For EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, watch videos for the opening of Campus Kitchen and Soul Food night at Eastway. Also, take an online poll about the ‘No-Excuse policy’ at the health center. Only on KentWired.com.
DAILY KENT STATER
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Thursday, February 24, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Freezing rain, HI 41, LO 31
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Veterans should expect changes in financial aid
Health Services changes excuse policy
Department of Veteran Services expands, restricts federal benefits
DeWeese Health Center no longer issues excuses Bre Vozar
bvozar@kent.edu
Christine Morgan
cmorga20@kent.edu
Daily Kent Stater Want an excuse for missing class? Don’t count on University Health Services. The health center revised its policy in all 2010 to no longer issue class excuses. The excuse policy now states that UHS strongly encourages students to communicate with their professors prior to an absence to make arrangements for any missed work. Angela DeJulius, chief university physician, said in an e-mail that they changed the policy because there were many students who went to the health center just to get an excuse. She added the previous policy also made it easy for students to forge class excuses. “At the health center, we believe that students can communicate directly with their professors about how to make up missed work,” DeJulius said. “It has always been the professor’s decision whether or not to ‘excuse’ an absence.” Many professors require an excuse for an absence, with the consequences resulting in lost points for attendance or work that the student is unable to make up. Oscar Rocha, associate professor of biological sciences, is one of the professors who requires an excuse for an absence. Rocha said the health center should give students some kind of verification that they had an appointment. “Everything is on our backs to believe the students,” Rocha said. “It puts a lot of pressure on us.” Although it may be a lot of work for an excuse, DeJulius said professors can call the health center, with the student’s consent, for confirmation of their visit. Darius Petraitis, junior justice studies major, said it’s not fair for the students, and he believes that everyone who visits the health center should get an excuse. “It really isn’t fair to penalize students for taking care of themselves,” Petraitis said. “Every student’s health should be number one priority.” See EXCUSE, Page 2
Daily Kent Stater
PHOTOS BY JACKIE FRIEDMAN | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior nutrition and hospitality students Genevieve McGeary, Kaitlyn Knapp and Jessica Borkey serve samples of the food the Campus Kitchen Project will be donating to Kent Social Services on Wednesday.
Students cook up new recipe to feed the hungry
Campus Kitchen opens to people in need Christine Morgan
cmorga20@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State student volunteers prepared their first dinner inside Ohio’s first Campus Kitchen Wednesday evening in Beal Hall. The meals will be served Thursday for Portage County citizens in need. The Campus Kitchens Project is a national organization that provides hot, healthy meals and groceries to the homeless and hungry. There are 30 Campus Kitchen locations at high schools and colleges across the nation. Kent State is the only college in Ohio chosen to participate in the program. Jordan Kough, programs manager for the Campus Kitchens Project, said he hopes students take advantage of this leadership opportunity to create change within their community. See VOLUNTEER, Page 2
bwilli61@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State could soon create a new School of Digital Sciences to offer new degrees to current and future students to prepare them for careers in technology. Professor Robert Walker, listed in the school’s proposal to be the first director of the School of Digital Sciences, said there is a definite need for computing specialists in the projected job market. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of computer software engineer and application jobs was projected to rise about 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, and network systems and data communications analyst jobs were projected to rise about 53 percent in that time. “There’s change across the country,” Walker said. “We’re trying to address a new need.” The Kent State Board of Trustees and the Ohio Board of Regents will both have to approve the new school before it can become official.
“It has to jump over a couple more hurdles,” Mack Hassler, Faculty Senate chair, said. “But I think one of its toughest hurdles was senate.” Walker said it can be confusing for students to choose the right technology major, and he hopes initiatives through the School of Digital Sciences will help clarify some of the differences between computer science, computer information systems and digital sciences. Walker said the computer science program, which will remain in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Computer Science, is for students interested in deep software development. Computer information systems, in the College of Business Administration’s Department of Management and Information Systems, is for students interested in managing computerized information systems in a business setting. Digital sciences, in the proposed School of Digital Sciences, is for students interested in a broader scope of technology and how it fits together. “This is a degree that focuses
See VETERAN, Page 6
College of Business ranks among best Riley Moore, Goodwill store manager, takes the first scoop of beef stew at the Kent Campus Kitchen kick-off on Wednesday. Moore enjoys being a part of the community and looking for opportunities to help it grow.
Kent State may offer digital sciences degree Britni Williams
Veterans who receive federal aid from the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill can expect some funding changes effective Fall 2011. “As it stands right now, the VA (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs) benefits will pay a student over breaks, such as in-between fall semester and spring semester,” said Joshua Rider, assistant director of the Center for Adult and Veteran Services. “That won’t be paid anymore. Even the breaks between spring classes and summer classes will not be paid anymore.” Rider said break pay will end on Aug. 1, 2011. Nathan Lehota, president of the Kent State Veterans Campus Club, said he doesn’t think the elimination of break pay will affect him as much as it will affect veterans with families. “I don’t think the revisions to the GI bill is that big of a hit, but for the ones who are struggling, it will affect them very much,” Lehota said. “For example, those veterans who have a wife, a child and are trying to find a job, every penny counts.” Rider said despite no longer
offering break pay, the VA is trying to aid more student veterans in their educational aspirations. He said other revisions, beginning on Oct. 1, 2011, will make funds available for alternative educational programs and veterans who choose to take all online classes. “People that were previously unable to get benefits under the post 9/11 G.I. Bill, like people who are going to truck driving schools, different academies and barber colleges, now they’re going to be,” Rider said. Richard Siers, secretary of the Kent State Veterans Campus Club, said the expansion of educational aid is beneficial for veterans who choose not to go to a university. “The people who don’t want to go to a four-year college can go do a trade school, and that’s great,” Siers said. “Even though there is this big push to try and get people into college, you still need tradesmen.” Rider said in addition to providing funds for alternative forms of education, the VA has also expanded the Basic Allowance for Housing to include veterans who choose to take courses outside the classroom. “People who are taking online classes were always eligible for the tuition benefit, but they weren’t able to receive housing money if they were taking all online classes,” Rider said. “Now they are going to get a percentage of housing money.” Catherine Hofer, member of the Kent State Veterans Campus Club, said she thinks offering housing money to veterans who take classes online is a great idea, especially for those who have a difficult time transitioning to college life.
on the use of information, software and technology infrastructure to solve problems to meet the goals of an organization,” Walker said. Nate Snyder, junior computer science major, said computer science is to digital sciences as physics is to engineering. “Digital sciences is the practical implementation of computer science,” Snyder said. Walker said there would be three new classes offered next fall through
the School of Digital Sciences. The School of Digital Sciences will be both independent and interdisciplinary. It will not be a part of any other existing college nor will it hire its own instructors. Walker said the reason the School of Digital Sciences is a school and not a college is because there will be no permanent faculty and no departments. See DEGREE, Page 2
New classes to be offered in the fall n Society, Culture and the Digital Sciences: A survey course intended to give a broad understanding of society, culture and the digital sciences. It will also look at the impact of culture and society on the development and adoption of digital sciences. n My Story on the Web: A course in understanding the Web’s impact on private and public lives. Students will design a web page while investigating design, storytelling, multimedia, intellectual property, ethical considerations and social media. n Computational Thinking and Programming: Introductory, broad and hands-on coverage of basic aspects of computational thinking with emphasis on problem solving using high-level programming language.
U.S. News and World Report rates undergrad program 159th of 215
Ohio universities in the top tier
Leighann McGivern
34 – Case Western Reserve University
14 – Ohio State University
lmcgive2@kent.edu
115 – Ohio University
Daily Kent Stater
159 – Kent State, John Carroll University, Bowling Green State University
The College of Business Administration was ranked in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 “Best Undergraduate Business Programs” list. Elizabeth Sinclair-Colando, assistant dean of the College of Business, said she and her colleagues were ecstatic to learn about their position on the list. “It’s a good thing for us, and it really speaks to what we’re trying to do in our college,” SinclairColando said. The college was ranked 159th out of 215 schools in the top tier, tying with other universities in Ohio like John Carroll University and Bowling Green State University and beating out the University of Akron, who came in 184th. Sinclair-Colando said the College of Business hasn’t made the list since 2008, though the college has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1964. Less than onethird of U.S. business schools have AACSB accreditation. “We just recently got accounting accreditation,” Sinclair-Colando said. “Those are the two only accreditations you can get with AACSB — we have both.” The rankings are based off of several categories, including retention rates, six-year graduation rates, classes with fewer than 20 students, classes with more than 50 students,
184 – University of Akron Source: U.S. News and World Report “Best Undergraduate Business Programs”
student-faculty ratio, faculty resources and percent of full-time faculty. Zachary Nicholson, junior business management major, said he transferred to Kent State from Ohio State University, where he studied science. “I wanted to actually do something different, like get involved with other people,” Nicholson said. Sinclair-Colando said she attributes the college’s success to some of the recent changes in its programs. “We pulled courses to the sophomore year that most business schools have offered as junior-level courses,” Sinclair-Colando said. “We also have an introductory course to business that all students take when they major in business, and not all business schools have that particular requirement.” Sinclair-Colando said the college has also reduced the number of credit hours required to obtain minors and dropped all pre-majors. Leighann McGivern is the student finance and College of Business reporter.
Page A2 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
TODAY’S EVENTS n Graduation Fair When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Second Floor of Student Center
n Cooking
Demos When: 5 to 6 p.m. Where: Eastway Private Dining Room
n Muslim
Students Association When: 5 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 308
DAILY KENT STATER n Kent State Freethinkers Meeting When: 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 310C
n S.A.L.S.A. Meeting When: 8 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 304
Karaoke When: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Where: Eastway Lower Lounge
n
240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NewSroom 330-672-2584
Editor Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu Managing editor Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu Managing editor Kelly Byer kbyer@kent.edu
News
n USG Comedy Night When: 8 to 11 p.m. Where: Rathskeller
Assigning editors
SPORTS
lcoutre@kent.edu
Sports editor
Lydia Coutré
Emily Inverso
einverso@kent.edu
Have an event you want to see here? Send it to lcoutre@kent.edu by Thursday the week before.
