STATE & NATION
claims on devices challenged
SPORTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jags host Valley for homecoming. pg. 8
Historic jazz concerts on tap. pg. 9
marsalis in cuba
sU looks to right ship
Technician questions BP. pg. 5
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2010
VOL. 56, ISSUE 9
Alums display works in exhibit By patrick galloway digest staFF Writer
Powerful words, music, and art filled the classrooms of Frank Hayden Hall during the Southern University Alumni Art Exhibition Monday. To kickoff the 2010 homecoming week, students, faculty, alumnus, and friends gathered in the Visual Arts Gallery to view 50 years of artwork and traditions taught in the department. After a wonderful introduction by gallery director, Robert Cox, the doors open, the sweet sound of guitar soloist Richard Walls filled the room. From wall to wall there were various styles displayed, from abstract, representational and
conceptual art, to photography, urban and religious art. Nathaniel A. Landry, a 2000 graduate, brought a comic book style in his two oil marker and acrylic paintings “Brotha Buddah” and “Pilgrimage to the Holy City”. Both paintings show a similar style with heavy outlines and the character’s clothing adorned with patterns of bold flowing lines. However, both paintings also share the message that the two characters are one with their religious beliefs. Landry said it feels great to come back because he wanted to show the professors his progress since his graduation. He also See exhibit page 3
photo By norman j. dotson jr./digest
lloyd g. Wade explains the message behind some of his artwork being displayed in the second annual Homecoming art exhibit monday. the exhibit features works from southern University alumni from different eras. the compilation of 39 works from 23 alumni artists will remain open until mid-november. the gallery is free and open to the public mondays through thursdays.
Comedians hold court at show
PASSING IT ON
By Breanna paUl digest oPinions editor
photo By april BUFFington/digest
Congressman Bill Cassidy (r-la.) presents Chancellor Kofi lomotey with the inaugural flag that was hung at the White House on the day of President Barack obama’s inauguration at the “Chancellor’s day Parade given by the two rotC programs.
Comedians Jermaine “Funny Maine” Johnson, Lav Luv and Steve Brown kept the audience highly entertained throughout their performances during the Homecoming 2010 Comedy Show. Former Southern University student Kory Simmons also known as “Head Bussa” or “The Questions Man” also took the stage, courtesy of headliner Brown. Since Simmons is infamous for exposing student’s personal lives at SU and surrounding area colleges, Brown gave Simmons three rules that he could not break while doing a sevenminute stand-up routine. Simmons could not talk about any current SU students, anyone in the audience and he could not use profanity. Simmons followed all of the rules but was ultimately booed off the stage after performing a dance as a last-minute approach to save his reputation. Host Johnson made the audience applaud for Simmons. “If y’all don’t clap, I’m going to bring him back out.” He said. Olusegun Adetoba, a junior Electrical Engineering major, still has respect for Simmons. “I know nerves got to him and the hostile crowd
photo By trevor james/digest
Comedian steve Brown entertains the crowd at the annual Homecoming Comedy show.
wasn’t fun,” Adetoba said. “He had the guts to go out there and put on a show.” Johnson also taught the audience a dance to Magnolia Shorty’s hit song, “Smoking Gun.” See comedy page 3
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$1000 SCHOLARSHIP offered to all majors. www. rememberalice.org.
Campus Briefs TODAY mUmFord stadiUm notice
Gate No. 3 at A.W. Mumford Stadium will be closed for the remainder of Southern University home football games. Students will only be able to enter through Gate No. 6. minorities in agricUltUre, natUral resoUrces and related sciences
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is currently accepting membership applications for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. Science major? Agriculture major? Family and consumer science major? We want you. Apply now at Fisher Hall, Room 102. Ask about our annual national conference. For more information, contact Allison Johnson at 771.3660. Union stUdent governing Board
As a student enrolled in Southern University, you are eligible to join the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Student Governing Board. As a board member, you will be able to vote, hold office and exercise your ability to and host events at the union. There are no chapter dues or operation expenses. We invite you to come
SUNDAY, OCT. 10
sUnny
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by and meet our staff, and give valuable information on the boards duties. If you have further questions about the governing board, please feel free to contact either Vanessa Toussant or Andrew Jackson at 771.2608 or stop by Room 210 or 213 in the union. sU men’s golF team
The Southern University men’s golf team will be holding tryouts. For more information, contact coach Huston Williams at 225.771.4024 or go to Room 133 in the A.W. Mumford Field House. eBr casa
CASA of East Baton Rouge Parish is currently looking for volunteers. CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates, trains and supervises volunteers to speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care. Volunteers must be 21 or older and must complete a 32-hour training course held on evenings and weekends. No special experience other than the desire to help a child is needed. The first step is to learn more at a 45-minute orientation session, which provides an overview of the CASA program and requirements of being a CASA volunteer. Upcoming orientation dates are today, Oct. 16, Oct. 20, Oct. 26, Nov. 4 and Nov. 13. For more information, please call 379.8598.
