STATE & NATION
SPORTS
A&E
Anti-tax stancle bolsters Jindal PG. 4
SU women keep on rollin’. PG. 5
Also: CBS pulls Tebow ad. PG. 7
Jindal’s profile rises
Blige to headline essence
sU men continue to stumble
estABLished in 1928
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010
VOL. 55, ISSUE 3
Faculty to feel budget crunch BY NORMAN J. DOTSON JR. diGest editor-iN-cHieF
During an early semester budget meeting, members of administration presented the faculty and staff with the budget plan for this upcoming year. A new summer salary flat rate will be implemented this year. This summer flat rate formula will save Southern University up to $150,000 to $250,000. “Full time faculty members are 9-month employees. Summer employment is not guaranteed to faculty and is subject to approval of appropriate dean, the chief academic officer, and the chancellor. The existing compensation for teaching a full-load is normally two ninths of the 9-month salary unless otherwise approved by the Southern University Board of Supervisors,” said Provost Mwalimu Shujaa. Southern University in Baton Rouge is requesting that the Board of Supervisors approve the use of the proposed flat-rate summer salary schedule in lieu of the two-ninths formula, given
Taylor to speak at Southern
the hardships imposed on the university by this year’s midyear budget cut. “Using the faculty salary rates averaged by rank, for every 100 summer session courses at 3-credits each offered where 50 percent f the credit hours are taught by full professors, the savings would be around $54,750,” said Shujaa. “34 percent of the credit hours taught by associate professors would save $29,886, and where 15 percent of the credit hours are taught by assistant professors the savings would be $11, 475,” Shujaa continued. “We are proposing to offer this summer one eight week session only. If projected conservatively, that’s 250 courses will be offered during that session,” stated Shujaa. The total savings per 100 courses would average around $95, 931. During the 2008 summer session there were 462 classes offered and in 2009’s See CRUNCH page 3
diGest NeWs serVice
PHOtO By Wil nOrWOOd/diGest File PHOtO
southern University provost Mwalimu shujaa and university officials told faculty members of a state-mandated midyear budget cut of approximately $1.5 million in a meeting earlier this month. reductions in classes and athletics funding are among those cuts.
Editor-in-chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine, author and speaker Susan L. Taylor will be the fourth speaker in Southern University’s 2009-2010 Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m., in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the SmithB r o w n Memorial Union. The lecture is free and open to the public. Taylor was the longtime taYLor editor and in-fluence behind Essence maga-zine’s rise to greatness. She served as the magazine’s fashion and beauty editor, editor-in-chief and editorial director, as well as, author of the magazine’s popular See TAYLOR page 3
AT&T tours SU campus By darryl J. edWards diGest coNtriBUtiNG Writer
PHOtO By PatriCK Farrell/aP PHOtO
Kool dJ supa Mike goes to work on the on the one’s and two’s at the at&t technology tour at southern University on saturday January 23, 2010 at the F.G. clark center.
SUNNY HIGH
66° | 40° LOW
INSIDE S O U T H E R N
On Saturday, AT&T hosted a campus-to-community technology and education fair from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at the Felton G. Clark activity center. Bringing the fair to campus was the result of Southern University becoming the first-ever Spirit of UNCF winner. AT&T provided a 53-foot walkthrough interactive mobile facility, which allowed participants to engage themselves with the products of AT&T. The mobile facilities featured wireless technology for mobile phones, television applications, and the Internet. “AT&T started this event as a new initiative to incorporate their brand at HBCU’s,” said Anthony Monroe Southern graduate in Marketing from Dallas, TX. “As a graduate of Southern, this also gives me the opportunity to
serve as an ambassador for students.” The mobile facility also featured a Fun Trivia Zone that quizzed participants on school knowledge and basic AT&T information. The quiz featured questions such as, “What year did Southern University share the parade of champions with LSU?” Other questions included were, “How much faster is AT&T’s high-speed DSL than dial-up” and “Who was Southern’s first system president?” Participants who were able to answer all questions correctly received a prize. Working along with AT&T were former students and students of Southern’s college of business. Of the students working at the facility was, James Halley, a senior computer science See AT&T page 3
CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 SPORTS..........................5 VIEWPOINTS......................7 NEWS.............................3 A & E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 U N I V E R S I T Y ,
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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27
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in the Center for Student Success in Stewart Hall Room 107. Available hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Follow the Center for Student Success on Twitter to see exciting upcoming events: www.twitter.com/ jaguar_nation.
aPartments FOr rent
Move-in special $99 dep. Everything new. 3 blocks off SU campus. 1 bdrm $525. 2 bdrm $625. H20 & trash incl. No pets. Call 928.0444.
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Tired of student housing? Free rent specials. 1.866.972.5495.
