73
days since oil spill began. Read the latest oil spill briefs, page 2.
SPORTS
Chad Jones transported to New York hospital, page 5.
RESTAURANTS
Taco Bell to replace Arby’s on Burbank Drive, page 3.
The Daily Reveille
Volume 114, Issue 150 – Thursday, July 1, 2010
Summer Edition – see www.lsureveille.com for more
Adults use phones in cars more than teens
Fantastic Fourth Staff Writer
photos by NICHOLAS PERSAC / The Daily Reveille
[Above] Fireworks explode across the sky during the 2007 Fourth of July celebration downtown. [Right] A young girl rushes down an inflatable slide as part of an activity at the 2007 Fourth of July celebration.
One year after signing the Declaration of Independence, John Adams witnessed the first Fourth of July celebration Ñ a last-minute event in Philadelphia planned only two days earlier. Adams wrote about the nationÕ s first anniversary to his daughter, Abigail, in letters kept by The Library of Congress. He describes an impromptu parade with horses, artillery and Ò about a thousand infantry.Ó Adams, then a member of the Second Continental Congress, boarded the Delaware frigate with President George Washington, where they received multiple 13-gun salutes and rounds of artillery fire as signs of respect and celebration from the galleons and vessels in the area. Now, on the United StatesÕ 234th birthday, the celebration Adams saw has
Staff Writer
STAR SPANGLED CELEBRATION The biggest celebration in Baton Rouge for nearly the past 25 years takes place downtown on the riverfront, where live music and an air show are tradition. Ò ItÕ s something thatÕ s a staple of the
Fresh off the passage of a new Louisiana law banning texting while driving, a study has found adults text behind the wheel more frequently than teenagers. The June study, published by the Pew Research Center, found 47 percent of all adults who use text messaging have texted while driving, compared to the 34 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds who said they texted while driving. The danger of texting while driving has prompted a Louisiana law prohibiting the practice. The law, which will take effect Aug. 15, makes texting while driving a primary offense for which a driver may be stopped by law enforcement. Previous laws had designated texting while driving as a secondary offense for which a driver could only be ticketed if he or she were stopped for another violation. The new law also makes it illegal for drivers aged 17 or younger to talk on a cell phone
FOURTH OF JULY, see page 7
CELL PHONES, see page 7
Baton Rouge prepares for America’s 234th birthday Nicholas Persac
Ryan Buxton
become part of mainstream Americana, and the Baton Rouge area has plenty of options for students looking to party like patriots. Ò John Adams, who was one of the founders and one of the architects of the Declaration, felt it was a day and an act that should be heralded and remembered with celebrations,Ó said Paul Paskoff, a University professor who teaches an early American history course. Ò We come by this celebration because itÕ s in our national DNA.Ó
OIL SPILL
Pensacola tourism industry impacted heavily by disaster 75 percent of summer reservations cancelled Katherine Terrell Contributing Writer
The iconic sign welcoming visitors to Pensacola, Fla., has become an ironic sign during the past few weeks. For years, the giant swordfish has advertised the area as the Ò worldÕ s whitest beaches.Ó Recently, the pristine sand has been drenched in brown and orange shades of oil, which has begun to seep onto large stretches of the 28mile beach. The oil has been slowly
flowing onto the beaches in stronger and stronger doses. Just two weeks ago, Baton Rouge resident Lolly Martin stayed in her condo in Perdido and saw few effects besides small tar balls here and there. Ò IÕ ve never seen the water as beautiful and clean as clear as it was,Ó Martin said. But with the failure to cap the spill and strong winds from Hurricane Alex, the oil has continued to wash on the beaches as fast as the 24-hour-a-day crew can clean it up. The effect has been quick and devastating on an economy that relies heavily on tourism. ItÕ s a tough blow for an industry that has finally bounced back from Hurricane Ivan, which hit the area in 2004. Ò We were set for the best year
in tourism weÕ ve ever had,Ó said Ed Schroeder, director of VisitPensacola, Escambia CountyÕ s convention and visitorÕ s bureau. Ò We had a 15-percent increase both with groups and reservations.Ó As more oil has spilled, fewer people have been willing to spend their summers at the beach. Cancellations came in waves. One hundred cancellations were made around the second week of the spill, according to Schroeder. June 10 — the day the first tar balls hit the beaches Ñ saw 1,000 more cancellations. In addition, the phones have stayed ominously silent as new reservations have dried up. ItÕ s been PENSACOLA, see page 7
DAVE MARTIN / The Associated Press
Oil cleanup workers hired by BP shovel oily sand June 24 while beachgoers gather near the surf in Pensacola Beach, Fla. Officials closed the public beaches to swimmers.