MONDAY, OCT. 11
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OCTOBER 13 U.s. navy Birthday
The Southern University Navy ROTC will celebrate the creation of the United States Navy Wednesday, Oct. 13 at McNair Hall. OCTOBER 18 national society oF leadership & sUccess
The Southern University chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success will be holding three information interest meetings for general membership for the 2010 semester. The meetings will be Oct. 18, 20 and 21 in Classroom No. 1 on John B. Cade Library’s second floor. All three meetings are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. OCTOBER 20 grad prep days
Order caps and gowns, official invitations and class rings at the SU Bookstore Oct. 20-21 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, contact the bookstore at 771.4330 or go to www.subkstr.com. OCTOBER 21 writing proFiciency eXamination
The Writing Proficiency Examination is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21. Only those students who have officially registered (the WPE must appear of the student’s class schedule) will be allowed to take the test. Additionally, those students who registered for
the WPE and are currently enrolled in Freshman Composition 111 will take the WPE as their final examination during the last week of classes. Students taking the WPE on Oct. 21 can begin signing in at 3:15 p.m. at their appointed sites. To ensure the test begins on time, no students will be admitted after 3:45 p.m. Please report as follows: •A-E: School of Nursing Auditorium •F-L: Lee Hall Auditorium •M-P: Harris Hall/ Classrooms •Q-Z: Stewart Hall Auditorium
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NEWS
Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 3
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Warren crowned in ceremony
comedy from page 1
By evan taylor digest online manager
Kenya Bernice Warren was crowned in celebration of tradition at the 80th Annual Miss Southern University Coronation, Wednesday in F.G. Clark Activity Center. As part of the homecoming festivities the coronation featured tributes to the new queen from Reuben Lael, an SU graduate, and The Gold N’ Bluez dancers. Gifts were presented from the university officials, family and friends. The theme of the night was a Tale: Nubian Royalty of Ages; the stage was decorated accordingly, including: a throne, seats for the royal court, and plants and symbols representing Africa. The SU Royal Court, Residential Queens, and visiting royalty were recognized. “It was very different. I loved it. One of the best coronations thus far. Kenya and her court were beautiful,” said Kenisha Solete, a senior child development
photo by kenyetta m. collins/digest
Miss Southern University 2010-11 Kenya Warren, center, is presented with her court during Wednesday’s Coronation Ceremony.
