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DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of the University of New Orleans
Volume: 58 Issue: 6
driftwood.uno.edu
Degree in Debt Loan debt mounting for college students Liz Trahan
Driftwood Staff
Death, taxes and student loans – the only things certain in life. The first two are common as life’s certainties, but student loans are also inescapable – even if the student is dead or bankrupt. Despite being ranked ‘least debt’ by the US News and World Report for the fourth year in a row, University of New Orleans students have not escaped student loans. The report showed UNO was ranked second in the country, behind Yale University, in having the least students graduating with student loan debt. Still, 19 percent of UNO graduates leave the university with a debt of $19,957. Although school is behind her now, debt is not. Recent graduate Lindsey Molin struggles with the aftermath of a college education. “I’m overwhelmed with how much I owe,” she said. “I’m nervous I can barely get through paying interest. It’s been over a year since I graduated, and I just got my first full-time career-like job.” Collectively, United States students owe 1.2 trillion dollars. Student debt surpasses credit card debt and is second only to mortgage debt according to WHO. Student loans are unique because unlike any other loan, the payments are inescapable. The loan cannot be forgiven in any circumstance. In the event of death, the debt can be passed on to family and can also be garnished from wages or social security. Hannah Bollich made sure to choose a lucrative major when she returned to UNO as a grad student. “Paying off my loans is a huge concern,” the genetics counseling
major said. “It was a big determining factor when I was considering what I wanted to go back to school for. I didn’t want to pick something that would cost more money to get than I would be able to pay off when I got out. You would almost be better off in a low paying job and not have a pile of debt rather than have a job that pays a bit better.” In a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) interview with Anya Kamenetz, author of DIY U and Generation Debt, Kamenetz said students in the past viewed debt an investment for the future, but the current economy raises concerns. “Tuition has grown more than any other good or service in the entire US economy since 1978. The average is now around $25,000, and some are going much, much higher than that. College graduates are facing a really tough job market that equation and uncertainty it involves has started to make a lot more people doubt the conventional wisdom,” said Kamenetz. The threat of student debt has finally reached a focal interest in the government, but solutions are daunting. On June 9, Senator Mary Landrieu addressed the United States Senate with a few concerns. Landrieu encouraged Senate support for HB 4852, the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act and the Middle Class CHANCE Act. The legislation would allow students to refinance loans at a lower interest rate and stipulate a four percent student loan interest rate cap. The bill would also increase
the annual Pell grant award to $8,9000, allow students year-round funding and extended to 15 semesters. “I firmly believe that this is the time to invest in the education of our workforce, not deplete its resources,” Landrieu said. The senator blames the state’s drastic budget cuts — $700 million since 2008 — for the increase of student debt. “If students are going to succeed in the 21st century global economy, we must do everything we can to make a college education more affordable,” Landrieu said. Angela Kamerer-White has been out of school now for three years while taking care of her grandmother. Kamerer-White used student loans to help pay for tuition and expenses while studying at UNO. She admits the payments are a financial strain. Kamerer would encourage students who consider borrowing to be smart. “Read everything before sign-
ing, and as tempting as it is to keep your refund, return it,” she said. “You can pay the interest while in school to minimize your debt when you graduate.” Molin didn’t learn until she was nearing graduation that she could have been paying on her loans all along. “I found out at the end of my senior year of college that I should have been paying interest the entire time I was in school,” she said. “I would have made the payments throughout college if I had known.” Look for the student loan Insider tips in the next issue
What do you know about taking out student loans? Hannah Guillory Freshman, psychology
“I don’t need them now, but I will because I will have less scholarship in the future.”
Issac Fulton Graduate, psychology
“I know they have interest, and it’s going to be a long time before I pay it all back.”
Victoria La Freshman, Pre-Dental hygiene “My dad told me not to take them because I’ll have to pay them back. I don’t have a job, and my parents aren’t going to pay them.”
Tim Piglia Sophomore, Exercise physiology “Not very much – I’m on the GI bill.”