The Daily Reveille
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Militants kill 11 gendarmes in mortar attack in Algeria
Feds issue fourth recall of Chinese kid jewelry due to toxic cadmium
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Suspected Islamic militants killed 11 Algerian gendarmes in a mortar and grenade attack near the North African nation’s border with Mali on Wednesday, a security official said. The gendarmes were carrying out a patrol in 4X4 vehicles in the town of Tinzaouatine.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal regulators said Thursday they have found high levels of the toxic metal cadmium in trinkets that were distributed for free to children at some doctor and dentist offices over the past five years. The news came as the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of nearly 70,000 charm bracelets and rings — the fourth time this year the federal government has said cheap Chinesemade jewelry was being pulled from shelves because of cadmium.
Israel, Turkey hold secret meeting in Europe to mend ties JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli Cabinet minister met secretly in Europe with Turkey’s foreign minister Wednesday in an attempt to improve relations rapidly deteriorating over the recent bloodshed on a Gazabound flotilla, Israeli government officials said. Industry Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer met Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in an unspecified location in Europe, the officials said.
Florida police seek suspect in shooting deaths of 2 officers TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Police in body armor blanketed Tampa on Wednesday, searching for a man accused of shooting two Tampa officers to death, and officials revealed that the convicted felon was released from prison in April even though he had
a warrant for his arrest. Tampa police were looking into why Dontae Rashawn Morris, 24, was not picked up from prison by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, who wanted him on bad check charges. “The warrant was issued while he was still in prison,” said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor. Suspected member of Russian spy ring vanishes in Cyprus NEW YORK (AP) — An alleged member of a Russian spy ring that authorities say operated under deep cover in America’s suburbs vanished in Cyprus on Wednesday, a day after being released on bail. The man, who had gone by the name Christopher Metsos and was wanted in the U.S. on charges he supplied money to the spy ring, had been arrested Tuesday in the Mediterranean island nation as he tried to board a flight for Budapest, Hungary.
LATEST OIL SPILL NEWS BRIEFS —With hurricane-whipped waves pushing more oil onto the Gulf of Mexico‘s once-white beaches, the government pinned its latest cleanup hopes Wednesday on a huge new piece of equipment: the world‘s largest oil-skimming vessel. The Taiwanese-flagged former tanker named the “A Whale” is the length of three football fields and stands 10 stories high. Officials hope it will be able to suck up as much as 21 million gallons of oil-fouled water per day. —An Interior Department official says the government is soon expected to issue more permits for drilling in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The decision would not affect the six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling imposed in the aftermath of BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While drilling in shallow waters was not part of the moratorium, there has been confusion about whether new permits will be approved for shallow water leases.
TODAY
SUNDAY 86 75
SATURDAY 84 75 MONDAY 89 75
ERIN ARLEDGE/ The Daily Reveille
See a slideshow of the wildlife at the Baton Rouge Zoo at lsureveille.com.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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—An effort to save thousands of sea turtle hatchlings from dying in the oily Gulf of Mexico will begin in the coming weeks in a desperate attempt to keep an entire generation of threatened species from vanishing. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will coordinate the plan that calls for the collection of some 70,000 turtle eggs in up to 800 nests buried on beaches across the Florida Panhandle and Alabama. It’s never been done before on a such a massive scale, but experts say that doing nothing could lead to unprecedented deaths.
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Weather
—EPA officials say their first round of testing on chemicals used to break apart the oil in the Gulf of Mexico shows all the available dispersants are generally equally toxic. Paul Anastas, EPA’s assistant administrator for research and development, says that the testing also showed the chemicals are far less toxic than oil. He said none of the chemicals had dangerous effects on the sea life tested.
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The Daily Reveille
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010
PAGE 3
FOOD
Taco Bell to replace Arby’s, offer new hang-out area Restaurant to have dining packages Celeste Ansley Contributing Writer
B&G Food Enterprises gained possession of the former Arby’s restaurant on Burbank Drive on June 29 and will convert it into a Taco Bell. Gregory Hamer, B&G Food Enterprises franchisee president, said he had hoped to have the restaurant opened by the start of the fall semester, but after recent delays, he now hopes to have it open by Sept. 1. Hamer said the company would not tear down the current building. “We are going to do a major remodel,” he said. “We will keep some parts of the building, but it will look completely new.” The Taco Bell will have dining packages, an idea being tested at a Taco Bell in New Orleans. “One-half will be a traditional
restaurant, and the other half will have couches, chairs and computer hook-ups,” Hamer said. Derek Anton, business management junior, said he does not plan to hang out or study in the dining package area. “There is no way I would study in a fast food restaurant,” he said. “Most of the time it smells bad inside there. I use the drive-thru.” Daren Cressionnie, an assistant manager at the Chimes Textbook Exchange on Burbank, said even with the dining package he doesn’t feel Taco Bell will become a place to hang out. “A lot of places have Wi-Fi now, but it’s not meant to be a place to hang out,” he said. “People use it to get online while they eat. The smell and traffic would not be conducive to a study environment, unless it was a separate room.” Hamer said the company plans to have a grand opening for the Taco Bell about a month after it opens so the crew will have time to prepare and adjust.