Campus Briefs
BOWlinG tOUrnament
The Smith-Brown Memorial Union Jaguar Lanes is holding registration from January 11-22, 2010. The registration fee is $5. The competition begins Jan. 27. For more information visit Lacumba’s Playpen (Gameroom) or call 225771-2020. JAN. 25
TODAY HelP miss sOUtHern assist st. JUde
Drink a lot of soda? Don’t know what to do with those can tabs? For every gallon of can tabs collected, you will give a sick child a free chemotherapy treatment. Save your tabs and turn them in on the second floor of the SmithBrown Memorial Union at any time or at the Letter Writing Party March 4. BeeP meetinGs
BEEP Meetings are held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in T.T. Allain Room 222. These meetings are open to all majors. For more information contact Toni Jackson at 225.771.5640 ext. 222 or at subeep@ subr.edu. Peer tUtOrinG
Peer tutoring is available
Css seminars
The Center for Student Success is offering a seminar, “Discovering your Learning Style” on Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. in the Lawless Auditorium in Stewart Hall. The Center for Student Success is offering a seminar, “Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy” on Jan. 26 in the Lawless Auditorium in Stewart Hall. The Center for Student Success is offering a seminar, “My Game Plan” on Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Lawless Auditorium in Stewart Hall. JAN. 29 sGa Battle OF tHe Bands BUS TRIP
Southern University’s Student Government
FRIDAY, JAN. 29
SATURDAY, JAN. 30
T-STORMS
SUNNY
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Association is sponsoring a bus trip to the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta to support the “Human Jukebox” as they battle against marching bands from Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, North Carolina Central, Prairie View A&M, Tuskegee and Virginia State. The bus will depart from the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on Jan. 29 and return to the university on Jan. 31. The time of the departure and return to the university is still being determined and will be passed along once it is finalized. There are only 35 seats available. The cost of the trip is $150 and includes a two-night stay in a fivestar hotel and a ticket to Honda’s Eighth Annual Battle of the Bands in the Georgia Dome. To secure your seat, the cost of the trip must be paid to the Cashier’s Office in room 102 of the Felton G. Clark Activity Center and your receipt must be taken to room 227 on the 2nd floor of the SmithBrown Memorial Union. For more information, contact the SGA Office at 771.2300. FEB. 3 COlleGiate 100 BlaCK WOmen
The Collegiate Black Women of Southern University presents “Self Love: I Don’t Need Anyone’s Approval” Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in Room 313 T.T. Allain Hall.
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The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Walk/ Run will be held on March 6 at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $25 before Feb. 26 and $30 after February 26, 2010. For more information visit the Facebook group: Southern University – Race for the Cure Walk, email su.komen@gmail.com or contact Breanna Paul at 225.625.4252.
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issN: 1540-7276. copyright 2008 by the southern University office of student Media services. the southern diGest is written, edited and published by members of the student body at southern University and a&M college. all articles, photographs and graphics are property of the southern diGest and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the editor in chief and director of student Media services. the southern diGest is published bi-weekly (tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 copies per issue during the southern University - Baton rouge campus fall, spring semesters. the paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every tuesday & Friday morning on the sUBr campus. the southern diGest student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the offices are located on the first floor of t.H. Harris Hall, suite 1064. the southern diGest is the official student newspaper of southern University and a&M college located in Baton rouge, Louisiana. articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS the southern diGest is a member of the Black college communications association (Bcca), National association of Black Journalists (NaBJ), University - Wire Network (U-Wire), associated collegiate press (acp), college Media advisers association (cMa), society of professional Journalist (spJ), Full member of the associated press (ap) and the Louisiana press association (Lpa).
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2010 SPRING DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. dotson Jr.
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NEWS
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - Page 3
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TAYLOR from page 1 column’s In the Spirit, which offered inspirational words of wisdom to its readers. She was elected vice president of the magazine’s publisher, Essence Communication, Inc., and became senior vice president. She has also served as the host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated television show Essence, the Essence Awards show and the Essence Music Festival. Taylor also founded her own cosmetics company which led to her position of beauty editor at Essence. Taylor has authored four books: In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor; Lessons in Living; Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives, which she coauthored with her husband, Khephra Burns; and her most recent, All About Love, Favorite Selections from In the Spirit on Living Fearlessly. She is the first African American Women recognized by the Magazine Publishers of America with the Henry Johnson Fisher Award, the industry’s highest honor and has been inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame. Taylor is also a recipient of the NAACP President’s Award for visionary leadership. Currently, Taylor serves as Founder and CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement. She founded the organization in 2006 as Essence Cares. The CARES Movement is a campaign to recruit 1 million adults to help mentor at-risk African American children. Its goals are to increase high school graduation rates among African American students, and end the violence in Black communities and the overincarceration of youth. Taylor has worked to help restore the lives of people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region that were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Chancellor’s Lecturer Series, now in its second year, was created by Chancellor Dr. Kofi Lomotey. It has brought speakers such as actor, director Spike Lee and authors Iyanla Vanzant and Cornel West to the university.
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Deal OK’d to repay Medicaid funds By melinda deslatte associated press Writer
Louisiana’s health department has reached tentative settlements to repay hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid money the federal government says was misspent years ago, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Monday. The settlements — which still need final approval from two federal agencies — would lower the interest rates on the money owed and allow for a repayment plan that stretches the heftiest payback over a decade. The money owed totals $266 million plus interest. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, said the state improperly used Medicaid money to pay for hazardous road claims against Louisiana
in the state’s self-insurance program and violated federal rules in Medicaid payments to certain government-run nursing homes. The claims against the state have lingered for years, threatening other federal Medicaid dollars to Louisiana. The state has been negotiating with federal officials about the overpayment figures, hoping to get the debt reduced. “These disallowances have been a cloud over our state for more than a decade. We can’t wait any longer to settle these disputes with the federal government. Interest costs are increasing, and we’ve come to the point the federal government is ready to start taking the money directly out of our Medicaid program,” Jindal said. The state is alleged to owe $310 million for the road hazard spending — $150 million plus 12 percent annual interest since 2005, when federal officials notified the state of the misspending.
