Driftwood Volume 58 Issue 2

Dude, whose car is this?

Abandonded Cavalier has been on campus for years, Page 2

DRIFTWOOD The community newspaper of University of New Orleans

Volume: 58 Issue: 2

www.driftwood.uno.edu

Mandatory Munching Students assessed $75 food charge Story by Charles Nicholson

August 27, 2014

What do you think about the $75 fee?

Rachel McCarthy Sophomore, Biology

I think it helps because I don’t have to worry about having cash.

Taylor Bowie Sophomore, Studio Art

I have a meal plan and full scholarship so most everything was paid for, but that’s still $75 out of pocket that could have gone to books that I can afford.

Driftwood Staff

Starting this fall, University of New Orleans has implemented a new meal plan in the student fee bill for those who live off-campus.

All full-time undergraduate students now have $75 Privateer Bucks in a declining balance to use throughout the semester. This will be placed on students’ accounts each semester and any unused portion will rollover to the next semester.

This money can be used at all restaurants on campus as well as all coffee shops and convenience stores. The question is, what does this do for students and the university? “It helps keep some of the operations open” said Gary Willis, Direc-

tor of Campus Dining Services.

Willis says that the meal plan benefits students in respect to campus life by keeping the number of restaurants on campus open. “The good news is, it seems like most students are happy with it and the ones that don’t have it come back complaining” said Willis. The parttime and grad students the director spoke of are exempt from this meal plan. “The assumption is most students are going to buy something on campus, especially full-time students.”

He brought up another benefit from the meal plan in that it is tax exempt.“That $75 is straight $75 dollars of food or beverage. It’s not $65 with $10 in tax” explained Willis.

Recent campus dining improvements include the addition of Suchic, a sushi restaurant in The Cove, and the coffee shop being remodeled in the Library. “There was a time when pretty much on campus there was a cafeteria and there was a snack bar.” said Willis, explaining how campus dining has

improved over time. “We’ve grown a long way from that; Chick-fil-A and Popeyes and Subway and Starbucks. In order to do all of that there has to be a certain number of people who are guaranteed to spend money on something.”

However, not every student may want to use this money or likes the food options available on campus. Ziad Qutob, junior, thinks the school “definitely should have asked.” He prefers

See MEALS, Page 5

Student Health

Deadline for health insurance is September 10 Walter Martin

Contributing Writer Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered life-threatening or serious, but still require care within 24 hours. So where can you go?

If you live on-campus, your first stop should be the Student Health Services right here on the Univer-

sity of New Orleans campus (UC) 238. However, if you need something after-hours or you live elsewhere in the community then there are a number of Urgent Care Clinics that can fix you up effectively, quickly and inexpensively.

The benefit of going to a “Doc in a Box” is that they have much shorter wait times and are much cheaper than a regular hospital emergency

department.

But some problems are not physical in nature. Lining up your finances can be overwhelming, dealing with family drama can affect your mental health and stress is all too common on campus around finals.

If you need someone to talk to there are some good services available, some of which offer online

tools or phone apps that let you schedule appointments and check wait times.

UNO also offers a Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan to all registered domestic undergraduate students taking 4 or more credit hours, graduate students taking

See HEALTH, Page X

Alvaro Neyra Gallegos Sebastian Junior, Biology When I first heard I thought it was $75 for food and I was happy. Then I found out I had to pay for it. I bring my own food.

Tatiana Barre Grad Student, Biology

If you can get the money back or if it rolls over, it’s worth it. If not, there’s no point. It’s more money you’re giving to the school that you don’t benefit from.

Terrance Osborne Sophomore, Art

I buy my own food. It should be voluntary.

2

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

NEWS

Police News

Cavalier just part of UNO campus Car now missing wheels after being abandoned for years Chrsity Lorio Editor in Chief

An abandoned car has been reportedly parked on campus for two years, with no signs of being towed anytime soon. The 2004 beige Chevy Cavalier is located in a parking lot next to the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration Building.

The car is missing two tires, which sources say were stolen within the past few months. A peeling 2011-2012 UNO student decal and a 2011 Mississippi vehicle inspection decal give potential clues to the last time the car was in use. Why the car is still on campus remains a mystery, but an off-campus police source cited a bank lien could be the reason the owner abandoned it.

Adam Norris, Director of Public Relations, stated that

“until tires were actually stolen, it would be difficult to determine how long it’s been there.”

One fed up source spoke up, but wished to remain anonymous. “The car has been there since about June 2012. It’s gotten probably about half a dozen, ten tickets written by the police.

When I asked the police about it they said that they can’t tow it because they don’t have a tow contract, so it just sits there.”