major from New Orleans. The coronation was hosted by Koi Eles Lomas and Perry Fontenot III. Attendees were in the presence of SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey, SU System President Ronald Mason Jr., Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Darryn Meyer and former Southern University queens. Warren was not only celebrating her coronation but also her 21st birthday. Balloons drooped, the crowd sung, and a cake rolled out for the celebration of the new queen’s birthday. Part of the SU band came out playing “Do What You Wanna”, while the queen and her court danced under SU umbrellas. “I (felt) the coronation was very extravagant. Kenya fills
the position of Miss Southern well. She revealed her creativity and intellect. Congratulations Kenya,” said Kimberly Gore, a senior mathematics major from White Castle. The program recognized visiting royalty from SU Lab School, SU at Shreveport, and SU New Orleans. Lomotey and Sabrina Whitney, Miss SU 2009-2010 crowned Warren. Meyer presented Warren with the scepter of power, and Mason presented her with a bouquet of yellow roses. “The coronation was rather fitting for both Kenya the name, and (Kenya) the queen that she is and will be,” said Fontenot, a senior biology major from Opelousas. Gifts were presented to
Warren as she sat on stage. Warren also crowned her royal court; Breanna McQuarter, Miss Freshman; Makaela Clark, Miss Sophomore; Chisolu Isiadinso, Miss Junior; and Bridget Moss, Miss Senior. “I feel that the coronation was the best I have ever seen at Southern University. Everything was immaculate. The next Miss Southern has some real big shoes to fill,” said Brittany Robinson, a senior psychology major from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Miss Southern University 2010-2011 is a native of New Orleans. She is currently working in her position to reach her goal to raise $15,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
exhibit from page 1 wanted to showcase his style of art which is usually favored by young people. “As a people and as an artist I have to keep creating and keep putting it out there.” Landry said. Not only did Landry showcase his outstanding talents, but he also provided excellent advice on the importance of creativeness from the black culture. He said that as creative people we have to stake our claim on the things we create. The pieces that gathered the most attention in the gallery was Lloyd G. Wade’s “Adam” and “Eve”. These two are separate works but are connected through religious background and style. Both were created with charcoal and color pencil on watercolor paper which allows them to be very dark. Despite the darkness, the two pieces show outstanding detail. In the body structure of Adam and Eve blending into the treeof-knowledge-of-good-and-evil to show that they were once connected with the Garden of Eden before their pivotal decision. One standout element of the two pieces was the green apple hanging from their bodies.
Even though the apple was the cause of their fate it brought a little life in the two pieces. Wade said coloring the apple green was a personal aspect because he does not like to stay with the norm. There were few sculptures in the gallery but each piece that was displayed was crafted beautifully and showed the artist’s distinct style. For example, Morris Taft Thomas, graduate of 1960, brought a rugged style with his metal sculpture “Flowers and Insects”. As a whole it expressed clear detail with the petals and stigma of the flowers. Even though the piece was crafted from metal the insects surrounding the flower, and the cool color structure brought a realistic feel to the piece. The “Entertainment Room”, room 12 in Hayden, featured Brothers of Rhythm and Sound, a live four piece band that had heads nodding and students dancing to the sounds of soul, jazz and popular songs like “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu and “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. In the “Spoken Word” segment of the exhibition some of the artists showed that their
“Whenever y’all hear this song, I want y’all to do the official SU dance,” he said. Brown did a mix of old and new jokes. “My goal is to entertain the Dome,” Brown said. “A lot of people’s favorite jokes are the old ones, so I’m just going for pure entertainment,” he continued. Brown, a member of Omega Psi Phi, poked fun at the different Greek organizations on campus. He called out to a member when he noticed him standing still while his fellow group members were stepping. “Hold up, hold up, hold up! I want to see you step!” Brown exclaimed. Brown incorporated the audience, asking different sections to say a portion of a phrase. After each section said their portion a few times, he made has them repeat it quickly, then slowly and even backwards. The headliner made the crowd jump to their feet as he mentioned how great the Human Jukebox was. Brown compared HBCU bands to predominately white institutions bands. He walked briskly while imitating PWI bands but marched with his knees up when imitating the Human Jukebox, among other HBCU bands. Comedian Luv, who appeared on Def Jam talked about current issues that affect SU students. He made jokes about dating ugly girls and enjoying his college life. He also joked about everyone being able to get a record deal. Luv told the crowd the formula for a hot music video. “First you have to have a slow scene. Then you have to have a sexy walk portion,” he said. “After that you have to be able to dance or at least look like you can dance. And last you have to have a light skinned girl,” he continued. Margie Carlin, a sophomore Speech Pathology major loved the comedy show! “I couldn’t stop laughing! I hope they come back next year!” she said.
Read photo by norman j. dotson jr./digest
Former SUPD Chief Michael Morris browsing through the selections offered in the Artist Market. All proceeds made in the market will go towards scholarships for students in the Art department.
talents surpass just physical art. One of the highlights of the segment was Antoine “Ghost” Mitchell’s teaching piece “Unlearn”. He expressed the struggles of lynching, police brutality, and senseless hate crimes that still affect the black
community and that we as a culture must unlearn these struggles and focus on the liberation of our people. Beyond the art and entertainment the exhibition was there to do service for the Visual Art department.
the Digest at WWW.