Jindal said under the tentative settlement, the state would repay the $150 million plus 1 percent interest from 2005 to 2010 and 3 percent interest thereafter. The first payment would be due in July 2013, and the repayment plan would be over 10 years, the governor said. The state Department of Health and Hospitals wouldn’t provide estimates of what the total repayment would cost the state, and the department hasn’t identified a specific source of funds to use. For the nursing home debt, the state would pay the $116 million owed plus interest over a year, with the first quarterly payment beginning March 31, Jindal said. All the money would come from a state trust fund set aside for elderly care, if lawmakers approve. With interest, the state would repay about $120 million, said Charles Castille, undersecretary for the state health department.
commented Shujaa. “It was not a spur of the moment decision, it really came about in much the same way as this discussion is coming about here. When we had to meet the demands that were imposed upon us in 2008-2009 we indicated that we would not be able to pay salaries for promotions nor would be able to pay civil service step increases.” That was part of the plan submitted to the board of supervisors and that plan was approved because according Shujaa the funds were not there. “I’m sure I speak for everyone else in terms of feeling the disappointment emotionally, not just to mention the economical disappointment, when anticipating receiving an increase in salary and not receiving one,” Shujaa added that “I didn’t come here anticipating that my
salary would be reduced now by 6 percent either, but its where we are and we took it in large part because it was a lay-off avoidance step. The question that is before all of us in certain respects, and I know I make more than most of you, is still whenever we ask for a furlough its done because we would rather try and do it that way than cost a person or family a job. Everyone one of those that we implemented, saved somebody’s job and that’s real too.” The Provost also expressed his regret that this has occurred and asked that no one believe that there is anything personal decision by anybody. Also he stressed that no one in the faculty is expendable and that the issue has always been how can the university save the most jobs and that everyone across the board everyone is feeling the pressure of this crisis.
students, alumni, and supporters who voted by text and online for their favorite HBCU. The sweepstakes was created to build excitement for the airing of UNCF’s An Evening of Stars. Southern University was declared the winner by less than 50 votes over Central Ohio’s Wilberforce University. “I want to congratulate Southern University and the countless number of supporters who made it possible for them to hold the lead position for four consecutive weeks, and ultimately win,” said Jennifer
L. Jones, vice president Diverse Markets, AT&T. “It is an honor for AT&T to present this fun and relevant program that lends itself to bringing awareness to cause like UNCF’s An Evening of Stars®, which is a celebration of higher education and America’s rising stars -- college students.” For a third year, AT&T sponsored the broadcast of UNCF’s An Evening of Stars® as part of its commitment to educational programs that support African-American communities across the country.
CRUNCH from page 1 summer session it was reduced to 401 courses. For 2010 Southern University hopes to save at least $150,000 and possibly reach up to $250, 000 using the flat rate formula and reducing the class offering in the summer session by nearly 38 percent of last summers offerings. Questions by members of the faculty were raised throughout the meeting. One concern was the acknowledgement of those faculty members who were promoted but haven’t received payment compensation for taking on more responsibilities. “Its not a failure to acknowledge that some faculty members were promoted. We were not able to fund salary promotions for 2008-2009 and we probably wont have enough to do it for 2009-2010. We also were not able to fund civil service step increases for classified personnel,”
AT&T from page 1 major, from Lake Providence, LA, Ronald Myers, a senior business major from Baton Rouge, LA, and Michelle Mitchell, a senior Marketing major from Memphis. “This event is great for the college of business students as it provides us with hands-on experience that will be helpful to us beyond graduation,” said Mitchell. More than 100 rival historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) went head-to-head for eight weeks in AT&T’s “Spirit of UNCF” voting sweepstakes. The sweepstakes was won by the HBCU
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state & nation Page 4 - Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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Anti-tax stance boosts Jindal By melinda deslatte associated press WRITER
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s refusal to raise taxes is boosting his stature with a re-energized national GOP, even while his state faces severe budget cuts to education, health care and social service programs. His approval ratings in Louisiana are still high, but critics and some analysts wonder how long he can please power-brokers outside his state without angering voters in it. Jindal is considered a possible future presidential contender, even though he routinely demurs when asked about the possibility. The midpoint of his first term as governor comes as the national GOP builds momentum from an upset win in a Massachusetts U.S. Senate race. At the same time, President Barack Obama’s current approval rating has dipped to 56 percent from a sky-high 74 when he took office. While Jindal insists he’s running only for a second term as governor, he has traveled to fundraisers around the country in the last two years and often appeared on national TV news shows. His most recent appearance was to
oppose the Democrats’ health care overhaul proposals. What he’s doing in his home state also plays to a national audience. His refusal to consider tax increases ensures more severe budget cuts for state programs, but Republican strategists say he should stay the course if he’s angling for a future presidential campaign. “When you talk to the rank and file person, they think the best way to revive the economy is to cut taxes and cut waste, and that’s what Jindal is doing,” said GOP pollster and consultant Jim McLaughlin. He noted supporting tax increases hurt former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, a Republican who sought the presidency in 2008 and hasn’t ruled out another bid. If Jindal wants to position himself on the national ticket, he’ll likely be competing with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh called Jindal “the next Ronald Reagan,” and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he was “maybe the smartest governor in this country.”