Kelly Petryszyn
kpetrysz@kent.edu
Taylor Rogers
trogers@kent.edu
K e n t W i r e d . co m
Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent.
VOLUNTEER Students cook up new recipe to feed the hungry “We started this project with the intent that we could put students in a position where they got a chance to learn about their community, understand their community and learn the faces of poverty,” Kough said. “Our hope is that we can use food as a tool to empower students to learn what it’s like to be a leader and to get involved.” Christie Anderson, of Kent Social Services, said she is grateful for the student initiative. She said their help decreases the cost of feeding those in need. “We are so thrilled to be a part of this relationship with Campus Kitchens,” Anderson said. “Times are difficult for us as an agency. It is a time of increasing cost; donations are down, and sadly, the need is increasing.” Anderson said the Campus Kitchen at Kent State will provide 20 percent
of their meals during the school year. Christine Sweeney, senior hospitality management major and kitchen operations manager, said working in the Campus Kitchen is a rewarding experience. “The biggest benefit is creating life-long relationships with people,” Sweeney said. “It’s one of the most thrilling things you could ever do. When you go to Kent Social Services and see all those hungry people eating the food you prepared, it just warms your heart.” Ed Hoegler, chief instructor for the Hospitality Management Program, said students will prepare dinner every Wednesday afternoon to be served Thursday evenings at Kent Social Services. He said students will prepare meals, under his supervision, based on the donations from that week. “Sometimes we don’t know what’s going to come in, and that’s where the magic is going to be,” Hoegler said. “We get the food and turn it around into a specific meal, and that’s where
From Page 1
the creativity of the students is going to be in play.” Cameron Ahola, senior justice studies major, said it’s good to see students getting involved in a good cause. “I think it’s excellent that students are helping because it shows that they are willing to do something that is good for the community,” Ahola said. “It seems like the students are really dedicated in what they do. The food tastes great.” Clare Stacey, assistant professor of sociology, said two of the students in her social problems class are working with Campus Kitchens. “There are a lot of really enthusiastic, intelligent students involved in this project,” Stacey said. “I think it’s helping to coordinate all these different parties on campus who are interested in helping to stomp out poverty and hunger in the community.”
“I think that’s really beneficial for veterans who suffer from severe PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injuries),” Hofer said. “It kind of keeps them away from this big of an environment and in their safe zone.” Rider said the Center for Adult and Veterans Services is available to help veterans if they are having difficulty interpreting the revisions. A comprehensive list of changes to the bill is listed on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’s website. “We have walk-in hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Rider said. “They can come in talk about their financial aid options; maybe they need a small loan or a grant to bridge that gap. Or maybe financial aid is something they’ve never considered before.”
Christine Morgan is the student affairs reporter.
Christine Morgan is the student affairs reporter.
VETERANS Veterans should expect changes in financial aid
Graduation fair offers one-stop Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club jumps to raise money for charity shop for upcoming graduates Upcoming graduates can get everything they need for graduation at the Graduation Fair. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the second level of the Student Center. Students can get measured for their cap and gown, complete exit counseling, verify mailing address for their diploma and receive additional information about graduation. “Everything students need to do prior to graduation is offered at the Graduation Fair,” said LaShonda Taylor, special assistant for the Provost’s office.
There will be photographers available for students to get a photo in their cap and gown. Students will also be able to purchase graduation memorabilia like class rings, tassels, chords, invitations and announcements. Representatives from Financial Aid and Career Services will be available for consultation. “It’s a one-stop-shop for commencement needs,” Taylor said. — Jessica Costello, undergraduate and graduate studies reporter
Unfounded robbery remains under investigation by police Kent State police officials have not decided whether they will press charges against the student who falsely reported a robbery Sunday night. The decision has yet to be made because the report is still under investigation, said Chris Jenkins, a Kent State police lieutenant. Police say the knifepoint robbery that was reported behind the library never actually happened. The victim recently recanted his or her claims, according to a Flashline e-mail sent Wednesday. “After further investigation of the
armed robbery that was reported Sunday, Feb. 20, the Kent State University Police have determined that it was unfounded and that there was no robbery,” a Tuesday night press release stated. Brian Hellwig, coordinator of residence safety, said security escort hours will remain extended. He said students can call 330-672-7004 to be escorted between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., seven days a week. The extended hours will last until spring break. — Jessica White, assigning editor
Expect the unexpected as people dress up like superheroes, lizards and pirates and leap into a freezing lake to raise money for charity. Saturday, the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club will be hosting its eighth annual Polar Bear Jump at Portage Lakes State Park. Kelly Pariso, the co-founder of the club, said she has seen everything from a fat man belly flopping to a naked man jumping and getting arrested at the event. “We’ve had it all,” Pariso said. “We know we’re official when we’ve had a naked guy.” Pariso said the money raised during the event will go directly to the AkronCanton Regional Foodbank. The goal this year is to raise $50,000, which would produce 150,000 meals, with 31 percent going to children.
From Page 1
DEGREE Kent State to offer digital sciences degree
Walker said that it is possible the school could eventually turn into a college, but it wouldn’t work as well with their financial model. Walker said the overhead costs for the school would be relatively low because they will only have to hire a director and one staff member. The instructors for the school will come from other schools and
Although the water will be cold, paramedics and heated changing tents will be available. Pariso recommends participants wear bathing suits to dry faster. To participate in the event, individuals must register by filling out the jumper packet on the organization’s website at portagelakespolarbearclub.com. She said jumpers will become official members of the club and will receive a T-shirt. Following the event, participants can attend an after party sponsored by the Harbor Inn. Pariso said there will be a free food buffet and drink specials, as well as a video of the day event and a reggae band performance. Participants must arrive at the park by 12:30 p.m. to register, and the jump begins at 2 p.m. — Jackie McLean, public affairs reporter
departments that teach similar subjects. Faculty Senate approved the creation of the School of Digital Sciences at their February meeting. Walker said the Board of Trustees would look over the proposal and vote on it in March. If they approve, the School of Digital Sciences can begin to advertise its programs and allow students to sign up for classes. Once the Ohio Board of Regents approve, students can begin to sign up to major in digital sciences. Britni Williams is an academics reporter.
cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor
Lance Lysowski
llysowsk@kent.edu
Nicole Stempak
OPINION
Jessica White
Rabab Al-Sharif
City editor
Visuals
nstempak@kent.edu jwhite83@kent.edu
From Page 1
Cody Erbacher
Allison Smith
Opinion editor ralshari@kent.edu Photo editor
asmith75@kent.edu
Rachel Kilroy
Copy desk chief
rkilroy@kent.edu
jshore2@kent.edu
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hpotes@kent.edu
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Design director
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kpenrod1@kent.edu Lead page designer
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AdvertIsing 330-672-2586 Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330-672-0888 Account executive
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Norma Young
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CORRECTIONS The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible. From Page 1
EXCUSE Health Services changes excuse policy Lindsay Rinehart, junior English major, said the revision is a good change in general, but if the professor doesn’t accept the absence, then it’s not the student’s fault. “I don’t think it’s fair because for a lot of students it’s the only health care they have,” Rinehart said. Although the revised excuse policy might make it more difficult for some, other professors believe that it should be the student’s responsibility to communicate. Karen Cunningham, assistant professor of political science, said she agrees that the revised policy isn’t fair to students who do need an excuse, but thinks that it should be the student’s responsibility to communicate. She said if students want to make up work they missed, they have to let her know on or before that day. Bre Vozar is the student life reporter.
IS CHOCOLATE IN YOUR FUTURE?
THOMAS SONG | DAILY KENT STATER
Empire Chocolates and Gifts associate Stephanie Giammarco serves chocolate from behind the counter. Empire Chocolates is located at 135 E. Main St. The shop has been open for about two years and features henna tattoos, face painting and tarot card readings, along with a wide selection of specialty chocolates.
THOMAS SONG | DAILY KENT STATER
Intuitive reader/healer Samantha Wilmoth finishes a tarot card reading Wednesday. Wilmoth has been doing readings for more than 30 years. The tarot card readings are free every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the purchase of $5 in chocolates.
Daily Kent Stater
Thursday, February 24, 2011 | Page A3
No excuses for men’s basketball Rachel Jones
rjones62@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Members of the Kent State men’s basketball team have endured some rough times over their recent road trip. They came back Tuesday from a stretch of four road games in 10 days, and everybody is feeling the physical effects.
“We could keep going on a list of excuses,” said Kent State Coach Geno Ford. “But none of them matter because (Thursday) at 7 p.m., it’s 0-0, and we need to try to win.” The Flashes (18-9, 9-3 MidAmerican Conference) take on Buffalo (16-9, 7-5 MAC) on Thursday in the M.A.C. Center. Ford said the Bulls are one of the biggest, strongest teams in the con-
ference and “a very veteran team.” While most teams seem veteran next to the Flashes, who have 10 new players this season, Buffalo does have mostly juniors and seniors in its main rotation. The Bulls also have Zach Filzen, who averages 16.4 points per games and is ranked fourth in the nation in three-pointers (89). After losing three of their past four conference games, the Bulls
need this victory. “It’s a ‘must-win’ for them,” Ford said. “If they lose, they’re out (of the running for a MAC Regular Season Championship), and if they win, they have more to go. When a competitor’s on their last life, they’re going to fight like crazy. That’s what Buffalo’s going to do.” The Flashes plan to fight like crazy, too, but for something else: pride.
