, and every (detail) matters in each piece.” The women are working with a manufacturer and assembling the jewelry themselves. Some pieces are all American-made, and some have parts from China. “Pretty much we’re touching every piece right now,” Chrissy LoConti-Clenk said. They work on producing jewelry in their office in their hometown of Mayfield. Annemarie LoConti said working internationally is difficult at times, but it helps keep the costs down so they can keep an affordable fashion price. The two sisters work and live together and agreed there are positives and negatives. They can work on ideas together any time by taking their work home with them, but drawing a line between the two relationships is difficult at times. The typical audience DPT tries to reach is 18- to 35-year-olds. They said it is a huge focus, but they don’t like to put a label or limit on it. Even the LoContis’ 75-year-old grandma wears the jewelry. Chrissy LoConti-Clenk said the focus could go into the high-school age, but people react poorly without giving it a chance to understand the message. “It’s always taking that recognizable element, the bullet or the gun, and changing the view on what it actually means,” Chrissy LoContiClenk said. “Instead of it being a negative, we’re trying to have it more as
a protection symbol. If you have a necklace that has the heart and the gun, it’s called ‘guarded heart.’ It’s about love, not shooting someone.” William Mandansky has been the company’s marketing and sales representative for the past year. He and Chrissy LoConti-Clenk met in grade school and hung out a lot when they were growing up, but they grew apart when he went to college at Arizona State University. “I consider our group family,” Mandansky said. “I can’t wait to get to the office and see them. When you love what you do, it’s not work.” Chrissy LoConti-Clenk asked Mandansky to deliver a bag of DPT jewelry to celebrity Kim Kardashian while she was at Barley House in Cleveland. He had to sneak in the back door to get in. “Kim Kardashian had a table with 10 people and I walked up, poured a glass of champagne and acted like I belonged,” Mandansky said. “I finally got the balls to give it to her and said, ‘Hey, I have a present for you.’ She was really cool, and I actually talked to her for awhile.” Other famous women the company has reached are Kendra Rossi, Holly Madison and Jenna Haze. “Having (celebrities) recognize your work definitely puts you on a high, but then you come back down to reality really quick too,” Piscazzi said. Make-up artist Sarah Tanno was part of DPT’s first photo shoot. She became Lady Gaga’s make-up artist on tour shortly after the shoot and helped increase awareness of the company. “When (Sarah) went on tour, she wore our jewelry, and Lady Gaga complimented it,” Mandansky said. “That’s when we thought ‘We actually got something here!’” After the compliment, the company sent jewelry to Lady Gaga and her dancers but aren’t sure how Beyonce got a DPT necklace. Annemarie LoConti thinks she may have gotten it from Lady Gaga when they made the music video for “Telephone” together. “She wore it in Hawaii on a family vacation; that’s pretty badass,” Annemarie LoConti said of Beyonce rocking the “Beauty is Pain” necklace. The company’s newest idea is a line of bridal jewelry, which will be available soon. The line was inspired by Chrissy LoConti-Clenk’s own wedding. When she couldn’t find jewelry she liked enough to wear, she decided to make it herself. Some of the staples of the lines will be customizable for bridesmaids. DPT sells internationally on its website and at a retail store in Japan. Nationally, the jewelry is sold at hair salons and in retail stores like Metropark. In Ohio, it is also at Sanity in Chagrin Falls and Atom Bomb Tattoo Shop in Cleveland. The company is steering away from its retail focus because the meaning of their jewelry gets lost in translation when it is sold in stores. To solve this issue, they’ve decided to focus on a home party system that will be ready to launch by summer. The company will remain local because of its success. Kasey Fahey is the College of the Arts reporter.
OPINION
Daily Kent Stater
The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | Page 3
our 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 Kelly Byer Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Opinion editor
Laura Lofgren Features/A.L.L. editor Lydia Coutré Assigning editor Lance Lysowski Assistant sports editor
FAMOUS QUOTE
“I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.” — Lucille Ball
VIEW
SUMMARY: A Michigan State University study reveals the outlook for employment for graduates is hopeful. Instead of avoiding the job market with graduate school, this is the year to take a chance.