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state & nation Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 5
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Claims under fire
Report: GSU must cut spending
By harry r. weber Associated Press Writer
METAIRIE — A technician on Thursday challenged BP’s claim about how long it would have taken to install an additional number of a key device the oil giant had been warned was essential to prevent a severe gas flow problem in its Gulf well that later blew out. Centralizers make sure the casing is running down the center of the well bore. If the casing is cemented off-center, there is a risk of an imperfect seal that could allow oil and gas to escape. BP installed only six, against a Halliburton recommendation to install 21. One issue in a federal investigative panel’s probe of the rig explosion and massive oil spill that followed is whether BP cut corners to reduce costs. The well project was nearly $60 million over budget at the time the centralizer warning was raised. Four days before the April 20 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, a BP well team leader asserted it would take 10 hours to install
by the associated press
photo by patrick semansky/ap photo
Weatherford cementation service operator Daniel Oldfather, center, reviews a document with Weatherford attorney Michael Lemoine, left, and Halliburton attorney Donald Godwin, right, while being questioned by Godwin at Deepwater Horizon joint investigation hearings held by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Management Regulation and Enforcement Thursday.
the additional 15 centralizers. But technician Daniel Oldfather told the joint U.S. Coast GuardBureau of Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement investigative panel it would have taken him only four to eight hours to do the job. Oldfather, who works for oilfield services firm Weatherford, flew to the rig on April 16 with the 15 centralizers on board, but a pallet of screws and epoxy was missing. He testified that a BP engineer told him when he arrived that the missing materials would be sent out on a boat and arrive later the same day. Oldfather said the materials never arrived and that he was told the next day the job had
been canceled. He said he was never told why and he never raised any objections over any safety concerns because it was BP’s decision to make. BP drilling engineering team leader Gregory Walz testified later Thursday that he ultimately agreed with the decision to run only six centralizers because he believes the risk of a gas flow problem could be resolved by spacing the existing centralizers out and through the use of foam cement. His statement came even though he had earlier sent an e-mail to well team leader John Guide telling him he could easily arrange for the extra 15 centralizers to be delivered to the rig. And, Walz later asked
another colleague to do just that. He testified that even though the extra centralizers were on the rig, they were not the type he envisioned and therefore he was worried about using them. Walz said engineers made a judgment call about “which risk to take on.” The testimony was part of the panel’s fifth session of hearings aimed at determining the cause of the explosion and how regulation, safety and oversight can be improved. The explosion killed 11 workers and led to more than 200 million gallons of oil spewing from BP PLC’s undersea well. BP owned the well and was leasing the rig from owner Transocean Ltd.
Recite pledge or go to jail? Lawyer sent to lockup By adrian sainz & holbrook mohr associated press WRITERs
TUPELO, Miss. — When a Mississippi judge entered a courtroom and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, an attorney with a reputation for fighting free speech battles stayed silent as everyone else recited the patriotic oath. The lawyer was jailed. Attorney Danny Lampley spent about five hours behind bars Wednesday before Judge Talmadge Littlejohn set him free so that the lawyer could work on another case. Lampley told The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal he respected the judge but wasn’t going to back down. “I don’t have to say it because I’m an American,” Lampley told the newspaper. The Supreme Court ruled nearly 70 years ago that schoolchildren couldn’t be forced to say the pledge, a decision widely interpreted to mean no one could be required to recite the pledge. On Thursday, the judge again
asked those in the courtroom to pledge allegiance to the flag, which stands to the right of the bench. “I didn’t expect the Pledge of Allegiance, but he asked me to do it so I did it,” said Melissa Adams, 41, who testified in a child custody case that was closed to the public. Lampley, 49, previously refused to say the pledge in front of Littlejohn in June. He was asked to leave the courtroom, but returned after the pledge. The attorney told the newspaper Wednesday it was a problem for the judge and himself to work out, yet blogs across the country lit up with fiery comments and support for both sides. And in the small town of Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis with a population of about 35,000, some were infuriated by Lampley’s silence. “I thought he was a disgrace to the United States,” Bobby Martin, a 43-year-old selfemployed maintenance worker, said of Lampley. “If he can’t say that in front of a judge, he don’t deserve to be here” in this
