The March 16 Issue of The Southern Digest

STATE & NATION

wTC workers urged to settle

SPORTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Also: SU women close in on bid. PG. 5

Rapper begins 1-year sentence. PG. 8

weezy hauled off to jail

SU football wrap up spring

Pot worth $657 million. PG. 4

estABLished in 1928

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TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010

SU professor earns award

Student guides go through paces

By PATRICK GAllOwAy diGest staFF Writer

By BIlly wASHInGTOn diGest a&e editor

The Ambassadors of Southern University held a SU Ambassador Retreat earlier this month in the PBS Pinchback Engineering high tech room to give an outline and orientation to the newly selected volunteer ambassadors.

The orientation mainly focused on professionalism during the 45 minute to an hour tour experiences. SU Ambassadors were instructed to arrive 15 minutes before a scheduled tour, wear southern paraphernalia, and be responsible. They also must know key information and history surrounding the campus. They should are asked to be knowledgeable of the number and names of student organizations, the names of buildings, background information about the buildings and the historic heroes these buildings honor; the Southern University Presidents from 1914 until present and other information about the university, present and past.

Dontrail Dobison, sophomore mass communications major and SU ambassador Student Coordinator, stressed the importance of professionalism during the orientation because there was once an occasion when an ambassador wore pajamas to conduct a tour.

“Please do not show up to do a tour with pajamas on. You all represent SU when conducting a tour, so you not only reflect yourself, but the university as a whole,” Dobison said.

The SU ambassadors program was created in spring 2002 to assist prospective students and their parents. The program was also established to increase the capacity of student applications and enrollment. Since 2002, the enrollment rate and See ambassadors page 3

CLOUDY HIGH

VOL. 55, ISSUE 10

PHOTO By TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST

physics professor dr. diola Bagayoko speaks to students about the university’s Quality enhancement plan during thursday’s save sU rally.

After receiving a prestigious award, Southern Univeristy physics professor Dr. Diola Bagayoko continues to work hard in providing academic achievement for undergraduate and graduate students.

The chairman of the physics department received the 2009 American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Lifetime Mentor Award at their annual meeting in February.

Bagayoko has been a member of the AAAS dating back to the 1990s, which he has involved himself in the association’s various selection of publication, particularly in the Science Magazine where he was profiled in 2007 about the Timbuktu Academy mentoring activities for

students at the university.

Bagayoko said he was surprised and delighted to win this award because this is a fiercely competitive award, there is only one per year and there are many applicants. “We always consider awards as recognition on the one hand of past effort and result and an invitation to even do more,” he said he told the AAAS during the ceremony.

Bagayoko was chosen by the AAAS selection committee for his outstanding accomplishment of getting a significant amount of African American graduate students to receive their doctoral degrees in physics and chemistry.

The AAAS has noted that 21 students have been mentored See bagayoko page 3

R&B group gives adivce

By BIlly wASHInGTOn diGest a&e editor

The music industry is known as a shady industry. Before an artist becomes famous and rich with platinum selling albums, the artist must first know the ins and outs of the business or long days of hardships and struggles will follow.

There is a need for more information to be delivered to the masses on certain topics pertaining to the business side of the music industry and the Music Department of SU was blessed to hear informative words during a question and answer dialogue with Mint Condition earlier this month in the Dubose Auditorium.

Mint Condition is well known for many hit singles such as 1991’s smash hit “Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” “You Send Me Swinging,” “So Fine,” and “What Kind of Man Would I Be.” They have also produced 6 albums and are currently working on a new project. Mint Conditions longevity of 20 plus years is due to their knowledge and understanding of the music industry.

“We’re here today to help you build a career and not a moment”, said Mint

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INSIDE S O U T H E R N

PHOTO By nORMAn J. DOTSOn JR./DIGEST

Members of r&B group Mint condition field questions for students regarding the music industry during a Q-and-a session.

Condition’s lead vocalist Stokley Williams.