Job market looks favorable
U
pon graduation, students often turn to graduate school. Some go to further their education; some go to postpone beginning a career in a bad economy. This year, however, might be a good year to jump right into the job market. A job survey by Michigan State University reported the outlook for employment is good. Researchers gave the survey, Recruiting Trends 2010-2011, to 4,600 employers. For graduates with a bachelor ’s degree, employment is expected to increase 10 percent. It is predicted to increase 3 percent for all people with a degree. According to the survey, this is the bachelor ’s market’s first expansion in two years and is led by upturns in hiring in manufacturing, professional and scientific
services, the federal government and large commercial banks. Thirty-six percent of employers would consider “any major” for a position, with more focus on “skills and abilities.” The survey says this is a historic high. Employers are expected to increase hiring graduate students in all technical majors by 19 percent, all business majors by 18 percent and all liberal arts majors by 21 percent. For students planning on graduate school for fear of a lack of job prospects, try out this potentially favorable time for employment. Instead of building up more debt, now is a promising time to start your career. With fingers crossed, we hope to
see these numbers continue to increase. Underclassmen can and should start preparing with internships and volunteer opportunities to make themselves more marketable when their time does come. If your plans to enter graduate school are to further your career and education, by all means do so. But if you’re simply avoiding the inevitable, now is the time to start your career. This isn’t to say the job market isn’t still very competitive — it is. But for now, the odds are in your favor, so take a chance. 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
DID YOU KNOW?
On this day in 1954, the Salk polio vaccine field trials, involving 1.8 million children, begin at the Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean, Va. Children in the United States, Canada and Finland participated in the trials, which used for the first time the nowstandard double-blind method, whereby neither the patient nor attending doctor knew if the inoculation was the vaccine or a placebo. — History.com
SENIOR COLUMN
Be bold in your time at Kent State I hate the phrase “test the waters.” Not because it’s a bad phrase necessarily, but because it represents wasted time. Sure, there are times when testing the waters is certainly appropriate: checking out a college or graduate school, taking a small bite of food before ordering an entire meal, literally sticking a toe in water to check how cold it is. But let’s be honest — life is far too short to waste your time “testing” or “feeling” things out. What happened to gutsy, balls-tothe-walls courage? Why is it OK to constantly compromise instead of actually picking something with a little confidence? Where did chivalry go? I think it’s time for people to button up their man suits. Looking back at these lovely years at Kent State, I realize I tiptoed around a lot of things I should have faced head on. Hell, I’m a journalism major who didn’t get involved with student media until I was a junior. Why? Because I wanted to “test the waters.” So unto all ye good people, I say: Rational, thorough decisionmaking can be an excellent sub-
Ashley Sepanski stitute for a test drive. Feel free to disagree, but I hope that as these weeks of spring semester come to a close, you will take it upon yourself to be risky. Be bold. Get daring. It’s time to bring gumption back into style. You’ve been told before that grade school will fly by you. So will high school. So will college. Wherever you choose to direct your efforts and wherever you end up when college is all said and done, carpe diem the hell out of your time here. And if it’s not a carpe diem kind of day, then sit back and enjoy the fruits of being active in your own life. Then go get a beer on a Tuesday. Ashely Sepanski is a senior magazine journalism major and editor of The Burr.
End-of-semester motivation
Surely you have idolized a celebrity before. You wished you could be as talented as him or her. You have probably thought, “He/she must have been born with that talent.” What if I told you that were not true? I have been reading a book by Matthew Syed called “Bounce.” Syed is a two-time Olympian in table tennis for Great Britain, having for years been the best British table tennis player. After just a few pages, “Bounce” had immediately become the most eye-opening book I have ever read. It completely destroyed the idea that the key to success is to be born with some special gift. Much like the Malcolm Gladwell book “Outliers,” it examines the stories of a diverse amount of successful people like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Venus Williams and Michelangelo. Part of their success is due to opportunity. They were not born with special talent, but they had the resources to begin arduous practice at a young age. But the other cause of their success is the arduous practice itself. Mozart had 3,500 hours of practice from his expert father before he was 6 years old. Williams had seven-hour practice sessions at 4 1/2 years old. Michel-
Jody Michael angelo famously said, “If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.” So why do we continue to believe these celebrities’ successes are something we could never attain? “The talent theory of expertise is not merely flawed in theory. It is insidious in practice, robbing individuals and institutions of the motivation to change themselves and society,” Syed wrote. “Even if we can’t bring ourselves to embrace the idea that expertise is ultimately about the quality and quantity of practice, can’t we accept that practice is far more significant than previously thought? That talent is a largely defunct concept? That each and every one of us has the potential to tread the
path to excellence?” Abraham Lincoln once said, “You can have anything you want — if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish, if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.” He was more correct than we ever could have imagined. We are all preparing for next week’s final exams. Some are seniors who will soon graduate and prepare for a career, perhaps as a teacher, scientist or engineer. Never let the talent myth dissuade you from achieving your dreams. All it takes is hard work and purposeful practice. You simply have to motivate yourself to start and to never give up. I recommend this book to everyone. It is optimistic, motivational and inspiring, and it has the power to change the way you look at the world. Success is possible for all of us if we just work hard and believe in ourselves. On that note, have a great summer, and best of luck to the class of 2011. Jody Michael is a sophomore broadcast journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at jmicha10@kent.edu.
