KSU students, staff and faculty all know the “crazy sign guy” that stands on the corner of Chastain and Frey. Despite his misspelled words, his signs stand for hatred against all women and adultery.
Wednesday | May 1st
Friday | May 3rd
- Last Day of Classes
- School of Music | Student Recitals | Bailey Performance Center Morgan Concert Hall | 2:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- KSU Owls vs Western Carolina Baseball Game | Stillwell Baseball Statium | 5:00 p.m.
- First Day of Final Exams
- Student Government Association | General Meeting | Student Center University Rooms | 3:30-4:45 p.m.
- Student Recital : Zac Evans, Saxophone | Bailey Performance Center Morgan Concert Hall | 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- KSU Community and Alumni Choir Performance | Bailey Performance Center Morgan Concert Hall | 8:00-10:00 p.m.
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Samantha Machado
On Sunday, March 24, Georgia native Phillip Phillips put on a concert in Kennesaw for a packed house at the newly named, Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Upon his win during American Idol season 11, he released his first single, Home. Showing off his guitar and vocal skills, the song debuted on the Billboard hot 100 top-ten Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia, went on to record his first album, The World from the Side of the Moon. With American Idol’s contract, Phillips is under 19 Entertainment/ Interscope Records throughout the beginning of his journey as a musician. Phillips, 22, went through medical problems while on American Idol and even refused surgery at one point, suffering from a kidney condition that makes his body produce stones too big to pass naturally. He surpassed these challenges, which led him to the American Idol finale and to filling the KSU Stadium with his newfound fans. Churchill, a band out of Denver, CO, had a kaleidoscopic sound that transitioned smoothly while opening for Phillip Phillips. Churchill prides itself on letting their songs write themselves instead of being forced. Concluding their set, the stadium was on edge knowing Phillip Phillips would be next. As he walked to the stage in the center of the field, everyone, one by one cheered as they noticed it was in fact him. The stadium was packed with KSU students, family, friends and fans from all over the state. KSU students seemed particularly excited for the American Idol winner’s concert to start. “We came because we love watching American Idol and saw him on there,”Tori Hicks, sophomore and Early Childhood Education major said. Likewise, other students seemed to agree and compared their expectation of the night with previously seen concerts. “I think this concert will be more low-key and that’s what I like. I don’t like being in a huge crowd with a lot of people I don’t know,” junior and Communication major, Hillary Tapley said. Others knew exactly what to expect from watching American Idol all season. “I watched him on American Idol and I thought he was really cute and really great so I decided I was going to come,” freshman and Biology major, Sarah Crabtree said. Despite each attendee’s reasoning for coming to the concert, security and event staffs were there to direct and make sure everyone enjoyed his/her time. Employed by KSU, the event staff crew has the important job of making each person feel like a guest. Night Owl Productions is a Registered Student Organization at KSU that looks to aid in the potential chaos of University run events. “We come out and facilitate the events to make sure they go off smoothly by checking tickets and ushering people to their seats,” Josh Pate, senior and English major, said. “When they [Night Owl Productions] called me, they asked if I wanted to work Phillip Phillips and I said sure why not, I’m always looking for more work.” With the help of Night Owl Productions among other security and emergency crew personnel, the night ran smoothly. Phillips opened the show showing off his guitar skills and getting the crowd ready. For two hours, Fifth Third Bank Stadium was immersed with the new artist’s first album that may be his track to a long career which is just what he wished. “I always knew I wanted to do something with music but I never knew what it would be,” Phillips said. He must be sure now that he has found his niche as hundreds of fans scream his name watching him on stage. His tour spans over two months visiting many college campuses around the United States. When asked why he was touring the college crowd he replied very simply. “In my opinion, I wanted to tour the college scene because that’s where you build your fan base. Building relationships is important to me so for me, having to connect with people that are around my age is important” Phillip Phillips said. His life on American Idol was truly just that, surreal and eye opening. He spoke on his transition from normal life in Georgia to American Idol to then a fame filled life. “People are watching you a lot more, in not just you but in your lifestyle. You’re life definitely changes but it’s been good,” Phillips said. Concluding with Home the song he sang at the American Idol finale, the crowd was on their feet dancing and singing along. He even came back onstage for an encore consisting of his own take on vintage and new rap songs. For more songs like his cover on Michael Jackson’s Thriller and his originals, Gone, Gone, Gone and Home be sure to download his album available on iTunes. Sending out good vibes throughout his time on stage, the concert was a true success. The next event at the Fifth Third Bank Stadium is the Magnetic Music Festival on April 20.