“One you must focus on your craft, two you must focus on your business and three you must focus on technology and this is what the industry looks for,” continued Williams.

Networking also contributes to a successful career because it’s sometimes not what you know but who you know.

The Internet is now the most popular way to next work nowadays with social sites such as My Space, Face book, Twitter, and etc. Prime example of the internet being

an open door and networking foundation is Soulja Boy, who initially started his rap career by posting the very popular “Crank That Soulja Boy” on YouTube. He later signed with Interscope Records and Collipark Records.

The five-member band also received words of wisdom from artists like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey.

“They not only wanted us to be great artists, See group page 3

CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 STATE & NATION................4 VIEWPOINTS......................7 NEWS.............................3  SPORTS......................5  A & E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 U N I V E R S I T Y ,

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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

PARTly ClOUDy HI - 66° / LO - 43° 20% CHANCE OF RAIN

Classifieds APARTMEnTS FOR REnT

Tired of student housing? Free rent specials.

1.866.972.5495.

HOUSE FOR SAlE

3143 Kimberly Dr. 3 br, 2 baths. $126,200. Please call 225.505.6232.

Campus Briefs TODAY nURSInG SCHOOl APPlICATIOnS

The Southern University School of Nursing is accepting applications for the Fall 2010 semester until April 1. Applications are available online at www.subr.edu. Click on the Academic Affairs link and follow the School of Nursing Undergraduate Program link.

All students must meet the following criteria: have been admitted to SUBR, have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or above, submission of SAT/ACT scores and writing proficiency and completing of all courses listed in the first three semesters of the nursing curriculum plan with a minimum grade of “C. 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

SUnny

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PEER TUTORInG

Peer tutoring is available 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.

BAPTIST STUDEnT UnIOn

Want to become a member of the Baptist Student Union? Want to fellowship with other students during the week?

Need a place to worship?

Need a place to attend for bible study, special events and trips? Need a quiet place to study? Need a place to relax and watch television?

Join the T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Union, located at 724 Harding Blvd., across from LaCumba’s Den and the tennis courts. For more information, call 225.774.8924. lOS JAGUARES lATInOS

Los Jaguares Latinos, Southern University’s Spanish Club, meets Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in Room 320 of T.T. Allain Hall. If you are unable to attend the meetings but still like to participate, please send your name, contact number and valid e-mail address to SouthernUSpanishClub@ gmail.com PI GAMMA MU

Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society in social sciences, is inviting juniors, seniors

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

Address: City/State/Zip: Daytime Phone: (

)

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

SUnny

SHOwERS

HI - 67° / LO - 46° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 69° / LO - 52° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN

and graduate students to and reviewing notes. join. Students must be in the upper 35 percent of CAREER AwAREnESS AnD their class, have a gradePlAnnInG SEMInAR The SUBR league of MARCH 3 BEEP associates and the point average of “B” or National Urban League will better and 20 semester host the Career Awareness hours in social science and Planning Seminar courses.

(CAPS) March 17-19. The There is an international event is a three-day activity initiation fee $40 and an of career planning exercises, additional local chapter workshops, counseling and fee of $10. If you are lectures that places emphasis interested in joining Pi on the selection of realistic Gamma Mu pick up career choices, the charting an application from of career paths, resume Dr. Shawn Comminey, preparation, the development Louisiana Epsilon Chapter of good interviewing skills Adviser, in Room 429 of and life skills.

Higgins Hall.

The event is open to all majors campuswide. ParticiMARCH 17 pating companies include Shell Oil, Cox Communications, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CSS SEMInARS The Center for Student Entergy, USDA, Beehive Success is offering three Technologies, Johnson & seminars at Stewart Hall’s Johnson, ExxonMobil, HollyLawless Auditorium in the wood Casino, Raytheon, Target, Chevron, National upcoming days.

CSS will offer its Urban League and more.

For more information, “Discovering Your Learning Style” seminar contact Toni Jackson at today at 2 p.m. The 225.771.5640, ext. 222 or session is designed to help subeep@subr.edu. students discover their MARCH 20 unique learning styles.