Page 4 | Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
KSU students prepare for university’s next film “Research: The Musical” to premiere next fall semester Amy Cooknick
acooknic@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater A group of Kent State students will be singing and dancing its way to the silver screen in the university production “Research: The Musical.” “The script is done, we have cast the film, we just finalized the head crew members,” said Traci Williams, executive producer and instructor of Pan-African Studies and Journalism and Mass Communication. “Research: The Musical” is the second feature-length movie filmed in this way at Kent State. The first, “Breaking News,” premiered Dec. 1 last year. From planning to premiere, “Research: The Musical” will take Williams’ students three semesters to complete. They will have to complete three classes: HD PreProduction in the spring, HD Film Production in the summer and HD Post-Production in the fall. The film is nearing the end of phase one (preproduction) and is in its full production process. Williams teaches Pre-Production and production, while David Smeltzer, assistant professor of journalism, teaches post-production. She said the course is open to all majors. Students are welcome to take all three sections of the course, but many opt out of the summer session. From Page 1
VISTA Kent State to upgrade... “We’ve got some early adopters who’ve went out and said ‘I want this, and I’m going to use this myself,’” Frank said. “Those people have done a great job with it.” Huntsman said the transition and integration of Blackboard 9.0 and Wimba would make teaching online easier for faculty. “The faculty have tools that are built into Blackboard,” Huntsman said. “That should help them to be even more productive in the use of their time so that they’re spending less time having to work through
“In the summertime to take the class, it’s six credits, so it’s expensive,” Williams said. “Many students take the fall and spring course, but they volunteer during the summer.” Students who work on the film in the summer do so for about 12 hours a day during the eightweek section. “But it’s so much fun, and the students from last year will tell you they’re like a family now, and they hang out,” Williams said. Last year, Williams said there were close to 100 students involved in creating “Breaking News” from beginning to end. This year, there are almost 50 students currently enrolled in Pre-Production. Three students in the class wrote the script for “Research: The Musical” based on outlines and suggestions from the entire class. Williams said each of the three students wrote one act of the three-act film, then did revisions based on class critiques. “It’s a musical; it’s a comedy; it’s a love story, it’s about friends,” Williams said. “It’s something that we’ve never done here. We had our first table read a couple weeks ago, and everyone was just cracking up. The cast really connected, so it’s gonna be really fun.” Williams said she is especially excited about the unique collection of characters the cast portrays, including a crazy scientist reminiscent of a character in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Because the film is still in its early stages, Williams said she couldn’t discuss the plot yet. She said about
80 percent of filming will be done on campus, and many of those scenes will take place in laboratories, with a few in dorms. The eclectic plot made it difficult for students to decide on a title. “I think it took them a couple hours to come up with this name in between two classes,” Williams said. “Somebody just blurted it out. We put all the names on the board, and I think there had to be at least 50 or 60 names that they had, and this is the one that they just all voted on.” After writing and naming the script, Williams said the class had auditions for cast positions. Those who auditioned came prepared with their own music, and rehearsals began this month. Students in the class will not be acting in the film. “All the main characters have to sing,” Williams said. “We have a student who was actually composing the score, and I have another student who was writing all the lyrics.” The musical’s ensemble plans to begin recording the soundtrack May 8 in the Music and Speech Center. “It’s just so important that we get the word out about the class,” Williams said. “I think so many students find out about this when it’s too late. We have a film class here where people can really have hands-on experience. So we really try to make sure that this is a reallife experience for the students.” Williams said “Research: The Musical” will premiere at the Kent Plaza Theater on South Water Street the second weekend of December.
the challenges of using the software and more time to be able to interact with the students via chats and now in a synchronous (real-time) way.” Huntsman said the look of the Blackboard 9.0 will be different than Blackboard Vista. “I think it looks more sophisticated,” Huntsman said. “It is more intuitive and designed more logically, but because it’s new and because it’s a change, it may not feel that way immediately to the faculty or the students who would be using it for the first time.”