country. Others voiced support for the attorney. “I’m speechless. The judge needs a reminder copy of the First Amendment,” said Judith Schaeffer, a Washington attorney who, along with Lampley, successfully sued the Pontotoc school district in northern Mississippi in the 1990s to stop students from praying over the intercom. Lampley also was victorious representing a Ku Klux Klan leader when a county in the Mississippi Delta tried to prevent a rally. “Danny’s going to stand up for everybody’s principles,” she said. “Danny loves the Constitution. He’s a staunch defender of constitutional rights.” Lampley was representing a client in a divorce case when he was found in contempt. The judge’s order, obtained by The Associated Press, said: “Lampley shall purge himself of said criminal contempt by complying with the order of this Court by standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in open
court.” An AP reporter tried to arrange an interview with the judge at the courthouse, but a clerk said he was unavailable and the order spoke for itself. Lampley didn’t return telephone calls, and a voice message said, “In the aftermath of the event on Oct. 6, I am unable to respond to all of the telephone calls and at the same time take care of my business and clients.” Littlejohn is in his mid-70s and has been a chancery judge for eight years, presiding mainly over divorces and child custody disputes. He was previously a state lawmaker, prosecutor and city judge. He’s also a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of New Albany and is known for running an orderly, professional courtroom. “He respects God and he respects the flag,” Alcorn County Chancery Clerk Bobby Marolt said. Adams, who testified in the custody case, described the judge as a good listener who likes to make jokes when appropriate.
GRAMBLING, La. — A new report has recommended Grambling State University reduce its spending on state audits, athletics and laboratory schools in the face of ongoing budget cuts. The recently released financial status review report was commissioned by GSU President Frank Pogue after an unfavorable state audit, according to The News Star. The suggested spending reductions are just a few of those recommended by McDemmond and Associates, a consulting firm led by Marie McDemmond, the former president of Norfolk State University. A state audit released in June showed that in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009, GSU violated two state laws and at one point lost more than $1 million on illegally purchased stock. The new report recommended the university adopt corrective actions, including replacing certain financial and administrative personnel and hire others with adequate experience. Pogue has already acted on several of the recommendations, including replacing former vice president of finance Daarel Burnette and moving to hire a financial comptroller and directors of grants and budgets. But action on some of the more overarching recommendations in the report will take more time, interim vice president of finance Leon Sanders said in a statement released by the university. “It is important to note that policy evaluation, development and implementation are timeintensive tasks, and many of the necessary changes will take time,” Sanders said. The university’s statement didn’t address the report’s suggestions that GSU reduce its spending on state audits, athletics and its laboratory schools. Because of previous problems, the school had asked the state for full audits each year. But such annual reviews aren’t legally required, and the school could reduce its expenses if it underwent fewer of them, said Tom Cole, director of financial audit services for the Legislative Auditor’s Office.
sports Page 8 - Friday, October 8, 2010
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Jaguars look to right ship by Morris DillarD digeST SporTS WriTer
Standing at the podium during Tuesday’s press conference, Southern head coach Stump Mitchell stood assured in response to questions pertaining to his team’s level of improvement for Saturday’s game. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to play Mississippi Valley,” Mitchell said. “Everyone is excited about it, we as a coaching staff and as a football team, we’re excited about getting the opportunity to go out and have another shot at winning a SWAC game and trying to pull ourselves into contention.” Therefore, this week’s practice sessions should address last week’s 41-23 loss at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and preparation for the winless Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in the Jaguars’ homecoming game. Almost everything in the first month of the season has been a greater surprise than Mitchell’s first win against Delaware State. Shockingly, SU (1-3, 0-2) is nearly last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, losing three consecutive games, including back-to-back conference losses against Alabama A&M and UAPB. They’ve been outscored 13381, allowed 33.2 points per game, and outrushed 613-322,
a year ago when SU led the SWAC in total offense (365.9), interceptions (23) and second in scoring offense (30.5).
How far? How much?