His nationally televised debut to much of the country — a speech last February responding to Obama’s address to Congress — was widely panned as amateurish and out of step with the American public. Still, analysts say the 38-year-old, Oxford-educated son of Indian immigrants is recovering from the misstep and it didn’t permanently damage his national prospects. Jindal ran against tax increases and big government spending, but he took office in January 2008 when the state had hundreds of millions in surplus cash. Now the state’s budget shortfall is estimated at $1 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the gap is expected to grow even larger a year later when federal stimulus money disappears. The worst budget cuts would fall right in the midst of Jindal’s 2011 reelection campaign. But he hasn’t changed his mind on taxes, and complaints are growing about big cuts to state programs. “By making the decision we’re not going to raise taxes on our people, I think that it has forced our agencies to be much more creative, to be more efficient, to
Audit questions insurer of last resort’s security NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana’s property insurer of last resort allowed too much access to computer systems, opening the door for potential fraud, and failed to take enough steps to make sure that policy applicants were eligible for coverage, according to a state audit released Monday. The Legislative Auditor’s Office said it found enough problems with Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. that it could not issue an opinion on the accuracy of the insurer’s records. In a response to the audit, which covered 2008, Citizens management concurred at least in part with most of the findings and said corrective action was being taken, including reducing computer access sharply and developing a written access policy. Citizens, a nonprofit, taxpayer-backed insurer established in 2003 by the Legislature, provides property insurance for businesses and homeowners unable to get coverage from standard insurance companies, mostly in storm-vulnerable areas. It has struggled with its financial records since hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit in 2005. Among problems identified by the audit: — Citizens employees and nonemployees were given excessive access to computer systems, one that handles policies and claims processing and another used for disbursements and
financial statement preparation. The insurer lacked proper controls over the granting and termination of user IDs. As a result, data could be changed, exposing Citizens to fraud. In a response, Citizens said the amount of access to both systems had been reduced to a handful of people and a new policy regarding system access was being developed. The insurer also said it had never had unauthorized access or changes to the systems. — Citizens did not follow state law to ensure that all applicants were eligible for coverage. Thirty-four of 35 applications reviewed did not disclose — as required by law — whether the applicant had been denied coverage by at least one standard insurer. Citizens eventually is supposed to place all of its policyholders in the private insurance market. “If Citizens issues coverage to those who could get coverage elsewhere, then legislative intent for Citizens to be the insurer of last resort would not be met,” the audit said. Citizens said it was installing a new system to prohibit issuance of new policies to property owners who have not been denied private coverage. — Citizens did not comply with requirements of a program to place its policyholders with private insurers. Instead of bundling the policies, private companies were allowed to determine selectively which customers they wanted to assume, the audit said.
PHOTO BY bill haber/ap photo In a Thursday, June 11, 2009 file photo, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal addresses a news conference at the state capitol in Baton Rouge.
look at more opportunities to outsource, to have to set priorities,” Jindal said in an interview. Tania Nyman, an English instructor who may lose her
job and who organized a recent protest, said Jindal and lawmakers worsened the state’s money problems by passing tax breaks.
SPORTS
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - Page 5
Double trouble
Alabama State, Alabama A&M knock off Southern; Jaguars’ losing streak now at five games digest news serVice
Southern’s slide continued Monday night at the hands of head coach Rob Spivery’s old ball club. Menji Mundadi scored a career-high 29 points to lead Alabama State in a 77-60 victory over the Jaguars at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The win is the Hornets’ eighth-straight win over Southern. Southern has not beaten Spivery’s former ball club since a 72-65 overtime win at home during the 2005-06 season, the Jaguars’ last Southwestern Athletic Conference championship season and Spivery’s first as SU’s head coach. Spivery spent nine seasons at SU, winning one regular season and two conference tournament titles before taking the helm at SU. Monday night’s loss, along with Saturday’s 7063 loss to Alabama A&M, increased SU’s losing streak to five games. Mundadi shot 7-for-14 from 3-point range for the Hornets (8-10, 5-2), who have now won four games in a row. Tramayne Moorer added 22 points. Alabama State ended the first half with a 14-2 run to take a 42-23 halftime lead. The Hornets maintained their lead, and would lead by as many as 26 points, after a 3-pointer from Mendadi made the score 57-31 with 14:52 remaining. The Jaguars (3-17, 1-7) were led by Julius
Ingram and Doug Scott, who scored 18 points each. Alabama State shot 47.6 percent from 3-point range (10-for-21), while the Jaguars were only 27.3 percent from beyond the arc (3-for-11). In Saturday’s game, Cornelius Hester scored 15 points to lead AAMU while Bo Amusa added 11 for the Bulldogs (6-9, 3-4). The Jaguars trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half, but cut the lead to 65-63 after two free throws from Doug Scott with 1:57 remaining in the game. But Alabama A&M outscored Southern 5-0 the rest of the way, as the Jaguars ended the game with two missed free throws, two missed field goals and a turnover. Scott finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead Southern, which has lost four straight. Ingram chipped in with 12 points. The Bulldogs outrebounded Southern 45-36 while shooting 45 percent from the field (27-for-60). The Jaguars shot 38.2 percent (21-for-55). Turnovers and poor free-throw shooting plagued SU. Southern committed 21 turnovers and made 17 of 37 free throw attempts. Southern returns to action Saturday to take on Alcorn State (0-20, 0-7) at 4 p.m. AAMU defeated the Braves 84 Monday, extending Alcorn’s losing streak to 24 games dating back to last season.
photo by apRiL bUFFington/digest
southern’s Madut bol goes up for a shot as alabama state’s ryan watts goes for the block during Monday night’s game.