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
NEWS
New heath care administration program to benefit UNO students and New Orleans Liz Trahan Driftwood Staff
With the expansion of the health care administration program, the University of New Orleans is moving closer to fulfilling the promise of becoming an urban university. UNO officials even offer assurances that jobs will be waiting for its graduates of the program. John Williams, Dean of the College of Business, said he believes in the quality the college offers. “We are confident in our programs. We create jobs. They will get a job at the end of our education; that’s what we offer.” A recent statement from University of New Orleans President Peter Fos listed 14 criteria of an urban university, emphasizing the relationship between the university and the city. The College of Business Administration is a prime example as they expand to fill New Orleans with UNO graduates. UNO’s College of Business Administration (COBA) is the largest college of business in the state of Louisiana, and it plays an important role in the tourism and service industry in New Orleans. Now it is expanding further into the medical field by offering a bachelor’s degree in
adjunct professors will be hired health care management. The College of Business al- in the first year and an additionready offers a master’s of science al faculty member in the second in health care management. The year. program is interdisciplinary, in The program is expected to that it approaches the medical attract more incoming freshman field with a business focus and and transfer students, with a skill set. strong prediction that it will proThe program includes facul- vide employment immediately ty from the Louisiana State Uni- after graduation. Williams said versity Health Science Center he expects the curriculum will in New Orlebe finalized in ans, College the next few “We are confident in our of Business programs. We create jobs. They weeks. AdministraWi l l i a m s will get a job at the end of our tion of the explained, education; that’s what we offer.” “the program University of - John Williams New Orleans is a reaction to and lectures Dean College of Business the industry.” from the He refers to healthcare field. the nation’s increasing interest In late August, UNO publi- in health care. cally announced the addition The World Health Organizaof the program days after the tion reports that the US spent Louisiana Board of Regents 17.2 percent of the gross domesgave its approval. tic product in 2012 on healthWilliams said the program is care, and it’s expected to rise. unique because “it will have the “There is a national dilemma, business core and very specific a dearth of employees available. health care courses, along with The program will help to fill the an internship in the health care void for employees and healthprovider setting, which is ex- care,” said Williams. tremely important for the proEven in New Orleans, health gram.” care providers anxiously await The new health care program fresh graduates. The biomediwill begin in Fall 2015 and bring cal corridor on Tulane Avenue many new faces to the universi- is not complete, but it’s already ty. A director, advisor and two searching for employees. Wil-
liams expects the new corridor will demand thousands of jobs. “That facility alone is already getting ready to hire, and it’s not even open. The array of jobs is just enormous,” said Williams. COBA’s expansion continues with the addition of an online master’s degree in hotel restaurant and tourism. Again, the college offers a strategic response to the needs of the market. The degree caters to professionals in the industry who are seeking further qualification and ensures flexibility to those who cannot relocate to New Orleans. The HRT program is deeply imbedded in the city. Williams said, “our intent is always to work with the immediate industry in New Orleans, with 80 percent of the students in the bachelor’s program and 90 percent of the students of the master’s program already working in the industry. ”It’s the finest combination, combining the practical and the theoretical together” said Williams. The master’s program has even received international attention from Brazil, India, France, Germany and Ecuador. “They are coming to us,” said Williams, “the industry loves us because they stay here.”
Campus Events Hospitality Career Fair The Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism, the UNO American Hotel & Lodging Association Student Chapter, and the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association are hosting the third annual Hospitality Career fair on September 25 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Kirschman Hall Atrium. Meet face-to-face with more than 20 employers currently looking to hire or network with insiders for future jobs. All majors are welcome. For more information email Dr. Kim Williams at khwilli3@uno.edu or call 504-280-5503 Phi Kappa Sigma Ultimate Frisbee Phi Kappa Sigma will be hosting ultimate frisbee on September 25 from 7-9 p.m. on The Quad. For more information contact Mark at uno@pks. org. Weekly Taiwanese Culture and Language at UNO The Taiwanese Student Association at UNO will be holding their Taiwanese Culture and Language program on October 1 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Milneburg Hall. This weekly program consists of ten courses (two hours per week) that including Mandarin Chinese lessons and topics on Taiwan. For more information contact Mr. Dai at sdai@uno.edu. UNO’s This I Believe II Part of the This I Believe II program; students, faculty and administrators will be reading aloud from personal “This I Believe” statements on September 30 from 5-7p.m.