Norris stated that campus police have tried multiple times to contact the person so he or she can remove the car, but so far UNOPD haven’t been successful. Norris also stated that UNOPD wants to give the former student an opportunity to claim the car, but can they? Our source spoke up. “After Katrina they took vehicles to tow but that was part of FEMA, so I don’t know if a vehicle can or can not get towed. I know it can

This 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier remains abandoned in a UNO parking lot.

get booted with three tickets.”

The vehicle not only takes up precious parking space, it’s also an eyesore. “It’s horrible looking.” our source stated. “It was horrible before just sitting there, taking up space, and now that it’s tires were stolen anyone who drives by, a student

or parent, they’re like ‘what is this garbage? I’m pulling my kid out of here.’ When you’re trying to bring students in and you already have low enrollment, that’s bad.”

The car was last registered to a woman in Pearl, Mississippi.

“The police apparently know

Kristi Martin/Driftwood

who it is, they know it was a student that probably moved to another state,” our source said.

Driftwood made several attempts to contact campus police, but were told that no one would speak directly concerning the vehicle.

NEWS

Storm Front

Officials urge preparation for inclement weather Veronica Mansell Driftwood Staff Freshman Eli Wilson is no stranger to hurricane evacuation. Though native to New Orleans, until his enrollment at the University of New Orleans this fall, he had been living with his family just outside of Dallas since evacuating from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“I guess if I had to evacuate, my dad would probably buy me a plane ticket back to Texas,” the Privateer Place dorm resident and political science major said. “I haven’t really thought about preparing for a hurricane. I guess I should have some supplies.”

Being informed is the first step to preparing for hurricane season. One way University of New Orleans students can do that is by signing up for the campus alert system.

“We encourage students to sign up for emergency text alerts,” Amy King of student affairs said. “In some emergency cases that is our primary way of communicating with students.”

UNO’s evacuation system was completely revamped for efficiency after Katrina that devastated the Gulf Coast nearly nine years ago this month and has been utilized twice since then.

“With Gustav and Isaac, the evacuation plan worked well,” King said. “We had more buses than people. Everybody was able to get to our provided shelters.”

The Gulf Coast dodged a bullet this week as early predictions for Hurricane Cristobal showed the storm entering the Gulf of Mexico. It has since tracked north up the eastern seaboard.

The UNO evacuation program is available for all students, whether they live on or off campus.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Campus Calendar Thursday, August 28 UNO Filmmakers will meet from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., in room 313 of the Performing Arts Center.

The UNO dance team will hold an informational session from 6 until 7:30 p.m. in Milneburg Hall.

The Student Activities Council will hold Movie at the Amp from 9 until 11 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to the amphitheater and watch a blockbuster movie for free.

Friday, August 29 UNOtube will hold an informational meeting from noon until 1 p.m., in the Student Success Center on the first floor of the library. For more information, contact jkfonten@uno.edu.

Courtesy National Weather Service

The Gulf Coast dodged a bullet this week Hurricane Cristobal turned northeast.

Students living on campus must submit an evacuation plan form to their RA upon move-in so that they are accounted for in case of an emergency.

Off campus students, who may not have reliable transportation or an evacuation destination, must register with the Office of Student Affairs via the campus evacuation plan. The Office of Student Affairs is also equipped to assist students with disabilities during an evacuation.

A list of recommended supplies and emergency contact numbers can be found in UNO’s Hurricane Plan document available on UNO’s website. Students who plan to utilize the evacuation program should keep in mind that only one small bag is allowed per student.

King recommends students to pack light.

“Remember to pack IDs, some cash, bottled water and a couple changes of clothes,” she said. “Students should keep a small set of supplies in their dorms also, flashlights and extra batteries and non-perishable food, like pop-tarts, for power outages.”

The text alert system is not only crucial during hurricane season, but also during severe weather year-round.

Wayne DelCorral, a junior, depended on emergency texts last winter during the ice days that closed the university.

“Getting a text alert was way more convenient then checking my email,” DelCorral said.

Sign up for text alerts at http:// ucc.uno.edu/notification/ for emergency information.

Police Blotter

Kappa Sigma fraternity will hold Sigma Splash from 3 until 7 p.m., at the Privateer Place clubhouse. Refreshments will be served.

Monday, September 1 Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold WAR (Water as Recreation) from 1 until 3 p.m., in the Quad.

Tuesday, September 2 The Student Activities Council will hold Good Morning Privateers, a free breakfast, from 8 until 10 a.m., in the breezeway of the library.

The College of Liberal Arts will hold COLA Floats, an ice cream float social from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., in the liberal arts building. For more information, call 504-280-6267 or email cola@uno.edu.

