Southern Digest February 4, 2011

NEWS

obama promotes energy ideas

SPORTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Also: SU seeks revenge against GSU. pG. 5

Also: Journalists attacked in Cairo. pG. 6

b.e.p. gets ‘dream come true’

Jags sign 17 Wednesday

Tax credits proposed. pG. 3

estABLished in 1928

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011

Inclement weather rocks SU

VOL. 57, ISSUE 5

Storm shutting down La. THe aSSOCiaTed PReSS

“The empty homes are everywhere,” said Dennis Scott, president of the Lakewood East Homeowners Association, a hard-hit neighborhood in eastern New Orleans.

“Right next door to me there’s a family that hasn’t returned, across the street a family hasn’t returned.”

Many of the homes in his neighborhood have been fixed, while others remain damaged. And without the residents and

PONCHATOULA, La. — The Army, many state offices, Louisiana State University and numerous school systems and government offices are closing Friday because of the nasty winter storm covering most of the state.

Icy roads triggered a 15-vehicle chain-reaction crash in the southeast Thursday morning, and minor wrecks closed several highway ramps Thursday afternoon in the Ville Platte area.

Only the post exchange and commissary would be open Friday at Fort Polk in west-central Louisiana, base spokeswoman Kimberly Reischling said.

She said key personnel and essential workers have until noon to report, four hours after their shift would usually start.

Barksdale Air Force Base, about 100 miles north in Shreveport, was considering a late start or closing. However, the decision wouldn’t come until early Friday, said Staff Sgt. John Gordinier, a base spokesman.

Police closed some icy bridges and overpasses. State police asked drivers to stay off the roads at least until troopers could check highway conditions Friday.

State police reported a few minor injuries in the 15-vehicle pileup just after 6 a.m. on northbound Interstate 55 between Manchac and Ponchatoula. Traffic was rerouted to a nearby road for about two hours.

Public school systems from southwest Louisiana to the north sent students home early Thursday, to stay home Friday as well; a number of parish government offices also shut down early.

Power companies said they had workers ready to fix any power lines that broke from the weight of icy sheaths or

See census page 3

See storm page 3

by eVan taylor diGeST ManaGinG ediTOR

Inclement weather results in a series of cancellations and closings throughout the Southern University community.

Students bundled up to attend classes during the day Thursday while awaiting the announcement for the cancellation.

Students who had night classes on Thursday were not required to travel in the possible and favorable conditions for wintery mix weather.

Southern’s Baton Rouge campus was officially closed at 5 p.m. Thursday, following the release of Chancellor Lomotey’s statement on the university website. Chancellor Lomotey’s statement included the announcement of the Southern University Baton Rouge campus closure for today.

The Chancellor’s lecture series with Al Sharpton originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd was postponed due to inclement weather in the northeast. The lecture was moved to Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in F.G. Clark Activity Center.

What started as a prediction

photo by DaViD clark iii/DiGest

Southern University students in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union take shelter from the freezing rain and cold weather Thursday. University officials canceled classes today.

of falling temperatures and a winter weather advisory; became a winter storm warning Thursday.

According to the WAFB Storm team, a winter storm warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. today.

These weather conditions resulted in the cancellation of events in and around the Southern University area.

In a press release from the state of Louisiana office, Due to the threat of winter weather conditions, Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater announced that state government offices would be closed on Thursday.

According to the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus website, Redistricting Seminar that was originally scheduled for today in the Cotillion Ballroom has been postponed and will be rescheduled. The seminar was to discuss the important

information about redistricting in Louisiana. For more information about the seminar rescheduling visit www. llbc. louisiana.gov.

The special board meeting to discuss a board resolution opposing the Southern University at New Orleans and University of New Orleans merger that was scheduled for today at SUNO was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. For more information regarding the rescheduling and cancellation contact the Southern University System office at 225.771.4941.

According to the Southern University Law Center’s website they officially closed their campus today and postponed their 18th annual pre-law day until further notice due to impending inclement weather.

The campus plans to be open during its regular weekend schedule on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Classes and staff are to report back on Monday unless otherwise notified. For more information refer to www.sulc. edu.

Southern University has made some accommodations for the students who reside on campus and will be confined in their dorm rooms.

Dunn Hall, the cafeteria in between J.S. Jones Hall and Boley Hall will be open regular hours today for those students on campus.

