NEWS
spill victims face dilemma
SPORTS
VIEWPOINTS
SU takes on Ark.-Monticello. pG. 6
DIGEST staff sounds off. pG. 7
Where’s the money?
jags gear up for home opener
Accept money from BP or sue? pG. 3
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
VOL. 56, ISSUE 5
Goodbye kitty
SU sees slight drop
Lacumba Fund money now going toward SGA initiatives
BY tHe assoCiateD press
By Breanna paul
diGest File photo
Digest opiNioNs eDitor
While Southern’s live mascot Lacumba died in 2004, each student has been paying a $2 fee per semester for the upkeep of the mascot. Roughly $321,000 has been collected in the six years since the jaguar’s death. Students voted Tuesday in favor of releasing the money from the Lacumba Fund to the Student Government Association. SGA President
students approved a referendum tuesday to release approximately $321 thousand from the lacumba fund to the student government association for what is being called “presidential initiviates.”
Demetrius Sumner already has plans for the money if approved by the Board of Supervisors. Due to legal complications, Sumner was not able to allocate the funds without a referendum and the student’s vote. “My hope was to obtain the funds without having to the students to vote,” Sumner said. “I wanted to already have the funds and start the projects before the fall
semester. Sumner has identified the “Presidential Initiatives” in which he will address immediately. His first focus is health and fitness. Sumner has plans of constructing new volleyball courts, renovating current workout facilities and basketball courts. He also wants to increase lighting in some areas on campus.
The budgets for Homecoming and SpringFest concerts and comedy shows have been heavily affected with the passing of the referendum. The Homecoming budget has been raised to approximately $85 thousand while the SpringFest budget has yet to be determined. See lacumba page 3
Cade Awards grants students access By eVan taylor
Digest oNliNe MaNager
Southern University students enjoyed a red carpet experience at The Cade Awards All Access Granted; The Fourth Annual freshman orientation program at John B. Cade Library. The program included a welcome by Emma Bradford Perry, Dean of Libraries; refreshments, raffles, tours, and give-a-ways. Freshmen had the opportunity to enter in a raffle for a laptop computer provided by Commercial Design Interiors, Bayou Classic tickets provided by the SU System Foundation, and SU paraphernalia provided to the SU Bookstore. Perry; Rose Hunte, Executive Associate & Budget Manager, Title III; Deloris Brown, Director Aramark SU; and Matthew Edmonds, Commercial Design Interiors, LLC discussed the process of renovating the library’s first floor. “The library is for you. We want you to tell us what you
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april BuFFinGton/diGest File photo
the new coffee stand “Java City” in John B. Cade library was formally introduced during thursday’s freshman orientation.
want and need. The current survey will help us when we improve the library further,” said Perry. Following the welcome students were ushered into the lobby where pizza, jambalaya, and drinks awaited. Students
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also had the opportunity to choose from the free give-aways and start a self guided tours throughout the library. “Students should gain a wonderful experience from renovations. All of the renovations are geared in that
INSIDE S O U T H E R N
direction,” continued Perry. “I hope students will think of the library as not just a place to study but, to have social and recreational needs met,” said Maya Banks, Reference Librarian/Chairperson of Freshman Orientation. The design plans for the second, third and fourth floor of the library were revealed at the orientation. Keeping the flow going with bright colors including: red and lime green on the second floor, green and red on the third, and blue and green on the fourth. According to Edmonds, “Simple design with inspiration from the ITC Lab on the second floor is bringing life back to the library.” Everything is functional and creates a universal academic and social environment. Perry shared, “We have to thank Rose Hunte for her unwavering support for the library. Thank you Deloris See cade page 3
Southern University’s student enrollment is down another 4 percent this fall while Baton Rouge Community College continues to steadily grow, according to college data released Wednesday. Southern reported a total enrollment this fall of 7,313 students compared with 7,619 last year. BRCC jumped about 3 percent to 8,340 students, up from 8,104 enrolled last fall. While BRCC may now exceed Southern by 1,000 students, Southern still enrolls a higher percentage of full-time students. Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey credited the 300-student dip primarily to state budget cuts to colleges and concerns from potential students about toughened admission standards. “It’s basically what we predicted,” Lomotey said. “But that’s not to say we’re happy.” Southern decided against tightening admission standards this fall at the last minute. Lomotey said those increases will go into effect next fall instead to give high school students and their parents more time to prepare. Fewer employees in financial aid, admissions and recruiting offices also have hurt, he said. “We have less money to recruit,” Lomotey said. “We have fewer courses being offered. We have the threat of (academic) degree program eliminations.” On top of that, Lomotey argued, state funding for colleges is weighted against Southern. Despite budget cuts, he said Southern now plans to “redouble” its student recruiting efforts. Enrollment figures become official after the 14th day of classes. Southern and BRCC started the semester before most other colleges, such as LSU. The information from most other campuses is not yet available.
CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 A & E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VIEWPOINTS......................7 NEWS.............................3 SPORTS......................6 U N I V E R S I T Y ,
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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, SEPT. 11
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Campus Briefs TODAY 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 225.771.3660. 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 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 225.771.2608 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
SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
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coach Huston Williams at 225.771.4024 or go to Room 133 in the A.W. Mumford Field House. spades tournament
The Smith-Brown Memorial Union Recreation Area will hold a spades tournament Sept. 15 in Lacumba’s Playpen. Today is the final day of registration and the fee is $4 per team. SEPTEMBER 13 mr. aWs paGeant
The Association of Women Students is seeking applications for the 20102011 Mr. AWS Pageant. All those interested in participating must sign up in the Office of Student Programs, located in Suite 203 of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Participants must sign up by 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13. For more information, contact either Angelina Scott at toots_andry@ yahoo.com, Kenisha Solete at kenisha_solete_00@ subr.edu or Koi Lomas at koieles_lomas@yahoo. com. SEPTEMBER 14 career deVelopment WorKshops
Southern University’s Business and Industry Cluster invites all students to attend its Fall 2010 Development Workshops. The workshops will take place during Career Week Tuesday, Sept. 14. The topics include the following: •Corporate Ettiquette: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at
MONDAY, SEPT. 13
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TUESDAY, SEPT. 14
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Stewart Hall’s Lawless Auditorium; Effie Durst of Dow Chemical presenting •Interviewing Tips: 11 a.m.-noon at Room 222 T.T. Allain; Stephen Pierre of Dow Chemical presenting •Successful Resume Tips: 1 p.m.-2 p.m. at Lawless Auditorium; Kenneth Heyward of Johnson & Johnson presenting •P.I.E. (Performance, Image, Exposure): 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at Lawless Auditorium; Danny Marsh of Johnson & Johnson presenting. SEPTEMBER 27
Poems can be submitted via e-mail to pinkieglane@ cox.net or online at www. lib.subr.edu. All poems must be submitted by Oct. 1. Winners will be chosen by judges and published in the upcoming anthology. Winners will participate in a Nov. 12 reading at 2 p.m. at Southern University.
What’s the quickest way to get news and events to the student body? Put it in the...
honda campus all-star challenGe
Applications are now available for students to participate in the Honda Campus AllStar Challenge’s campus tournament. The tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 27. For more information, call 225.771.4845. OCTOBER 1 pinKie Gordon lane poetry contest
All Southern University students are invited to create and submit original poetry on the subject of their choice. Each entrant can submit no more than three poems of no more than 35 lines for each poem. Content cannot be vulgar, offensive or contain profanity.
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NEWS
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lacumba from page 1
photo by jamie martin/ap photo
David Scott, owner of Destin Connection Seafood Market in Montgomery, Ala., talks to a customer. Scott faces a difficult decision as he tries to rejuvenate his business after the Gulf oil spill: He can accept a piece of BP’s $20 billion claims fund — relatively fast, easy money — or sue the oil giant for a bigger payday, wait years and risk ending up with nothing. Thousands of business owners, fishermen and others along the Gulf Coast are confronting a similar conundrum.