Project Health, a group promoting healthy campus culture, will meet from 12:30 until 1 p.m., in room 212 of the University Center. For more information, contact Pam Rault at pkvrana@uno.edu.

The following were reported to University of New Orleans campus police the week of August 13 through 20.

The Student Government Association will meet from 4:30 until 6 p.m. in room 208 of the University Center.

A complainant reported at 8:01 p.m., Thursday, August 14 that her wallet containing $200 cash, credit cards and various papers was missing. She had last seen her wallet at 801 Harrison Avenue.

The Privateers volleyball team will host Mississippi State in its first home game at the HPC at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

A complainant reported losing her parking decal after arriving at her residence at 2000 Lakeshore Drive at 3:50 p.m. on Monday, August 18.

A complainant reported losing his parking decal on Saturday, August 16 after arriving at his residence located at 257 Walter Road in River Ridge.

The Student Activities Council will host the Upright Citizens Brigade improve, sketch and standup comedy show at 7 p.m., in the University Center.

Compiled by Charles Nicholson

3

Wednesday, September 3

Back to the Books blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, contact Pam Rault at pkvrana@uno.edu.

Theta Xi will host Pop ‘N Paint from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the amphitheater.

Students will get to pick different colors, create a design with painter’s tape on a poster board, then hang up balloons and poster board on a wall. Students will throw darts at the balloons to create a wall of art.

Enrollment Services will hold Fight the 15 from noon until 1 p.m., at the library for a 15-minute walk around campus.

The UNO Taiwanese Student Association will hold the program of Taiwanese culture and language from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. The 10-week course includes Mandarin Chinese learning and other various topics.

Lambda Chi Alpha will host a friendly basketball game from 5 until 6 p.m. in the HPC.

Greek 101 will be held from 7 until 10 p.m. in the University Center.

Thursday, September 4 Back to the Books blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, contact Pam Rault at pkvrana@uno.edu.

Greek Life will hold Letters and Lunch on the Quad to give information on what it means to be a sorority woman or fraternity man. For more information, contact Dale O’Neill at dmoneill@uno.edu.

Friday, September 4

The annual Founders Day Luncheon will be held at noon in the ballroom of the University Center. The lunch is $25 for members and $30 for non-members and includes complimentary wine.

President Peter Fos will give the welcome address, and retiring founders club president and university research professor of political science emeritus Charles Hadley will be the guest speaker.

Phi Kappa Sigma will hold volleyball games from 5 until 7 p.m., at Privateer Place.

For more information, contact Mark Logsdon at mlogsdon@ pks.org.

The Privateers volleyball team will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m., in the HPC. Admission is free.

Saturday, September 5

Delta Sigma Theta will hold a cookout from noon until 5 p.m., at the Privateer Place.

4

EDITORIAL

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Our View

Students should have option to enroll in food fee

#UNOProud UNO SAC @UNO_SAC First meeting of the semester was AWESOME! We can’t wait to work with all of the wonderful people who attended! #UNOProud

A

ll undergraduate full-time University of New Orleans students now have essentially a pre-paid credit card to use on campus at food and beverage outlets.

UNOPrivateers @UNOPrivateers The rest of @Privateers_BSB took the challenge as well... #UNOProud #IceBucketChallenge

The mandatory $75 is included in students’ fees and any unused portion cannot be refunded until the student graduates or files for a refund upon leaving the university.

UNO IDS @UNO_IDS SIGN UP TODAY!! University Of New Orleans - Blue Krewe #UNOProud

While we understand the university’s attempt to keep money (and students) on campus, we believe students should have the option to load money onto their IDs.

April @April_unoOL Late Night with the Greeks is this Wednesday! Come out and get free food, and games with your Greek community!

See you then! #unoproud

Many students are on squeaky tight budgets and opt to bring lunches or eat off campus for financial reasons — a Subway sandwich or piece of Popeye’s chicken is a treat or luxury.

UNOPrivateers @UNOPrivateers Reminder, you can check out all our #IceBucketChallenge videos at this playlist #UNOProud #DonateforALS

In researching this story, reporters were surprised to find a large number of students were completely unaware they were being charged the additional fee — though that may be because they failed to check their email. Students were notified through their UNO email over the summer, a time when many students ignore school communications.

Coach Slessinger @CoachSless Or to quote my Hoosier brother @CoachSumlin #yessir #yessir #yessir good day #UNOProud

Some students paid attention to the break down of fees upon payment and learned of the charge then while others were completely clueless until told by reporters working on the story.