SU women continue tear By morris DillarD digest sports writer
The Southern women’s basketball team continued its hot play in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, knocking off Alabama State 55-39 Monday night at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. The win, coupled with the Jaguars’ 67-57 win over Alabama A&M Saturday, increased SU’s winning streak to six — the best streak Southern (12-6, 6-2) had since the 2005-06 team reeled of two separate seven-game streaks en route to winning the SWAC tournament title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The wins also moved SU into sole possession of second place behind league leader Prairie View A&M. In Monday’s game, Southern pounced early on ASU. The Jaguars opened up a 21-8 lead in the first half before pushing out to a 49-28 lead with six minutes left to play. Tiffany Foster led Southern with 19 points, followed by Hannah Kador with 10. Tanika photo by apRiL bUFFington/digest Johnson and Quortni Fambro southern’s essence Hopkins shoots over alabama state’s tanika each scored 10 points to pace the Jackson at Monday night’s game. Lady Hornets (6-10, 3-4).
In Saturday’s game, Southern led 42-24 with 16:20 left in the game and held off late AAMU surges. SU’s 10th-year coach, Sandy Pugh, standing along side of the scorer’s table, continued to coach hard during the final 57 seconds of the game. Pugh felt the team has unfinished business to take care of and let down too little early. “Our kids let up and they kept fighting,” Pugh said after the game, “at this point in the season we have to continue to grow as a unit and team.” In this one, Kador’s game-high 19 points and SU’s defense ensured the Jaguars a solid finish. Dominisha Johnson led AAMU (8-8, 4-3) with 16 points. SU began to flex its muscle with back-to-back layups by Ashley Augerson and Tiffany Foster. SU led 59-37 with 10:19 remaining in the second half. Later down the stretch, Alabama A&M stalked SU with quick inside points, layups and free throws. On the other side, SU fell into a drought of turnovers and missed free throws and Alabama A&M cut the margin to 10 points with 2:09 left to play.
“I didn’t think we did a good job of taking care of the ball down the stretch and making free throws,” said Pugh “that’s called closing out the game and you got to do that. Another good free throw by Whiquitta Tobar and lay up by Shaurice Miller, both of Alabama A&M, the lead trimmed to seven with 57 ticks on the scoreboard. SU jumped back into rhythm with three consecutive free throws, and regained a 10 point led with 29 sec left to play. The score was 65-55 and Alabama A&M took advantage of two more free throws, by then it was too late. Soon after, SU ended the game at 67-57. SU finished the game 16-for36 from the free throw line. SU played without injured guard Tanesha Brown who is out with chest pains but expects to return soon. SU shot a higher percentage than Alabama A&M, shooting 53.3 percent to 36.7 from the floor which they have also done in previous four games. Southern returns to action at home Saturday as the Jaguars take on Alcorn State (4-13, 4-3) at 2 p.m.
Arts & ENTERTAINMent Page 6 - Tuesday, January 26, 2010
SU sees Stars
Blige to headline ‘10 Essence Fest By stacey plaisance associated press writer
NEW ORLEANS—R&B singer Mary J. Blige will headline this year’s Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, a festival official said Tuesday. Billed as one of the nation’s largest annual events celebrating black music and culture, the festival is slated for July 2-4. The full lineup has not been released, but as in the past, musical acts will perform at the Louisiana Superdome and motivational seminars will be held during the day at the Morial Convention Center. Blige has performed at Essence eight times, the last being in 2008. This year, the Grammy winner is expected to perform songs from her latest studio album, “Stronger with Each Tear.” “Mary J. has reached an arc in her career where her
work is so important, and people are passionate about her music,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., which owns the festival. “Having her at Essence is all about excitement and energy and celebration.” Essence began in 1995 to celebrate the 25th birthday of Essence magazine. Last year’s festival drew a record 428,000 attendees, Ebanks said. This year, the festival plans to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Essence magazine, as well as the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Ebanks said. Ebanks said seminars and anniversary events are still in the planning stages and will be announced closer to the time of the festival. Besides headliners like Blige, the festival showcases New Orleans acts. In the past, those acts have included New Orleans’ queen of soul Irma Thomas, Troy “Trombone
By evan taylor
digest contributing writer
photo by evan agostini/ap photo
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, Mary J. Blige performs at “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief”, on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in New York.
Shorty” Andrews, trumpeter Irvin Mayfield and the brass band Big Sam’s Funky Nation.
The rest of the lineup will be announced in about a month, Ebanks said.