At their last match-up on Jan. 19, Buffalo delivered a 79-54 loss to Kent State, snapping the Flashes’ two-game winning streak. “They kind of woke us up and made us focus a little bit,” Ford said. “They’re the only team all year that hammered us, and we can rematch them. We don’t get to play UAB or Florida again. This is a redemption game.” See BASKETBALL, Page 5
Seniors win last regular season home game Matt Lofgren
mlofgren@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Five seniors finished their time competing at the M.A.C. Center in the regular season with a comeback win over Ohio (7-19, 3-10 MAC East), 68-62, to improve to 19-7, 10-4 in the Mid-American Conference Wednesday. All five senior starters were on the court to start the game, and when senior forward Taisja Jones collected her final rebound, all five seniors were on the court to celebrate as a team. “I feel like that’s how we’re supposed to go out,” senior guard Jamilah Humes said. “Come in with a win; go out with a win—all of us together as one, and I feel like that was a good way to go out.”
Kent State struggled offensively in the first half of the game, shooting just 33 percent from the floor. The Flashes main problem was scoring in the point. While accumulating only four points in the paint in the first half, the Flashes turned to the long ball to hurt the Bobcats. Kent State received several looks from the perimeter with the Ohio defense swarming the middle. The Flashes finished 3-for-9 from the 3-point line. At the 15:22 mark in the first half, the Bobcats took their first lead of the game, 6-5. A small significance early, but it marked the first time the Flashes were down in two games. The Flashes committed 11 turnovers in the first half, which turned into nine points for the Bobcats’ offense, who controlled
the tempo in the first half. One area the Flashes were strong in was foul shooting. The team finished 6-of-8 from the free throw line. The Flashes limited the Bobcats to only two foul shots in the half by playing clean defense. Just before the first half ended, Ohio’s Tenishia Benson hit a runner to give the Bobcats a 32-25 lead at the intermission. “I thought we played really lethargically in the first half,” said Kent State Coach Bob Lindsay. “It certainly wasn’t our best game of the season.” In the second, the Flashes kept chipping away at the Bobcats’ lead until 11:57 when Humes hit a 3-pointer to reclaim the lead. See VICTORIOUS, Page 5
MEGANN GALEHOUSE| DAILY KENT STATER
Senior forward Taisja Jones grabs a loose ball during a game Wednesday. Flashes came away with a close win against Ohio University, 68-62.
OPINION
Page A4 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions. Submit letters to: Letters to the Editor Daily Kent Stater 240 Franklin Hall/KSU Kent, Ohio 44242 ■ stater@kent.edu Subject: Letters to the Editor ■ Fax: 330-672-5064 ■ Be sure to include your phone number.
Daily Kent Stater
ABOUT THE OPINION PAGE The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and may be edited for mechanics, Associated Press style and length without notice. Letters should not exceed 350 words, and guest columns should not exceed 550 words.
DKS EDITORIAL BOARD Regina Garcia Cano Editor Josh Johnston Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Opinion editor
Laura Lofgren Features team leader/A.L.L. editor Lydia Coutré Assigning editor Hannah Potes Assistant photo editor
our
SUMMARY: Kent State is taking a leap forward in training future highend technology workers with the creation of the School of Digital Sciences.
VIEW
New tech school can only be a plus for Kent State
T
oday’s fast-paced world has a seemingly unending need for high-end technology workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of computer software engineer jobs to increase by 34 percent and the number of network systems and data communications analyst jobs to rise 53 percent from 2008 to 2018. Sensing that trend, Faculty Senate approved in its February meeting the creation of a School of Digital Sciences inside the Department of Computer Science.
The new school will train students to connect technology with businesses and the real world. Or as a computer science major put it, “Digital sciences is the practical implementation of computer science.” Before the school can open though, it needs to be approved by the Board of Trustees (which is slated to vote on the proposal in March) and the Ohio Board of Regents. We hope both bodies will put their stamp on the school quickly. The new school will likely attract more students interested in computer sciences and eventually push the department into
regional or national prominence. It will also continue the department’s trend of branching into other disciplines, like visual communication design and, more recently, journalism. A School of Digital Sciences is the next step for the Department of Computer Sciences—and Kent State—to stay relevant. Having a degree that says, “I know computer sciences but more so how to apply it” could go a long way with future employers. 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
FAMOUS QUOTE “If you command wisely, you’ll be obeyed cheerfully.” —Thomas Fuller
■
DID YOU KNOW? On this day in 1836, in San Antonio, Texas, Col. William B. Travis issues a call for help on behalf of the Texan troops defending the Alamo, an old Spanish mission and fortress under attack by the Mexican army. -History.com
Laborers continue to protest Amidst labor-growing labor protests over the past week, first in Wisconsin and now Indiana and Ohio, I haven’t been able to avoid hearing the words “collective bargaining rights” for longer than an hour. The issue is everywhere in the news and completely unavoidable. The headlines state that Republican lawmakers are pushing legislation that will strip public workers of bargaining rights through their unions, ultimately silencing the voice of the public workforce. All justification for eliminating collective bargaining is rationalized by the need to cut spending, but I have not seen one logical explanation of how eliminating bargaining rights will specifically reduce spending. There are a few factors that reveal a bigger picture than simply reducing spending. Under the proposed spending cuts in Wisconsin, public safety workers are able to keep their bargaining rights. Firefighters, police officers and various other public safety workers have some of the most expensive benefits of all public workers. What’s striking to me is the blind eye the Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have turned toward the massive public outcry against this. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has made zero attempts to negotiate with anyone against the legislation. While teachers are already some of the most grossly underpaid workers, some have expressed that they will sacrifice pay to reduce spending but will not give up their bargaining rights without a fight. Why should the middle-class workers, who have already taken severe fiscal hits in this economic period, be targeted to earn even less? The last time I checked, Wall Street was the biggest culprit in ruining America’s economy, not public workers or unions. After the economy tanked, while big banks and Wall Street executives were rewarding themselves with massive bonuses, public workers
Kyle McDonald were searching for a second job or refinancing their homes to make ends meet. And while public workers are prepared to make sacrifices, big businesses are not. According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, two-thirds of corporations in the state pay no taxes. There is no sign of that changing anytime soon either. The disproportion in the distribution of wealth will continue to grow larger as the money flows from the bottom up. I commend the labor protestors throughout the country in their ability to organize such widespread and peaceful dissent over questionable government actions. While some media outlets may try and label the protestors as instigators of unruly uprising, their efforts are nothing short of true patriotism. At a time when our governments are making tough calls, the public needs to give equally tough scrutiny to what those calls are. Prepare to see more protests as similar situations unfold. There’s no question that hard-hitting budget cuts are coming, but it is the people’s right to question and stand up against every one of those cuts if they choose. And for the record, the media can stop comparing Egypt and Wisconsin. A labor protest is in no way similar to a complete upheaval of government and ousting of a 30-year tyrant. Kyle McDonald is a senior magazine journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at kmcdona3@kent.edu.
The GOP’s path to ruin Only a few short months ago, the Republican Party was walking on sunshine. They had it all. They took control of the House and gained a few Senate seats, as well as big wins in many gubernatorial races. Republicans enjoyed support from old, angry people everywhere in the form of the Tea Party. But now the Republicans are faced with the burden of actually having to govern, and their results are poor to say the least. Americans are now waking up to the Republican agenda and it’s not the tax cuts and smaller government they campaigned on. Let’s look at the states first. Wisconsin’s Gov. Scott Walker has decided to go out of his way and attack public service unions. The unions were perfectly willing to negotiate and share the costs of the struggling Midwestern state. Walker had other plans and is now trying to eliminate the unions’ collective bargaining rights. The result was thousands of protestors storming the state capital and democratic lawmakers fleeing the state to stall the vote. It should also be noted that some of the unions who endorsed Walker during his campaign will not be stripped of their bargaining rights.
Bryan Staul The protestors are defending the noble cause of the middle class. As a diehard Steelers fan, I never thought I would say this, but we are all “cheeseheads” now. Let Wisconsin be an example to other governors, especially Ohio’s very own John Kasich, who is also salivating at the idea of union busting. These governors, who were once on top of the world, are now being faced with an emboldened middle class that is no longer drinking the tea. On the national level, our Republican friends are also failing. Congressional Republicans are completely refusing to work with President Barack Obama on the budget, and the possibility of a government shutdown seems to be growing. They seem to have some amnesia
because last time the Republicans shutdown the government in 1995, it turned out to be the biggest mistake they had made in a long time as the public sided with then President Bill Clinton. With the 2012 presidential election looming and the President’s approval rating soaring, the Republican Party seems to be sowing the seeds of their own defeat. Americans want to see Republicans work on job creation like they promised, and instead, they are trying to rehash old arguments from the culture war that no longer matters. Let’s hope the last few weeks have forced Americans to remember the last time the Republicans were running the show. The Republican Party is playing a dangerous game with the future of this country. Without any strong candidates for 2012 and a series of unpopular policies, Republicans could be handing the edge over to the president. Instead of appealing to the American people to make sacrifices, they have resorted back to their old tricks. Bryan Staul is a sophomore political science major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at bstaul@kent.edu.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I appreciate your recent editorial on the proposed Math Emporium. Your comments were thoughtful, yet lacked a level of sophistication needed to truly understand the value of the Math Emporium model. The core idea behind the Math Emporium model is that students dictate their learning. The redesign eliminates class meetings; however, that does not mean that students are not supported. In fact, it is quite the opposite. This model provides students the opportunity to interact with experienced faculty, interactive tutorials, computational exercises and online quizzes. This model also allows students to choose when to access materials, what types of materials and how quickly to progress through them. In essence, this model empowers students to tailor learning to their individual needs.