Kristopher Arkenberg @ CoachArkenberg My timeline is filled with UNO right now. #BackInTheSpotlight #unoproud #hattrick

Campus officials have also yet to say what will happen to the funds should a student not officially withdraw from the university or not request a refund.

If just half of the approximate 8,000 students do not utilize the funds or request the refund, that puts about $300,000 into food service’s account.

Alyssa Moore @Alyssa_unoOL Want to make the most of your college experience? Get involved! Grab a friend and go to a meeting/event. #UNOproud #UNO18 #yearUNO

While we appreciate the convenience of not worrying about carrying cash or charging small amounts to our debit cards, we feel students should be able to opt out of Privateer Bucks.

The DRIFTWOOD The Driftwood is the studentrun official publication for the University of New Orleans. It is published weekly and distributed at 24 newsstands on and off campus on Wednesdays.

The Driftwood office is located in room 252 of the University Center, 2500 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans LA 70148.

Facebook: DriftwoodUNO Twitter: UNODriftwood Instagram: UNODriftwood Christy Lorio Editor-in-Chief

Staff may be reached by phone at 504-280-6377 or Kristi Martin The newspaper does email driftwoodeditor@ Managing Editor not publish editions the uno.edu or online at www. week of midterms, finals, driftwood.uno.edu.

Abraham Thacker Thanksgiving and fall break.

Business Manager Ad sales inquiries should be All submissions are subject directed to driftwoodads@ Sarah Reiner to editing by Driftwood staff. uno.edu.

Ad Sales 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

Coach Slessinger @CoachSless Proud of our staff and their hard work and dedication.

Excited to see our program grow & develop. #UNOProud #team1st LeeAnne Sipe @LeeAnneSipe Aw, shucks! Thanks for supporting Fresh Fest and campus life!! #UNOproud “@UNOPhiKaps: But we all know, @LeeAnneSipe is the #TheRealMVP” Alyssa Moore @Alyssa_unoOL Shout out to @UNOPhiKaps for handing out cold bottled water at Fresh Fest! So sweet!! #UNOproud #UNO18 #yearUNO #BecomeAFoundingFather

NEWS

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

5

Ice Bucket Challenge

UNO students raise ALS awareness Rachel Friedman Driftwood Staff

Rafael Maciel, 18 and a civil engeering student on campus, didn’t know much about ALS or Lou Gherig’s disease – until his friend and fellow classmate Alexandre Lourenco, 23 and a computer science major at UNO, nominated him to take the ALS ice bucket challenge.

“The challenge is very popular.” Alexandre said. He has seen the video posts on Facebook and on tv.

“It’s a pretty cool initiative, and what happens with the challenge is cool.” Rafael continued.

“There’s no reason not to do it,” he said.

Since July 29 this idea has turned into the societal movement of the summer, “soaking into” our pop culture.

Students on UNO’s campus have also been seen dumping buckets, bags, or what have you of ice and water over their own heads around the campus grounds.

They are also taking photos and recording videos independently to post on their internet profiles in the hopes of inspiring others to take the challenge which benefits the ALS Association and those who suffer from

MEALS

Continued from Page 1 to eat at home and will rarely eat on campus. “I don’t spend $75 on campus” said Qutob.

“There should be choices like $25, $50, or $75.”

Willis assures that “They don’t have to spend it. It’s refundable when they graduate or finish school.” Students will be able to get a refund for the meal plan only after graduating or departing from UNO, but must contact campus dining in order to do so. “If you’re a fulltime student, you have to keep it” said Willis.

Amanda Daly is a full-time student here at UNO who was “pleasantly surprised” about the new meal plan when she heard about it from a friend.

She’s a commuter and is used to eating at home, but she found that the meal plan encouraged her to eat on campus.

This meal plan for non-residential students may be new to UNO but not to other universities. “Even SUNO does it, but they do twice as much. They do $150. There are schools around that do three or four hundred dollars” said Willis. Though, why is it that UNO has decided to catch on to this now? “The university has had financial difficulties in the last few years with enrollment being down and the state cutting all the budget” said Willis. “They’re looking at ways to keep things operating instead of closing more stuff.”

The University of New Orleans baseball team participates in the ice bucket challenge to raise ALS awareness. the disease.

The challenge presented by the ALS Association, a research and advocacy organization focused on the treatment and cure of this disease, has taken the attention of many young adults across the nation, namely college students and professionals.

The nature of the challenge of course, dumping a “bucket” of very cold ice water completely over one’s head in show of support for those affected by ALS,

a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

As of Thursday, August 21, the ice bucket challenge had raised $41.8 million — a substantial increase in donations in that amount of time for the association, according the ALS Association’s website, as www.alsa. org.