BP spill victims face dilemma By curt anderson ap legal affairs writer
MIAMI — Alabama seafood market owner David Scott faces a difficult decision as he tries to rejuvenate his business after the Gulf oil spill: He can accept a piece of BP’s $20 billion claims fund — relatively fast, easy money — or sue the oil giant for a bigger payday, wait years and risk ending up with nothing. Thousands of business owners, fishermen and others along the Gulf Coast are confronting a similar conundrum. Those who accept a check for their long-term losses from the victims’ compensation fund will have to give up their right to sue BP. Scott, who runs Destin Connections Seafood Market in Montgomery, Ala., said business was off more than $49,000 in May and June compared with the year before. He said he is still weighing his options and waiting to see what BP is willing to offer. “At this point, we’ve got to give BP a chance to do what they said they were going to do,” he said. “I can prove my loss. Sales were just way off, and I couldn’t get what I needed, and people weren’t coming in to buy either.” Others fear that it could take years for the extent of the economic blow to be known, making it difficult to figure out whether a payout negotiated now will make them whole. “Is the shrimp going to come back? Are the oysters going to survive? Are we going to have a market?” asked George Barisich, head of the United Commercial Fisherman’s Association in Louisiana. “One lump settlement — should I take it if it’s decent? Should I wait it out? It’s on the back of everyone’s minds right now. It’s another one of the unknowns that’s driving everyone sleepless right now.” Right now, the BP compensation fund is paying businesses and individuals for their short-term losses, and those accepting such interim checks do not have to sign away their right to sue. But starting sometime after Nov. 23, and continuing for three years, the fund will compensate victims for long-term losses. Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who is running the fund under a deal between BP and the Obama administration, said in a recent interview that those who file a long-term claim will get a preview of their potential payout before they have to decide whether to accept it. If they don’t like it, they can sue. “I think that my definition of eligibility will
actually prove to be broader than if you litigate,” Feinberg said. “But I might be wrong, and if parties want to litigate, they can litigate.” Feinberg has yet to set a deadline for applying for long-term compensation. Deadlines for filing lawsuits vary depending on the type of case and jurisdiction, but in general people would have between one and six years to file a negligence action against BP and other companies involved in the disaster. How many are expected to file claims for longterm losses is anyone’s guess. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 51,000 interim claims had been submitted, including more than 44,000 for lost earnings. Of the total, 10,252 claims had been paid, for a total of almost $80 million. In addition, more than 300 lawsuits have been filed. But those plaintiffs can withdraw their lawsuits if they decide to accept a payout from the compensation fund. The eligibility rules for the long-term settlements have not been set but are widely expected to be similar to those for the interim claims: The nearer you are geographically to the oil spill and the more closely you depend on the Gulf’s natural resources, the better chance you have of getting a share. Feinberg said he may also bar recipients from suing not just BP but other companies, such as Transocean and Halliburton. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, which represents much of Florida’s $57 billion hospitality industry, is connecting its members to three law firms to help them choose between a claim or a lawsuit. The association’s president, Carol Dover, said dozens of interim claims have been rejected or reduced to “pennies on the dollar” because the businesses are far from the spill site. Feinberg said his goal in administering the BP fund is to compensate victims for their losses, not punish BP. In contrast, suing holds the prospect of a big punitive damage verdict. But punitive damage awards often take years to resolve and can be cut down on appeal. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska spawned a two-decade legal fight during which an initial $5 billion punitive damage award was whittled to about $500 million. Gary Bauer, owner of crab processor Ponchartrain Blues in Slidell, La., said a fair claim settlement will be hard to turn down for many. “If you go to litigation, oh God, your life is on hold, your income’s on hold. Everyone knows it is going to take six, eight years,” he said.