The company will begin hiring employees three weeks before the opening date given by the architect, Hamer said. “We are looking to hire management positions and people who have experience running a restaurant now,” he said. B&G Food Enterprises has Taco Bell restaurants in the surrounding area, but this will be the first Taco Bell they will operate in Baton Rouge. “I’ve been trying to get a Taco Bell here for 20 years, since my daughters went to LSU and had to drive to the one on College Drive,” Hamer said. Anton, who usually goes to the Taco Bell at the 459 Commons, said he would start going to the one on Burbank Drive once it opens. “It will be more convenient to go to the one on Burbank Drive,” he said. Cressionnie said the employees at Chimes Textbook Exchange have discussed whether they will be eating lunch more frequently at Izzo’s
ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille
Taco Bell is scheduled to replace the Arby’s restaurant on Burbank Drive in September. The new Taco Bell will have an area with couches and computer hook-ups.
Illegal Burrito or Taco Bell, both located next to the bookstore. “If time and money were a factor, I’d pick Taco Bell,” he said. B&G Food Enterprises is a franchisee that operates 55 Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken
restaurants in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. The headquarters is in Morgan City. Contact Celeste Ansley at cansley@lsureveille.com
ENVIRONMENT
University departments start research on oil spill effects Some professors paying out of pocket Joy Lukachick Special to The Daily Reveille
With a small team of scientists, Kevin Boswell has begun making monthly rounds to collect water column samples in the Gulf of Mexico. Each trip, Boswell, a University department of oceanography and coastal sciences researcher, and his colleagues find a way to pay for their research studying if sonar technology can identify oil in the water along the coast shorelines. “We know we can find fish, but can we find oil?” he said. “The whole idea is we could use this technology which hasn’t been used so far.” Boswell, along with other LSU researchers say they are subsidizing funds from other projects or paying out of pocket for research on the two-month-old oil spill leaking into the Gulf, hoping to be compensated in the end. Researchers understand how important is it for the future of the state’s economy and livelihood that people are monitoring and studying the effects of the catastrophe as it happens, Boswell said. Now he says his team has identified that the samples collected from the edge of the Gulf do contain oil about 180 feet below the surface. LSU department of oceanography and coastal sciences Dean Christopher D’Elia has been actively involved in the early research on the effects of the oil on coastal fisheries and wetlands. “Everything revolves around
knowing about the fate and effects of this oil,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to map it clearly.” Scientists are working on how to research what effects of the oil and the dispersants used to break down the oil will have on the major species, including crab, white shrimp and the commercial fisheries, D’Elia said. But D’Elia said the limited funding has hindered the department from large organized studies. “People are so focused on this event that some are funding their own work at this University,” he said. “Some are spending on their own credit cards.” Some funding for projects is on the way. LSU spokeswoman Ashley Berthelot said officials will begin evaluating proposals next week to decide which researchers will be allotted part of the $5 million fund from BP. “It’s open to everyone,” she said. “It’s not allotted by college but by person.” After the proposals are collected, the University will analyze the project through a peer-review process, she said. The individuals or groups will be awarded the funds based on their research proposals. While she couldn’t name how many researchers on campus are working on oil spill projects, Berthelot said most colleges are involved in some type of research. Some on-campus groups have already received their own funding through rapid response grants, Berthelot said. The projects at the University cover a span of concerns from how the flow of the Mississippi River will affect the spread of the oil spill to
how humans cope with tragic events. From the humanities viewpoint, researchers are trying to research the emotional and behavioral response to tragedies, said LSU political science professor Christopher Kenny. While many people are focused on the economical effects of the disaster, Kenny and two of his political science colleagues say it’s equally as important to study the human effects of a disaster. “The better we can understand any situation where people are impacted in this way, the better we can deal with it,” Kenny said. With a $90,000 rapid response grant, the group is organizing a telephone survey for residents in Venice and Grand Isle, he said. One of the goals is to find out how they are coping with the tragedy. “How are people coping with the event? Are they volunteering, are they seeking out information or just sitting at home?” said Christopher Weber, another research and political science professor. These are some of the questions researchers want to know, Weber said. While one of the strengths of a University is all the different resources brought together, D’Elia said more funds are needed to make significant findings to help the state recover. “This is fundamentally a planning challenge,” he said. “There is a lot to do to get the science together and organized because there are so many questions at hand.”
Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
Zippy’s near Perkins overpass
Awesome patio $3.25 frozen margaritas 24/7 $3.00 select double calls (Beam, Cruzan, etc...) 24/7 Look good with sugar-free margaritas and daiquiris!
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 4:00-5:30 PM 8:00- 9:30 PM
The Orphan Angels and Demons The Ugly Truth Year One
PAGE 4
REVEILLE MUSIC
Ranks
Wolf Parade, “Expo 86”
Sub Pop
Wolf Parade puts forth a nice effort on their third album “Expo 86,” but the Canadian quintet can’t seem to match the distinctively zesty rock it produced on the first two albums. Unlike past efforts, the album fails to contain the signature standout songs that make Wolf Parade’s albums memorable. Instead, the band trades in its impressive, percussion-fueled songs for more conventionalsounding rock. “Expo” is a less cohesive entry in Parade’s catalog, and the tracks may leave listeners pining for the unforgettable drumbeat of “I’ll Believe in Anything” or the sleekness of “California Dreamer.”
[C]
MATTHEW JACOBS
Jackie Greene, “Till The Light Comes”
429 Records
Jackie Greene, who gained national recognition after touring with Phil Lesh and Friends, released this week his sixth full-length album, “Till The Light Comes.” The nearly 50-minute album departs from the ample comparisons of Greene’s early work to Bob Dylan’s style and uses slower-toned blues instrumentation coupled with often floating, Floyd-esqe vocals. Greene nails the upbeat tracks, including the album’s first single “Medicine,” and other songs including “Spooky Tina” and the title track, but the slow-paced ballads can disrupt the album’s pop-blues feel and pace. “Till The Light Comes,” though an enjoyable album, doesn’t quite hit the level of Greene’s previous albums.
NICHOLAS PERSAC
Kele, “The Boxer”
[B-] Glassnote Records
Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke’s first solo album “The Boxer” is a full leap into the harsh sounds of electronic, house and dubstep dance music. Fans of Bloc Party will find the album different from the spiky post-punk and ambitious anthemics of the band’s best-known work. While the album is excellently produced and the sound meshes well with Kele’s agile vocals, the individual tracks feel less than coherent, lacking the thrilling hooks that he is capable of writing. “The Boxer” is a forceful and aggressive statement, but it is ultimately an interesting, if uneven, opening salvo for Kele.
CHRIS ABSHIRE
[C+]
Flo Rida, “Club Can’t Handle Me” (Single)
Atlantic Recording
“Club Can’t Handle Me” is the single from “Step Up 3D,” which arrives in theaters Aug. 6. The single has more of a pop flavor than the hip-hop sound of Flo Rida’s latest CD. The song has a club sound, but the chorus slows down a bit. Overall, the song is catchy, and the radio will likely overplay it to death.
CELESTE ANSLEY
Christina Aguilera, “Bionic”
[B]
RCA
Look who’s jumping on the “it’s an electro-rap, dance-craze comeback” bandwagon. Hitting numerous birds with one 18-track stone, Christina Aguilera sounds almost nothing like her late ‘90s pop star self. With her latest release “Bionic,” she’s been drawing comparisons to other famous ladies like M.I.A. and Sia Furler (both of whom worked on the album with her). All in all, the album is very satisfying but very much feels like listening to songs by other artists with Aguilera screaming with her church gospel vocals in the background. Good, but definitely not great.
JULIAN TATE
Herbie Hancock, “The Imagine Project”
[C]
Hancock Records
Anyone who’s taken the University’s Jazz 1001 course is probably familiar with Herbie Hancock as one of the all-time great jazz pianists. Nearly 50 years later Hancock is still cranking out quality submissions, and his latest offering, “The Imagine Project” is no different. Hancock invites a who’s-who of acclaimed artists to help him cover 10 well-known tracks from music lore. Here you can find Pink, Seal and Jeff Beck belting out John Lennon’s “Imagine” over Hancock’s lovely piano. The album covers the full spectrum, from Susan Tedschi’s ridiculously soulful version of Joe Cocker’s “Space Captain” to Hancock’s jam-tastic rendering of The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows,” complete with a cameo by the King of Jam, Dave Matthews. Half the fun of the album is finding out how Hancock approaches so many famous songs, and he doesn’t disappoint, doing complete justice to entries from the Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Sam Cooke song books, as well as others.