However, SU Alum and former NBA player Bob Love will still be speaking in A.W. Mumford Field House at 4 p.m. as scheduled.

Students can anticipate updated information on the Southern University website, www.subr.edu or in their student campus e-mail. Students and staff may also be contacted via the first call system for further closures.

Census shows New Orleans losing many blacks by cain bUrDeaU aSSOCiaTed PReSS wRiTeR

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans is a smaller city than it was before Hurricane Katrina, and much of the loss in population is among blacks who have been unwilling or unable to return, Census figures released Thursday showed.

In 2000, there were about 323,000 blacks in New Orleans compared with about 206,870 in 2010, making up about

STRONG STORMS/WIND HIGH

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60 percent of the city.

“Who recovered depended very much on race and class,” said Lance Hill, the head of the Southern Institute for Education and Research, a race relations research center based at Tulane University. “We have forgotten that there are over 100,000 African-Americans who remain displaced.”

The Census Bureau said the Crescent City’s population was 343,829, a decrease of about 106,000 people from 2005, the year Katrina hit.

INSIDE S O U T H E R N

CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 STATE & NATION................4  A&E............................6 NEWS.............................3  SPORTS....................5 DIVERSIONS......................7 U N I V E R S I T Y ,

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HI - 46° / LO - 30° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN

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Classifieds

Friday, and Education Chajia-Fahd and Dr. Saturday Irma F. Cobb will be hosting “WRITE Path to Success” Writing strategies FEBRUARY 7 for intermediate Spanish briGaDier General craiG from 11am-11:50am. A workshop for students crenshaW Brigadier General and enrolled in Spanish 200 and SU Alum Craig Crenshaw 219. Along with Elementary is speaking in a leadership Spanish students taking seminar, “Community, the “WRITE Path to Character Development, Success” Introduction to Foreign and Strategic composition writing in Languages” at 12noon Spanish. A workshop for on February 7th In students enrolled in Spanish Stewart Hall Auditorium. 101 from 11:50-12:20pm.

Crenshaw is a 1984 On Tuesday, February Southern University 15th, Dr. Thomas Miller graduate, and the first will be hosting “Effective Marine general from approaches to Foriegn Language Learning” from Southern University.

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Dr. Phillip Elliott will be hosting ronalD e. Mcnair “How can we improve as scholars proGraM Students are encouraged language learners?” from to submit an application to 11:40 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. become a Ronald McNair All sessions will be in T.T. scholar. Students will Allian Room 323. gain a stipend, mentored GraMMar Workshops research experience, The English Department graduate school visit offering Grammar assistance and GRE is Workshops during the preparation assistance.

Students must have month of February. The a 3.0 GPA, be a first- workshops will be facilitated generation college by Professor S. Tohline student, have earned 60 and are a great review for Composition hours of college credit Freshman and have the desire for a and the Writing Proficiency Ph.D. Applications are Exam. They are offering the following workshops: due March 31.

Contact Veronica Understanding and utilizing Freeman at 225.771.4717 the past tense February or come by Room 208D 8th at 1pm, Writing topic Higgins Hall to pick up an sentences on February 18th at 11am, and Comma application.

Errors: What are commas really on February 24th at calVin Mackie Southern University 12 noon. All the workshops Business and Industry will be held in Harris Hall, Cluster hosts Dr. Calvin Room 2024. Seating is Mackie, community limited to 18 students per activist. The assembly will workshop. be at 4pm in the Royal FEBRUARY 9 Cotillion Ballroom of Smith-Brown Memorial table tennis toUrnaMent Union.

Come out and test FEBRUARY 8 your skills against the best.

Smith-Brown foreiGn lanGUaGe seMMemorial union is inars The foreign language hosting a Table tennis department presents tournament on February student development 9th in LaCumba’s workshops to assist playpen from 6-9pm. students.

Tuesday, Awards and prizes will February 8th, Dr. Fatima be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd

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Campus Briefs TODAY bob loVe Former Southern University and NBA great Bob “Butterbean” Love’s speech to Southern University Jaguar athletes will go on as scheduled at 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4, on the 3rd floor of the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse said SU Athletics Director, Greg LaFleur.

Dunn Hall will be open during regular dining hours on Feb. 4th. sUlc pre-laW Day The 18th Annual PreLaw Day, Scheduled for Friday, February 4, 2011, has been postponed until further notice.