Our View
Exercise your right to vote
C
ommercials are all over TV, signs are up in yards and billboards and newspapers seem to be a little thicker with more ads – it’s definitely election season. Even though it’s a mid-term, it still is no less of importance than any other election. Whether we as United States citizens are choosing a president or a small property tax to fund construction of a new library branch, casting a ballot is one of the rights our founding fathers worked so hard to obtain. If we as Americans choose not to go to the polls on Election Day, we are doing a disservice to those who came before us to secure such a right as well as those who are fighting on the front lines today. The primary congressional election will be held November 4 with run offs on December 6. Many University of New Orleans students call Orleans Parish home and can vote with a short drive across town. For those who live in Louisiana but outside of the greater New Orleans area, there are two options. One, take a trip home for Election Day or during early voting October 21 through October 28. Or two, request a mail ballot from the respective parish’s registrar of voters. The deadline to request the mail ballot is October 31, and it must be returned by November 3. But the first thing to do before pulling the lever (or pushing the button on the new digital machines), is register. The deadline to register to vote to be able to cast the ballot in the November primary is October 6. To qualify, applicants must be a U.S. citizen; at least 17 years of age but 18 by Election Day; not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony; not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights; and reside in the state and parish of which applying. Registration can be completed online at www.sos.la.gov or your state’s secretary of state’s website. In Louisiana, in person registration is available at the office of motor vehicles; department of social services; WIC, food stamp and Medicaid offices; deaf action centers; independent living offices; or armed forces recruitment offices. Applicants will be required to prove age, residency and identity by showing a current Louisiana driver’s license, birth certificate or other documentation such as a utility bill, payroll check or governmental document showing name and address. Stay up-to-date with Louisiana election news by downloading the Louisiana Secretary of State’s app Geaux Vote.
OPINIONS
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 3
Perspective
A college degree just isn’t good enough anymore Christy Lorio
Editor-in-chief
Experience-it’s one of the things employers look for in job applicants. As students, we enrolled in school to gain the knowledge needed to kick start a career. While pursuing higher education just for the heck of it would be nice, the reality is the majority of us have to work. Some students might think a college degree is the golden ticket; getting one means landing a dream job, paying off student loans, buying a house and living the American dream. Enjoying success in our prospective fields, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as walking across the stage in a cap and gown to accept our diplomas. For the past 16 years I’ve bounced between retail and waitressing jobs before coming back to school to finish my bachelor’s degree. (If you’re doing the math, yes, I am firmly in my 30s). I’ve worked with college graduates at every job I’ve ever had-- some even earned master’s degrees, and two of my former bosses are law school graduates. I can’t speak for my former colleagues, but I think they would agree; a college degree is not a guarantee. As Editor-in-Chief of the Driftwood, new students e-mail me every week wanting to contribute to the newspaper. The ones who show up for weekly meet-
ings, pitch story ideas and seek help with developing their skills are the ones we call upon when stories need to be written and photographs need to be snapped. In other words, the reporters and photographers who take initiative are the ones gaining valuable experience. We have everyone from engineering to English majors on staff. Some will pursue journalism careers, but even if their names never appear in an off-campus masthead, working under deadline, interviewing people and exposure to the newspaper’s day to day operations can be applied to a variety of workplace situations. Even at a student newspaper, we don’t have time to hunt down reporters to cover a story. I aired my grievances to a newspaper editor friend of mine, and she confirmed what I had to say: freelance writers who don’t turn their work in on time aren’t asked to contribute again. It’s safe to assume that full-time staff members would be fired for such lack of professionalism. No matter what career path you choose, once you’re out there in the working world, your boss won’t be as impressed with your commendable GPA if you lack strong organizational skills, don’t get along with your coworkers, or fail to turn reports in on time. Upon graduation we will enter the workforce with thousands of other college graduates. The Lumina Foundation- the nation’s largest private foundation
focused solely on increasing Americans’ success in higher education- reported a 0.7 percent increase among all adults with a college degree from 2011 to 2012. A report by the Pew Research Center, a non-profit, non-partisan fact tank, shows 33 percent of the nation’s 25-29 year olds have earned a four year degree, up from 28 percent in 2001 and 17 percent in 1971. With this influx of college graduates, the competition for jobs is tougher than ever. To stand out in a sea of job applicants, work on establishing connections within your field now and gain experience outside of the classroom. Don’t wait until you graduate to start building your resume; get involved in both on and off campus organizations that could expose you to key people in your field. It’s not enough just to join a club for the resume filler-- become an active member as much as your school and work schedule will allow. The more glowing references you have, the better your chances for employment. Shameless self promotion: Driftwood is always looking for writers, photographers, graphic designers, layout people and ad sales people. Get in touch by e-mailing me at driftwoodeditor@uno.edu or stop by University Center 252 to find out how to get involved.