Initial answers come Saturday, when MVSU (0-5, 0-4) steps into A.W. Mumford Stadium. A week later, SU hits the road to take on rival Jackson State — the first of three straight road trips. The Jaguars played three of its last four games, including the UAPB and AAMU games, at Mumford. Talk about an arched month. From Mitchell on down, SU is content on what October awaits. “Any win will be a feel good win for us,” said Mitchell. “I don’t care if it’s one point or twenty points, we just need a photo by april buffington/Digest win.” “We need to try to get back Southern defenders d’Mekus Cook (36) and anthony Wells (27) try to keep arkansas pine bluff’s raymond in the SWAC, of course we need Webber from scoring during last week’s game. Southern hosts Mississippi Valley Saturday for homecoming. some other people do things for Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. at a.W. Mumford Stadium. us to be even considered.” “We’re definitely not going to Gilbert said. “I’ve seen steady “We still give up way too many connected, if not, then it’s gone take anything for granted. It’s not progress.” big plays. But there is a positive break down somewhere in a given, you have to go out and When hired, Gilbert said he in all of it. They understand, we between”. Overall, Gilbert’s chain is play those football games…MVSU had high expectations on what do the little things right, we gone knows that, we know as well.” his players and what they could be special at some point before rusty. Last week, Arkansas Pine Bluff passed for 366 yards and If, indeed, its three steps attain. the season is done.” forward, one or two back, it’s still The possibility of seeing four touchdowns. SU allowed A year ago, SU (1-3, 0-2) progress. And SU will take it. finished ninth in total defense something special could happen 461 yards of total offense. True freshman Virgil Williams (340.7). This season, Gilbert’s Saturday. SU plays a MVSU club will start at free safety. Anthony that comes into the weekend defensive unit ranks ninth, Silver lining on defense? Wells will move to strong safety. averaging seven points per (401.8) in total defense-ahead of Defensive coordinator O’Neill Pierre Warford and D’Mekus game. Gilbert said he sees a bright the Delta Devils. In many words to describe his Cook will start at the two corners. So far this season, the side in his defense as Saturday Free safety Jason House will defensive unit allows 33.7 points unit, Gilbert uses chain. steadily approaches. “It’s like a chain,” he said. miss his second straight game “There’s a bit of frustration, per game, Gilbert say’s big “Every part of that chain is (hamstring, ankle). but I still see a bright side,” plays.
Bowl repays city for $500k loan WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com WWW.southerndigest.com
by THe aSSoCiaTed preSS
SHREVEPORT — A loan — made in secret two years ago by the city of Shreveport to the Independence Bowl — has been repaid. The Times reported on Thursday that the $494,410 check was handed over to the city Wednesday. The city plans to use about $420,000 to put in new turf at Independence Stadium. That should be done before the next bowl game, set for Dec. 27. Mayor Cedric Glover and the council unanimously agreed in private in 2008 to make the loan. They said keeping the deal confidential for several months saved the city and game embarrassment. Shreveport stepped in when the Independence Bowl’s former sponsor, Arizona-based PetroSun, quit making payments. The energy company, an oil
g online @
and gas well operator that has explored the use of algae as fuel, has a local connection in Shreveport native Gordon LeBlanc Jr. He founded PetroSun in 2001. The bowl eventually sued PetroSun. The game faced NCAA sanctions if it missed payments to 2007 contenders the University of Alabama and the University of Colorado. Current title sponsor AdvoCare, a nutritional and skin care products company, was to make an advance to the bowl. Besides asking for help, bowl staff also made its own budget cuts to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This year marks a change in conference partners for the bowl. Shreveport will welcome the ACC and Mountain West after years of matchups between Big 12 and SEC teams.