Student success is our top priority and with that we must embrace innovation. Last year, 38 percent of the students failing the core math left Kent State University. When students fail, their dream of obtaining a Kent State degree is lost. If the Math Emporium achieves even a fraction of the success observed at Virginia Tech or the University of Alabama, the numbers of students that leave Kent State will decrease dramatically. According to our calculations, after three years we could see at least 148 students per year retained at Kent State. In addition, the funding associated with the program will pay for itself, not to mention generate new revenue for the university, in as little as three years. It is also important to recognize that this model has been known to reduce the costs for students. Last year, Virginia Tech reported a savings of about $53 per student,
not counting the additional savings to the student by reducing the average number of course attempts. As you can see, it is time for a change, and this model will keep costs lower for ALL students and increase our graduate and retention rates, both of which will increase the quality of our university. The Math Emporium does all the right things: it helps students master challenging material, it helps increase the retention and graduate rates at Kent State and it saves money for our students and university. Math departments across the country are seeing this model as a cost-effective way to help students be more successful in tackling students’ math problems. Robert G. Frank, PhD, is the senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost Kent State University.
Daily Kent Stater From Page 3
BASKETBALL No excuses for men’s basketball Junior guard Michael Porrini said for the team to redeem itself, the players need to get tough. “Everybody’s hurt, but we don’t have time to be hurt,” Porrini said. “There are a lot of aches. There are a lot of pains. My body’s wearing down, but everybody’s is. That’s how
From Page 3
VICTORIOUS Seniors win last regular season home game “I felt it was a game-changing shot for me because I had been playing terribly,” Humes said. “So if I play better, a lot of times the team feeds off of my energy.” After trading leads for a couple of minutes after, the Flashes ripped off an 8-0 run to take a
Thursday, February 24, 2011| Page A5 you become champions—fight through injuries.” Porrini said the team is also looking for more support from fans. “That’s what the team needs,” he said. “That’s what we want. There’s a lot of students that come, but we need to see more.” Fans can come watch the Flashes host Buffalo on Thursday and host Ohio University on Saturday at 7 p.m. The team is looking forward
to playing at home for the first time since Feb. 9, but Ford said it will be a difficult pair of games. “It’s a series that comes down to toughness, heart and pride,” Ford explained. “Those things are going to outweigh the basketball thing. I know we’re tired, we’re sore and we have guys who are sick. But nobody’s going to remember that. They’re just going to remember who won.”
54-46 lead with 6:20 remaining. Benson did her best to play spoiler late in the game, while finishing with a game-high 27 points. The Flashes would hold onto the lead from then on out until the final bell rang. The Kent State seniors walked off the court one last time during the regular season as winners. Senior Ellie Shields finished with 15 points on 5-for-6 from the floor, Humes had 12 points and six assists, senior guard Stephanie
Gibson had 13 points and Jones finished with a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. “We knew we couldn’t lose at home,” Jones said. “The last home game is important. It’s like the last time the fans see us play.” The Flashes travel to Bowling Green (23-4, 11-3 MAC) on Saturday for a 12 p.m. tip off on Sports Time Ohio.
Rachel Jones is the men’s basketball reporter.
Matt Lofgren is the women’s basketball reporter.
Page A6 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
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Employment COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH... Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming Franklin Square Deli Dispatch Just $8.00 Minimum—Evening Delivery 4:00-8:30 330-673-2942 WOW, IT’S THURSDAY Louisiana BBQ Pork at Franklin Square Deli Until It is sold out...See Why! Ray’s Tonight 7:30-9:00PM Bud reps at Ray’s Two tables set up to play Shoot for the Championship Winner goes to Cleveland to compete Winner from Cleveland goes to Las Vegas FREE Play TONIGHT at RAY’S Last quarter moon tonight 1st - 2nd - 3rd 4th quarter is all about Ray’s
Outpost on Route 43 Kent. Hiring all positions and entertainment. 330-678-9667
By Nancy Black 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.
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Nominate someone (or yourself) for a leadership award! Applications available now at CSI Office 226 KSC or www.kent.edu/csi. Applications due at 5pm March 4 to CSI Office. Winners announced April 18 at 6:30pm in KSC Ballroom COMEDY PERFORMANCE WITH BO BURNHAM Thursday March 3rd 8PM Ballroom - Kent Student Center $10 KSU Students (only at the MACC) $25 General Public (Ticketmasters) VOTE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS TUESDAY MARCH 8 Flashline.kent.edu BATTLE OF THE BANDS RATHSKELLER - KENT STUDENT CENTER 8PM MARCH 2, 9, 16 - FINALS APRIL 6 WINNER WILL OPEN FOR FLASHFEST! An awesome summer job in Maine! If you’re looking to spend this summer outdoors, have fun while you work, and make lifelong friends, then look no further. Camp Mataponi, a children’s summer camp, has positions available in Land Sports (lacrosse, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, field hockey), Waterfront (sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, life guarding, WSI, boat drivers), Ropes Course, Tennis, H.B. Riding, Arts & Crafts, Theater, Dance, Gymnastics, Video, Photography, Nurses, Maintenance, Cooking and more. Top salaries plus room/board & travel provided. Call us today, 561748-3684 or apply online at www. campmataponi.com 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 Full Time Service/Lot Porter Apply in Person Classic Kia 835 Classic Dr., Streetsboro. Drivers: Full Benefits Pkg! CDL-A, 1yr exp. Clean MVR, Steady Work history. OTR-Home Most Weekends. 2100-2300mi/wk. Shuttle Weekend 12hr shift. Moving trailers in the yard. 734-812-6646, apply at:www. whiteline-express.com Drivers: OTR Co. Drivers & O/O CDL-A with 2 Yrs OTR Exp Great Pay, Miles, Benefits and Home Time Passenger & Pet Policies 1-800-831-4832 X1402
large, clean, all appliances + FREE washer/dryer. 330-714-0819
NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 bedroom duplex available for Fall 2011 Near campus and bus route Starting at $350/month per bedroom Call Sweeney: 330-267-9336
All real estate advertised herin is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information. Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746 Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123 NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-554-8353 Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $525, $590, $780. 330-677-5577 For 2011 One Month Free Last Available. Close to Campus. Large apartment. Licensed, private parking, large yard, large front porch. 4 bedroom $1,300/$325 each. (330) 626-3957 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 KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3, 4, & 5 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900$1200 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330-329-1118 kentarearentals.com 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, condo-styled duplex, on two acres, $1100/mo. 330-221-4533 Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364 Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440
Aries (March 21–April 19) Today is a 6 — It may be one of those stuck days. Perhaps it’s time to take a break. Go on a vacation (mental or otherwise), or at least a long walk. Later things open up.
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a 6 — You’re full of things to say and express. Do it in a playful way, with music, dance or a science experiment. Be colorful. Let children teach you about joy.
Taurus (April 20–May 20) Today is a 7 — Life seems more complicated than it really is today. With a little bit of focus, you can handle anything that comes at you, one step at a time.
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is a 6 — Dedicate some of your time at home to make your place special. Clean up and organize your sacred spaces. Then you can invite someone over to dinner.
Gemini (May 21–June 21) Today is a 6 — The day starts off well, with new ideas. Later you find it difficult to concentrate. Don’t blame yourself. Channel your energy towards creative solutions. Cancer (June 22–July 22) Today is a 7 — If you start the day on the wrong foot, don’t worry, it gets better. You could always try going back to bed and getting up again on the other foot.
1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656
ATTENTION IRAQI, AFGHANISTAN, AND DESERT STORM VETERANS!
500 Tallmadge Avenue (VFW Pkwy, off of Haymaker Pkwy overpass), Kent 330-673-9367
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Affordable Housing!
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Visit or call for applications:
Today’s Birthday (02/24/11). Life’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get ... but you definitely have power over how many pieces you eat. Make this year about contribution, and you become more attractive than you ever thought possible. Be open to new flavors.
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The Kent VFW would like to offer KSU student veterans a FREE 1-year membership. The post is open and available to members all day. Use the VFW as a study hall to work on homework, hang out between classes, or take advantage of the free WiFi.
horoscope
Rent
Rent
1,2,&3 Bedroom Apartments Close to Campus Joe (330)310-1494.