FEBRUARY 6 Men’s feDeration Week Men’s Federation week will be February 6th12th. This year’s theme is “Measure of a man”.

There is a them for each day with corresponding events. Ministry Sunday, Enthusiastic Monday, Achievement Tuesday, Scholar Wednesday, Unity Thursday, Recreation

TUESDAY, FEB. 8

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place. Registration is from February 2nd-7th. There is a $5 registration fee. cafÉ lacUMba Come join your colleagues and faculty for a delicious and healthy lunch! All items are made fresh and can be enjoyed as dine-in or on-the-go. Café Lacumba will be serving up sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, snacks, and beverages every Wednesday from 11AM1:30PM starting February 9th .

Café Lacumba is located in 161 Pinkie E. Thrift Hall (between Tourgee A. DeBose Hall and James Blaine Moore Hall). For more information, please call (225) 771- 4660. the John b. caDe library sponsoreD poetry contest The Pinkie Gordon Lane Poetry Contest. Dr. Pinkie Gordon Lane, Southern University’s nationally honored poet, was a Louisiana Poet Laureate and the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D from Louisiana State University. Dr. Lane also served as chair of the English Department at Southern University from 1974-1986.

This is an invitation for “budding bards” to create and submit original poems on a subject of their choice. The deadline for submission is Friday, February 11th. Poems can be submitted either via email (pinkieglane@cox.net) or online at the library’s website www.lib.subr.edu FEBRUARY 15 an eVeninG of africanaMerican cineMa The History Department, Student Historical Society, Pi Gamma Mu International honor society, and Southern University Speech and Debate team presents African American movie screening February 15th from 5-7pm in J.K Haynes Nursing Auditorium.

FEBRUARY 17 biblical accoUnt of black history The son of man, leader and teacher of the new nation of Islam will be speaking on the biblical account of black history, Thursday February 17th at 6pm. This event will be at the J.K. Haynes Nursing Auditorium.

For more information call 225.229.8747.

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SPRING 2011 DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF norman J. dotson Jr.

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Obama promotes energy ideas By ben feller ap white house correspondent

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — President Barack Obama, turning briefly to his eclipsed domestic agenda Thursday, called on the nation’s businesses to make fresh investments in clean energy technology that lay a foundation for long-term American prosperity.

He proposed a new tax credit and other measures to encourage businesses to retrofit their plants and reduce costs — steps that he said would save $40 billion a year in utility bills. The visit to the Penn State campus was designed to highlight Obama’s emphasis on energy and his view that technological innovations represent jobs of the future.

“Making our buildings more energy efficient is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to save money, combat pollution and create jobs,” the president said, taking his retooled economic pitch to the heart of Pennsylvania, a prominent state in presidential politics that will be a key in his 2012 re-election bid.

Obama has wanted to feature his long-term economic plans ever since he detailed them in his State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress last week. The State College trip was the third in a series of visits to energy-related enterprises in as many weeks.

But the trip comes as the crisis in Egypt has dominated his time and consumed media attention. Obama is trying to press on with his economic ideas, ahead of the release of his budget plan on Feb. 14, while he manages his response to the violent clashes that have Egypt and the Mideast on the edge.

“In America innovation isn’t just how we change our lives, it’s how we make a living,” Obama said, pushing a key feature of an economic agenda that blends his goals of greater energy independence with a long-term job growth strategy.

Speaking directly to a

photo by carolyn kaster/ap photo

President Barack Obama speaks at Rec Hall on the Penn State University campus, Thursday in State College, Pa.

youthful audience, Obama said: “The greatest force that the world has ever known and that is the American idea. “If you remember that and keep breaking new ground, if we as a country keep investing in you, I’m absolutely confident that America will win the future in this century just like we did in the last.”

As part of his new plan, Obama will ask Congress to provide companies with a tax credit that financially rewards them for retrofitting their buildings in ways that decrease energy usage. The proposal would alter the existing tax break for such commercial upgrades, switching it from a deduction to a credit that applies more widely, administration officials said.

The energy efficiency plan is an extension of Obama’s call last year to give government rebates for home retrofitting, a proposal that has stalled in the Senate.

The White House said

former President Clinton and General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt will lead the effort to reach out to businesses to take advantage of the government efficiency incentives. Obama recently named Immelt to head an advisory council on entrepreneurship.