CSS is also offering its “Satisfactory Academic JAZZ BRUnCH & SIlEnT AUCTIOn Progress Policy” seminar The Southern University Wednesday at 1 p.m. This Center for International seminar is designed to Education will hold its Sixth help students understand Annual Jazz Brunch and what they need to do to Silent Auction Saturday, stay in good standing at March 20 in the Royal the university and gain an Cotillion Ballroom of the understanding of the SAP Smith-Brown Memorial policy.

Student Union from 10 a.m.CSS’s “Effective Note 1 p.m.

Taking Skills” seminar The brunch is held is slated for Thursday at annually to raise money 3 p.m. This seminar is for scholarships to support designed to teach students students and faculty effective note-taking skills members as they participate that will help with time in the center’s Study Abroad management while taking programs held in Mexico, Africa, China and Belize.

The international education program also assists faculty members in their quest to work in other countries as well as those from other areas who come to the U.S. The silent auction includes items from various countries and other items donated by local patrons. Tickets are $35 each, and the amount is tax-deductible.

For more information, call 225.771.2613.

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sUite 1064 – t.H.Harris HaLL p.o. BoX 10180 – BatoN roUGe, La 70813 225.771.2231 pHoNe / 225.771.3253 FaX WWW.soUtHerNdiGest.coM 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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STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE www.subr.edu/studentmedia director - tBa assistant director - tBa publications asst. - Fredrick Batiste advertising Mgr. - camelia Gardner CONTACTS (area code 225) advertising office - 771.2230 diGest Newsroom - 771.2231 student Media services- 771.3004 the Jaguar Yearbook - 771.2464 YearBooK Newsroom - 771.4614 eGo Magazine Newsroom - 771.4614 southern University and a&M college at Baton rouge is accredited by the commission on colleges of the southern association of colleges and schools, 1866 southern Lane, decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

MISSION STATEMENT the mission of southern University and a&M college, an Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens.

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The Office of Student Media is a Division of Student Affairs.

2010 SPRING DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. dotson Jr.

A&E EDITOR Billy Washington

MANAGING EDITOR Mary davis

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Morris dillard Briana Brownlee patrick Galloway evan taylor

COPY EDITORS Kenyetta M. collins erica s. Johnson PHOTO EDITOR april Buffington

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PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO CLASSIFIED the southern diGest is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of the diGest. aLL cLassiFied MUst Be paid iN adVaNce BY casHiers cHecK or MoNeY order. No persoNaL cHecKs accepted. students must have proper id and phone numbers to get student advertising rates. rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. in the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. the diGest is only responsible for oNe replacement or run in the next publication. classified are due oNe WeeK prior to run date. paid classified can be ordered by contacting the student Media advertising Manager at 225.771.2230.

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Bring corrections to the southern diGest office located in suite 1064, Harris Hall.

NEWS

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bagayoko from page 1 and earned their doctoral degrees in physics and chemistry by the Timbuktu Academy, which is a huge number compared to what normally happens at a bigger university. They may not graduate one in a few years, Bagayoko said.

“We have gone way over 21 students since the award time,” he added. “Three or four others graduated and there are 17 additional ones who are physics, chemistry, or engineering major in graduate school right now.”

The AAAS has also acknowledged Bagayoko’s efforts in working one-on-one with undergraduate students through weekly seminars, which are held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 102 of James W. Lee Hall. One of the seminars is of great importance because students work to ensure that they have the tools for effective studying, and that they participate in summer resource sites all around the country.

The AAAS also acknowledged his work as the director of Timbuktu Academy in creating resource centers around the university. One resource center which is located in Room 236 of William Henry James Hall contains many scientific magazines and journals that keep students updated on the new developments in science.

Bagayoko is well known for his 130 refereed publications in physics, teaching, mentoring

and learning. He stated that his publications have increased to 150 since previously recorded in 2006.