CBS urged to scrap Super Bowl ad with Tebow, mom NEW YORK (AP) — A national coalition of women’s groups called on CBS on Monday to scrap its plan to broadcast an ad during the Super Bowl featuring college football star Tim Tebow and his mother, which critics say is likely to convey an antiabortion message. “An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year — an event designed to bring Americans together,” said Jehmu Greene, president of the New Yorkbased Women’s Media Center. The center was coordinating the protest with backing from the National Organization for Women, the Feminist Majority and other groups. CBS said it has approved the script for the
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30-second ad and has given no indication that the protest would have an impact. A network spokesman, Dana McClintock, said CBS would ensure that any issueoriented ad was “appropriate for air.” The ad — paid for by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family — is expected to recount the story of Pam Tebow’s pregnancy in 1987 with a theme of “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life.” After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored a recommendation by doctors to abort her fifth child and gave birth to Tim, who went on to win the 2007 Heisman Trophy while helping his Florida team to two BCS championships. The controversy over the ad was raised Sunday when Tebow met with reporters in
Mobile, Ala., before beginning preparations for next weekend’s Senior Bowl. “I know some people won’t agree with it, but I think they can at least respect that I stand up for what I believe,” Tebow said. “I’ve always been very convicted of it (his views on abortion) because that’s the reason I’m here, because my mom was a very courageous woman. So any way that I could help, I would do it.” Thirty-second commercials during the Super Bowl are selling for $2.5 million to $2.8 million. Gary Schneeberger, a spokesman for Focus on the Family, said funds for the Tebow ad were donated by a few “very generous friends” and did not come from the group’s general fund.
Southern University’s community discovered a mind is a terrible thing to waste, Thursday at the premiere of “An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Lionel Richie.” The tribute included performances by; Akon, Brian McKnight, Cedric the Entertainer, James Ingram, Ledisi and Natalie Cole. The premiere was sponsored by AT&T and was an advanced screening of the annual United Negro College Fund tribute; which aired Sunday on BET networks. Lionel Richie joined the company of Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle by receiving this prestigious award. The tribute also highlighted Lionel Richie’s music and academic career. According to Lionel Richie in the tribute, “Tuskegee University gave me more than academics...The foundation of my life was a UNCF school.” Some attendees had high expectations and others did not know what would happen at the premiere. “I was expecting an iPhone or some give-a-ways from AT&T,” said James Halley senior computer science major. Attendees anticipated the premiere to be exciting but, were not aware of what the premiere was for. “I just thought it was a concert,” said Angel Jones senior computer science major. The red-carpet pre-show started at 6pm and attendees were encouraged to take pictures via mobile squid on the red carpet. The mobile squid allows a technician to take a picture on a camera phone and upload it to the internet through a tablet pc connected to the phone. Any attendee who was photographed could go home and retrieve their photo off of the AT&T website.
VIEWPOINTS
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - Page 7
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20 Questions I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT
I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.
1. Who watched as SUPD run the cows back to the pasture? 2. Does this make them cops and rangers? 3. Who thought they were going catch an episode of “When Cows Attack?” 4. Since milk and cheese is so high, who tried steal a cow to make Velveeta for the Saints game? 5. Better yet, who thought about sending a cow to Haiti? 6. Who thought about selling a cow on half.com to buy textbooks? 7. Who got chased by a cow? 8. What dummy unlocked the gate? 9. Are they going to get fired? 10. Were the cows on strike for the budget? 11. Did the cows get a “walking ticket?” 12. Or did they want to see if the grass was greener on the other side? 13. Were they trying to find a Chick-fil-A to go work for? 14. Were they on a diet from the budget cuts and searching for food? 15. Who jumped off the Saints bandwagon when the Vikings scored the first touchdown? 16. Then at the end of the game say, “Mayne, I knew them boys were going to win?” 17. WHO DAT? 18. Who jumped in their car to go to New Orleans after the kick was good? 19. Who missed class on Monday from being hungover? 20. Who waited in line at Academy to buy a t-shirt? Were they accepting book vouchers?
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A lesson in textiquette OMG! LMAO! WTF! LOL! SMH and even…GNR! I bet everyone knows what those mean. But for my seasoned readers they mean Oh My God! Laughing my a** off! What the f*%k! Laughing out loud! Shaking my head! and sadly… Gotta n***a rolling! These are just a few shortcuts that texters use to make their lives easier. I don’t know who came up with GNR but I wish people would stop using that shortcut! Everyone does it and has their own “unique” way of doing it but how many people do it the right way? Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m talking about TEXTING! Everyone texts, all the time, throughout the day! My grandparents even text me! I have been texting ever since I got a phone, at the tender
BREANNA PAUL age of 13, and have noticed a few things that may ruffle a few people’s feathers throughout the 7 years. I’m here to let those few notices be know and hopefully help someone become a better texter. Notice #1: if you have a full keyboard, then there is no need to text like you have an old-school Zack Morris remote type phone. This means if you have an iPhone, I shouldn’t be getting a text like this, “Wut u up 2 2day?” I mean seriously,
how hard is it to type, “What are you doing today?” Notice #2: spell words correctly. Most people have an iPhone, Blackberry or some type of phone that has a full keyboard, so there is no need to take vowels out of words that need them. “Grl, nvr, and txt” are okay but I have received a text where someone spelled “grlfrnd” like this…brace yourself “girlfriend.” Okay maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but come on son you have a FULL keyboard! Notice #3: when holding a text conversation, it should not turn into a phone conversation unless “call me” is texted. No one likes only being texted just so the texter can know that the textee is near their phone. If that happens to me, I don’t answer the phone.