Before making his remarks in Penn State’s Rec Hall, Obama received a tutorial on energy research designed to improve indoor air quality and another on high performance wall systems, donning safety goggles for one experiment. “My fifth grade science experiment looked just like this,” Obama joked to reporters at one point.

Rob Gleason, chairman of Pennsylvania’s Republican party, said Obama’s visit is a sign that the 2012 campaign is in full swing. In a Thursday morning conference call, Gleason questioned whether Obama’s energy policy could be trusted and criticized what he called the administration’s “runaway spending” and hostile

position toward industry.

The president is also calling for: — Broader access to financing for businesses that want to make energy-saving upgrades, and loan guarantees for hospitals, schools and companies to do the same.

— Competitive grants for states and local governments that make it easier for companies to upgrade their buildings.

— More training for workers in the field of commercial building technology.

The White House said it is targeting the commercial sector because its buildings consume roughly 20 percent of all energy in the U.S. economy.

Administration officials offered no details on how much Obama’s plan would cost.

They said those details will be released in the budget and the proposed elimination of oil industry subsidies would help cover the costs.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Today in History

Despite what the calendar says, we as African-Americans make history every day and today is no different.

On Feb. 4, our people will illuminate undeniable artistic beauty and recapitalize our phenomenal ability to create. Right now, in Brooklyn, N.Y., at Arthur Bennett Hall a collection called “Artists Speaking for the Spirits” are exhibiting mural-sized paintings of 40 artists of African American decent. Not only is this the largest of its kind, but also the show represents a movement where artists and social agencies collaborate to exercise through philanthropic artistry. We are a continued revelation of greatness.

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census from page 1 lingering uncertainties about the state of levee protections, stores, a nearby hospital and restaurants remain shuttered.

William Rouselle, a political consultant, said the city’s recovery has been uneven with black neighborhoods like eastern New Orleans, Gentilly and the Lower 9th Ward getting less attention. He said many of the blacks who haven’t returned lived in public housing, most of which were razed after Katrina and are in varying stages of being rebuilt.

“You have to look at where the city has focused its redevelopment,” Rouselle said.

“If you build it, they will come.”

Still, some areas were flourishing.

“Our progress has always been much bigger than a population number,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Today, our recovery is in a full gallop.”

Elliot Stonecipher, a Shreveport, La.-based political consultant and demographics expert, said previous population surveys show New Orleans is attracting a wave of young professionals while maintaining its ethnic mix.

“It really could have been so much worse,” Stonecipher said.

He pointed out that even before Katrina, New Orleans was losing residents because of crime, a dismal school system and a poor job market. At its height, in the 1960s, the city had a population of about 650,000.

Census figures that look at education, age, homeownership and other details will be released in the coming months.

storm from page 1 broken branches, and asked customers to conserve energy.

Southeast Louisiana, from Houma to New Orleans and east into the Mississippi Gulf Coast, was about the only part of the state where freezing rain or sleet wasn’t expected. In the rest of Louisiana, warm, moist air coming up from the Gulf of Mexico was moving over a dome of cold ground-level air, causing freezing precipitation.

In the southeast, “The sleet that we got yesterday actually helped to warm the atmosphere. I know it sounds weird, but there’s a thermodynamic process that makes that happen,” said meteorologist Phil Grigsby of the National Weather Service in Slidell. Overnight clouds kept the area from cooling down, so temperatures were running in the upper 30s, he said.

Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a statewide emergency Wednesday and said state police, the state highway department and the Louisiana National Guard were prepared with people and equipment.

STATE & NATION Page 4 - Friday, February 4, 2011

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Bitter cold, destruction in wake of mammoth storm

By Deanna Bellandi & Michael Tarm associated press WRITERs

CHICAGO— A mammoth winter storm left dangerously slick roads and frigid Midwestern temperatures in its frozen footprint Thursday after crushing snow-laden buildings in the Northeast.

At least two people were killed when the pickup truck they were in drove off a snow-covered Oklahoma interstate and plunged 80 feet into an icy river. Wind chills dipped to nearly 30 below in parts of the nation’s midsection as the region began dealing with

the storm’s aftermath.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley spoke publicly for the first time to defend his city’s handling of the storm that stranded hundreds of motorists as if caught in a prairie blizzard on the city’s showcased Lake Shore Drive. In a city known for punishing politicians for winter weakness, the retiring Daley said when pressed that he wouldn’t have handled anything differently and that workers responded well.