From Page 1
After that, she spun the wheel for a chance to win a showcase. She ended with 70 cents. The woman who spun the wheel next beat her with 90 cents. “Of course I wanted to be in the showcase and win everything, but being there was enough,” Cusumano said. To actually be able to do something like that was such a great memory, Cusumano said. “It was on my bucket list, and I was so excited to cross that off,” Cusumano said.
Britni Williams is the academics reporter.
Rachel Hagenbaugh is a features reporter.
Amy Cooknick is a features reporter.
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COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH... Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming Ray’s Tomorrow (Wed) 4-10pm Ray’s end of semester spaghetti feast, 1st plate $2.99 includes salad and roll, items extra, eat in only - spaghetti feast, spaghetti feast, spaghetti feast at Ray’s Ray’s Tomorrow (wed) 4-10pm Ray’s end of semester spaghetti feast, 1st plate $2.99 includes salad and roll, items extra, eat in only - Spaghetti feast, spaghetti feast, spaghetti feast Ray’s! Zombies are loose from 1-4 during Intersession! Look in your Summer Schedule of Classes for details!
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 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 Riverside Wine Bar 911 N. Mantua St., Kent— Must be willing to train for all positions: food, service, retail and bar. Non-smokers only, must be 21. Apply in person MondayThursday 12-4pm. Looking for telephone sales, part time, will train, $8-14/hour 330-9458011. SUMMER WORK $14.25 base-appt. -Flexible schedules -Start now, or after finals! -Customer sales/service -No experience necessary -All majors welcome! All ages 18+, conditions apply CALL 330-526-7258 Or apply at www.workforstudents. 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 (04/26/11) Accept a creative challenge even if you don’t think you’re an artist. Love what you do, and you’ll attract positive attention. Your resourceful energy gets projects underway without delay, and you find your talents in demand. Trust love. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Your optimism is contagious, especially in finances. Gather information, get advice from a professional and then make the commitment. The investment grows.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7. You’re making stuff happen, and it’s not going unnoticed. Get expert assistance for the best return. You won’t be given more than you can handle.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 9. Others rely on your wisdom. Expand your efforts behind the scenes. Keep track of what you’re doing. Perfection leads to abundance. Your assignment may require travel.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. Go ahead and commit to that thing you really want. Conform to strict rules and win big. A partner helps you achieve the next level. Get professional advice. Let another represent you.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 7. Others encourage you to take on a new challenge that uses newly acquired skills. Seek information from afar. A loved one provides useful guidance. You can do it.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7. A loved one inspires you to commit to something you want but have been afraid about. Enjoy your friends and have a good time. Stay close to home, and take it easy.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7. You’re becoming more confident as you learn. Do the work yourself for best results. Let a partner be your guide, and aim for the role you most want.
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
Under $99 Kent- Quiet 2&3 bedroom. $590, $780. short term available 330-6775577 3BR/1BA/$800 House Near Campus. Great Condition. -Large Yard www. YourHomeRental.com (440)953-8687
Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364
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.
1 & 2 bed apartments. All utilities included except electric. Call to schedule your tour today (330)6780972
Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440
Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930
Nice 2 bedroom apartment. Responsible tenants, non-smoking. $600 +utilities. 330-688-1187.
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Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764
Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 4 bedroom house. Close to campus. 330-5549510
CALL 330-678-0761
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7. Working together strengthens a bond with a friend. Encouraging their success grows your own. People seek out your advice. Share ideals and visions.
$100 OFF 1ST MONTH’S RENT Kent: 2-3 bdrm spacious apt. move in now Call 330-678-0823
KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900-$1200 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330329-1118 kentarearentals.com
Hrs. M-F, 9-5. Sat, by appt. only. leasing@mjmmanagement.com 1214 ANITA DR., #101 EHO TTY711 special expires 02/28/11
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. Prepare your team for action. A friend of a friend is a big help, too. Avoid sentimental attachment today. It’s a great time to party, as long as you take care of responsibilities.
Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123
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
-On Busline -Laundry Facility -Secured Buildings -Appliances included -Free Gas, Heat & Water
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8. Spread your love and optimism through the world. Others are attracted to your friendly nature. A business opportunity arises. Where will you go?
Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746
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
1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7. An older person can be a big help. A bonus comes in. Stash it away or pay bills, and then use the next incoming check to get yourself something you’ve been saving for.