DAVID HELMAN
[A]
The Daily Reveille
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
The Daily Reveille
Sports
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
PAGE 5
CENTER FIELD GAP
Mahtook, Watkins among possible replacements for new Dodger Landry Michael Lambert Contributing Writer
The center field of Alex Box Stadium has belonged to former outfielder Leon Landry for the past three seasons. Landry repeatedly recorded high-flying, acrobatic grabs, covering all the way from second base to the center field wall 405 feet from home plate. Landry’s recent signing with
Daily Reveille file photos
[Above] Former LSU centerfielder Leon Landry runs to first March 31 during the Tigers’ 13-7 victory against Binghamton. [Right] Landry swings in an atbat March 13 during the Tigers’ 4-2 win against Kansas at Alex Box Stadium.
the Los Angeles Dodgers signaled the end of an era for the Tigers. LSU coach Paul Mainieri said it will be difficult to replace the centerfielder, who was wellrespected by his teammates. “A lot of guys looked up to Leon,” Mainieri said. “He’s a veteran, and he’s been through a lot.” LANDRY, see page 6
BASEBALL
Mainieri: Grewe, Sanchez to stay Michael Lambert Contributing Writer
LSU baseball associate head coach David Grewe and assistant coach Javi Sanchez are not in contention to become the new head baseball coach at Notre Dame, according to LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “Neither of them are in consideration,” Mainieri said. Grewe was an assistant coach under Mainieri at Notre Dame from 2003-05. He also served as head coach of Michigan State from 200608 before joining LSU’s coaching staff for the 2009 season. Grewe currently serves as LSU’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Sanchez was a shortstop and catcher for the Fighting Irish from 2001-04. He then played four seasons of minor league baseball in the Minnesota Twins organization after being a 14th-round draft choice in 2004. Sanchez came to LSU as a volunteer coach in 2008 and was promoted to assistant coach before the 2009 season. The Miami native primarily serves as the Tigers’ hitting coach. “I’m happy for them to remain with us and our staff,” Mainieri said. Both Grewe and Sanchez appeared to be options to replace fourth-year Notre Dame coach Dave Schrage. Associate head coach Scott Lawler was named Notre Dame’s interim head coach after Schrage’s dismissal. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
Chad Jones transferred to New York for additional care Former LSU star still recovering Michael Lambert Contributing Writer
Former LSU safety and pitcher Chad Jones was transferred from LSU Public Hospital in New Orleans to New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center on Tuesday, according to a New York Giants press release. Jones was moved to New York for plastic surgery and possibly additional orthopedic procedures, according to the release.
Jones, the Giants’ third-round press release. draft pick in this year’s draft, un“After consulting with our derwent eight hours of successful doctors, Chad’s doctors at LSU surgery Friday in New Orleans to and his family felt like this move improve blood to New York was the flow in his left next logical step in foot. his care and recov“Chad has ery.” received outThe former twostanding medisport athlete is joined cal care from in New York by his the doctors girlfriend and parand nurses in ents. Les Miles New Orleans Jones’ tibia and LSU football coach since his accifibula were shattered dent. They’ve when his Range Rovshown great compassion,” said er ran into a concrete pole early Ronnie Barnes, Giants vice president of medical services, in a INJURY, see page 6
‘‘
‘[Chad Jones] is having a difficult time, but he’s strong.’
Daily Reveille file photo
Former LSU safety Chad Jones returns a fourth quarter punt for a touchdown Sept. 26 during the Tigers’ 30-26 win against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss.