For the physics department new developments are enhancing the learning environment, and providing financial assistance for students. “We are working on two proposals, which are to provide additional money for scholarships, so that we can support many more students, take them to conferences and pay for it, and support the summer resource program,” he said.

Bagayoko also noted that there are some important agencies that provided help for this accomplishment, like the Department of the Navy’s Office of the Naval Research, which funded the academy at a level about $600,000 for 10 years in a row.

Other notable agencies like NASA, National Science Foundation and the Louisiana Space Consortium also provided funding for students’ studies and research.

Bagayoko provided advice to students and professors alike, aiming to be successful in the field of physics and chemistry, demonstratingwhyheisdeserving of the award. He referenced to the Power Law of Human Performance that states that with adequate practice anyone can be excellent in anything.

“So the key to success really is the exposure, the approach to studying and spending the time needed to exercise, solve problem and practice.”

ambassadors from page 1 student application request has increased from an estimate of 7,000 students to approximately of 8,000 students.

The SU ambassadors mainly consist of about forty students.

Majority are freshman students, which in turn is a positive aspect for SU because, according to Dobinson, they can be more involved with SU and the retention rate will remain high.

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, over 100 tours are conducted on campus.

The tours are a better way of out of state recruitment because the tours give a vivid insight of the HBCU campus lifestyle and experience. Before the SU Student Ambassadors program started in 2002, there were only 3 recruiters that traveled throughout the nation; therefore, the tours are

get online @

supposedly more convenient for students to talk one on one with college students and gain information from someone who is actually enrolled at SU. “My reason for doing this is to help incoming freshman as well as middle school students to be more enlightened on how to handle a college process, what’s going on at our campus, and how our college will best suit them,” said Henry Maiden, a junior history major and SU Student ambassador.

“As an incoming freshman, I found the experience to be hard. I didn’t know anything about college and I really didn’t know anything about Southern, so I feel like I’m obligated as a junior to help someone that’s new to the college experience,” continued Maiden.

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Regulators shut down La. bank NEW YORK (AP) — Regulators on Friday shut down banks in New York, Florida and Louisiana, raising to 30 the number of failures this year of federally insured banks.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of Park Avenue Bank in New York, Old Southern Bank in Orlando, Fla. and Statewide Bank in Covington, La. Park Avenue Bank had $520.1 million in assets and $494.5 million in deposits as of Dec. 31.

The FDIC said the bank’s

deposits will be assumed by Valley National Bank, based in Wayne, N.J. Valley National agreed to pay a small premium to assume all of the deposits.

It also agreed to purchase essentially all of Park Avenue Bank’s assets.

Park Avenue Bank’s four branches will reopen beginning Saturday as offices of Valley National Bank.

It was the second New York bank to be shuttered this week.

On Thursday, the FDIC closed LibertyPointe Bank, which

catered largely to the Orthodox Jewish community in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Valley National is also taking on LibertyPointe’s assets and deposits.

Old Southern Bank had $315.6 million in assets and $319.7 million in deposits, as of Dec. 31. Centennial Bank in Conway, Ark. agreed to acquire the deposits for a premium and purchase virtually all of Old Southern’s assets.

The seven branches of Old Southern will be reopened Monday as branches of Centennial Bank.

group from page 1 but they wanted us to be astute businessmen within the industry,” said Williams.

According to Ricky Kinchen, bass guitarist of the group, having dreams and working tenaciously toward those dreams can help create a successful and profitable music career.

“We all grew up the same way,” Kinchen said.

“Everybody wanted to be a star and we wanted to be like the Jacksons. You have to go for it all the way. My brothers are very musically inclined but they weren’t focused and I wanted to do it for real. That’s why I’m where I’m at today,” Kinchen expressed.

Homer O’Dell, lead guitarist, also offered a few words of encouragement.

“If you’re going to do it, You need to be the best producer or artist that you can be,” he said.