“We made the budget at $85 thousand in a hope and prayer that the referendum would be passed,” Sumner said. “This will help us get a better Homecoming.” If the referendum had not been passed, then each budget would have remained at $45 thousand. Sumner feels that $45 thousand is not enough money to get the types of performances that students would like to see. The bulk of the funding has also been allocated to future SGA administrations for the upcoming three years. “Budget cuts are something that SGA will have to face not just during my administration but also in future administrations,” Sumner said. Sumner feels that the vote has not eliminated the possibility of Southern getting a live mascot in the future, but there are other events that are on a higher priority. “We have priorities that mean more than having a live mascot,” Sumner said. “We have things that mean more and
we are going to address them during my administration,” Sumner continued. The funds being public records were not hard to locate. “We have an administration that isn’t willing to get a new Lacumba nor do we have the financing to build a new habitat for a new Lacumba,” Sumner said. “We have a fund that is collecting money and not being used. I felt that money was something we could use,” he continued. Although prior SGA administrations did not obtain the money from the LaCumba, Sumner feels firmly that his administration is dedicated to using the money for the student’s purpose. “The students need everything we possibly can to do everything that we possibly can,” Sumner said. The performers for the concert and comedy show for Homecoming 2010 will be announced at the State of the SGA Address in the upcoming week.
cade from page 1 Brown for helping to bring Java City into the library. A special thank you to the library staff that have always done extremely well in taking care of the library. Thank you Dawn Kite and Maya Banks.” Attendees were able to compare the before and after pictures of the library first floor, provided by Edmonds. “I applaud Dean Perry and the library staff for the renovations in the library,” said Demetrius Sumner, Student Government Association President. The renovations of John B. Cade Library were
provided by Title III funding. Organizations from campus and the surrounding community donated for the grand opening event. Aramark, The CocaCola Bottling Company, SU System Foundation, SU Bookstore, Domino’s Pizza, Macy’s Department Store, SU Office of Student Programs, SU Library Faculty and Staff, Top Choice, and Commercial Designs Interiors, LLC were among the donating companies. Plans for the rest of the library renovations are currently in the works.
Death toll rises from Hermine flooding SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The death toll from flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine climbed Thursday after Texas authorities recovered the body of a missing swimmer and an Oklahoma driver drowned trying to cross a swollen creek. At least four people have died in Hermine-fueled flooding, and three other people were still missing. Authorities near San Antonio recovered the body of Derek JoelNelson Clemens, 23, who along with a friend was swept away while swimming in the Guadalupe River. Crews were searching for his friend Thursday but held dim hopes of finding his friend alive. Both went missing Wednesday
as flash floods fueled by the storm hit parts of Texas before the rain moved into Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. The flooding has killed at least two motorists in Texas and others are still missing. In eastern Oklahoma, a 19-year-old man drowned after his vehicle was swept off the road early Thursday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it’s unclear whether Jackie Warford was thrown from his vehicle or crawled out to try to swim to safety, but he became tangled in brush. Hermine packed a relatively light punch when it made landfall Monday night, and many Texas residents said they felt unprepared for Wednesday’s sudden flooding.