Notice #4: what’s the point of changing the spelling of a word? I know people cringe when someone texts them with “yu, yuh, whut, uph, or okae” – it takes more energy to change the spelling of the word than it does to type the word correctly type “u, wat, wut, up, ^, ok.” Notice #5: don’t text “K” or any one word response. We all know that you got the text message. There is no need to abuse the power of unlimited text messages. There’s no need to text, then you will have become a “last texter” and will have texted someone just because you have unlimited text messages. I hope I have made someone’s life easier by informing those texters who ruffle textee’s feathers. TTYL!
Jindal vague on budget cuts Questioning whether Gov. Bobby Jindal’s showing true leadership in guiding how budget cuts should fall across government? Don’t worry, because a dozen press releases issued rapid-fire in a recent twoday period by Jindal’s cabinet agencies says every department is “streamlining” and spending its money more wisely now. Everyone more comfortable? Jindal has yet to define a clear path for how he thinks the state should reduce spending. He continuously talks about the need to “do more with less,” to “tighten our belts” and an array of cliches about bloated government. He also talks about how Louisiana won’t deficit spend like Washington, not that the state could do that anyway. And he repeats that he won’t raise taxes. “Our people need us to be completely honest and transparent with them and to do our part to reduce the size of government so we are living within our means, just like every Louisiana family is having to do right now. Louisiana families are tightening their belts, and government should be no different,” the governor said when a midyear deficit was announced. But Jindal offers few specifics about where he sees fat, what he thinks needs trimming and — maybe most importantly — what services or programs he wants protected. In a state where the governor guides much of the budget discussion, those insights are critical for dealing
comprehensively with the state’s massive budget woes instead of slashing the way to mediocrity. For example, Jindal talks about the need to remove the protections that keep certain funds from budget cuts and that leave higher education and health care most vulnerable to losing their state cash. Yet, he doesn’t identify funds that he thinks should lose their protections. So, the Legislature has made no decisions about stripping protections from any of them so far. Jindal talks about the importance of college degrees and job skills training to help break cycles of poverty and improve economic development in Louisiana. However, he keeps levying cuts on colleges without offering specific ideas for how to rework the public college systems to cope with the cuts. As the gravity of Louisiana’s budget problems became clear, Jindal didn’t offer a vision for how the state will cope with the shortfalls. Instead, he set up the Commission on Streamlining Government, choosing other people to comb through state agency budgets and suggest ways to shrink spending. Many people around the state Capitol groused that was the governor looking for political cover and avoiding the tough decisions that leadership should require. It’s not that there isn’t waste to cut in Louisiana government. Far from it. Agencies have weathered several budget
cuts without any visible sign to regular citizens that cuts were even made. That’s a pretty good sign there was some fat that could be shed. But when you’re grappling with shortfalls that near $1 billion or even top that, a comprehensive strategy would help guide the state through the rough times. Otherwise, public colleges and health services will just keep getting whacked. The state’s budget shortfall is estimated at $1 billion for the upcoming 2010-11 fiscal year that begins July 1. The gap is expected to grow even larger a year later when another billion dollars in federal stimulus money now propping up the budget disappears. “Streamlining” and making agencies more efficient doesn’t generate a billion dollars in savings. Programs must be cut. Services must be eliminated. Tough choices must be made. Don’t worry though, because all Jindal’s cabinet departments say they’re working hard, finding efficiencies and doing the best they can. The governor may not have defined a sweeping plan for how to best prioritize state spending, but his administration’s got a coordinated press strategy — and is on top of those news releases telling everyone they’re streamlining. ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: Melinda Deslatte covers the state Capitol for The Associated Press.
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Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
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Page 8 - Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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Saints soaking in landmark victory By brett martel ap sports writer
METAIRIE— Sean Payton still hadn’t gone home yet when the New Orleans Saints returned to work the day after the biggest win in franchise history. Drained after an emotional overtime triumph that set off celebrations all across the city, Payton joined family and friends for dinner downtown and then relaxed in a hotel. “There was just so much emotion,” Payton said Monday at the team’s suburban training center. “You know, when you finish with the locker room ... you just try to find your family. My son’s concern is the confetti’s going to keep us from being able to play catch on the field. That was his concern. It was just good to hug them and be around the family and enjoy the time. There never seems to be enough of it.” “For them to have a chance to be part of it I think it makes it really special,” Payton continued. “Obviously, the same goes for this upcoming game.” The upcoming game happens to be the first Super Bowl involving the Saints in the franchise’s 43 years of existence. This is only the ninth winning season the club has had. The 31-28 overtime victory over Minnesota on Sunday night marked the first time the Saints had hosted an NFC championship game. So when it was over, fans in the Louisiana Superdome and residents of a city that already acts on any excuse for a party spilled into the streets and toasted the Saints’ success. Bourbon Street was mobbed with revelers in Saints jerseys letting out high-pitched howls of delight and stirring up
impromptu chants of “Who dat say dey gonna’ beat dem Saints!” Some exchanged watery-eyed embraces after watching their team pull out a high-stakes thriller that appeared to be going the Vikings’ way before Tracy Porter intercepted Brett Favre’s pass in Saints territory in the last minute of regulation. “It was crazy. It was almost like Mardi Gras,” said Porter, who would know because he grew up in south Louisiana. A number of players, including Porter and fellow defensive back Darren Sharper, said they wanted to go out on the town and join in the celebration, but were so tired they ended up just staying home and watching footage of the citywide party on the local news. “When I got outside this morning, I saw the city was still standing so that was a good thing,” Sharper said. “I didn’t get a chance to go out and celebrate last night because I was a little bit too sore to enjoy myself. I couldn’t have been celebrating if I couldn’t move my head to see who was around me.” Saints defensive players were bound to be exhausted and sore. The Vikings had the ball for nearly 37 minutes and ran 82 offensive plays to the Saints’ 55, including overtime, when only the Saints had the ball and ran 10 plays on their winning drive, which was capped by Garrett Hartley field goal. Hartley wasn’t about to live a young kicker’s dream without celebrating a little. He joined friends and stayed downtown for a while, shaking hands with countless appreciative fans, many dressed in Saints-themed costumes. “It was absolutely crazy. It was awesome,” Hartley said. “Everybody, from the way that
Win lifts spirits in still-scarred city
photo by david j. phillip/AP Photo
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton holds the George Halas trophy after the Saints won the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in New Orleans, Sunday. The Saints defeated the Vikings 31-28 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts.