“Your mind has to be creative and you need to be persistence and find out how to get in touch with artists currently involved in the music

industry,” continued O’Dell.

All of the elements, which are hard work, perseverance, and networking, were thoroughly explained by the members of Mint Condition but they gave the last and probably most important element of them all and that is having faith in your supreme being.

“We would not have been successful if it wasn’t for God,” said Williams.

“Evoking to a supreme being is essential to accomplishing any endeavor or task.” Williams continued.

The whole discussion was appreciated by the students in attendance and plan to take the advice given into consideration throughout their future music careers.

“This forum was very insightful to me because I want to be big and a star. I want to write my own songs and I want to own my own record label,” said Brittney Jackson , senior vocal performance major.

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Workers urged to take $657M

By DAVID B. CARUSO associated press WRITER

PHOTO BY susan walsh/ap photo

In this June 25, 2007, file photo, ground Zero clean-up worker Mary Elizabeth Bishop of New York City, left, and her attorney Marc Jay Bern, talk to reporters outside the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Bern, a senior partner with the law firm Worby, Groner, Edelman & Napoli, Bern LLP, was a member of the team that successfully negotiated a settlement between more than 10,000 ground zero rescue and recovery workers and New York City that could pay up to $657.5 million to first responders and recovery workers sickened by dust from the destroyed World Trade Center.

NEW YORK—Lawyers and city officials expressed confidence Friday that they can get ground zero responders to sign on to a settlement that would pay up to $657 million to workers who developed health problems after toiling in the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Thousands of workers who claim to have been sickened by dust and debris will have three months to decide whether to accept the package. If 95 percent don’t say yes, the deal is off.

Thedecisionwillbeacomplicated one, but a lead attorney for the firm that negotiated the settlement said most of the feedback from clients so far has been good.

“By far, the calls are running very positive. The clients are quite relieved that an end is in sight,” said Marc Bern, a senior partner with the law firm Worby, Groner, Edelman & Napoli, Bern LLP, which negotiated the deal.

Still, with 10,000 plaintiffs involved in the case, success isn’t assured. Only $575 million of the settlement is guaranteed.

Some workers will qualify for only the minimum payment of $3,250. Any award they get

could be depleted by a third or more once the plaintiffs’ lawyers take their cut.

A representative of one victims’ group expressed reservations Friday that deal doesn’t contain enough cash.

“From what I’ve seen, I don’t think you’re going to get 95 percent of the people to opt in,” said John Feal of the Long Islandbased FealGood Foundation.

He noted that some workers could wind up getting only a few thousand dollars for illnesses that will bother them for life.

“This is far from fair,” he said.

“Look, if you’ve got cancer and are going through chemo and medical bills, $1 million goes pretty fast.”

Other ground zero responders were more optimistic. Martin Fullam, a retired New York City fire lieutenant who was diagnosed with the diseases polymyositis and pulmonary fibrosis after putting in long hours at ground zero, called the settlement “a good thing” and said he would probably sign.

“I trust my lawyers,” he said, although he added that he wanted first to see how much money he stood to receive.

Fullam noted that no cash payment would make up for the damage to his body. The 53-yearold needed a lung transplant,

takes a battery of medications and was back in the hospital again last week for a heart problem.

“This is something that affects the rest of my life. I’ll never work again. It has taken years off my life. The quality of my life is not what it was. I feel there is a certain value in there,” he said. “It’s not about getting a lot of money and moving to Florida and buying a boat.”

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who must approve the settlement, declined to reveal his initial impressions of the deal Friday during his first hearing on the subject.

Hellerstein said he needed more time to make sure the deal is “fair, appropriate and just to all affected.” He said he would hold another hearing March 19 to let people weigh in on the deal, in a limited fashion.

“It’s not going to be a planning board meeting,” he warned.

The settlement was announced Thursday evening after years of court maneuvering and then two years of tough negotiations between lawyers for the plaintiffs and the WTC Captive Insurance Co., an entity set up by Congress to help the city deal with the mountain of legal action related to the trade center cleanup.