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arts & entertainment Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 9
Wynton Marsalis in Cuba for historic concerts By paul haven associated press writer
HAVANA — A country known for groundbreaking jazz is getting a visit from one of America’s leading trumpeters, who spent the weekend jamming with Cuban legends ahead of a concert series that will put musicians from the two Cold War enemies on stage together. The visit by Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra kicks off a season of unprecedented cultural exchanges — with the American Ballet Theater scheduled to perform in Havana next month in honor of Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso. Several Cuban musicians have also traveled to the United States in recent months, taking advantage of a more relaxed visa policy under President Barack Obama. Marsalis, seated next to Cuban jazz great Chucho Valdes and Buena Vista Social Club diva Omara Portuondo at a news conference on Monday, said it was a thrill to be in
Havana for the concerts. While Marsalis has been in Cuba before, it was the first trip by New York’s Lincoln Center jazz group. “It’s a great honor for us as musicians to come here to Havana because of the long tradition and the great musicians who have come from here,” Marsalis said. photo by javier galeano/ap photo Marsalis, 48, spent the U.S. jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, back, and his Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra perform at the Mella weekend playing with Cuban theatre in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday. musicians at an impromptu jam session, and also that his father would “ooh” and ‘You are rushing. You are musician to win a Pulitzer recording music with Valdes “ahhh” as they listened to the dragging. Pick it up. You are not Prize for “Blood on the Fields,” and Portuondo. The concerts album together. “When I had listening.’ They love each other combining jazz and the spoken run from Tuesday through the opportunity to record with but (the arguing) is constant,” word in an oratorio on slavery Saturday, and there will also Omara and Chucho I started Marsalis said. “That’s what our and freedom. The Marsalis family includes be master classes for promising to get full of emotion, ‘cause I swing is about, about working thought of my father playing it out, because the music is patriarch Ellis, a pianist and young Cuban musicians. educator, and his four sons: going on the whole time.” Marsalis said it would be a Chucho’s music for me.” He added: “In our music, trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Marsalis wouldn’t directly particular pleasure to share the stage with Valdes, whom answer any political questions, swing means come together Branford, trombonist Delfeayo, he grew up listening to as a boy preferring to stick to jazz topics. and stay together, even if you and percussionist Jason. Valdes said Marsalis’ visit in a supremely musical New When asked whether his visit don’t want to.” A jazz legend, Marsalis was an important moment for could bridge the half-century Orleans family. “When I was 12 years old political divide between the received his first trumpet as a Cuba and its music. “It’s the first time we’ve my father came to me in New United States and Cuba, he gave Christmas present at age 6. He Orleans ... with an album with the example of two musicians was a teenager in 1980 when had a visit from a band of this he signed his first record deal quality with such important Chucho on it, and he said ‘Man, trying to play in rhythm. “All night they are arguing with Columbia Records. In musicians,” he said. “It is a this is what cats are playing in Cuba,’” Marsalis said, adding about where is the beat, saying, 1997, he became the first jazz historic event.”
Pendergrass survivors battle over estate by the associated press
PHILADELPHIA — The son and second wife of Teddy Pendergrass are locked in a battle over the late R&B singer’s estate. Teddy Pendergrass II and Joan Pendergrass have produced conflicting wills since the singer died in January. The son claims a will from May 2009 names him executor and sole beneficiary. The widow claims a later document on which she signed her name as the singer’s attorney gives her control. Teddy Pendergrass II tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that his father left him in charge of the family. Joan Pendergrass’ attorney denies a money grab, saying the estate has few assets. Attorneys for both sides met with a judge last week about the case. Teddy Pendergrass is best known as the singer of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” which he recorded with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in 1972, and other hits. Pendergrass’ seductive, smoky
baritone propelled him to fame in the 1970s, but his career stalled after a 1982 car crash in Philadelphia left him paralyzed. In 2008, he married Joan Williams, a New Balance shoe company executive from Boston. He had three adult children and she had two. Pendergrass was diagnosed with colon cancer in mid-2009, and spent most of his last eight months in a hospital until his death on Jan. 13. Two friends say he was lucid until the end. His survivors organized separate funeral receptions, one hosted by his widow, the other by his ex-wife. The divide is less about money than the singer’s legacy, a lawyer for Joan Pendergrass said. “To say it’s a money grab is ludicrous — there’s just no money to fight about,” lawyer Kevon Glickman said. Pendergrass did not write most of his songs so his estate has little royalty income. A bank next month is set to auction off his home in Penn Valley, now worth perhaps half its former $1.5 million sale price.
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By peter svensson ap technology writer
VIEWPOINTS
Friday, October 8, 2010 - Page 11
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A letter to the editor 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. What was Head Bussa thinking? 2. What was that dance he performed? 3. Who told him he could go without a belt? 4. Why didn’t he comb his beard? 5. Why weren’t his jokes funny? 6. Is that enough questions for the “Questions Man?” 7. Who does the dance to Smoking Guns every time they hear it? 8. Who taught it to their friends? 9. Who actually went to coronation (not including freshmen)? 10. How obvious was the coronation theme? 11. The Lion King? Really? 12. Why did Trina back out for the concert? 13. What was her excuse? 14. Who hasn’t gotten their refund check yet? 15. Did the check bounce? 16. Will we get more lighting or basketball courts now? 17. Will the Human Jukebox give a shout out to O’Keefe? 18. Do the students at Valley have too much time on their hands? 19. Who thinks the football team is actually going to win? 20. Do they kind of have to?