Following the baseline of the original The Wizard of Oz, Walt Disney takes on its own version, Oz the Great and Powerful. Sam Raimi, Director, projects his own vision for a new take on the 1939 film. The film has a whimsical air about it with no shortage of magic. The main character is Oscar Diggs, played by James Franco. Diggs starts the movie as a small-town magician with many character flaws. “He starts off as selfish and a bit of a womanizer; it blinds him of the love of the people around him” Franco said. Throughout the film, Diggs runs into many magical characters that lead to many twists in the story line. Three witches, played by Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams, are curious why he was brought to the Land of Oz. Oz the Great and Poweful is a mix of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. While many of the characters were in doubt that Alice was the one and only Alice, the same goes for the characters in Raimi’s Oz the Powerful and Great. When Franco was brought the script for the film, he was curious as to how Disney would make his role different than the ones played predominately by women in comparable films. “I wanted to make sure it was not a male version of Dorothy” Franco said, “Because he [Oscar Diggs] was pretending to be someone he’s not, he gets himself into a lot of strange situations.” While it is a combination of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, Franco also spoke about his concern with the new and refreshing film and about getting himself into character. “I want to make sure they were being loyal to certain things about Oz and that it had a fresh take on it” Franco said, “I have to figure out what that that role is and how I best fit into that role.” Oz the Great and Powerful certainly has its share of epic problems that face Diggs. Raimi had the vision to teach the audience through a storyline instead of in the classroom. “The best thing stories can do for us is show us the way without preaching and teaching. There is a simple beauty in friends coming together and that is what this movie is about” Raimi said. Teamwork was apparent in the film between Raimi and Franco, which started with their time together throughout the Spiderman trilogy. “I have known Sam for over 10 years, he is one of my favorite directors to work with, when I was with him in Spider-Man I was a supporting character…Sam identifies with my character now so I felt his love working on this film” Franco said. This transforming film touches on all magical ends of the spectrum. Following the magician and conman, Diggs, and his journey through Oz, it is a guarantee new take on a Disney film. Oz the Great and Powerful comes to theatres on March 8.
This past week at KSU, the College of the Arts hosted the 2013 Festival of New Music at the Bailey Performance Center. There were four nights of performances, each displaying the multitude of talents of KSU faculty and students. The theme that fueled the originality of the various pieces was 12 months of collaboration of composers, the Atlanta community and national artists. All of this was made possible by Co-Artistic Directors David Daly and Laurence Sherr. The World Premiere of “The Child Project” featuring gloATL and Sonic Generator marked opening night. The performance, which included some of our very own KSU students, was a unique and memorable event for the Kennesaw community. During the performance, many of the performers came into the audience, adding somewhat of a 3D effect. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Faculty Artist Showcase took the stage with an exciting setup of new and old faculty members displaying their passion for music. Laurence Sherr said, “Collectively, these collaborations plumb the deep pool of KSU faculty talent and display their dedication to the music of our time.” When asked about his favorite piece, Avery Sharpe, a third year theater major, said that David Lang’s Little Eye stood out to him the most. This piece was inspired by the ‘I spy with my little eye’ game that kids play during long car rides. “I really enjoyed this piece because, number one, I really enjoy games, and secondly, because the sounds produced were so raw and organic. It brought a new twist to what I usually am inclined to hearing,” Sharpe said. The Orchestra and Wind Ensemble brought a wide range of talent on Feb. 14. David Kehler, KSU’s associate professor and Director of Bands, was honored to work with Michael Markowski in this exceptional collaboration. This performance was made possible by eight college wind ensembles coming together to help fund Markowski’s new work, “Remember the Molecules.” One of the distinctive pieces that stood out in this performance was an upbeat opener called “Mothership.” “Mothership,” directed by Mason Bates, portrayed the orchestra as a mothership that is visited by multiple soloists. Each soloist performed brief yet intriguing works that included electro-acoustic orchestral figuration. The night of Feb. 15, KSU’s College of the Arts hosted So Percussion, a modern percussion ensemble with group members, Eric Beach, Josh Quillen, Adam Sliwinski and Jason Treuting. Through the use of wood planks, white noise and ceramics, this was the perfect ending night of the 2013’s festival of music. KSU’s 2013 festival of music was a definite success. The hard work of collaborating with different talents was easily seen in each performance.