SPORTS

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Fans get first look at Mitchell-led Jagaurs by morris dillard DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

New field house, new coach, new quarterback, new dynasty … new program.

Fans gathered at A.W. Mumford Stadium to witness the new tradition of Southern University football in the annual spring game — and all eyes were on first year head coach Stump Mitchell.

“Offensively and defensively we had some bright spots and we also had some bad spots,” said Mitchell. “Offensively when we got the ball in the red zone, we moved the ball fairly well.”

Jeremiah McGinty took most of the snaps at quarterback. McGinty is the only quarterback on scholarship. So perhaps McGinty is the future of the program.

Meanwhile, for the fans that were in the midst of watching the young quarterback take snaps under center, the brunt of the criticism was being saved for the wide receiver position.

“It’s an open season,” Mitchell said.

“And I’m not really pleased with what I’m getting from the receivers.”

The receivers had a tough time holding on to the ball, dropping several passes as they were being evaluated by coaches.

As for the defense, it came in and went several possessions before giving up a touchdown in the scrimmage.

Free safety Jason House, who led the nation in interceptions with 10 last season, picked off a pass, one of three for the first-team defense.

“I felt the defense is progressing, it’s a learning curve trying to learn a new system,” said defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert. “But I believe that once they learn the system and play mistake free football we have a chance to be a pretty good defense.”

So, was the offense effective late in the game because the defense was tired?

Or was it because the defense made mistakes.

“We got to get our assignments down and we got to get the intensity higher,” said defensive end Jordan Miller.”

If you’re wondering, yes, the defense is well aware of what happened during the scrimmage. Or what didn’t happen.

“Discipline, if it’s one thing that could be said that they have given us is discipline,”

Photo courtesy of su student media

Southern running back Gary Hollimon races upfield during the team’s spring scrimmage.

Miller said. That’s all they talk about discipline, discipline, discipline.”

SU will open the 2010 season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against

Delaware State in Orlando, Fla., at Cirtus Bowl Stadium on Sept. 5.

The game will be televised on one of the ESPN networks.

SU seeks SWAC sweep Jags focus attention on SWAC Tournament, NCAA Tournament bid by morris dillard DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

Photo by aPril buffington/digest

Southern’s freda Allen(40) and Jamie floyd (5) celebrate winning the SWAc regular season title outright after defeating Texas Southern in the regular season finale.

Moments like the one fans witnessed during the Southern University women’s team regular season finale have been rare for the university.

The Southern University women’s basketball team won their first outright Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title since the 2005-06 season with a 61-53 victory over Texas Southern.

“These kids have worked really hard,” said head coach Sandy Pugh.

So what’s next? Now, SU is positioned to win SWAC and clinch a berth into the NCAA Tournament for the third time and fourth overall postseason appearance under Pugh.

The Jags made the NCAA Tournament in the 2001-02, 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons while playing in the Women’s NIT last season.

SU will be the top women’s seed in this year’s Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City.

The Jaguars continued their winning ways, edging Arkansas-Pine Bluff 64-60 in the tournament opener and advancing to the finals with a 67-55 triumph over the same TSU team they met two weeks ago at the end of the regular season.

Southern was slated to take on Alabama State in the SWAC Tournament final Saturday at press time. SU defeated the Lady Hornets in their previous two regular season meetings.

First, SU clinched a share of the regular season title with a win over Prairie View. The win gave head coach Sandy Pugh her third regular-season championship during her 10 year at SU. This is third conference title under coach Pugh and the first time since the 2001-02 season SU completed the regular season undefeated (12-0).

Ashley Augerson had 11 points and four assists. Dribbling the ball with the shot clock clocked at two seconds, Augerson tried to pass, nobody was open, so she made the play herself, converting-clinching the game.

Hannah Kador scored 15 points and six rebounds. Despite being the leading scorer, Kador’s late corner 3-point shot helped put the game out of reach.