The Daily Reveille
PAGE 6
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010
RECRUITING
Players visit camps, campuses to showcase skills Quarterback poses problem for class Mark Clements Contributing Writer
While most people assume summer is the offseason for football, Les Miles and staff are far from off the clock. The Mad Hatter is hard at work again putting together yet another superb recruiting class for 2011. With 11 verbal commitments already under his belt, Miles has gotten a jump start on this year’s recruiting class. And the job is far from over. Summer practices and camps are taking place at schools all over the country, with hopeful recruits attempting to boost their stock and college coaches searching for diamonds in the rough. Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com, said the summer is one of the most important times for high school athletes to visit potential schools and put their skills on display for coaches. “For the recruits, summer
INJURY, from page 5
Friday morning on Carrollton Avenue. Jones was returning to New Orleans from organized team activities with the Giants. Jones was cited for careless operation of a vehicle. Barnes said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reached out to Jones since his accident. “Commissioner Goodell called Chad and his family in the hospital on Sunday evening
LANDRY, from page 5
Landry began his LSU career on a positive note, starting 57 games as a true freshman. “Leon really grew as a player,” Mainieri said. “He did some great things as a young player for us.” The former Baker High School athlete, playing on the football, basketball and baseball teams, continued to improve as he gained experience at LSU. “By his last year, he was a pretty good all-around player,” Mainieri said. “He became an outstanding hitter using all the field. He became a tough out.” Landry finished the 2010 season with the third-highest batting average on the team, going .338 from the plate. He drove in 45 RBIs with 81 hits. Landry will join former LSU first baseman Blake Dean, who also signed with the Dodgers. “I’m glad I got a chance to go up to pro ball with one of my teammates and my close friend,” Landry said at a postseason press conference. “We’ll look out for each other up there.” Landry said he’s ready for the challenge of fighting his way up the ranks of MLB. “Regardless of the situation,
is one of the biggest opportunities to get out there and showcase their skills,” Dixon said. “Most of the kids are trying to get out there and see a couple colleges and go to camps to get evaluated in person by head coaches and assistants and to work one-on-one with someone.” Mike Scarborough, Rivals. com recruiting analyst, said more and more athletes are taking the recruiting process into their own hands and visiting schools across the country on their own time. “What you’re seeing now more than ever is a lot of prospects that are traveling to visit schools on their own time,” Scarborough said. “You’ll see people get in the car and they’ll travel a whole week with their parents and go from school to school talking to coaches and going from campus to campus. The kids and their families are getting a lot more educated about the recruiting process on their own.” While recruits are constantly trying to get more hype surrounding their names, recruiting websites and magazines have already begun the initial ranking process. Stars have been handed out, and grades have been given for the
class of 2011. According to Rivals.com, of LSU’s 11 current commitments, four have been awarded three stars, six are four-stars and one is a fivestar, offensive lineman La’El Collins. Scarborough said the initial ranking list distributed by Rivals. com will most likely change several times by signing day. “Certainly when you look at Louisiana, there are some guys who might be on the outside of the initial Rival 100 who we will see moving up when the season begins,” Scarborough said. Most recruiting fans look for their respective schools to sign the big name five-star athletes each year. But Scarborough said fulfilling team need is more important than star ranking. In terms of LSU’s class, Scarborough said the Tigers have done a good job thus far in filling in the missing holes, and adding one more piece to the puzzle could solidify their offensive line unit. “They’re still looking for a center,” Scarborough said. “But the offensive line group could be without a doubt the top offensive
line hauled in by any school … and number two won’t even be close.” Dixon said that running backs were of top priority for LSU going into the 2011 recruiting class, and Miles tackled the issue early with three big commitments. “They’ve done a good job so far,” Dixon said. “Running back would have to be the marquee thing, and with guys like Kenny Hilliard, Jeremy Hill and Terrance Magee, they’re calling it the class of the year.” Kenny Hilliard comes from a family of football players, following in his uncle Dalton’s and cousin Ike’s footsteps. The four-star running back from Patterson committed to the Tigers last December. Jeremy Hill, teammate and friend to La’El Collins, was the first running back to commit to LSU when he and Collins gave their verbal commitments on the same day in late August. The Baton Rouge native attends Redemptorist High School and is also a four-star prospect according to Rivals.com. Terrance Magee is the third running back Miles has on board. The three-star athlete who
quarterbacks his Franklinton Demons will make the switch to running back in college. Scarborough and Dixon both agreed the biggest concern facing LSU’s recruiting class is at the quarterback position. The unknown surrounding 2010 commit Zach Lee and his potential MLB career is easily the talk of the town. “That’s what everyone is watching right now – who is the quarterback going to be?” Dixon said. “The Zach Lee stuff is kind of fueling the fire of the quarterback debate. That certainly is the main focus of everyone.” Scarborough said even if LSU can get Lee onto campus, the Tigers need to make a quarterback signing in this year’s class. “I think once the semester begins and [Lee] is in the classroom, that will relieve some of the pressure of signing a quarterback,” Scarborough said. “But I still think they can’t afford to not sign a good quarterback this year.”
and offered to provide hotel accommodations while Chad is being observed and treated in New York,” Barnes said. “Everybody has been very supportive.” Jones also stared on the diamond for LSU, contributing in the third game of the College World Series Championship Series against Texas. He struck out two batters while holding the Longhorns scoreless in 1 2/3 innings of work. Jones was drafted in the 50th
round of this year’s MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri talked to Jones on Saturday. “He sounded in good spirits,” Mainieri said. “Chad’s a great athlete and a great competitor.” Mainieri said he’s hopeful the former Tiger pitcher will be able to fully recover. “He’s got some tough injuries here,” Mainieri said. “I just hope he gets back to full health.”