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
1 & 2 bed apartments. Newly remodeled, all utilities paid except electric. Call for Valentine’s Day Specials! (330)678-0972 Beat the Price Increase! Reserve Apartment by End of February to get Last Year’s Price. 2-3 bdrm spacious apts. in Kent. Call 330-678-0823 Kent:Premium Victorian Apts, downtown, energy efficient, stylish! www.kentsuites.com/ (330) 6780925 AVAILABLE FOR FALL: 1,2,3 & 4 bedroom apartments. Call 330-678-7901 for details Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 7-8 bedroom house. Close to campus. 330-626-5910. Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 1,2,3,4 bdrm apts 3&4 bdrm townhomes Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Available Now Single Rooms Starting at $275 includes some utilities, 330678-3047. UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4/5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, Washer/ Dryer, available Fall 2011. $290 per bedroom.440-552-5840. djerina@ blmrentalproperties.com FALL: NEAR KSU 6 bedroom house, 1 block from campus. Large bedrooms, 2 full baths, full basement. Washer/dryer hookup. Large off street parking lot. Call Drew 440-821-3524 1 bedroom in a 3 bedroom house available immediately. $400/month utilities included. All appliances, nice condition. Call 330-673-1225 HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D. ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372 |UNIVERSITY TOWN HOMES 4-5 bedrooms 2.5 baths W/D Newly remodeled. ALL utilities included. As low as $285/mo/bdrm. www.university-townhomes.com 440-708-2372 KENT: 3 bedroom upstairs with one full bath, first floor is L-shaped living space with full kitchen and 1/2-bath. Useable basement. 1-car garage. No smoking. New carpet and paint. Close to amenities. $875/month. First month’s rent and security deposit. 216-570-9635 University Townhomes 4/5 bedroom townhomes available for Fall 2011. All utilities included, starting at $340. 440-336-6761 www.kenttownhomes.com. Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930
Now Leasing for June & Fall, a beautiful newer condo, 2 large bedroom, 2.5 bath, double car garage, central air, backyard deck. $375/student. 330-687-6122 Very Clean, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, gas, heat, water, appliances included. 330-760-1884
4 bedroom student duplex, $1300/month. Website: http://web.me.com/ allen291/ Cell: 216-536-3958. E-mail: allen291@me.com Now Leasing a House for June, a beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom $350/student, 330-6876122. Now Leasing for Fall, Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom twinplexes, 1 Block from KSU, 330-687-6122. Downtown Kent:1 & 2 bedroom apartments starting at $500. Free Cable & Internet. No Pets. Call (330)673-2110. 6bedroom house for rent, 1.5 blocks from campus and downtown, $1650/month. Additional basement apartment for $275. 330-298-0321 Brand New 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath house available Fall. Full appliances, $375 bedroom 1, $350 per bedroom 2 and 3. Close to Campus 330-6731225 1 or 2 Bed Duplex available August. Very clean, energy efficient, covered porch, private deck, W/D, free water. Less than 1 mile to KSU, quiet location, $600/month. Brian 330-8024000 ksuhouses@neo.rr.com AVAILABLE FALL: UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSE. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE REFRIG, DISHWASHER, WASHER/DRYER, A/C. $250.00 PER PERSON ; WWW.JLCASTO.COM CALL 330-688-7040. $495.00 FIRST 3 MONTHS. 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. jlcasto.com 330-688-7040 3 Bedroom apartment by downtown. No Pets. $900 + gas & electric. 330678-3557
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today is an 8 — You feel sexy today, and that’s okay. Others find your confidence attractive. Step out of your shell, meet new people and don’t be so serious. Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is a 6 — Your creativity still gets the attention, even if you slow down to more intimate thoughts. Write memoir essays or paint a self-portrait. Reflect on yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today is an 8 — When you’re relaxed, you’re more productive. Find the artistry in your work. Get things done earlier in the day, as later it may get busy. Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a 5 — A sense of tiredness fills the air. Get some rest, for your health. Take a siesta, if you can. Don’t be impatient. Things are moving along, even slowly. Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today is an 8 — Guard against being impetuous. Postpone daydreams for reality. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t waste money. Continue to increase work effort. Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20) Today is a 7 — Privacy is essential. An impasse appears with a loved one. They aren’t after the money. Consider that you don’t know the full story. It’s not personal.
Page A8 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
Ohio Senate to alter bill allowing wage bargaining Legislation receives positive comments, concerned criticisms COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican state senators said Wednesday they will support allowing unionized state employees to collectively bargain for their wages, a reversal of a bill provision that had drawn thousands of protesters to the Statehouse as part of a wave of demonstrations against similar legislation in Wisconsin and other states. The potential olive branch of negotiated wages comes in a bill that still would not allow unions to bargain for benefits, sick time, vacation or other conditions, Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus said. And the bill would permit no strikes for any public employee from the local level to the state, he said; such limitations exist in more than 30 states. Niehaus told reporters that lawmakers are pursuing the changes after listening to 20 hours of testimony on the bill, not because of the protests. “We’re looking at being fair with all state employees. We respect the work that the safety services provide. Again, you all know, this is a process. We debate, we listen to all interested parties, and that is what we have done.” Though the bills in Wisconsin and Ohio both would allow negotiations over wages but not benefits, there are several differences between the two. In Ohio, the legislation is supported by Gov. John Kasich but not written by him, whereas Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has been the face of his proposal. And Ohio’s bill is still before a Senate committee, while Wisconsin’s was
being debated Wednesday on the Assembly floor. Democrats in Wisconsin had to flee the state to block the legislation; the GOP in Ohio, though it controls a strong majority in the Senate, was grappling with opposition to the bill among some of its own more unionfriendly members. State Sen. Tim Grendell, a Republican from union-heavy northeast Ohio, sent a memo to Niehaus and others Wednesday expressing a host of concerns about the voluminous bill — including the fact it presented no replacement option to collective bargaining. “Civil service is not a functional alternative and will cost both the employee and the taxpayers substantial legal expenses,” wrote Grendell, an attorney. Niehaus, a Cincinnati-area Republican, said he doesn’t view the revisions as a compromise of the bill’s intent of reining in government spending by allowing governments more flexibility in dealing with their unions. Senate Democratic Leader Capri Cafaro called the changes “window dressing.” She said the bill needs to be scrapped. “We can’t grow Ohio’s economy by destroying jobs and attacking the middle class,” she said. “... Public employees in Ohio didn’t cause our budget problems and they shouldn’t be blamed for something that’s not their fault.” The state’s personnel agency suggested that keeping some sort of collective bargaining would be more cost-efficient than eliminating it entirely, said Sen. Kevin Bacon, the chairman of the panel handling the bill. He said senators are still determining what mechanism they would employ to resolve differences in place of strikes. The initial bill called for a ban on collective bargaining by
Walk Off in Rockwell
the 40,000-plus unionized state workers and union limits for local government employees, public safety forces, school districts, and public colleges and universities. Over days of hearings, it has drawn thousands of protesters to the Statehouse and prompted a visit by the Rev. Jesse Jackson; former Gov. Ted Strickland pledged to lead a ballot repeal if the bill passes. On Tuesday, a few thousand protesters were locked out of the Statehouse, state public safety officials said. No vote is scheduled on the proposal. Niehaus said amendments are due at noon Friday and a vote could come as soon as next week. Niehaus said it’s too soon to say whether safety forces would be exempted from provisions of the bill, as they were in Wisconsin. Protect the Protectors, a coalition of police and fire unions, formed this week to protest the pace and content of the bill. Democrats brought the father of Ohio’s 27-year-old collective bargaining law, former state Sen. Gene Branstool, to the Statehouse on Wednesday to share his historical perspective on the issue. He was also among those unable to get into the Statehouse on Tuesday. He said the law stemmed from labor unrest and strikes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. “An individual worker who does his 40 hours or whatever, it’s hard for him to represent himself alone, and this is a way that he can do that — and sometimes they need leaders,” Branstool said. “Other elements of our society, whether it’s the pharmaceutical companies, the banks, the insurance companies, payday lenders, all these guys have people looking after their interests. And this is a way that working people have a chance to look after theirs.”
Author creates fiction novel blaming Nixon for May 4 Caitlin Restelli
crestell@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater A California author is striving to bring justice to the May 4 events. Jerry Fishman created a book called “How Nixon Taught America to Do the Kent State Mambo: A Fantasy History of the Kent State Massacre.” He said he wants to publicize that there are still unanswered questions pertaining to what happened that day. In the book, Fishman said he uses fictional and non-fictional characters to point the finger at Nixon. A student and a professor are having an affair when they are suddenly taken to a parallel universe, where they are taught that intelligence leads to war making. Soon after, the two are dropped into the middle of Kent State’s massacre. Fishman, a semi-retired community college English teacher, said he had “superficial knowledge” about Kent State’s wellknown event. About two years ago, Fishman began writing his fantasy novel after reading a May 4 book written by a journalist.
“Once I read about it, I realized that it’s absolutely incredible that no one has ever gone to jail because of what happened,” Fishman said. The author chose to use a science fiction genre because he said it is alluring to many people. “(Readers can) learn about the event, while being entertained by the fantasy aspect,” Fishman said. “If you want to get at things or ideas, science fiction is one of the best ways of doing it.” After reading the book’s synopsis, Alan Canfora, one of the nine wounded on May 4, said he was very impressed by the author’s imagination. “ I re s p e c t t h e a u t h o r ’ s choice of genre,” Canfora said. “I think people should be free to use any means to help reveal the misunderstood tragedy of Kent State 1970.” Fishman said he believes the entire event was pre-arranged by Nixon. In the book, he places the blame on “Big Boy,” who he said is meant to represent Nixon. He accomplishes this by using an agent provocateur, which is a French word used for anyone hired by the government to stir up trouble to allow the government to come in and do some-
thing about it. “If I say the government murdered students, people will reject the idea,” Fishman said. “But if I sneak that idea into my science fiction book, oh, then maybe I’ve planted the idea without people rejecting it right away.” Laura Davis, a May 4 professor, said there are many unanswered questions about Nixon’s role in the shootings. Davis said she feels it “makes a certain kind of sense” to use the literary device that Fishman uses to offer an explanation. “I do happen to think facts are as compelling, as interesting, as fiction is,” Davis said, “but there’s a certain logic in what he’s doing.” Davis said Kent State May 4 is an extremely compelling story and, “we know that (it) has lasting significance in American history.” Fishman said this book is his way of grabbing Americans’ attention about May 4. “My book is simply an attempt to see that justice gets done one of these days,” Fishman said. Caitlin Restelli is the student politics reporter.
WINTER BRINGS RECORD SNOWFALL
26.8
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.5
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*104.0 TOTAL INCHES OF SNOW
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INCHES IN INCREMENTS OF 5 INCHES GRAPHIC by Kate Penrod | Daily Kent Stater
ANTHONY VENCE|DAILY KENT STATER
Loving the little black dress ABOVE: Crystalbel Iwuagwu, freshman biology major, walks in “The Little Black Dress Sophomore Walk Off” at Rockwell Auditorium Wednesday. RIGHT: Beata Fayankova, freshman pre-fashion design and marketing major, and A.J. Outman, sophomore advertising major, walk in “The Little Black Dress Sophomore Walk Off.”