“We played a solid 40 minutes of basketball,” said Pugh. “We wanted to concentrate on executing”.

The SU unanimously outscored TSU 21-0 and executing in the paint leading 16-5 in second chance points.

“If we can get to the paint for our mid-range, that’s what we want to do,” said Pugh.

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VIEWPOINTS

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Fast food, schmast food 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. So the Ques have “Atomic Dog,” the Kappas have “Flashlight,” and the Alphas have…”Choppa Style?”

2. Aren’t they supposed to be the smart ones?

3. Is it true the Comptroller’s Office employees went to a “training session” last week?

4. Wonder if someone’s check still comes up miraculously missing like the DIGEST student checks?

5. Who are we kidding…isn’t this Southern University?

6. Should Ralph Slaughter go to the Office of the Ombuds to see if they can help him get his job back?

7. What if the Ombudsman backstabs him and tries to become system president?

8. Will this make his title “ombudsident?”

9. Did anyone know that “our little paper” has won state, regional and national awards?

10. Since the DIGEST is just a “little paper” does that mean Tony Clayton reads it?

11. Who told Tony Clayton he was just grrrrrrrreat?

12. Will Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton save us from…? Never mind – next question.

13. Who actually studied for midterms?

14. How many people just said “fudge it, I’ll take that class next semester?”

15. Did Lil Wayne have a really bad case of the cavity creeps before he went to jail?

16. Who can blame him?

17. Which Lil Wayne song will the prisoners sing when they see him in the yard?

18. Mrs. Officer? Lollipop?

19. How many people saw the women’s basketball team win the SWAC regular season title last week?

20. Who left after the women won? Does that mean that the women should play last?

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Letter to the editor

I’m loving it!

Have it your way!

It’s Sonic good!

It’s better than fast food, it’s Wendy’s!

Louisiana…Fast!

We don’t make it…til you order it!

Those are slogans of some of the top fast food chains in America. I swear, these restaurants will take over the world soon. You would think that since these restaurants make tons of during peak hours (7-9 and 11-1), the workers would be a little bit nicer when serving your food. I mean really think about all those sausage biscuits, hot-nspicys and large sweet teas they sell during just one day.

Here are a few complaints that my friends have come across when spending our money that our parents give us or that we earn at work study. I never understood why fast food workers were so unhappy and disgruntled. I didn’t fill out your application, so please direct your attitude elsewhere.

1. Can I have a little more ketchup or sauce? Why do the workers get an attitude when you ask for more sauce to go with your tater tots, onion rings or curly fries?

It’s not coming out of your salary so you can just keep the “humph” to yourself and give me more than one ketchup. Thank you!

BREANNA PAUL 2. Why are my fries cold?

I mean you had me pull up and wait for my food and I still get lukewarm, cold or soggy fries! So you mean to tell me you had all that time just to give me cold fries.

3. Does the shake machine break every night after 10? Or has it already been cleaned for the night and you don’t want to make my shake because you will have to re-clean it? Wait… isn’t that a part of your job?

4. How come Popeye’s slogan is “Louisiana…Fast” but it takes them so long to fix your food. I mean did you have to go kill the chicken? Most people have to turn their car all the way OFF when waiting on their “Two piece and a biscuit.”

I just want to know what takes them so long. I mean it’s not like you sell burgers, salads, chicken, hot dogs, etc. The only thing on your menu is CHICKEN! 5. Who knew cheese cost so much? FYI: McDonald’s have the double cheeseburger for $1 but now it’s the McDouble (the same thing as the double

cheeseburger just with one piece of cheese). Now the double cheeseburger is like $1.39. Who knew cheese cost that much?

6. When did it become my problem that you added mayonnaise or pickles when I clearly said, “NO MAYONNAISE!” or “NO PICKLES!” I’m sorry you didn’t listen carefully or didn’t pay attention when I stated my order. But there is no reason for you to huff and puff because I bring my order back and ask for a new one, made the way I asked for it.