Jones joined former LSU star Jared Mitchell in becoming the only two college athletes to win both a BCS national championship and baseball national title. The former safety logged 19 starts on the football field with 158 career tackles. Jones’ shining moment came Sept. 26 against Mississippi State when he returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown and helped stop the Bulldogs on the goalline in the waning minutes of the
fourth quarter. LSU football coach Les Miles visited Jones in New Orleans on Friday. “Just finished seeing Chad,” Miles said on his Twitter account. “He is surrounded by friends and family. He is having a difficult time, but he is strong.”
I’m definitely looking forward to playing for [the Dodgers],” Landry said. Mainieri said he already knows the guy who’s up to the task of replacing Landry in center field — sophomore outfielder Mikie Mahtook. “He’s more than a capable replacement,” Mainieri said. “Mahtook will be able to do as great a job as Leon.” Mahtook had a solid season in 2010, hitting .335 with 80 hits, and will make the move to center field. Mainieri said sophomore outfielder Trey Watkins should also keep his spot in the outfield next season. Watkins finished this season batting .268 with 33 hits. Mainieri said the third outfield spot could go to incoming outfielder Lucas LeBlanc from Delgado Community College. LeBlanc was a first team AllAmerican on the NJCAA team, hitting .420 with 67 RBIs and 11 home runs last season for the Dolphins. The Central Lafourche High School alumnus was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of this year’s draft, but Mainieri is keeping his hopes up LeBlanc will join the Tigers.
“I would say there’s still a chance he could be swayed, but I’m hoping not,” Mainieri said. “He’s indicated he really wants to come to LSU. Mainieri said another fresh face could impact the outfield race. “We have a guy named Marcus Davis we are really high on,” Mainieri said. Davis went to Princeton High School in Cincinnati and was teammates with LSU incoming running back Spencer Ware. Mainieri said freshmen Mason Katz and Alex Edward will also have a crack at an outfielding spot. “I wouldn’t count Mason Katz out,” Mainieri said. “I wouldn’t count out Alex Edward.” Katz took the reigns in left field at the start of the Southeastern Conference tournament and finished this season with a .318 batting average. “I’m really confident about our outfield next year,” Mainieri said. “I’m sure it will be a solid outfield.” Mainieri said replacing players like Landry is something the team overcomes after every season. “We deal with this every
Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com
Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
Daily Reveille file photo
Former LSU outfielder Leon Landry slides into home plate Feb. 20 during the Tigers’ 25-8 win against Centenary at Alex Box Stadium. Landry was drafted by the Dodgers.
year,” Mainieri said. “Everybody’s used to players having good careers then leaving.” Mainieri said working up the ranks in the major leagues isn’t as easy as it looks, but Landry has the ability to do it.
“It’s hard to make it to the major leagues,” Mainieri said. “He has a long road ahead of him. I hope he makes it.” Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010 CELL PHONES, from page 1
while driving. Yet in the Pew CenterÕ s survey, more adults said they had talked on the phone while driving than teenagers. Seventy-five percent of cell phone-owning adults said they had talked on the phone while driving, compared to 52 percent of cell-owning teens, according to the study. Sgt. Don Kelly, Baton Rouge Police Department spokesman, said phone use is as common in Baton Rouge as anywhere. Ò Anybody who spends any time on the road sees cell phone usage is common,” Kelly said. “A lot of time it’s difficult to tell what people are doing, whether theyÕ re reading a message, typing a message, or having a conversation via speakerphone.” Kelly said adults may use phones behind the wheel more often than teens for several reasons, including confidence stemming from years of driving experience. “There is a comfort level that comes from doing something for a while,” Kelly said. “Until you get into a wreck and get hurt, you may think you’re invincible.”
Ray Garofalo, mass communication junior, said he does text while driving, but feels his experience has taught him when to stop. “It’s all about experience,” he said. “I’ve been driving for six years, so if I’m texting and I notice I’m veering, I stop and put my phone down.” Biological sciences sophomore Jade Edgecombe said her driving experience has shown her she can’t text behind the wheel. “I’m not coordinated enough to do that,” Edgecombe said. “I’m too spacey.” Adults may also use their phones in the car more often because they use the device for business purposes, Kelly said. “Adults who have jobs, careers and business are using that device for work, and they may be more likely to use that device behind the wheel than someone using it only for social purposes,” Kelly said. Psychology professor Emily Elliott conducted her own study investigating how distracting cell phones can be. Ò What we showed in our study is that just a ringing phone in and of itself was distracting,” Elliott said.