Students debate importance of funding the military, education America’s mental wellness brought into question
Capps cited the Vietnam War as a circumstance in which America “took it upon themselves to use military might” to intervene in another country’s affairs. He said America keeps repeating its mistakes by deploying troops to Iraq. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” he said. “Is America insane?” The rebuttal then went to Dylan Sellers, senior Pan-African studies major, of the negative team. “The Founding Fathers understood the importance of a strong military presence,” Sellers said. He said a world without military is “wishful thinking,” and a military is imperative to keeping Americans safe, promoting general warfare and securing the sustainability of both a country and culture.
around us and instills pride (in us) about the knowledge we’ve gained,” said Braisha Owens, freshman pre-fashion design and merchandising major, for the affirmative team. “It can lead us to enlightenment,” she said, which is something the military cannot. Daniel Moore Sellers said, in closing, dmoore63@kent.edu that his team was not arguing Daily Kent Stater against the value of education but for the military’s ability to Both education and military comprovide that education for all pete for United States’ resources. free citizens of America. Two teams — one affirmative While the judges deliberated, and one negative — took on the Smollett addressed the audience challenging question of which about the true purpose of the debate. should receive more U.S. money “There are people out there and capital. trying to quiet our voices,” SmolBlack United Students, Advolett said. “But we’re bright, we’re cates of Cultural Knowledge and intelligent, we’re passionate. I feel Focus on the Future presented so inspired by all of you.” the “Kent State Debate: TransforSmollett said she is troubled mation Through Words” in the by statistics that say black boys Kent Student Center Ballroom born in 2001 are Wednesday. Actress m o re l i k e l y t o b e and activist Jurnee incarcerated in their “The Founding Fathers underSmollett (“The Great life than white boys. Debaters,” “Friday stood the importance of a strong “It’s not easy (getNight Lights”) modting a degree),” she military presence.” erated the discussion. said. “It takes a whole After SmolDylan Sellers | senior Pan-African lot of courage to be lett read the rules where you are now.” studies major and introduced the The judges returned members of each and deemed the negateam, the debate Counties without a strong mil- tive team as victors of the debate, commenced, with the pro-education affirmative team opening itary, Sellers said, are susceptible but Smollett said both teams to negative foreign influences that “brought it.” the floor. “There needs to be more of “The United States shouldn’t “take away sovereignty.” After the 10-minute opening young people like you to be be afraid of terrorists overseas; we should be afraid of remarks, Smollett permitted each leaders,” Smollett said. “There’s the ignorance living at home,” team a 7-minute rebuttal and a so much cleanup to do. Please, keep going.” said Edward Capps, freshman 5-minute closing argument. “(Education) helps create a exploratory major. “Nukes don’t Daniel Moore is the clear picture of all the things cure diseases.” diversity reporter.
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Christian bookstore carries a variety of books for all Logos Bookstore of Kent has gifts, special ordering Rachel Hagenbaugh rhagenba@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
Inside the doors of Logos Bookstore of Kent is a variety of merchandise for many different generations of Christian living. The store has been open since 1991 but changed locations twice, said Ann Cardos, manager and part owner. It used be located at what is now Campus Book and Supply from 1991-2001. It then moved to Stow until 2007. Now it’s located in a larger facility—a Victorian house in Kent on Main Street toward Stow.
MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
Logos Bookstore of Kent is located at 976 W. Main St. The store specializes in mainly Christian-oriented material.
Cardos said anyone can come in and find something to fit their needs. The store features books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry and greeting cards. All the cards Logos Bookstore of Kent sells are 99 cents. The store also has Bible editions of the games Outburst and Scattergories. The store’s niche is Christian and inspirational books, Cardos said. When deciding which books to carry, she focuses on books that appeal to a broad audience. She said she tries to carry books that are wellbalanced. Cardos said she also carries used copies of books when they are available. “While we’re a Christian store, we’re here for everyone,” Cardos said. The variety of books Logos Bookstore of Kent carries include fictional-suspense, Christian living, leadership, marriage books and books on different issues men and women face. Cardos said she tries to carry books that assist all the streams of Christianity. The store also carries books for children and teenagers. A kid’s room, on the second floor, features titles for ages 6 to 12. Next door is a baby room that has a variety of baptism gifts. There is a wide selection of Bibles to suit any reader’s needs. The type of Bible a student needs depends on their traditions, Cardos said. The “New Living Translation” is based on life application and is the most modern and accurate version. “The Message,” written by theology professor Eugene Peterson, is not the most accurate but is very modern and blunt in its interpretation.
“‘The Message’ is very conversational but does not diminish the deity of Christ,” Cardos said. The store also holds events with different organizations, Cardos said. In the past, fundraisers involved different churches, customers and pregnancy centers to raise money. Sometimes the events include author signings. On Valentine’s Day, Logos Bookstore of Kent hosted a party that included coffee, cookies and chocolate for the customers. Cardos said her favorite aspect of Logos Bookstore of Kent is matching the customers with their book needs. Sometimes a customer will come in and talk to her, and she can figure out what type of book is right for them. Cardos said the goal is to make Logos Bookstore of Kent a personal experience for the customer. If a certain book is not in the store, Cardos said she can special order it, and the book should come in within three days. She wants people to come in and feel at home in the store. Cardos said helping people in their lives through God is important to her. “It’s a great feeling to know that God is working through the books we sell,” Cardos said. Logos Bookstore of Kent is located at 976 W. Main St. Rachel Hagenbaugh is a features reporter.
Stow pizzeria features 2-D mural from local Standing Rock Cultural Arts artists New York to Chicago presents skyline of pizza’s city culture Alison Ritchie
aritchi1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Located at the end of a small plaza of shops, the walls surrounding the outside of the pizzeria are stark white. Those passing by wouldn’t know that the inside contains a haven to creative space – from the unique food to the incredible piece of artwork on one wall. New York to Chicago pizzeria on Kent Road in Stow opened Feb. 14. In addition to serving all-natural pizzas, the family-owned, dinein restaurant showcases a mural created by artists at Standing Rock Cultural Arts in Kent. “We tried to make it look quaint, different and unique,” said Nancy Long, a co-owner of the pizzeria. “We don’t want to look like the ordinary.” Nancy Long helped open the restaurant with her husband, Ken Long, and her brother, John Calanni. Her son, Ethan, a student
at Roosevelt High School, works in the shop alongside her. She said her family has operated several other pizza joints, but the idea for this particular shop began while they were living in Hilton Head, SC. “We wanted to do a different concept,” Nancy Long said. “Everybody wants New York pizza down there, so we said we would try that. But the other pizza capital is Chicago. So we said, ‘Let’s make both—New York to Chicago.’” When they found the right location, a generic mural of an Italian landscape, grape vines included, decorated the South interior wall. Ethan Long said the family wanted to personalize the wall to suit their style. But after searching through pre-made murals, the family approached Jeff Ingram, the owner of Standing Rock Cultural Arts, for a custom piece of art. Ingram assembled a team of artists and volunteers to create the 6-foot-6-inch by 30-foot artwork. “We just started brainstorming,” Ingram said. “New York to Chicago. What does that mean? That means there is a Chicago skyline in it and a New York skyline in it. It also means there’s transportation in it.” The end result contained all three concepts. The mural com-
prises two converging city skylines joined together by a setting sun and traveling taxicab. The colors are a subtle mixture of purples that fades into blues. The city streets are set in the 1950s, and although people are in the setting, the picture isn’t busy. Unlike other murals, this one isn’t confined to two-dimensional space. The car is a real cab that was restored, cut in half and mounted on the wall by Calanni. Cynthia Lynn was one of the lead artists for the project. She said she wanted the artwork to be interesting but also restful. She said she didn’t want a piece that’s “screaming at you.” Instead, the style is impressionistic. The two diners in the picture are reminiscent of Edward Hopper’s painting “Nighthawks,” which Lynn said she used as inspiration. The scene consists of other tiny details, such as a plane flying across the sky and a boy fishing off the dock. “We tried to make something to use your imagination with and create stories,” Lynn said. The six-week project took a total of 250 hours to complete. “It was one of those projects where we could have just gone forever,” Ingram said. “We could have just kept going and going, developing more characters, more
MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER
A mural created by artists from Standing Rock Cultural Arts is located within New York to Chicago Pizza. The mural was completed in six weeks by the restaurant’s opening on Valentine’s Day. cars. But it just came to a point where you could just spend so much time on this, and we felt it’s simple enough that you can enjoy it, but it’s not so complex that it distracts from what you’re doing
here. I hope that (the customers) feel how much art can enrich their lives and how creativity can be inspiring for their own creativity.” New York to Chicago is open Monday through Thursday from
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The store is closed Sunday. Alison Ritchie is a features correspondent.
Page B2 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
thismonth Cajun Dave’s Monday: $6.50 1-topping, 8-slice pizza Wednesday: $8 Buttermilk fried chicken dinner with two sides Thursday: $2 tacos Friday: $9 BBQ platter
Diamond dogs: a tribute to david bowie | House of Blues 9:30 p.m. Red horse | The Kent Stage 8 p.m.
mcguffey lane | The Kent Stage 8 p.m.
needmore | Musica 6 p.m. Gabriel iglesias | Akron Civic Theatre 7 p.m.
M.C. ESCHER: IMPOSSIBLE REALITIES | Akron Art Museum sarah kabot: unfolding space | Akron Art Museum Grease | E. Turner Stump Theatre 8 p.m. Becky’s New Car | Actors’ Summit Theatre 8 p.m.