Facebook and Instagram feeds are riddled with videos of participants showering themselves

with frozen chunks of water.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the professional athlete brought more awareness and attention to the disease when diagnosed in 1939.

It is a very rare disease that affects about 30,000 people in the United States at any given time.

Not surprisingly, many notables who have taken the ALS ice bucket challenge have been professional athletes.

USA Today reported Wednesday that sports players Michael

Courtesy UNO Privateers

Jordan, Derek Jeter, Ray Allen, and David Beckham have taken the challenge. Even past president George W. Bush who signed the National ALS Registry in 2008 helping to advance research and treatment of the disease recently got in on the action.

Many people are wondering how effectively this will benefit the ALS Association and the ALS community if so many are opting out of the monetary donation.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Around campus, August 20-26

Anna Gowin and Kerry Leigh Pittenger/ Driftwood

A A

Kristi Martin/Driftwood

bove, April Gremillion and McKenzie Savoi of Delta Zeta sorority decorate the sidewalk between the University Center and gym to encourage students to attend Greek Night.

bove, students get in line to get their servings of roasted pig during the Student Activities Council Welcome Back Luau last week. Left, a squirrel enjoys a slice of pizza that apparently a student did not.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

7

Welcome Back Luau

Semester kicks off with annual event

Anna Gowin Driftwood Staff

The Cove was awash with activity Friday night, August 22, as the Student Activities Council (SAC) hosted its annual Welcome Back Luau.

The luau, one of the biggest events during the campus-wide “Privateer Plunge”, has Hawaiian-themed food, dancing, and even a mechanical bull.

“We want students to feel welcomed, and help to acclimate them [at UNO],” Alexander Pope, SAC’s vice president of new members said, as students passed with plates of suckling pig. “To get out and meet people.”

Freshman Kathryn Sappe said socializing and “meeting lots of new people was her favorite part of the Luau, adding she had first been drawn to the event by her friends who said they were going, many of whom are returning students.

Anna Gowin/Driftwood

A student takes a turn on the mechanical bull during the annual Welcome Back Luau hosted by the Student Activities Council Friday, August 22 at The Cove.

“I just thought it would be fun, and free food,” she said with a laugh, adding that because of the fun she had at the luau, she would definitely be attending more Privateer Plunge events.

Pope made sure it was clear that the Luau was just as much for returning students as it was for freshman, “So they can make new friends, I know I did.”

The welcoming atmosphere was clear as a group formed on the dance floor, allowing everyone a chance to showcase their moves. Freshman and upperclassmen alike mingled amid the balloons and tiki torches.

Christina Early, a sophomore, made sure she interacted with everyone equally.

“The Luau is not only a great time for freshman to interact, but to meet returning students as well,” she said before riding the mechanical bull for 25 seconds in front of a large crowd.

Freshman Fest

Leaders tout campus organizations Rachel Friedman Driftwood Staff

When the semester first starts,

freshmen and new incoming students are thinking, “What is there to do here?” Starting your student life here on campus presents many new and exciting opportunities to really get the most out of your college experience. The Student Activity Council at the University of New Orleans is here to ensure that every student’s desire to become involved is met.

There were two student fairs previously held on move-in day as well as during student orientation. The way this fair differs from the fairs previously held for new students, the Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership and also serving as Advisor of the Student Activity Council LeeAnn Sipes explained, is that it is the most comprehensive student fair with fifty student organizations and local businesses here to participate.

HEALTH

Continued from Page 1 3 or more credit hours and students enrolled in online courses that are also taking 3 hours of non-internet coursework.

The deadline to enroll is Wednesday, September 10. More information can be found at the student health services website: www.

“It’s an involvement fair geared toward new students and it is important in getting students engaged so they feel they belong somewhere here.” Sipes said “Now that the semester has started, students feel ready to get involved and here they can talk to real people that they will actually get involved with on campus.”

The Freshmen Fest has served to introduce new students to UNO student involvement opportunities for over fifteen years.

Kali Bertucci, 19 and a marketing major from New Orleans and wants to get involved on campus. She plans to rush next month after hearing about Greek life at UNO from a friend. The main reason is, “to meet new people… being at the fair watching the student group members getting involved in events seems fun,”she said.

The movie night being put on by the Student Activities Council was an upcoming event she also plans to atstudenthealth.uno.edu, or e-mail healthservices@uno.edu to request a copy of the United Healthcare brochure.