Choreographer Michael Pink takes on the challenge of “Dracula” as it returns to the Atlanta Ballet at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Pink was able to bring in the darkness and infestation of the story, as well as the romance and sexuality that comes along with it. This iconic ballet demonstrates the skill and athleticism of the cast members. It is not without the digital effects to make this production a great performance. From the Dracula type full moon and bats, the digital work adds to the dark and ominous feel of the production. The dancers easily convince the audience of their roles with the passion in the stomping, kicks and moves they perform. The storyline starts with Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania and undoubtedly his encounter with Dracula. By the end of the story, the audience witnesses Dracula cast his spell over three cast members: Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra. Each has their chance to escape the wrath of Dracula through the chance of a different trip or mythic legend. Inevitably, it is Dracula’s graceful dominance that overtakes each dancer’s soul. Count Dracula, played by John Walker, a KSU Dance and Arts Administration student, displays his menacing role through perfect posture and flawless choreography. Walker’s entrance of Dracula is smooth and tranquil despite being a dominating powerful character. Act I concludes with the infatuation of blood from dancers Yoomi Kim, Jackie Nash and Alessa Rogers. In Act II, the skillful choreography is displayed with over 20 dancers on stage orchestrating around each other. There is not a scene where the poise and elegance of dance is not held to the highest standard. Every attendee should come ready to jump out of their seat at the end. The sound, orchestra and props work to make sure each audience member is thoroughly scared. It only makes sense with Valentine’s Day approaching to see this detail-oriented production of a star-crossed love for blood. While the “Dracula” will be running Feb. 8-16, College Night will be Friday, Feb. 15 at 8pm. Tickets are $20 using the promo code: COLLEGE.
KSU’s growth is important no matter a person’s affiliation with the community. KSU’s Alumni Association is always looking for more involvement which is why the club, Clutch Council was founded. Named in relation to the KSU Owls, Clutch Council was named because a clutch is a group of baby owls. Clutch Council was founded by Maegan Graham, KSU student and Founding President, to help the Alumni Association grow. Graham describes her goal to help increase the commitment of the KSU community. “Currently 3 percent of our alumni are connected, meaning only 3 percent are giving back to KSU. Clutch Council was designed to start this connection now,” Graham said. Graham’s drive to found Clutch Council came after working with the Alumni Association for over a year. After seeing the percent of alumni giving back, Graham decided to look further. After finding other universities that had a club similar to Clutch Council that created involved students before graduation, the response to postgraduate donations, increases dramatically. With the mission of making students grow their relationship with KSU before graduating, Clutch Council aims to keep that relationship after graduation to further the donations. To become a Clutch Council member, a donation of 10 dollars is required. Once a member, Clutch Council advertises for the Alumni Association by various KSU events. To create the ideal relationship, Clutch Council gives each member the opportunity to attain a mentor related to the student’s area of studies in their journey through KSU. Most students’ main goal is to develop the best resume before entering the work field. Clutch Council gives every member the opportunity to learn the skill sets. With no GPA or major requirements Clutch Council is truly beneficially to every striving KSU student. “As a small club, we have formed a close bond and have learned not only from mentors, but also from other members’ experiences,” Graham said. These bonds are made through various events and meetings throughout the school year. The opportunities are endless for Clutch Council members. Graham expressed her passion for the young club.