they’re dressed to the way that they’re acting and just coming up to me and thanking me.” The team gathered Monday for meetings, some light workouts and treatment for players who were banged up. Payton said there did not appear to be any serious injuries. He said kick returner Courtney Roby’s right knee was “dinged,” that running back Lynell Hamilton’s left ankle injury appeared minor and that tight end Jeremy Shockey did not have any setbacks with his bruised right knee. Payton also gave players Tuesday and Wednesday off to rest before they return Thursday to prepare for the next biggest
game in Saints history against native son Peyton Manning and the favored Indianapolis Colts. If the Saints pull off the upset, that will mark their third win of this postseason. In the previous 42 years, the Saints and their fans celebrated a grand total of two playoff victories. “That’s a tough history to have,” Sharper said. “That’s part of the reason why they embrace it so much because they know it’s hard to come by. They’ve been through so many tough times and now, it’s a time for us to pretty much rejoice and appreciate us being at this point. We’re going to make the most of it, believe that.”
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It was evident in the sounds of busy cash registers and in the smiles of construction workers in a neighborhood where Hurricane Katrina’s scars linger: the Saints’ journey to the Super Bowl has added emotional bounce to this city’s long, hard recovery and added a new reason to party going into the raucous Mardi Gras season. It was even reflected in the political discourse. “I’ll find the Drew Brees of police chiefs,” mayoral candidate Troy Henry promised at a forum Monday, in a nod to the Saints’ popular quarterback. “It lifted my spirits,” construction worker Kenneth Lewis, 46, said during a late morning lunch break. He was part of a crew renovating a house in the Broadmoor area, a rebounding Katrina-flooded neighborhood where blocks of freshly painted houses and neat lawns are still pocked by abandoned houses in various stages of disrepair. “I’ll be in Miami,” Lewis said, anticipating a trip to the Super Bowl. “I’m not sure if I’ll get tickets, but I’ll be in Miami.” The team’s 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings sent shoulder-toshoulder crowds pouring into French Quarter streets Sunday night in a scene reminiscent of Mardi Gras — fitting since the Feb. 7 Super Bowl will fall on the first big weekend of parades for the annual pre-Lenten bash that culminates on Feb. 16. New Orleans police — accustomed to controlling big crowds — reported no serious problems with the Sunday night
Saints fans celebrate first Super Bowl By michael kunzelman associated press writer
photo by cheryl gerber/AP Photo
New Orleans Saints fan Sandra Scott celebrates on Bourbon Street after the Saints won the NFC Championship football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS—The Louisiana Superdome, a symbol of suffering after Hurricane Katrina, hosted a party Sunday that could rival any Mardi Gras. Jubilant fans poured out of the dome, cheering and exchanging hugs and high fives, after the team once derided as the “Aints” secured their first Super Bowl berth since the franchise’s first season in 1967. Fans in the French Quarter erupted with screams — and tears — when Garrett Hartley’s game-winning field goal in overtime sealed a 31-28 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. “I’m a grown man and I’m crying,” said Richard Reeves, 48, of Slidell. Chants of “Who dat! Who dat!
Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints!” spilled from bars onto the streets. “I’ve been waiting all my life for this,” said 62-year-old Ronald Despenza of New Orleans. “I’m not going to sleep tonight. I’m too happy.’ The Saints lifted the spirits of a city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina’s epic destruction. Their title run has been a rallying point. “The New Orleans Saints have done more for race relations in this city than anything,” Bob Hinyub, 63, of Gretna, said as he filed out of the dome. “Everybody here is black and gold. Nobody is black and white.” Katrina flooded Eddie Gomez’s home and furniture business in New Orleans. The storm’s hardships and heartaches seemed like a distant memory in the aftermath of Sunday’s thrilling
victory. “The team and the city fell in love with each other,” said Gomez, 67. “We’re soul mates.” In the French Quarter, fans marched down Decatur Street chanting in unison “Saints go all the way!” as cars honked their horns. Some fans flashed their bare breasts and rear ends out of car windows. “This is indescribable,” said Linda Ruiz, 53, of Gonzales, La., as she hoisted an umbrella decorated with black and gold fringe. “It’s like a dream. It’s really like a dream. All I can say is God answers prayers.” The Prytania Theater, in the city’s Uptown neighborhood, shelved a screening of George Clooney’s “Up in the Air” so fans could watch the game on the silver screen, free of charge. They booed Brett Favre, a native of neighboring south Mississippi.