THE DRIFTWOOD UNODriftwood UNODriftwood UNODriftwood
The Driftwood is the student run official publication for the University of New Orleans. It is published weekly and distributed at 24 newsstands on and off campus on Wednesdays. The newspaper does not publish editions the week of midterms, finals, Thanksgiving and fall break. All submissions are subject to editing by Driftwood Staff. The driftwood office is located in room 252 of the University Center, 2500 Lakeshore Drive University Center 252 New Orleans, LA 70148 Staff may be reached by phone at 504-280-6377 or email driftwoodeditor@uno.edu or online at www.driftwood.uno.edu. Ad sales inquiries should be directed to driftwoodads@uno.edu
Staff Christy Lorio Editor in chief Kristi Martin Managing Editor Abraham Thacker Business Manager Pawan Aryal Layout Editor Ashley deBaroncelli Visuals Editor Aviayna Thomas Copy Editor Kerry Leigh Pittenger Office Manager Willie Marsalis Distribution Manager Vickie Kennedy Faculty Adviser
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
NEWS
Local Organization Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Lake Pontchartrain Clean Rachel Friedman Driftwood Staff This past Saturday several University of New Orleans student volunteers joined the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and over 1,500 other volunteers for the annual Beach Sweep presented by Toyota for a city wide cleaning of all watershed into the basin. Andrew Adams, the leader of the Earth and Environmental Science Department Green Team, and other members of the green recycling team joined two other University of New Orleans student groups for the Beach Sweep. “We normally participate every year in the event. We had to clean drains on the University of New Orleans campus. They were pretty clogged, so we made some good headway for protecting this area and in improving the drainage”, Andrew said. The area that was picked up by the students extended the entire campus from Leon C Simon Drive to Lakeshore Drive. The group was able to collect six large trash bags full of trash as well as four large trash bags of recyclables. “It’s more than just a trash pick-up,” JoHann Burke, the education coordinator for LPBF said. “We’re helping to stop marine debris in our waterways.”
The trash that is picked up by volunteers on the day of the Beach Sweep is from ditches, street curbs and storm drains in and around the city. The trash that is collected is quantified, recorded and turned in to the state and the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization that hosts the international costal clean up. Following the clean-up, Toyota with the LPBF hosts a celebration picnic at the New Canal lighthouse on the lakefront for the volunteers. Toyota has sponsored the event since 2005. Brad Dupuis, area general manager at Toyota, was there to help at the event and said, “This event that we’re hosting is significant to the lake. Today is also about the volunteers. This is in support of what they do for the lake.” Camly Tram, a senior student from Ben Franklin High School, which is located right next to the University of New Orleans campus, also decided to volunteer for the beach clean-up. “I chose to volunteer because it’s a little way to help the community. And with it being so close to school, we will be able to see the direct impact,” she said. The reason for starting the Beach Sweep for the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation was to increase stewardship to
Lights & Sirens Charles Nicholson Driftwood Staff • At 9:30 p.m. on September 12, a complainant realized he was not in possession of the university keys issued to him. •At 6:30 a.m. on September 5, a victim parked her car in the administration parking lot and found it damaged upon return at 12:40 p.m. •At 10:45 a.m. on September 8, a victim left his book bag outside of a restroom and found it missing upon return. No location was given. •On September 8, a victim parked her car in the Privateer Place apartments lot and found all four tires flat upon return at 4 a.m. on September 9. The investigating officer did not find any holes or punctures, leading to the assumption that the air was let out. •At 5:58 p.m. on September 11, an officer witnessed a motorist
Rachel Friedman/Driftwood Staff
Beach Sweep Celebration picnic presented by Toyota at the New Canal Lighthouse. keep the city clean and to keep the beach clean. The lighthouse has recently reopened and has been operating for the past eighteen months since being rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. Once a coast guard rescue base, the lighthouse has now become a
research and education center for the basin. Since opening its doors in April of 2013 to the public, they have had approximately 10,000 visitors. There are many opportunities year round to volunteer at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. The
foundation is currently looking for more coastal volunteers who also help with planting trees, giving tours, and fundraising. The volunteer form is up on their website at http://www.saveourlake.org/. Click on the online form to see available options to get involved.