7. I know McDonald’s now has “all white meat” chicken nuggets, but what were we eating when we were still getting Happy Meals? Was it like half white meat and half unknown?

8. If the bathroom isn’t clean, what makes me think the kitchen is spic-andspan? Seriously, most people are afraid to touch the door handle and the sink handles so tell me again why I want your $1 McDouble? Oh, that’s why because its $1!

I hope I have offended anyone who works at fast food restaurants. I just said what everyone else has been thinking or is afraid to say. Maybe you will get a glimpse on the patrons are being treated at your respective place of employment.

SPEAK OUT Did you find it difficult to prepare for midterms?

BY trevor james Digest Photographer

Kendra martin New Orleans sophomore psychology

martin

“No, I actually didn’t find it difficult to prepare for midterms because I took time out to actually study for my tests.”

terah gibson new orleans sophomore business management

GIBSON

“No, I had enough time to prepare for all my midterms.”

courtney curley new orleans freshman secondary education

“It was kind of hard to prepare for curley my midterms being a full-time worker and full-time student. I don’t feel I had enough time to prepare, but I know I did well on my midterms.”

max costello chicago senior sociology

costello

“I’ve found it difficult for midterms simply because it’s so much to study and not enough time.”

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The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy.

This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else.

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Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.com.

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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.

arts & entertainment Page 8 - Tuesday, March 16, 2010

www.southerndigest.com

Lil Wayne begins 1-year jail term in NYC gun case By jennifer peltz associated press Writer

NEW YORK—After saying goodbye on concert stages and online video streams, Lil Wayne had nothing to add as he was sentenced Monday to a year in jail for having a loaded gun on his tour bus.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper delivered only a brief bow to fans and supporters as he was led out of a courtroom in handcuffs to start serving his sentence.

With that, Lil Wayne headed off to face his punishment in a case that had shadowed him as he became one of music’s most prolific and profitable figures in recent years. Arrested in July 2007, he pleaded guilty in October to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He admitted he had the loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun on his bus.

His lawyer, Stacey Richman, said the rapper was resolute as he was taken away.

“He knew what he had to do,

and he’s doing it,” she said.

Lil Wayne arrived later Tuesday at the Rikers Island jail complex, where he was being held apart from the general population of inmates because of his fame.

He has a cell to himself but the option of spending time in a TV room with 17 other inmates who also have been separated from the general population because of notoriety or other reasons, according to the city Correction Department.

It wasn’t immediately clear what work assignment he might have, if any. The 27-year-old rap star could be released in about eight months with good behavior.

Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, is going behind bars with his career in full throttle. His “Tha Carter III” was the bestselling album of 2008 and won a Grammy for best rap album.

His latest album, “Rebirth,” was released last month.

He made a point of leaving fans with fanfare, from a “farewell tour” in recent months to a series of videos on the Web

site Ustream on Sunday.

“Law is mind without reason ... I’ll return,” he wrote on his Twitter account Monday morning.

Dozens of fans jockeyed with photographers waiting on the courthouse steps Monday afternoon, cheering as Lil Wayne, fellow rapper Birdman and others arrived. Shouts of “Oh, man” and “Keep your head up, Weezy!” — a nickname he often uses — erupted in the courtroom as he was sentenced.

Although Lil Wayne had agreed to go to jail, a number of roadblocks kept him from starting his sentence in recent weeks.

First, his sentencing was postponed in February so he could undergo surgery on his bejeweled teeth. Then, a fire shut down Manhattan’s main criminal courthouse while he was on his way there last week.

He told Rolling Stone for a story last month that he planned to keep working while behind bars.

“I’ll be still rapping in there, have a gang of raps ready when I come back home,” he said.

PHOTO BY LOUIS LANZANO/AP PHOTO

Rapper Lil Wayne is handcuffed at Manhattan criminal court, Monday, March 8, 2010, in New York, after being sentenced to a year in jail in New York City for having a loaded gun on his tour bus in 2007.