UNO Student Health Services, (504) 280-6387 , University Center (UC) 238 Clinical Hours: Mon – Thurs 7:30AM - 4:30PM; Friday 7:30AM - 2:00PM (Open Fridays for administrative services ONLY until 4:30PM)

Kristi Martin/Driftwood

Sophomore Kali Bertucci talks to Delta Zeta sorority members Theresa Kieffer, from left, Ashley Dukes and Katie Majeste at Freshman Fest held last week in the Quad. tend.

A new student to UNO, Kristina Oliver, 19 and a biology major from Colorado, said “UNO has been great thus far. It’s diverse and I really

like it here. Kristina said, “I wanted to learn more about the school so that I can become more involved and be a leader on UNO’s campus.”

“The Freshmen Fest really

has a lot. There are plenty of different groups for everyone’s different interests” she continued “and I would also like to meet more transfer students who are new to the

By appointment only until further notice.

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8

SPORTS

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

NFL

Who are you rooting for this football season?

Jarrod Perrault Junior, Biology “My favorite NFL team is the New Orleans Saints. My parents introduced me to them, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”

Bre’Shey Bailey Senior, Psychology “My favorite team is the New Orleans Saints because they’re a part of my city, and I grew up watching the Saints game every Sunday.”

Jenny Nguyen Senior, Biology “My favorite team is the Denver Broncos because Peyton was a New Orleans resident and deserves another Super Bowl ring.

He’s a hall of famer.”

Allie D’anna Freshman, Physician Assistant “My favorite team is the Saints simply because I’m from here.”

Krishna Shah Sophomore, Biological Science “I like the Saints because Drew Brees is awesome.”

Saints could open with 4-0 preseason

Last preseason game Thursday against Baltimore Ravens

Saber Farhud Staff Reporter

It is officially three weeks into the NFL preseason, and the New Orleans Saints (3-0) are looking more like a team that is ready to contend for a Super Bowl offensively.

Veteran quarterback Drew Brees is set to lead the team.

A strong receiving core with the addition of Brandon Cooks from the draft, the offense is set to be explosive as ever.

The defensive side, however, has been had some rough moments during the first three preseason games.

Though the defense has forced eight turnovers, they have also allowed approximately 385 total yards per game.

Penalties have also plagued

New Orleans thus far, with 42 flags being thrown against the team.

Though the Saints remain undefeated in the preseason, the regular season will bring an entirely different game, especially beginning on the road against division rival the Atlanta Falcons on September 7.

If the Saints are able to reduce the amount of penalties and total yards allowed, then they may be able to contend for their second Lombardi trophy. If the Saints, however, aren’t able to fix their mistakes, they will be looking at a long, stressful season.

The Saints will wrap up preseason action Thursday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome against the Baltimore Ravens at 7 p.m.

Kristi Martin/Driftwood

The New Orleans Saints take to the field in the Mercedez-Benz Superdome against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the final home game last season.

WOMENS’ VOLLEYBALL

Players balance athletics, classes Tim Rouse

Driftwood Staff Celeste Ramirez can bump out a tune, set a harmony and spike a high note at happening spots on Frenchman Street whenever she is not studying or energizing the University of New Orleans volleyball team.

Ramirez embodies what it means to be a student athlete a student first, an athlete second, and then pursues her melodic talents.

When she is not on the microphone, the junior is a center for the Lady Privateers and she was Louisiana’s Newcomer of the Year in the sport.

“UNO has a great support

Millicent Vonnord

Rondalyn “Ro” Bryant

Celeste Ramirez Lady Privateers

Lady Privateers Volleyball Coach

system,” Ramirez, a transfer student, said. “University of New Orleans is a thumbs up over Blinn College.”

Another Lady Privateer, freshman Rondolyn Bryant digs at the task of balancing

studying, practicing and her social life.

Bryant, also known as “Ro”, was two-time all-metro, first-team all-metro and team MVP in high school, among other accolades.

The Biology major plans to be a physical therapist, and she is using the network the University of New Orleans provides to gain real world experience.

“I get emails on jobs all the

Lady Privateers

time,” she said.

Where her teammate, Ramirez said, “the quality of education is great because the teachers make me feel comfortable like a mentor and a friend,” Bryant said, “the school gives a lot of direction… I’m a student first.”

Millicent Vonnord, womens’ volleyball coach, believes her players are better poised for the real world because they have to manage their time and balance school, volleyball, and social lives.

UNO provides “a setup of leaders giving students a direction,” Vonnord said. “Energy is a lot different. Effort and pride are higher.”

FEATURE Finding the Perfect Cup Liz Trahan Staff Reporter Bleary eyed students can grab a cup of coffee at Brewed Awakening, located on the first floor of the University Center and the soon to be open library location. For a change of scenery, check out an off-campus café to stimulate your taste buds and your overworked brain cells.