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.
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.
Affordable Housing!
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 7. Today is a good for business. Balance work, family and friends. Don’t forget to take good care of yourself. Pick up that book that you’ve been wanting to read and read it.
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
ULTIMATE COLLEGE LIVING Sunnybrook Road Duplex - 4 bedroom, 2 full bath, huge deck, huge yard, $300/month/person or $1200 total. Free yard/trash/water. Call Justin 330-730-7584. Fall: Near KSU. 2 bedroom condo, 3 blocks from campus. Living room, dining room, 1.5 bath, central air, laundry facilities, No Pets. Call Drew 330-328-1084. College Tower, 2 bedroom Apartment Sublease $350, negotiable. Call 406599-8964
University Townhomes Available For Fall at $275/room Free LCD TV for every group of 5 signing. Call 440-567-5289.
1 or 2 rooms available in house for the summer. $280/room/month. All utilities included. Call 937-474-9904.
For Summer/Fall: 2 bedroom starting at $325/bedroom including utilities. Close to Campus. 330-626-7157
Sublease starting June/July! 2 bedroom apartment $710/month. Includes all utilities, except electric. 614-439-9129
Buckeye Parks Mgmt. 2011-2012 Leases 2&3 bdrm apts Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Available Fall Single Rooms Starting at $275 includes some utilities, 330678-3047. University Townhome: 5 bedrooms available fall! Washer/Dryer, A/C, $270/room. 3 Bedroom House Near Campus @$825 330-554-7844 or 330-626-4694. Upstairs 2 bedroom apartment for fall. Close to town and campus. 1 year lease. References, deposit. Newly remodeled. No pets. $325/ month/person + gas and electric. 330-297-7117
ROOMMATE NEEDED NOW OR FALL in nice 4 bedroom twinplex. $385 all inclusive. 5 minute drive to KSU. Free Washer/Dryer. 330-7140819 Roommate needed to share 3 bedroom house, $200+1/3 utilities/ month, 330-673-5658.
XoticStrands.com Kent/Ravenna/Akron/Canton Virgin Remy Extension Provider & Installation Specialist Call 216-773-8257
Subleasing 1 bedroom apartment. May 1st. $475 + water & electric. 330-571-3863
Men and Women Brand New Leather Jacket, Overcoat, Long Coat, Summer Dresses for Sale! Below $10!! Call 330-554-8414
Konka Color TV with remote. Excellent Condition! $20! Black TV Stand with Shelves! Very Nice! $35 for both! Call 330-554-8414
Page 6 | Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
hero
UNSUNG PHOTOS AND STORY BY Valerie Brown
A former student became a teacher at Waterloo Elementary School and realizes the importance of tying fun into education. Robert Hamilton began his degree in education at The University of Akron after graduating high school in 1972. When he was offered a management position at a local hardware store, he dropped out to work full-time. Almost a decade later, the store was sold, and Hamilton was transferred. “My wife said, ‘You go back to school and get your degree.’ And I did, and I have loved every minute of it,” Hamilton said. “It was well worth it.” He was inspired to teach by several educators he had while growing up in the school district where he now teaches. He refers to Larry Benson, his former eighth-grade science teacher and basketball coach, as the most influential teacher he ever had. Benson encouraged Hamilton’s hands-on approach to teaching his students. He said he thinks kids learn and retain information better when they are able to connect what they are doing physically with the concepts being taught. “That’s what I’m hoping for. Not just short-term memories for these kids but long-term, lasting, great memories from their teacher,” Hamilton said. He also works as a volunteer EMT for the Randolph Fire Department. Every six weeks, he is on call each night for seven days. The anticipation of a possible emergency keeps him awake, but he doesn’t mind the lost sleep. “I’m doing something I enjoy doing while I am on this earth, “ Hamilton said. “There (have) been times I’ve been up all night, and I still came back to school the next day to teach. The kids keep you very active.”
Hamilton began his teaching career 15 years ago after graduating from The University of Akron.
Trevor proudly shows his spelling practice. Hamilton’s fifth-grade class meets in the afternoons to practice spelling and review other lessons.
Hamilton has worked as a volunteer EMT for the Randolph Fire Department for 35 years. “This is my way of caring about somebody else,” Hamilton said. “It could be me someday who might need help.”
KENTWIRED.COM Go online for more multimedia on today’s unsung hero.
Hamilton leads a student as she demonstrates the effect a certain type of lens will have on human vision.