Einstein a la mode
driving recklessly and nearly striking a pedestrian at a crosswalk on Founders Road. When confronted, the driver reportedly had no license, license plate, insurance or registration. He was arrested and booked on said charges. •At 1:33 a.m. on September 12, an officer witnessed a motorist speeding through the Human Performance Center parking lot. The driver was stopped with the assistance of two other police units on Elysian Fields Avenue near the Shell gas station. He was arrested on a charge of reckless operation of a vehicle. •At 10:15 a.m. on September 19, an officer was enforcing the parking code in the B.A. parking lot when he discovered a student’s car that had 3 stolen decals affixed to it.
Students and faculty in the Chemistry Department demonstrate how to make ice cream using liquid nitrogen in front of the library.
FEATURES
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 5
Kid at Heart: let your inner child run free Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff University of New Orleans students may be classified as adults on paper, but sometimes releasing the inner child is just what adults need to decompress after a long day of class or work. There is truth in every worn out cliche, this mid-term season, keep in mind that laughter is the best medicine. Find that amusement with the following local childhood activities that are still crowd pleasers and not as dangerous to our adult bodies as climbing trees or doing cartwheels.
City Park – One of the greatest
places to be a kid at heart in New Orleans. From picnics to rowboats, museums and attractions, there is a little bit of everything in City Park. Two places designed for everyone’s inner child are Carousel Park and City Putt. Carousel Park - 7 Victory Ave, New Orleans 70112. Open 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays $$ The $4 admission includes access to Story Land and the Botanical Gardens. Traditional fair rides (Ferris wheel, carousal, etc.) are $3 per ride or $17 for an unlimited ride wristband. City Putt - 8 Victory Ave, New Orleans 70112. Open: 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., Sundays, Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. until midnight, Fridays and Saturdays $ City Park’s newest attraction features two 18 hole mini-golf courses. One course is Louisiana themed, the other course showcases New Orleans’ culture. Play one course for $8 and get the second course for $4.
Bowling - One of America’s fa-
vorite pastimes for families, groups or dates. Colonial Bowling - 6601 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan 70123. Open: 8 a.m. until midnight, Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. until 1 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays; and 10 a.m. until midnight, Sundays. $ Colonial Bowling is the traditional alley with inexpensive bowling, plenty of lanes, balls, snacks and pitchers. The grill food inexpensive and typical of a bowling alley. Soft drinks and beers are typically less expensive than at a grocery store. Rock ‘N’ Bowl - 3000 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans 70118. Open: 11:30 a.m. until midnight, Mondays through Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays $$ Rock’N’Bowl is New Orleans’ hybrid - part bowling alley and part concert venue with a bar and grill. The place gets packed, but waiting for a lane isn’t bad when a great band is playing. Check the calendar to sync bowling night with a preferred band because cover must be paid regardless.
Roller Skating – Take a trip
down junior high memory lane and couple’s skate under the romantic glow of a disco ball. Skate Country - 1100 Terry Pkwy, Gretna 70056. Open skate: 9 p.m. until midnight, Thursdays (adults 20 years and older only); 7 p.m. until 11 p.m., Fridays; 1 until 11 p.m., Saturdays; and 1 until 10 p.m., Sundays. The rink also holds speed races for different age groups. Skater’s Paradise - 1421 Gause Blvd. Slidell 70460. Open skate: 7 until 11 p.m., Fridays; 1-4 p.m., 7until 11 p.m., Saturdays; 1 until 4
Surries can be rented for scenic self-tour around City park. p.m., 7 until 9 p.m., Sundays. $ This place super affordable even on a student budget! Skate sessions cost $4 to $6 and the skate rental is only $1. The rink offers skate lessons for beginners and space for speed skaters.
Racing - NOLA Motorsports
Park offers go-kart racing unlike any from the pre-teen stage of childhood. NOLA Motorsports Park - 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale 70094. Hours: 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., daily $$ NOLA Motorsports’ adult gokarts race at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Racers compete with each other in 10-minute sessions around
a track with twists and turns. The price per session ranges from $15 to $25.
Shooting - Get out of the sea-
sonal rain and heat in the magical, air-conditioned oasis of laser tag. Both laser tag facilities offer additional entertainment from minigolf and arcade games to bumper cars. Adventure Quest - 1200 Clearview Pkwy, Suite 1106, Harahan 70123. Open: 4 until 9 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., Saturdays; 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Sundays $$ Adventure Quest has various attractions including an arcade, bumper cars,
Fashion Forward Richard Desil
Sophomore, Electrical Engineering Describe your style. New York based fashion. Where do you shop? I just moved down here. I get most of my stuff from New York. Image by Christy Lorio
When you look good, you feel good. Our roving photographers are documenting students with a unique sense of style.