arts & entertainment Page 4 - Friday, September 10, 2010
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Living Blues magazine has 4 decades worth of blues By shelia byrd associated press WRITER
OXFORD, Miss.— As the Vietnam War raged and rock ‘n roll reeled from the breakup of the Beatles, a ragtag group of enthusiasts put out the first edition of what they hoped would become a showcase magazine for the blues music they loved. The 1970 debut issue of Living Blues was peddled at a popular Chicago record store, at nightclubs and from the trunks of cars. Living Blues, now owned by the University of Mississippi, is the country’s oldest magazine dedicated to the genre. Its current 40th anniversary issue features images from more than 90 past
covers, including some of the biggest names in the business. The magazine, published every two months, has an international distribution and circulation of more than 25,000. Many fans are hardcore traditionalists who like their blues tinged with the grit born of the Delta region. Brett Bonner, the magazine’s fifth editor in four decades, attributes its longevity to a formula from which it rarely strays: allowing the artists to describe how their culture drives the music. Bonner said it’s a style that works whether they’re profiling a legend, such as Honeyboy Edwards, or a relative newcomer like Marquise Knox. “We’re far more interested in telling the life story of a musician, the culture that
created him, than we are in telling the kind of guitar that he plays or the strings that he uses,” Bonner said. “People who don’t live in Mississippi are fascinated with the culture.” Blues music arose under the South’s plantation system, fueled by the povertyplagued existence of many of the early black artists who sang about their condition. In the magazine’s first quarterly issue in 1970, Howlin’ Wolf said he chose to play the music because, “I never could make no money on nothin’ but the blues.” Bonner and the writers travel across the country and abroad, but it’s a skeletal crew. He operates from his home about 20 miles east of the Oxford campus. Writers and photographers get paid,
but not much, Bonner said. He said the other national blues magazine is Blues Revue which, according to its website, this month began celebrating its 20th year in business. Blues historian Jim O’Neal, one of Living Blues’ founders, said he and a few others borrowed $300 from Bob Koester, owner of Chicago’s Jazz Record Mart, to get started. The record store was an information center for blues lovers. The concept was to publicize music that had been popular in Chicago nightclubs in black communities, said Bruce Iglauer, another magazine founder and who is also founder and president of Alligator Records. Iglauer had just moved from Wisconsin to Chicago to be near the blues scene and he worked at Jazz Record Mart.
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Friday, September 10, 2010 - Page 5
sports Page 6 - Friday, September 10, 2010
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UAM coach: facing SU “a challenge” Jaguars entertain D-2 Boll Weevils in Saturday home opener By morris dillard digest SPORTS writer
Some people watched Southern’s 37-27 win over Delaware State in last weekend’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge for entertainment. Arkansas-Monticello head coach Gwaine Mathews used the nationally-televised game as a chance to scout for his Boll Weevils’ next opponent. UAM (0-1), a member of the Division II Gulf South Conference, takes on Southern (1-0) Saturday in the Jaguars’ 6 p.m. home opener at A.W. Mumford Stadium. “I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to play differently,” Mathews said in a phone interview. Mathews watched as SU rallied from an 11-point deficit with a 21-0 fourth-quarter rally. Southern, using quarterbacks Jeremiah McGinty and Dray Joseph in each half, still racked up 394 yards of total offense (158 rushing, 236 passing), 23 first downs and possessed the ball for 33:45. The Jaguar defense stiffened in the second half, forcing fourstraight three-and-outs and an interception to close out the DSU game. “I think they’re a complete team and also a very motivated team,” Mathews said. “You can’t help but be impressed with what
they’ve done when they’ve had the opportunities.” The Boll Weevils dropped its season opener in a 2720 decision last Thursday to conference foe West Alabama, D-II’s 10th-ranked ball club. UAM’s roster features 23 Louisiana players, including the pass-catch combo of quarterback Scott Buisson and receiver Jwyin Ceasar. Buisson went 28-of-42 for 289 yards with a touchdown and interception against UWA. Ceasar caught 12 of those passes for 123 yards and a score. Jaguars head coach Stump Mitchell said Buisson, a Metairie native, has a good arm and an attitude similar to that of Drew Brees. Mitchell called his team’s effort against DSU great, and PHOTO BY april buffington/digest now they must work to eliminate Southern running back Sylvester Nzekwe runs through Delaware State defenders at the MEAC/SWAC mistakes. Challenge. The Jags host Arkansas-Monticello Saturday in SU’s home opener. “The defense can’t give up “They do a lot of everything,” a loss,” Mitchell said. “It’s that State (No. 10 HRSN). the big plays,” Mitchell said. “Offensively, we only had one Gilbert said. “They’re going to run plain and simple.” South Carolina State retains turnover; we fumbled the ball. the option at us. They’re going its No. 1 ranking in both HBCU We can’t do that. And we had five to run the spread at us. They’re Rankings polls. SCSU (No. 15) and PV (No. going to get in there and run some dropped passes, which cost us.” Southern moved into the No. 22) are the only HBCUs ranked SU defensive coordinator power at us with two backs.” 