“Yes, they did ... They did a very, very good job,” Daley said.

Lake Shore reopened before dawn Thursday.

The sprawling system unloaded

as much as 2 feet of snow across its 2,000-mile path, crippling airports and stranding drivers from Texas to South Dakota, where authorities rescued some motorists from more than 150 vehicles that had become trapped overnight after high winds sent fallen snow drifting onto an interstate in the northeast part of the state. Icy roads were blamed for a 15-vehicle chain-reaction crash in southeastern Louisiana that resulted in a few minor injuries.

Even the sunny Southwest wasn’t spared: Freezing temperatures delayed Thursday’s opening round of the Phoenix

Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., and led to school closures in parts of New Mexico.

A two-man state transportation crew looking for trouble spots along New Mexico’s snowpacked U.S. 54 rescued a family of four who had been stranded in their upside down car for up to an hour in a 30-foot ravine.

Authorities in northeast Oklahoma said the pickup truck that drove into the Spring River on Thursday jumped a guard rail on Interstate 44 at about 6:30 a.m., carrying five to eight people, and was partially sub-merged. It was not immediately clear how

many people died in the crash.

Ottawa County Sheriff Terry Durborow said three people died, but the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said only two died.

The discrepancy could not immediately be resolved.

Harsh weather conditions made rescue attempts difficult.

“The rescue teams got a small boat, hoisted it down in the water and started the recovery,” said Lt. George Brown, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Department. “The ground temperature was 11 degrees below zero, so it would take second to become hypothermic in this water and ice.”

SPORTS

Friday, February 4, 2011 - Page 5

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Jags sign 17 recruits

SU seeks payback from GSU By spencer thomas diGest coNtriBUtiNG Writer

By morris dillard diGest sports editor

A sense of cautious optimism filled the room Wednesday in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom.

Why? Because Southern received 17 signed letters of intent on National Signing Day, including three early enrollees.

But that’s not the only reason.

Athletic director Greg LaFleur announced SU’s annual rivalry game against Jackson State will be played at A.W. Mumford Stadium for the first time since 2007.

“He could’ve taken this game back to Jackson State,” head coach Stump Mitchell said. “But after listening to the (Jaguar) Nation, they wanted the game here. They have it here and hopefully they’ll come out and support it and sell the game out and we’ll do what we’re supposed to do on the gridiron … we definitely need the money.”

Meanwhile, the Southern University Quarterback Club and Blue & Gold Century Club hosted the annual football recruitment bash.

“I thought it was great for the people to come out and be a part of this,” said Mitchell. “Not only did they sponsor the event but they also came out and made their presence felt and seen.”

The signing class consists of players from six states, led

by Louisiana (7), followed by Texas (4), Florida (2), Georgia (2), Tennessee (1), and South Carolina (1).

The class included eight offensive players and nine defensive players: five offensive linemen, four defensive linemen, two linebackers, two defensive backs, one tight end and one quarterback. Gene Pete was listed as a quarterback/ athlete while Kristopher Scruggs was listed as a defensive lineman/linebacker.

“This class is bigger than the

photo By david clark iii/digest southern head coach stump Mitchell goes over the 17 players signing National Letters of intent Wednesday.

2011 Southern football signees Name christian allen daniel Brown Zach Brown Jeremy coleman J.p. douglas donald Glover Jaylen Jordan eric Juneau Jamal Massey arthur Miley Lamarkus pettaway Gene pete Brandon raby robert sanchez Kristopher scruggs allan spry Jeffrey Watkins isaiah Webster

Pos de LB oL dB QB oL dL te dL dL dB QB/ath oL LB LB/de oL dL oL

Ht. 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-4

Wt. 240 235 315 220 185 320 245 250 240 230 170 195 285 245 230 280 215 315

Hometown/Last School chicago/rich south hs New orleans/J.s. clark hs Missouri city, texas/elkins hs houston/N.M. Military inst.# roswell, Ga./roswell hs camden county, Ga./camden county hs Missouri city, texas/elkins hs New orleans/st. augustine hs orlando, Fla./Jones hs Mangham, La./Mangham hs chattanooga, tenn./howard school# iowa, La./iowa hs New orleans/higgins hs houston/Lamar hs Jacksonville, Fla./ribault hs Blythewood, s.c./Blythewood hs# Mangham, La./Mangham hs New orleans/o.p. Walker hs

Signees are current as of Thursday/#—already enrolled at SU class we signed last year when you talk more offensive and defensive lineman,” said Mitchell.