Hall Pass Drive Angry 3D Brotherhood Of Gods and Men Heartbeats The Gracecard
Franklin Square Deli
topping Pizza $5 Philly Steak Sub $5 Chicken Hoagie Sub $5 Any Pizza Pita 4-5-6-7 deal: $4 JoJo’s and any Pizza Pita $5 JoJo’s and Regular Gyro $6 JoJo’s and Burger $7 JoJo’s and any Sub Wacky Wednesday: $5.50 Large one-item Pizza (Pick-up only)
Monday: Meatball Italia Tuesday: Deluxe Fried Bologna Riverside Wine Wednesday: Kent’s Best Reuben Happy Hour 4 to 7 p.m. every day Thursday: Louisiana BBQ Pork Monday and Tuesday: No corking Friday: Caprese Grilled Cheese fee Saturday/Sunday: The Wild Turkey
Euro Gyro
Water Street Tavern
Every day specials: $5 Small one-
$7 Miller Lite pitchers
FEBRUARYSpecials $3 (you keep the shot glass) Jack Daniels shots $3.50 Orange Tootsie Pop bombs $3 Apple Pie and Cherry Pie shots Tuesday: Ladies Night – DJ Donkis and $1 drink specials Thursday: $1 Budweiser select bottles
The Loft $7 Pitchers of Bud Lite $6 Pitchers of Natural Lite $8 Pitchers of Labatt $1.50 Bud Lite mugs $1.25 Natural Lite mugs $3 Rocket Pops, Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo, Long Beach, Girl Scout Cookies $2.50 Pineapple bombs and Cherry bombs
Dominick’s $2 Pabst pints $3.50 Stella pints $2.50 Grape bombs and Cherry bombs $2.50 Miller Lite pints
Buffalo Wild Wings Beer of the month – Bud Lite
157 Lounge $2 Miller Lite bottles $3 Mango bombs Wednesday: $3 All glasses of wine $10 Bottles of wine Every day: 4 to 9 p.m. $5 signature martinis
YouTube a capella singing sensation to perform in Kiva Amy Cooknick
acooknic@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The Maccabeats, a renowned a cappella group, will be performing in the Kiva at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Ricky Marcus, director of Jewish Student Life at the Hillel, said the Maccabeats are an all-male a cappella group from Yeshiva University in New York City. Their hit song, “Candlelight,” a Hanukkah-themed parody of “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, vaulted the group to YouTube stardom last year, earning them guest
appearances on the Today Show, CBS Early Show, CNN and more, according to maccabeats.com. “They’re a fantastic a cappella group,” Marcus said. “We’re up to almost 300 tickets sold, so we’re expecting a pretty goodsized crowd.” Marcus said he is the facilitator of a student-driven effort to bring the Maccabeats to Kent State. He said he had never heard of the group before his students started asking if they could try to book the a cappella sensation for a campus show. “They’re pretty hard to nail
down to a specific date because they’re in pretty high demand,” Marcus said. “We had originally requested one date and, while we were waiting for our confirmation, it got taken by another school. So we were lucky to get them when we did.” Seating in the Kiva is limited, so Marcus encourages everyone to reserve tickets ahead of time at kenthillel.org. The cost for children 18 and under is $10 and $15 for adults. Students with a Kent ID get in free. Marcus said Hillel is also offering group rates for parties
of 20 or more and to call him at 330-678-0397, ext. 108 for reservations or e-mail hillel@kent.edu with any questions. “We’re really excited that (the Maccabeats) are coming,” Marcus said. “It should be a really good event for the university. Good times, good fun, good music and a great experience.” This will be the Maccabeats’ only local performance of the year and is presented by Hillel at Kent State. Amy Cooknick is a features reporter.
Racy MTV teen drama causing controversy ‘Skins’ has many companies pulling their advertisements Alexis Pfeifer
apfeife3@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater After premiering on MTV Jan. 17, “Skins” has raised controversy on whether the show is supporting child pornography, causing at least nine companies to pull advertising from the show. With the show containing topics relating to sex, drugs and alcohol, organizations including Taco Bell, Wrigley, General Motors Co. and Subway have pulled their advertisements from the show with more following suit. “Skins” is a wild ride through the lives of teens discovering adolescence, according to MTV’s website. Controversy has risen due to the
characters’ ages and the extremes the show introduces. Although the show airs at 10 p.m., organizations, such as the Parents Television Council, argue that teens are still hooked. MTV calls “Skins” an emotional mosh pit that slams through the insanity of teenage years. Performed by cast members as young as 15 and as old as 18, sex scenes and nudity are a regular part of the show. Because the cast contains actors younger than 18, critics challenge MTV as to whether or not the show contains child pornography. Not only is there a scene with one character, Stanley, walking down the road naked, but the story line also involves teens experimenting with sex and drugs. “(I don’t watch the show) because basically it is promoting underage drinking and girls to be as slutty as possible,” said Allie Alder, freshman communications studies major. The nudity scene is one that
has caused an outbreak. Because the actor is only 17-years-old, PTC argues that this may be a child pornographic scene. “I think (the show) could be controversial based on what I saw,” said Courtney McCallum, freshman pre-speech pathology major. “But I also thought it was sort of unrealistic in a way because I don’t think all teens go around and party like that.” PTC also believes the show could be influencing teens negatively. However, a Kent State student argues differently “It would only really influence weak-minded teens,” said Serene Henkel, sophomore fashion design major. “Drugs, sex, alcohol — you can find these three things anywhere in the media these days.” Although the show reached 3 million viewers for the premiere episode, only half returned for the second. “Maybe the show shouldn’t be on in America, and I suppose
Americans aren’t ready for a mildly racy television show,” Henkel said. The American version of “Skins” is based on the original series produced in the U.K. Although there is little difference between the American version and the U.K. version, the major difference is how the show has been received. With all the controversy in the U.S., the U.K. version was well received. Maybe it is because the U.K. may be more relaxed about the topics brought up in the show, or the American version may be more risqué. “All I can say is that it’s a TV show, not real life,” Henkel said. “People shouldn’t take it so seriously.” As critics, including PTC, continue to argue with MTV, the producers have stuck by the show refusing to take it off the air. “Skins” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on MTV. Alexis Pfeifer is a features correspondent.
Thursday, February 24, 2011 | Page B3
Daily Kent Stater
First attempt ‘Hall Pass’ doesn’t lack laughs at perfection Natalie Moses
nmoses1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
Adrienne Savoldi
asavoldi@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Tom Rachman’s first novel is not perfect by any means, but he certainly presents a good first attempt. “The Imperfectionists,” tells the story of 11 people, mostly journalists, who find it difficult to be reporters when the media world is more competitive with the rise of the Internet. The novel focuses on a newspaper, stationed in Rome, which was started primarily for a woman its founder loved. The paper reached its “golden age” when the founder died, and his son replaced the editor-inchief with someone who knew how to create a well-developed paper. The new editor-in-chief, however, is ill equipped to deal with the changing technology, especially since the current owner of the paper has no head for business and pays more attention to his dog than his work. The paper does not even have a website. Signs of trying to keep oldfashioned journalism alive are everywhere in the novel. Lloyd Burko, an older correspondent who lives in Paris, has no computer and does not fully grasp that technology is changing and that to survive in the journalism world, he needs a computer. Ornella de Monterecchi reads every article in the newspaper, which means it takes her a while to read through each paper. While the rest of the world experiences September 11, 2001, Ornella is still trapped in the Cold War. The biggest problem is that these people allow their personal problems to interfere with their jobs at the newspaper. When obituary writer Arthur Gopal loses his beloved daughter in a tragic accident, he throws himself into his work, which he never did prior to losing his daughter. Unfortunately, he starts getting his work on track just as the paper is on the verge of closing. Kathleen Solson, the editor-in-chief, struggles at work when she discovers her husband’s infidelity. Hardy Benjamin is not only doing her job as a business reporter, but also caring for her much-younger
Photo courtesy of MCT
and unreliable boyfriend. These are only some of the colorful characters who grace the pages of this book. At first this novel seems to move slowly and has a difficult time holding attention, mostly because the reader is clueless as to what’s going on. By the time you reach the middle of the book and names sound more familiar and you actually know enough about the characters to care, it makes the novel read smoothly. Overall, the character development is good, but each person only gets one chance to tell the story from his or her perspective. Although each character’s story reveals facts about other characters, the chapters have cliffhanger endings. The reader may not find out what happens to the other characters until the novel’s epilogue. This can be disheartening, especially if you like a certain character. This book is clever with what it conveys about journalism in an ever-changing world of computers and technology and the ways people access their news. It is especially relevant to those considering journalism fields because so many newspapers are going online and replacing paper. This novel is Rachman’s first, and he did well for a first attempt. Thus, there is an expectation that his next novel will be an even better read than this one. Adrienne Savoldi is a features correspondent.