9 spot in this week’s Heritage in The Sports Network/Fathead. The Boll Weevils are no Sports Radio Network’s Black com FCS Top 25 Poll entering O’Neill Gilbert said the Boll Weevils will give the defense strangers to Southwestern College FCS Poll and the this week’s games. multiple looks. Buisson, who Athletic Conference teams. UAM No. 10 spot in the Sheridan became UAM’s all-time leading defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Broadcasting Black College Parking fee waived passer, is also capable of tucking which is nearly 51 miles north of Football Poll. Sports Information Director the UAM campus, in back to back the ball in and running. Other SWAC schools in the Kevin Manns said Tuesday SU Discipline and sound years — a 21-7 win in 2008 and a HBCU polls include Prairie View will not charge fans to park on fundamentals defensively will 27-3 decision last season. (No. 2 HRSN and Sheridan), campus for home football games. “I expect them to come in Grambling State (No. 4 HRSN, The only parking on campus be key for a Southern defense that was burned early in the and give their best effort, but I No. 6 Sheridan), Texas Southern that will be charged is reserved excpect them to leave out with (No. 7 HRSN) and Alabama lot parking. DSU game.
SU volleyball opens season 1-2 DIGEST NEWS SERVICE
The Southern University volleyball team opened the 2010 season with a road split last weekend before falling to Nicholls State 3-0 in its home opener Tuesday. The Lady Jags (1-2) fell 3-0 at Alabama State in the team’s regular season opener last Friday, but regrouped to defeat Clark Atlanta 3-1 the next day. Southern returns to action this weekend in Thibodaux at the Nicholls Invitational. The Lady Jags open play today with a 4 p.m. match against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. SU finishes the invitational Saturday with a 10 a.m. match against South
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Alabama and a 4 p.m. match against Nicholls. In Tuesday’s action, Nicholls racked up 42 kills on 84 attempts while committing 11 errors. The Colonels dominated in a match that saw just three tie scores and one lead change. Southern was limited to .153 hitting as NSU made 36 digs and five total blocks. Detailed statistics from last weekend’s action was not available. Southern heads to Thibodaux this weekend to participate in the Nicholls Invitational. The Lady Jags open play today with a 4 p.m. match against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. SU finishes the invitational Saturday with a 10 a.m. match against South Alabama and a 4 p.m. match against Nicholls.
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PHOTO BY david clark iii/digest
Southern’s Megan Broussard serves the ball during the Lady Jaguars’ match against Nicholls State Tuesday in Seymour Gymnasium.
VIEWPOINTS
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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. For real though, where the DIGEST checks at? 2. Who do we have to be related to in order to get our money? 3. Better yet, who do we have to sleep with? 4. Will the editors have to pimp the staff for money? 5. Will the DIGEST have to turn The Strip into the new Plank Road? 6. If so, would that make the band hall the new Club Raggs? 7. Will the DIGEST and Human Jukebox have to come together and a have an “AdoptA-Juke” or “Adopt-A-Writer” program? 8. Will anyone pay 30 cents a day for us? 9. So, is the ombudsman the new “Bumpy?” 10. Would we have to refer to him as the “Ombs-Bumpy?” 11. Should the DIGEST ask him about our checks during the game? If so, should he be able to respond to us within 72 hours? 12. Do we have to go through that again? Should we hold our breaths for a response within 72 hours? 13. Will our advisor have to take up “independent mobile pharmaceutical sales” to get our money? 14. Will we have to call Crime Stoppers for the reward to cover our money? 15. If he gets arrested, we will still get the proceeds of his sales? 16. Should we protest with the faculty on the Bluff today for our checks? 17. If so, would we risk getting into it with the SU police chief like what happened at UNO? 18. How fast you think the administration will call us now? 19. Would it be about our checks … or to fire us? 20. Can Madonna, Sandra Bullock or Angelina Jolie adopt the DIGEST staff?