Aviyana Thomas/Driftwood Staff
cosmic (glow-in-the-dark) mini golf and an outdoor maze. The individual costs of each attraction can add up quickly, but the facility offers “fun bundles” so a player can try one of everything for less. Laser Tag of Metairie - 8855 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie 70003. Open: 4 until 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. until midnight, Fridays; 11 a.m. until midnight, Saturdays; 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., Sundays $$ This large laser tag arena has different levels and hiding places. The bumper cars have an unusual twist- they spin rapidly while moving forward and backward.
#UNOProud @April_unoOL Congrats to all of the men who accepted IFC bids today!! #unoproud #Greeklife @UNOPrivateers Congrats to @letizia_titon on her top ten finish at the LSU Invitational! Finished her 5K in 19:35:38! @_OPTIMUS_FINE_ Paying too much money for these wifi malfunctions. #UNO18 #UNOproud @melodyshine01 Chemistry department doing liquid nitrogen ice cream outside the Library @uofno #unoproud @UNOLead Congratulations to LC Emily Bevolo on her new sisterhood !! #UNOProud #GoGreek @thedailycaleigh @pjmckinnie proposed on UNO’s campus yesterday making us truly #UNOproud @UNO_Chemistry Chem majors: an important announcement was just sent to your UNO email. NEW scholarship opportunity! Check your campus email! #UNOProud @UNO_COLA If you have any friends considering UNO, make sure they know about our open house in November! #UNOProud
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
SPORTS
PERSPECTIVE
LSU Bandwagon joined Kristi Martin Managing Editor I have never been a fan of college football, especially LSU. I’ve just always been of the belief that students and alumni should fans. I didn’t go to LSU, therefore I shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon of “Geaux Tigers”. I’ve often joked that if you see someone in a Tulane shirt, it’s because they went to Tulane. But if you see someone in an LSU shirt, they probably went to Walmart. Blasphemy, I know. But you can retract your claws because I am now of a different opinion. I went to my first LSU game Saturday, and despite the ugliness of the game (and a little lack of planning), the experience in itself was pretty amazing. Tiger Stadium is quite a spectacle - it reminds me of the South Park episode where the boys built the ladder to heaven. I think LSU will continue adding seats until it reaches the cloud city. Anyway, I will definitely be going to another game when I can get my hands on the much-coveted tickets, and this time, I will be better prepared. I learned a lot this weekend. For anyone who will be experiencing LSU for the first time this season, here’s my list of tips for a successful trip. 1. Drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission. I’m still driving a five-speed, which I love, until bumper-to-bumper traffic. My left
Kristi Martin/Driftwood Staff
The LSU Marching Band from Tiger Land performs at halftime during the game against Mississippi State Saturday night. The Tigers lost 34-29. calf muscle looks amazing after this weekend. 2. Purchase any game attire the day before the game. It was not fun battling Tiger Mania at the Mall of Louisiana a few hours before kickoff. I should have went to Walmart. 3. Unless you are planning on tailgating all day long and arriving at 6 or 7 a.m., do not, I repeat DO NOT, attempt to drive on campus. Those flashing signs advertising parking for $40 are liars. We had to park 1.8 miles from the stadium in a field next to some falling-in houses manned by an old guy dressed in white sitting on the trunk of a white Cadillac. It seemed legit. 4. Bring a bicycle. In the event
you have to park 1.8 miles from the stadium, you don’t have to hurriedly walk or jog to get to your seats before kickoff because you didn’t allocate the time it would take to find the right shirt. 5. Avoid I-10 if at all possible. After the game is the best time to roll the windows down and cruise the backroads. Even if they are one lane through a swamp. You will find your way back to civilization at some point. All hassle aside, I was completely awed by everything about it. The noise, the crowd, the band… It’s rare I’m at a loss for words, but LSU football is just something you have to see for yourself.