The Bean Gallery 637 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, 504-324-8176; nolalovescoffee.com/the-bean-gallery Open till midnight during the week, this Mid-City hotspot serves residents and college kids locally roasted brews in an art and community-focused atmosphere. Seating is available both inside and outside on the deck. Gluten-free and Dairy-free options available. Guests are encouraged to try the iced mocha.

Z’otz Cafe 8210 Oak Street, New Orleans, 504-861-2224; http://www. zotzcafe.com/ Located Uptown, Z’otz has a funky atmosphere and unique coffee and tea creations like the Badwolf, a delicious tea based drink infused with rose syrup, topped off with steamed milk.

Nerd friendly baristas serve fine coffee without snobbery. Z’otz offers multiple rooms, numerous outlets and study lamps, and is open till 1 am.

Orange Couch Cafe 2339 Royal Street, New Orleans; 504-267-7327 Known especially for the namesake couch, but also for great coffee with exotic variations. It’s typically quiet, located in the Marigny, a more secluded part of Downtown New Orleans.

Specialties include hot chocolate, and international desserts like mochi ice cream. The OC caters to the early risers and closes at 10pm.

Hi-Volt 1829 Sophie Wright Pl, New Orleans; 504-324-8818 http://hivoltcoffee.com/

Thereʼs On-Campus Life and Thereʼs Off-Campus Life Tim Rouse

Driftwood Staff Ashton Akridge is your typical, hard working and dedicated University of New Orleans student on to the extent that she is anything but ordinary; moreover, she has a secret. She lives two lives.

As a Theater major, she attends class during the day, yet, by night she performs as a burlesque dancer known as Perse’ Fanny (Persefanny.com).

Akridge admits, “In-school life and out-school life are completely different.” At 22 years of age, Akridge is preparing for graduation while Fanny is rehearsing for A Thong of Ass and Fire, a burlesque parody of A Game of Thrones. Dictionary.com defines burlesque as “a humorous and provocative stage show featuring humor, comic skits, bawdy songs, striptease acts, and a scantily clad female chorus.

However, Akridge says, “Burlesque is a traditional

Oversized cups of coffee await you at Mojo Coffeehouse.

Fashion Forward Hannah Crisp

Freshman, English Secondary Major Describe your style.

“One day I look like this, one day I look like Woodstock.

Where do you like to shop?

“Goodwill, or any secondhand type stores.”

How do you pick your outfits?

“I wear what makes me feel happy.” image by Christy Lorio

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Student Standout:

Operating in Lower Garden District, the coffeehouse offers a clean, modern atmosphere with friendly staff. The menu includes fruit and veggie smoothies, soups and salads, and gluten free donuts, as well as great coffee. Tables are always available at any hour of the day till 5pm on Sunday and 7pm during the week.

When you look good, you feel good.

Our roving photographers are documenting students with a unique sense of style.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

art form.”

S h e

does agree that many non-playgoers view burlesque in a negative light because of its sexual nature.

Take her stage name for instance; Akridge explains, “My stage name translates to ‘Ass Fanny’ because Perse’ is Swedish for ass.”

She may live two lives but with a 3.67 GPA, school still comes first.

Actually, Akridge believes her Theatre Administration class last semester has helped her organize her Comedy Burlesque Troupe or, in her words, “nerdlesque”—burlesque shows for nerds such as Arkam Ass-ylum (Batman) and most recently, A Midsummer Night’s Wet Dream (Shakespeare). Also, her Stage Movement class at University of New Orleans, she feels, is a tremendous compliment to her out-of-school and onstage performance.

Because burlesque is a visually striking spectacle, costumes are highly important. Akridge said, “The money we do get goes right into our costumes… The people that do art, they do it for the art form, not because they want money.”

She acknowledges that University of New Orleans has opened networking doors into this notso-well-advertised subculture and advises to students/amateurs looking to get their foot in the door of burlesque, simply, “Show initiative…go see shows…meet people.”

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TRAVEL

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Abita Mystery House Full of wonder

Christy Lorio Editor in Chief

Tucked away in the charming town of Abita Springs, Abita Mystery House is a quirky museum that houses owner John Preble’s impressive collection of tchotckes, vintage arcade games, painstakingly detailed dioramas and taxidermy.

Preble’s idea for the museum came about after he took 1995 trip to New Mexico when he stumbled upon Tinkertown, a roadside attraction built by Ross Ward. The museum featured miniature old western towns with hand painted skies and minuscule characters. Preble was struck with the attention to detail that Ward put into Tinkertown. “Not only was Tinkertown fun, but I sensed the presence of an individual’s deep commitment to a quality of aesthetics that is rarely found in any artistic endeavor, much less a ‘roadside attraction.’”