“We had to take a look at the areas we were weak in and we thought we didn’t have enough depth on the defensive and offensive line. We had to solidify some guys to come in and either push our guys and become starters or come in and become

starters over the guys we have here. We had to try and get a quarterback or two to come in and do the same thing.”

As for Southern going forward, there are some other positions that need filling.

While hiring a quarterback coach to replace former coach Ted White might not have much pizazz with fans and media, it

would resonate positively in the locker room. Mitchell added: they’ll interview some coaches this week and probably next week and will be able to make a decision soon.

“He (White) had the opportunity to go back to Howard, to be the offensive coordinator, it’s his alma mater.

Best of luck to coach White.”

Broadway leaves GSU for NC A&T BY the associated press

GRAMBLING, La. — Grambling State athletic director Lin Dawson says head football coach Rod Broadway has resigned to take the head coaching job at North Carolina A&T. Broadway arrived at Grambling in 2007 and has gone 35-12 in his four seasons, which included a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2008.

Dawson says he understands Broadway’s decision to return to his home state of North Carolina and says Grambling will miss him.

Dawson says Broadway is a “true leader and developer of young men” who has left the Tigers’ football program in excellent shape.

The university says a small search committee is being formed immediately to look for a new coach and that the position will be filled as soon as possible.

gsu’s rod Broadway...

STEPS DOWN TO TAKE NORTH CAROLINA A&T JOB

Whether the talk is whose tradition ranks highest, almost everyone believes Saturday’s matchup against Grambling State will have a classic finish.

But is that guaranteed?

While there is potential for something to happen, in essence to a 61-57 lost in January 8th, The Southern men’s basketball team looks to redeem the lost in their second matchup this season.

“We have to score more points than they do. It’s extremely important that we start off well and not allow ourselves to fall behind early like we did against them in our last battle,” fifth year coach Rob Spivery said Wednesday afternoon.

The Jaguars (4-17, 3-6) are preparing to face the Tigers (317, 1-8) this weekend inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center and avoid a devastating loss to their in-state rival.

“We simply can’t allow them to get into a comfort zone and begin feeling good about themselves. We have to make timely baskets,” said Spivery.

Last game we spotted them 20 points and still had a chance to come out with the win at the end, this time around we plan to maintain and be more consistent.”

Southern return home after finishing 1-3 during a threegame road trip beginning Jan. 22- 64-52 win at Alabama State and losses to Alabama A&M (6858) and Alcorn State (70-63).

With Spivery anxious for the game to begin, he’s confident that his players will be ready to play once the game starts. Also, he expressed how the Jaguars are getting better and working extremely hard to continue to get better day in and day out.

“The guys are playing with a lot of effort right now. We’re making a huge amount of progress in each of these areas as we move deeper into the season.”

He added, “I have no concerns. We just need to have a high percentage of shots and free throws made. They’re playing better and doing good things on the court. Bottom line is, we have to have more points at the end.”

The game tips off 30 minutes after the conclusion of the SUGSU women’s game, which tips off at 2 p.m.

The first-place SU women (118, 8-1) have a two-game lead on the Lady Tigers (10-10, 6-3), but GSU defeated Southern 48-43 at home in January.

arts & entertainment Page 6 - Friday, February 4, 2011

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Media attacked in Cairo

Muslims seek change in story

By michael weissenstein

By gillian flaccus

the associated press

CAIRO — Foreign journalists were beaten with sticks and fists by pro-government mobs on Thursday, and dozens were detained by security forces. The U.S. condemned what it called the “systematic targeting” of the reporters, photographers and film crews who have brought searing images of Egyptian protests to the world.

Foreign photographers reported attacks by supporters of President Hosni Mubarak near Tahrir Square, the scene of vicious battles between Mubarak supporters and protesters demanding he step down after nearly 30 years in power. The Egyptian government has accused media outlets of being sympathetic to protesters who want Mubarak to quit now rather than complete his term as he has pledged.