Dear Southern Digest, Mayor-President Holden, Police Chief LeDuff, and whomever else needs to read this, “Somewhere along the way, people become more desirous of security and paid the price by selling their freedom.” —Robert Kyosake quoting his father Today marks the day of the announcement of the parishwide “anti-crime initiative.” According to LeDuff, more sheriffs, state troopers and any available agencies are coming together to patrol the streets to prevent violent crimes. This initiative is meant to make the neighborhoods safer. Safer is how I should feel right now. As a matter of fact, I’m keeping my hands from trembling, as I write of my experience with the initiative, thus far. Around 4 p.m. Thursday, I went to the Palisades to pick up someone to do a photo shoot. I was canceled on earlier, so this was last minute. We quickly came up with an idea for the shoot and were on our way. The location was a park in the nearby area. As I made a right turn into the park, I noticed a police car that was in the opposite lane. I thought it was going on its own way, so I went on my way. I parked, and went to the back seat, and offered the person I was with a snack, which I tossed back on the seat, after hearing a “no thank you.” As I closed the door, I heard a voice say, “hands where I can see them!”
Initially, that didn’t register to me. But as I looked to my right, I saw a cop, repeating it. At that point, I’m pretty much at a loss for thought or words. I put my hands up, as I notice two more cars surrounding us. I start to get nervous, as I tried to figure out what was going on. Was the park closed to the public now, did I not signal as I turned, was my fly open? In this situation the first thing I thought came out of my mouth; “Is this a joke?” One of the other cops from the other three cars asked me “what were you in such a hurry to put in your car?” In disbelieve and a bit of frustration I said, “I was just offering a cream pie.” Voices were coming from different directions, and I wasn’t sure what to think. I pointed towards the pies in the back of my car and repeated, “Look, it’s just a cream pie.” Another cop came by and told me to put my hands on the car. That wasn’t registering, as I was being searched and asked for ID and if I had weapons on me. At that point, too much was happening for no reason, and my mind was focused on answers. I went towards the car where the original officer was and asked what was going on. “You didn’t hear what happened today?” he replied. I answered no, with a surprised face. Was I named a terrorist suspect for refusing to watch Jersey Shore? What a vague question to ask. I was thinking the worst, as I looked over to see what was going on with my passenger,
while the officer explained that there was a new crime initiative that started today. I heard the explanation and I’m not sure how I felt, but I know I was two things: unnerved, and upset. Thoughts of “what’s going to happen” turned into “I know they didn’t,” as they searched my car, and questioned my friend. Apparently, they asked what high school she went to, or something… I recognized one of the cops and asked if he remembered me from my job in the court. As he said he did, I noticed one of the cops searching my car was going near my trunk, looked over at him before moving away from it. They started to leave, and one of them, with his body half out of the door asked, “Are you going to give her a cream pie?” Just like that, it was over. They left and we just stood there, distraught… Wondering, “why?” Perhaps we got unlucky? Then again, perhaps we got very lucky? We were only distraught, by today’s action. Sure we have lots of unanswered questions (as to wtf did this happened to us),96 but went on to do what we went to do. Someone got to make a cream pie joke, at our expense. I got to see firsthand the price of keeping the streets safe. Now, I get to write letters to the Mayor and Police Chief of Baton Rouge, respectively.
SPEAK OUT
How are you enjoying the Homecoming events so far? BY breanna paul
Digest opinions editor
Kenneth Moye moss point, miss. senior architecture
moye
“I haven’t had the change to enjoy the activities because of school work.
kevin lafleur opelousas senior architecture
LaFleur
any events.”
“The School of Architecture is keeping me really busy. I haven’t had much time to go to
marlana Mccants oakland, calif junior speech comm./ theatre
“I really enjoyed the Comedy Show. I hope that others Mccants understand the true art of comedy now!”
robert kearse lake charles grad student urban forestry
Wil Norwood SU Alumni Baton Rouge kearse
“I’m just going to see how the concert is this year.”
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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. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. 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.edu.
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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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