The ERA, Equal Rights Amendment, is one of many that are taken advantage of throughout history. Not only has it affected the workplace, it has affected each home. In the Jan. 1976 edition of The Sentinel, Chris Cash wrote how the ERA is misunderstood. From the time that is known for social progression from political to economic liberties, the potential equality was too much for some. With the threat of misunderstanding the amendment, Cash describes the amendment to further convince KSU students to support the ERA. “Let me emphasize that the ERA applies only to governmental action. Purely social relationships between men and women will continue to be what the individuals make it,” Cash said. With the main fear that men and women would not allowed to talk in the workplace, Cash sought to settle those fears. Though the ERA had been introduced almost every session of Congress, it took 49 years to order become law. The second fear was attaining to the social changes at home. If women were allowed equal work, the bread winner could ultimately be either parent. “The amendment would simply require equality. In States where the law provides for alimony only for wives, courts could award alimony to husbands as well, under the same conditions that apply with respects to wives. Mothers and fathers would be legally responsible for supporting their children, as is usually the case under existing law,” Cash said. Having just ended the Vietnam War a year prior, the decision was left to define what “equal” means. “Perhaps the uppermost question in the minds of women in whether she will subject to the draft,” Cash said. The potential earns from a job, but the inevitable death from war, was a decision the students of KSU had to decide if they favored or not in 1976. The 70s were a time with many social differences than the way lived now. “The ERA means and the major effects will have. It will not require the abolishment of separate restrooms nor will it suddenly acknowledge homosexual marriages” Cash said. While social changes were on the prowl, the extent of the social change was in air. By the end of every year, it is natural to want to change things. With the beginning of a new year it seems like a perfect time to start new trends. One of the most popular trends is to spend more time with friends and family. If you are stuck on what to make as a New Year’s resolution, a few KSU students have shared their inspiring resolutions. “My New Year’s resolution is to pray more this year. Whenever I become stressed, I often forget to pray for help,” Junior Communication major Andres Diazgranados said. “However, it can lead me in the right path. So I chose to lean to this resolution to help me for 2013.” While the religious route may not be for you, another popular resolution is weight loss. While you would not tell by looking at Junior International Business and Spanish major Brandon Comer, this KSU student has lost 103 pounds so far and has set his goal to continue the weight loss in 2013. “My resolution is to get in shape and work on my relationships with others,” Comer said. “I saw things I could improve in my personal life that would have a positive effect on myself and others.” With losing weight a common resolution for this time of year, gyms are offering free memberships. As Comer also mentioned, working on relationships is also a popular resolution. While we are busy with class, work and extra-curricular activities, time spent with others can often be pushed aside. It is when we are losing our minds and having a break down that we realize how important those relationships can be. Being busy is great when it is toward a common goal, but Junior Communication KatyBeth Trotter has found it hard to be on time while balancing school and work. “My New Year’s resolution is to be on time,” she said. “I am chronically late to everywhere I go.” Other popular New Year’s resolutions are helping others more, getting organized and quitting smoking or drinking. Among all these resolutions, the main goal is the same: self-improvement. When making a resolution, it is important to make a list of how you plan to achieve the goal. There is no point in making a resolution if you have no plan for how to achieve it. As the New Year and new semester start, how will you improve yourself? Roommates can be challenging. While movie nights and game days can be fun, the mess that accumulates between those fun nights can create a tense living situation for all involved. While getting into college usually marks the date for moving out of your parent’s house, the challenges of living with non-family members often does not hit until the first night away from home. KSU Housing does its best to match students with roommates who have similar situations, often by class year. This does not always end up well. “I love living away from my parents and the freedom that comes with it,” Junior Early Childhood Education major Kristin Zbikowski said. “My roommates are awesome. Living with your friends is like a slumber party 24/7.” Positive experiences like this do not come without a cost. Living on campus with roommates, KSU Housing mandates paying rent. But for those who live off campus with no written agreement regarding rent, can pose a problem. Nobody wants to live with someone that does not pay rent. “I’ve lived with four different sets of roommates now,” said Senior Psychology and English major Alyssa Varhol. “Some have been great and some have been awful, but they’ve taught me a lot about how to get along with people.” The key to living with roommates is structure. While “everything is everyone’s” is an easy rule to make in the beginning, it does not end well in most situations. Setting rules, like always asking to borrow someone else’s property and establishing cleaning arrangements, curfews and quiet hours, are necessary for ensuring that friends will remain friends after being roommates. It is also important to think about repercussions to breaking the rules. While an imaginary slap on the wrist may be enough for some roommates, a punishment of cleaning the kitchen or common room may work better to ensure a happy living space. KSU Housing circumvents many of these potential problems through a formal agreement sheet completed and signed by each occupant. This sheet serves as a constitution of s orts for roommates based on mutual agreement for ground rules in the room. A simple trick that can keep everyone in high spirits is to say a simple “hello” to each other. This simple gesture can do a lot to keep everyone on good terms in the long run. Resident assistants, or RAs, are employed by KSU Housing to KSU residents resolve civil conflicts. RA Staci Cook has had much experience dealing with different roommate complications. “The key to peace among roommates is timely, patient communication. Roommates who are able to tell each other, ‘It bothers me when…’ and agree on a solution always have a better experience,” Cook said. Communication is clearly essential in every relationship. Having seen every type of roommate situation, RAs do their best to make each set of roommates have an enjoyable living environment. “It’s when roommates think they can get over it or are scared of confrontation who have the roommate stories that can be made into horror movies,” Cook added. Whether students live on campus or off campus, a noise complaint about laughter is always better than a complaint about fighting. |
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THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER OF KENNESAW STATE