Among the many detained were correspondents for The New York Times, Washington Post and Al-Jazeera. The Committee to Protect Journalists said late Thursday that in just the past 24 hours it

the associated press

photo by khalil hamra/ap photo Two foreign photographers take cover as they follow stone throwing clashes between pro- and antigovernment protesters in downtown Cairo, Egypt, Thursday. New clashes are heating up again and shots are being fired in the air around Cairo’s central Tahrir Square as anti-government protesters push back regime supporters.

had recorded 24 detentions of journalists, 21 assaults and five cases in which equipment was seized.

The attacks on journalists have “intensified to levels unseen in Egypt’s modern history,” said Mohamed Abdel Dayem, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator.

“This is a dark day for Egypt and a dark day for journalism,” said Joel Simon, the group’s executive director.

“Egypt is seeking to create an information vacuum that puts it in the company of the world’s worst oppressors.”

Human rights organizations also were targeted. Some

of those groups said many activists were taken away after a raid by the military police on a legal center in Cairo.

In Berlin, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon condemned the “intimidation and restrictions” being placed on journalists and human rights groups in Cairo.

“Let me absolutely clear: this is outrageous and totally unacceptable,” he said after meeting Germany’s president, Christian Wulff. “It must stop now.”

CPJ said some state-owned television outlets and private stations owned by businessmen loyal to Mubarak had been portraying journalists as part

of plots to destabilize Egypt.

BBC foreign editor Jon Williams said via Twitter that security forces seized the network’s equipment in a Cairo Hilton hotel in an attempt to stop it broadcasting.

Many international news organizations have been using the Ramses Hilton overlooking Tahrir Square as a base to cover the mayhem.

Unidentified men entered the Cairo office of the U.S.funded Alhurra television and threatened to kill the station’s two on-air journalists, the station’s governing board said.

The station was closed and bureau activities relocated.

Halftime gig d‘ ream come true’ for B.E.P. By jamie stengle the associated press

DALLAS—Even the Black Eyed Peas are protecting their Super Bowl playlist.

During a news conference on Thursday, the group declined to reveal the set list for their scheduled halftime appearance during Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers — but said they’re ready to give an energypacked performance.

“We want everybody to have a good time and just dance, party,” will.i.am said about the performance that’s expected to include R&B star Usher and former Guns `N Roses guitarist Slash.

A person familiar with the plans for Sunday’s halftime show told The Associated Press that both musicians were slated to make surprise appearances. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday, because the musicians’ performances were not going to be announced.

“Hopefully we will bring the

photo by david j. phillip/ap photo The Black Eyed Peas Taboo, left to right, Fergie, Will.i.am and Apl.de.ap pose for a picture during a news conference at the NFL football Super Bowl XLV Media Center Thursday in Dallas. The Black Eyed Peas are scheduled to perform at halftime of Super Bowl XLV.

heat because it’s cold as hell here in Dallas,” said Black Eyed Peas band member Taboo.

The band spoke at a news conference in downtown Dallas on the third consecutive day of subfreezing temperatures during

a rare cold spell that greeted the first Super Bowl week in North Texas.

Taboo said the opportunity to provide entertainment for the NFL’s ultimate game is “a dream come true for us as football

lovers.”

Fellow band member, Fergie, said it was a “huge honor” to be picked as halftime performer.

The Black Eyed Peas have sold more than 28 million albums worldwide.

LOS ANGELES — After years of watching Muslims portrayed as terrorists in mainstream TV and movies, an advocacy group hopes to change that image by grooming a crop of aspiring Muslim screenwriters who can bring their stories — and perspective — to Hollywood.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council is hosting a series of workshops taught by Emmywinning and Oscar-nominated veterans over the next month, an initiative that builds on the group’s outreach for a more representative picture of MuslimAmericans on the screen.

The workshops are the natural evolution of MPAC’s efforts to lobby TV networks and movie studios from the outside, and they fit into a small, but growing, movement to get more MuslimAmericans behind the cameras.

MPAC dubbed its effort the Hollywood Bureau, while Unity Productions Foundation recently started a similar project called Muslims on Screen and Television.

Other nonprofit arts foundations, such as the Levantine Cultural Center and Film Independent, have joined forces by planning networking events for Muslim actors and training and mentoring young filmmakers.

“The idea is to really give Muslims an avenue to tell our stories. It’s as simple as that.