W
Broke college students
e don’t have any witty opening statement, no jokes and no charming anecdote … just the truth. For a while, we here in the Office of Student Media have been the stewards of information and truth on this campus. We have done our jobs to the highest quality of journalistic ability across the state of Louisiana. Even though we were plagued with all of the same problems of this university, we took them in stride and continued to live up to the legacy of this office. Critically understaffed and grossly underappreciated, we never complained about the task that was at hand, NONE OF US! All we ask for in return is the respect given to everyone else in this institution. We understand that we are students, but when we took on these jobs we thought that if we did our jobs that everyone else would have the common courtesy of doing the same damn thing. What we don’t appreciate is the fact that we are being stepped on by administrators, or being overlooked when money for pay raises magically appears in this $15.5 million budget cut. Nor do we appreciate the fact that we are without key personnel — when qualified people have applied for these positions — and the position some how disappears from sight. Also we don’t appreciate our stipends being lost and no one being able to tell us anything about it or PAFs (Personnel Action Forms) floating about in null space without being signed. With all this appearing, disappearing and dimensional shifts in the universe that seem to only affect our pay checks here
SPEAK OUT How have you enjoyed your DIGEST checks? BY april buffington
Digest Photo editor
kenyetta m. collins winnsboro, la. senior Mass communication
“Hey Tony Clayton, Walter Dumas, Chancellor Lomotey and President collins Mason ... do you have any spare change for the DIGEST staff?”
norman j. dotson jr. in the office. It is starting to look like Houdini has a hit out on us. Who do we have to call … Ghostbusters? Sam and Dean Winchester? Harry Potter? Scooby Doo and the gang? Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Sookie Stackhouse? Blade? Black Dynamite? Stump Mitchell? Now everyone keeps apologizing for the inconvenience, but we can’t tell the good folks at Cox Communications “I’m sorry, but I haven’t been paid yet. Could you please not turn off my cable/telephone/ internet?” on a little Post-it Note. They want their money, ON TIME! We wonder if the proverbial shoe were on the other foot, would the people in charge feel the same way we do. It just feels like every time we try to get some answers, we get the usual “SU shuffle” and are moved from place to place getting more and more confused and aggravated. Its like getting R. Kelly’ed and being told its rain. We know
the difference people. We don’t really want to go to war with anybody because according to Riley Freeman in “The Fundraiser” episode of “The Boondocks,” “War is bad for business.” We all have stock here in Dear Ole SU. However, in that same episode of the Boondocks Cindy “C-Murder” McPhearson gave the extreme option of pushing them (other fundraisers) out block by block claiming that’s what Beanie Sigel would do. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to that. However, we want to leave all those who —either knowingly or utwittingly — undermine the day-to-day work of our office or who doesn’t give us just respects with this quote from sweet, “gangsta” rap influenced C-Murder: “This is our block (office). Either you get down, or you lay down! Which is it gonna be?” Sincerely yours, The student staff of the SU Office of Student Media
dallas senior mass communication
dotson
“What damned check?”
billy washington baton rouge senior secondary education
“That money would be great washington for gas and books, since we don’t get our refund checks in time.”
evan taylor houston junior mass comm./ political science
“If I would’ve received my taylor money last semester, it could’ve paid for my books this semester. I had to beg my parents for money for books.”
breanna paul baton rouge junior mass communication
paul
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Letter to the editor
“If I had a check, I would’ve saved some and gone to the new Coach outlet in Gonzales.” SUBMISSIONS POLICY
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.
Editorial policy
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.
Page 8 - Friday, September 10, 2010
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