Preble stated. On that trip, Preble met Ward himself and talked to him about starting his own version of Tinkertown.

The Abita Mystery House consists of several buildings that include a vintage gas station, a 100 year old Creole cottage and the House of Shards, a stucco building covered in over

Christy Lorio/Driftwood

The Abita Mystery House adds qurky charm to highway 36 on the north shore 15,000 pieces of glass and ceramic. There’s even an old Airstream trailer equipped with a crashed flying saucer. While the Abita Mystery House is small, it’s chocked full of wonders.

Collections range vintage bikes, Southern folk art and found objects such as unusual postcards and garden hoses. from Make sure to allow yourself a few hours to explore each of the rooms. Incredibly detailed dioramas provide an interactive experience. Some are animated, such as a Mardi Gras parade, a New Orleans Jazz Funeral and a tornado whipping through a trailer park.

Preble’s wife, Ann O’Brien, is a jewelry designer and stocks the museum’s gift shop with locally made items and more typical gifts such as t-shirts, mugs and books.

Photos are highly encouraged, so bring your camera and a roll of quarters if you want to fiddle around with the arcade games.

The Abita Mystery House is definitely worth the hour drive from New Orleans and the three dollar admission fee.

Christy Lorio/Driftwood

Owner John Preble holds a stuffed iguana that a museum suppporter donated

Abita Mystery House 22275 Hwy 36 Abita Springs Louisana 70420

Christy Lorio/Driftwood

An Airstream trailer appears to have been hit by a flying saucer.

LAGNIAPPE

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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Rants & Raves

An anonymous Driftwood reader shares her opinion on the frustrations of the new smoking ban, from a Pontchartrain Hall resident’s perspective.

I would love for a survey to be done to find out how many smokers are living on campus. We have been forced to the edge of campus in front of the dorms on Leon C. Simon to smoke cigarettes, which us smokers thought was a perfectly okay compromise. Yeah, it sucks not being able to relax at the benches, but “the ledge” was better than nothing until UNOPD decided to stop and force us across the street onto the neutral ground to finish smoking because “UNO owns the sidewalk too”. Here is where student’s safety becomes an issue.

Smoking is not illegal. Smokers will continue to smoke whether you ban it or not. LSU’s newspaper recently published a front page article about their non smoking policy. In the article, LSUPD states their opinion as this: “Unfortunately, there’s no way my team can enforce the new tobacco-free policy,” said LSUPD spokesman Capt.

Cory Lalonde. “Law enforcement enforces law, not policy, and as of now, there are no laws making smoking illegal or worthy of penalty.” UNOPD, I would hope, could see the policy in the same light.

The common opinion amongst most is that the residents of Ponchatrain Hall is that smokers should be granted the benches as a very strict designated smoking area for reasons of safety. The middle of the neutral ground, the only place residents can smoke, becomes a major question of safety. I think UNOPD really needs to consider this while enforcing “policy”, instead of doing their true jobs and enforcing “law”.

Submit your rant or rave at driftwoodeditor@uno.edu. Please put rants in the subject line and not whether you would like to remain anonymous. All submissions are subject to editing for length and content.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What’s your favorite class so far?

Loriel James Sophomore, Biology, Pre-med

Richard Martin Freshman, Civil Engineering

Aieum Haan Freshman, Undecided

Everett Fontenot Sophomore, Film Major

Mikal Salahuddin Junior, Music Studies

“My favorite class so far is Biology 1073.”

“My favorite class so far is UNIV.”

“My favorite class so far is IELP.”

“My favorite class so far is Digital Editing.”

“My favorite class so far is Technical Writing.”

Classifieds

FOR RENT: 2B 1BA apartment within minutes walking distance to University of New Orleans campus. New appliances an window air conditioning units. Backyard with deck and guard rails. Completely remodeled throughout. $742 per month plus $1,500 deposit. Utilities included.

FOR SALE: Looking for a French Book? Hardly used in great condition with the online software too!

Looking to sell for $150! jmccon-

vi@uno.edu

FOR SALE: Anyone taking Survey 2 in Art History? Need the textbook ? Looking to sell for $125, contact jmcconvi@uno.edu if interested.

Classified ads are free for UNO students, $10 for non-students.Email afadams@uno.edu with a brief description of your item, price, and your phone number and e-mail address.

Corrections and Clarifications:

In the August 20 issue on page 1 Brittany Rush’s age is listed as 2. She is 22. On page 8 the picture of the bookstore was mistakenly labeled as the volleyball team.

WELCOME BACK LUAU

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DRIFTWOOD

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