There’s a curiosity about Islam and a curiosity about who Muslims are — and a lot of the fear that we’re seeing comes from only hearing one story or these constant negative stories,” said Deana Nassar, MPAC’s Hollywood liaison.

At the council’s first screenwriting workshop last Saturday, three dozen attendees packed into a classroom in downtown Los Angeles to hear Emmy-winning comedy writer Ed Driscoll give tips of the trade, from knowing the audience to making a script outline.

The students reflected a diversity not often seen in Hollywood’s portrayal of MuslimAmericans, from a black woman who grew up in Mississippi to a stay-at-home mom to a defense attorney who dabbles in screenwriting on the side.

Khadijah Rashid, 33, said before class that her Hollywood experience included working behind the scenes on everything from reality TV to the awardwinning biopic “Ray.”

diversions

Friday, February 4, 2011 - Page 7

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The Knight Life

By Keith Knight

Astro-Graph

By Bernice Bede Osol

In the next year, you might be able to discover whether or not you are satisfied with your life and what you want to do with it. Once you can identify your true aims, you can successfully move on, full speed ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19): That burst of energy you’re feeling can be channeled constructively and creatively, or it could be spent on frivolous frippery. Try to use it on something good.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20): If someone you know is currently in need of aid, don’t wait to be asked. Volunteer to help out, and don’t take no for an answer. The person could be too embarrassed to say s/ he needs assistance.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Generally, you are your own person, but for some reason your companions will have the greater influence on you right now. It’s okay, as long as they’re leading you somewhere positive.

TAURUS (April 20May 20): Competitive arrangements are apt to have an exceptionally strong appeal to you, which is fine and good, as long as they cause you to better yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Instead of losing your cool over a competitive development as others might do, you’ll rise to the top and take full advantage of the challenge, resulting in some meaningful accomplishment.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Rather than get upset when outside circumstances disrupt your plans, you’ll check to see if these new

developments offer any benefits. Keep a cool head and a weather eye.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You know that compromise usually results cooperation, so when someone is forcing you to make a change, you’ll immediately look for a way to meet him/her somewhere in the middle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22): Because you know that all work and no play can have consequences, you might deliberately look for a moment when a small break can be tolerated. It’ll be a refreshing for everyone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): If you are in charge of telling everybody what to do and how to do it, be sure you follow your own dictates. It would be embarrassing if you were the one to bungle matters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22): Make it your primary objective, and something that is of significance can be finalized to your satisfaction.

To do so, it is important that you give matters your full attention.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21): Know when to call it quits when trying to make a hard sell. That doesn’t necessarily mean losing hope, but to close your mouth after you’ve made the sale.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): This can be an excellent day for coordinating yours and/or other people’s actions. The high energy that abounds could do wonders if it is channeled properly and wisely.

——— Copyright 2011, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

ACROSS 1 Kid’s ammo 4 A Gershwin 7 Body of water 10 Seance sound 11 “Alice” waitress 13 Pipe fittings 14 Make a typo 15 Viking war god 16 Dalai — 17 Dawn 19 Two fives for — — 20 Center 21 Overexcited 23 Hideous giant 26 Painter Grandma — 28 Clue 29 Belief 30 Filter 34 They run on runners 36 Short sleep 38 Anaconda 39 Column order 41 Sports network 42 Pitman pupil 44 Oil amts.

46 Luau instruments 47 Low-risk investment (2 wds.)

52 CIA figure 53 Pork cut 54 “Where Eagles Dare” actress 55 Lose interest 56 Distant past 57 Part of LAX 58 Sneaky 59 Furry companion 60 Grasshopper’s rebuker DOWN 1 Raised cattle 2 Silents vamp Theda — 3 Agile

4 Elephant tusk 5 Cashes in 6 Moffo solo 7 List of candidates 8 “— Gantry” 9 Hot — — oven 12 Pharaohs’ amulets 13 Pass by 18 Pollen gatherer 22 Canine noise 23 Signs off on 24 Hair goop 25 Bread buy 27 Old Dodge model 29 Has the stage (2 wds.)

31 Tummy muscles

32 PD member 33 Leia’s rescuer 35 Fuel for big rigs 37 Get 40 Selflessly 41 PC button 42 Common toast 43 Brit’s TV 45 Doctrine 46 Strike callers 48 Flier’s feat 49 Story-telling dance 50 Metallic element 51 Persistent annoyer

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