It seems like most comedies today are average. Not good, not bad, just giggle-worthy. The funny stuff is reduced to what you see in commercials —you laugh along but no quotes stay in your memory. After spending an arm and a leg at the ticket counter, you leave the movie theater thinking, “It doesn’t beat ‘The Hangover.’” That is why “Hall Pass” is a breath of fresh air to comedy lovers. It’s not the average disappointment. As soon as the audience is introduced to Fred (Jason Sudeikis) and Rick (Owen Wilson), it is clear that these are two painfully average guys. They are stereotypical, dorky suburbanites who, at one point in their life, were probably considered hot shots. Now they have settled down and are married with steady jobs, and Rick even has three children. Still, boys will be boys, and they can’t keep their eyes off the ladies. They believe that without wives, they could be living the dream with as many girls as they want,
no strings attached. For extremely inappropriate yet hilarious reasons that will leave you laughing and gasping for air, both men push their wives far beyond their limits. The girls are so fed up that they give their husbands a week off from marriage, which is Rick and Fred’s idea of a golden ticket. Now these two middle-aged men — in Polo shirts tucked into cargo pants with high, white socks — hit the town in search of chicks. Needless to say, they struggle. That situation alone is funny, but seeing the shenanigans and sticky situations these awkward, goofy men manage to find is priceless. As with all modern films, the night ends up in a high-speed police chase essential to a blockbuster. Picture a family-style minivan with the words “HORNY OLD MAN” spray-painted on the side, spattered with bullet holes and an angry DJ clinging to the top. If you think this is too hilarious to imagine, just wait to see the twisting chain of events that led up to it. With this movie, you do get the added bonus of a nice story line in addition to some shock-
Photo courtesy of MCT
ingly hilarious footage. Yes, it is a little far-fetched, but it doesn’t drag, and the funny material on the commercials does not do it any justice. The surprise factor is what makes it so entertaining. One minute you’re looking at a guy in a gym, and next thing you know, you’re buckled over in laughter wondering if what you just saw is even appropriate for an R-rated film. It definitely earns an A-, but
I think the audience is more interested in my three most important questions: Would you recommend a friend to see it? Absolutely. Would you see it again? If it happened to show up on campus for free again, yes. Can it compare to “The Hangover?” Close, but no cigar. Natalie Moses is a features correspondent.
Radiohead remains king with new album Brittany Nader
bnader@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater A surprise video launched Friday to promote Radiohead’s new album, “The King of Limbs.” A shadowy, silhouetted figure dances with odd contortions and interpretive movements to a haunting echo of music. This eccentric dancer is, of course, Radiohead front man Thom Yorke. The video in question is a stark art piece that accompanies the album’s fifth track, “Lotus Flower.” Yorke appears as an honest and vulnerable character who dances with a spastic, funky rhythm. “Lotus Flower” compliments this captivating performance with beats reminiscent of “15 Step” and the wistful melody of “Nude” from the band’s 2007 album, “In Rainbows.” Like “In Rainbows,” Radiohead again offers fans easy accessibility to its new music with an instant online download of “The King of Limbs.” The band released the digital album Feb. 18, a day earlier than expected, exciting fans with a new element of surprise and a “go green” mentality. Although the band’s new album is cohesive with its last release, it is a refreshing and colorful collection of sounds devoid of over-thought concepts or hurried filler music. Radiohead put time into this release, gathering a diverse blend of surprising inspiration. “The King of Limbs” is a musical collage of beautiful tex-
Photo courtesy of MCT
tures and chaotic patterns. Even though a sparse eight songs fill out the album’s track list, “The King of Limbs” takes listeners on a long ride of whirring 808s, enticing vocal arrangements and sleepy guitars. Yorke’s melancholy lyrics accent the album in a unique and soothing way, and the band’s sleek drums and subtle energy show a fluid, modern evolution of Radiohead’s music and the true artistic value of its craft. The disc begins with “Bloom,” a frantic piece strung on the thread of classical instruments and Yorke’s familiar drone. “Morning Mr. Magpie” and “Feral” are up-tempo and layered with musical precision, bringing to mind an odd mix of claustrophobic energy and samba
instrumentation. “Codex” is an atmospheric piano piece that echoes tracks like “How To Disappear Completely” from 2000’s “Kid A.” “Give Up The Ghost” and “Separator” close the album, highlighting guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s musical finesse. Radiohead managed to turn a mere eight songs into a substantial collection of sounds that accents the band’s ear for originality. Fans of 1997’s “OK Computer” may be disappointed to hear a lack of lyrical focus and raw instrumentation in this new release, but Radiohead’s sound has shifted in a modern direction befitting of the new millennium. Drummer Phil Selway’s beats
have evolved from the 90s rock of “Pablo Honey” to electric and complex in “The King of Limbs.” These beats serve as metronome, ticking faster with the changing times. Radiohead branches out with this release while remaining rooted in its essential foundation. The album is available for online MP3 download at thekingoflimbs. com for $9, and in full CD quality WAV format for $14. Customers can also pre-order a specialty “newspaper album,” which includes the two clear 10-inch vinyl records, CD and a digital file, as well as over 600 pieces of artwork, for $48. Brittany Nader is a features correspondent.
Page B4 | Thursday, February 24, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
Schools can’t be saved by Superman Documentaries have a way of making people think and act perversely. “Waiting for Superman” aimed to show how school systems and teachers were responsible for the lack of academic growth in the United States. However, it fails to acknowledge the many other factors that go into a child’s education. Since 1971, American children’s reading and math scores flat-lined. Only 35 percent of children in Ohio are proficient in either subject. Some of the blame falls on the school systems, but it is difficult to reform schools because it needs to be done one school district at a time. Schools have to follow federal and state laws but also have rules at the district level. No school system operates the same. Another fault the documentary pointed out fell on teachers’ unions and tenure teachers. Some teachers with tenure are not successful teachers, but firing them is nearly impossible. The movie claims that one in 57 doctors loses his or her medical license, one in 97 attorneys loses his or her law license and only one in 2,500 teachers loses his or her teaching credentials. So far, all the blame falls somewhere in the school system; however, the documentary fails to point out the external factors that also affect a child’s ability to learn. The typical family household is not like it used to be 50 years ago. The divorce and unemployment rates have increased, which forces students to stress about the status of their families. It’s difficult for students to focus on academics when their only meal comes from the school cafeteria. The teen pregnancy rate has also increased. Students’ priorities go from higher education to raising a family. Children are turning into adults at earlier ages and abandoning some of the fundamental stages of development. Another factor people ignore is that some children simply don’t want to learn. Fifty years ago, those who didn’t want to apply themselves in school learned how to work in factories and on farms. In modern-day America, all students are expected to pass high school and go to college. The fact is it’s a waste of time. Schools are over-crowded. Teaching high school students who do not want to learn is time consuming and
Rachel Hagenbaugh takes attention away from those who want the help. There will always be students who drop out and don’t want to learn. It’s a shame, but the focus needs to shift to students who want to proficiently reach the next level of education. By trying to pass every student through school, two things are happening. First, students are not getting the attention and education they deserve. Second, it’s pushing kids along who are not actually capable or competent enough to move on to the next level. I was always in the high-performing math class from elementary school through graduation. When I was in eighth grade, I began having problems. I saw math as a burden, and my scores began to plummet. I used to be an A- student in math, and by ninth grade, I had a C- average in math. Somehow I made it through geometry, trigonometry and calculus without comprehending a single theory. Guessing became my method of passing. Thankfully, the lack of knowledge in higher math did not hurt me in the long run. However, students face the same situation and pass grade school, middle school and high school with no comprehension of basic math or reading skills. Some students who reach ninth grade aren’t even at a fifth grade reading level—they were pushed through the system. These students will continue to be behind in school, but will continue to pass and will eventually be behind in life. With overpopulated schools, teachers do not have time to concentrate on this overlapping problem. The lack of proficiency in America is difficult to address for all of these reasons. Students at Kent State need to remember how important education is and how lucky they are to be in college. There are many ways students can take the initiative to reach their full potential. Students need to strive for success simply because they have the opportunity to. — Rachel Hagenbaugh, features reporter.
T
he shuffle option is perhaps the greatest feature of my iPod. I never know what music I’ll be in the mood for from one moment to the next. These are not necessarily the best songs put out by these artists, but they are ones that I can listen to a hundred times and still be just as enthralled as the first time I heard it.
RADIOHEAD The King of Limbs | “Lotus Flower” The band released its eighth studio album as a digital download this past Friday. Compared to the prior album, “In Rainbows,” this one felt stagnant, and it left me feeling disappointed. However, the song “Lotus Flower” offered texture and variation, something that many of the other songs lacked. Check out Thom Yorke’s insane dance moves in the song’s music video on YouTube, and for kicks-and-giggles, watch the same video paired to Beyoncé’s song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
The white stripes White Blood Cells | “Fell in Love with a Girl” Since their announcement earlier this month, I’ve been pining for “The White Stripes.” Like a naïve schoolgirl whose boyfriend stops returning her text messages, I really should have seen this breakup coming. Sure, there are other fish in the sea, and Jack White has a host of other projects—The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather—to fill the vacant whole in my heart, but I still haven’t healed. The post-break up remedy: a pint of cookie dough ice cream and the best song off their third album.
Sufjan stevens The Age of Adz | “The Age of Adz” I keep waiting to hear a Sufjan album that I don’t immediately like. I expect him to take his inventive music style too far and eventually loose me. But so far, that moment hasn’t happened. “The Age of Adz” was released in October 2010. Sufjan is known for his incredible instrumentation. The last song on the album, “Impossible Soul,” lasts a whopping 25 minutes and 34 seconds. The title track has an introduction reminiscent of what a madscientist would play in his lab. With this song, Sufjan challenges music conventions and dares other artists to keep up with his brilliance.
Dr. dog Fate | “The Breeze” I’m shocked at how few people have heard of this amazing group. Dr. Dog began as a local band in Philadelphia. Now, they have released five studio albums and tour nationwide. Their sound is a throwback to 1960s pop rock, like the Beach Boys and the Beatles. The fourth album, “Fate,” doesn’t have a bad track on it, but the first song, “The Breeze,” has tight vocal harmonies and an expertly layered arrangement.
The Pixies Doolittle | “Gouge Away” In middle school, I had an obsession with the Pixies that was borderline unhealthy. I prayed for a reunion tour, and in 2004 it actually happened. Kim Deal, the bassist in the band, is originally from Dayton, Ohio, so the group usually plays a few of shows in Ohio while touring. Where Is My Mind” is arguably their most popular song, and those who frequent Thursday’s Lounge in Akron know that song usually ends the night. But “Gouge Away” best encompasses the band’s talents.