From the sidelines Privateers cross country teams have strong performances at LSU Invitational The New Orleans Privateers cross country men’s team finished third place behind LSU and Southeastern at the LSU Invitational at Highland Road Park on Saturday, September 20. The team scored 98 total points with the help of two top-20 finishers including Blake Robertson, who had the highest finish of all Privateers. Robertson finished 16th out of 54 overall runners with a time of 16:34.97. Clayton O’Callaghan and Edmund Pine performed strongly and finished 20th and 23rd respectively. O’Callaghan clocked a time of 16:53.80 while Pine finished the course in 16:59.84. Letizia Titon, a member of the women’s cross country team continued her strong individual campaign. Titon finished ninth out of 48 athletes in the women’s 5K with a time of 19:35.38. Against conference competitors from Southeastern and Nicholls, Titon finished third among all Southland runners entered. Callie Willcox followed with a time of 21:09.43, and was 18th among all attached runners and 22nd overall. The Privateers finished sixth as a team with 116 points. The next meet is the Watson Ford Invitational in Clinton, Miss. on Oct. 3. Privateers volleyball team defeats Grambling to close Sugar Bear Invitational The New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (5-8) fought back from
a first set loss to defeat Grambling State (1-10) on Saturday, September 21, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-18, 25-17). Leading the way for the Privateers were Mikayla Sellers-Wiebe, Taylor Berry and Rondolyn Bryant as each notched over 10 kills in the match. Sellers-Wiebe led all with 13, followed by Berry and Bryant with 11 and 10, respectively. In the dig department, it was Lauren Levy atop the team with 13, followed by Celeste Ramirez with 12 and Sellers-Wiebe with 11. New Orleans fell behind in the first set to Grambling State, and was unable to rally back within reach to make a comeback. After the set, the Privateers regained focus and raced out to a 19-11 lead in the second set before claiming it, 25-14. In the second set, New Orleans received a strong effort from Bryant with 4 of her 10 kills for the match coming in the second frame. The Privateers second set win set the tone and New Orleans continued its tirade in third with Berry and Sellers-Wiebe combining for 10 kills to help lift the Privateers to a 25-18 victory. With a 2-1 set lead, the Privateers kept in sync and built a 15-10 lead in the fourth set before coming away with the 25-17 victory. Grambling State did rally late in the fourth set, but it was too little too late as Brooklyn Frank provided the match-ending kill. New Orleans returned home Tuesday for the Southland Conference home opener versus league and regional rival, Southeastern.
LAGNIAPPE
Wednesday, September 24, 2014 7
App of the Week: Outlook Web
Do you frequently miss important school emails? Outlook Web App allows students to connect to their school email accounts directly from any mobile device. Send and receive emails on the go to remain productive anytime, anywhere. Credentials are securely stored so users always stay logged in and pop up notifications will announce any new emails, even when the app is closed. Download the Outlook Web App and never again miss important emails about new campus opportunities, information for a homework assignment or if a professor cancels class. Contributed by Dennis Burns
ACROSS
22 “This I Remember” au- 8 Nickname for American troops during WWI thor 3 “Roughing It” 24 Her blue dress was in- 11 Barack’s eldest 13 First Lady, Secretary of 4 Lincoln’s assassin; last criminating 25 Nixon’s nickname State, potential President name 15 “First Lady of the Land” 6 Supreme Allied Com16 Pierce, but not Mildred mander DOWN 9 Nancy’s hobbyhorse 19 Planned Parenthood 10 Other than the AIDS cri- 1 Abe’s son; convinced Mary founder 20 Civil War hero, then unassis, Reagan’s biggest blunder she was crazy 12 Lincoln, _________, 2 Advocate of the strenuous suming President life 21 Set the precedent for gay McKinley, JFK. 14 Silent ______ 5 Shot himself in the mouth politicians 17 Nagin’s predecessor pending trial for tax misap- 23 Post-Kennedy surname 18 Attacked with a hammer propriation Answers revealed in next in the City of Brotherly Love 7 America’s fattest president week’s issue.
•A coffee pot is a coffee mug if you believe in yourself enough •WebMD could convince me I’m a newborn baby. •My anaconda prefers not to. -Baetlby.
•Shout out to the guy who just dropped his spoon in the dirt and went back to eating his yogurt. •Today was the day I finally had the distinct pleasure of having a squirrel jump out of a trashcan at me. •The only thing getting close to a 4.0 this semester is my blood alcohol content. •“Be not simply good; be good for something.” Thoreauback Thursday •*Takes homework out* *rewards self with 2 hour internet break*