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PAGE 7
The problem in trying to multitask and use a phone while doing something else comes from the brain’s way of switching focus, she said. Ò The problem is that human beings have a limited capacity system,” Elliott said. “We cannot simultaneously comprehend two streams of information at once.” Kelly said using cell phones while driving is especially dangerous now when there are more cars on the road travelling at higher speeds than ever. The combination of unexpected behavior by other drivers and distraction caused by phone usage can create a deadly combination within seconds, Kelly said. Ò ItÕ s when people do something out of the ordinary — that’s when you get into bad accident,” he said. Ò ThatÕ s when sharp drivers who are paying attention have time to avoid those accidents, and those who arenÕ t paying attention won’t.”
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
graphic by MATTHEW JACOBS / The Daily Reveille
“It’s like a windshield wiper effect. There are good days and bad days. As long as the oil is still flowing, we’re going to have a chance for oil.” Alex has been a major impact on the cleanup efforts, covering as much as 20 percent of Pensacola Beach and 40 percent of Perdido Key with tar balls. On Tuesday alone, workers collected 166,926 pounds of tar balls, oil material and sand. The beaches remain open but under a health advisory to swim at oneÕ s own risk. Ò In the last two days, weÕ ve seen it impact the majority of our beaches,” Schroeder said. “We’d
like to hope that after this hurricane spins through the Gulf and gets out of the way, this stuff stops coming on shore for a little while and gives us a chance to clean it up. The people helping to clean up the spill are a mix of British Petroleum workers and Escambia County residents. Although hundreds of volunteers went to Pensacola to clean the beach before the oil hit, there arenÕ t many situations where untrained workers can help. Ò Right now there is a tremendous desire across the country to come down here and fight this thing,” Schroeder said. “You have to be trained, equipped and placed into service to volunteer, so there
isn’t really a role for them.” Schroeder said people can help by continuing to visit Pensacola for vacations. “We’ve got 28 miles of beaches, and the oil hasn’t hit all of it,” Schroeder said. “There’s always some stretch that is clean and clear and beautiful.” The future of Pensacola’s tourism industry looks bleak at the moment, Schroeder said, but it is still too early to say anything for certain until the oil is contained. Ò I donÕ t know what weÕ ll be facing,” he said. “Once this well is capped, there will be a sigh of relief coming across the entire country. Until it’s capped, it’s just
a catastrophic effect on tourism, across the Gulf coast.” Day-by-day is the mantra in Pensacola, but even so, the oil looks like it will be in the Gulf for years to come. Ò Without knowing what the oil spills looks like in the future, without knowing any of that, I think it is still easier to predict that the spill will have a longer-term impact on us then a hurricane,” Schroeder said.
year. We’ll play pop country with a lot of great cover songs. People community where people come ev- want to sing along and tap their ery year and then start to bring their feet.” own kids,” said Gabriel Vicknair, From 6 to 6:30 p.m., spectaBaton Rouge Downtown Develop- tors will first see the Louisiana Nament District spokesman. “It’s a re- tional Guard’s F-15 Eagle Fighters ally great tradition fly over the levee for Baton Rouge.” and then experiFood and FOURTH OF JULY FACTS: ence a mock battle drink vendors open between the USS at noon, and live • $3 million: the dollar value of U.S. Kidd, a Fletcher music starts at 3 imports of American flags in 2009 class destroyer p.m. that served during •$217 million: the value of We s t b o u n d fireworks imported to the U.S. in WWII, and a JapaTrain featuring nese fighter plane. 2009 Anita LeBlanc Mary Fish, will perform first, •31: the number of cities a spokeswoman followed by The nationwide with “liberty” in the for USS Kidd and Chris LeBlanc name Veterans MemoBand and then •76 million: the amount of people rial, said as many Jenny Brooks and who said they have taken part in a as 35,000 people the Baton Rouge barbecue during the previous year come through the Concert Band later area on that single in the evening. day each year. SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau Brooks, a Ò ItÕ s great enSlidell native who tertainment, and headlined the celebration last year, thereÕ s interesting history with the said college students can have a Kidd,” Fish said. “If you come good time even though the music out early, you can get on the ship may not be “what you hear at fra- and tour it. It’s exactly the way it ternity or sorority parties.” was when the World War II veterÒ ItÕ s a tremendous day with ans were on it. It’s like they just the beautiful fireworks and the air walked off the ship, which can give show,” Brooks said. “I was really students some perspective of the impressed with the whole day last costs of freedom when seeing the
tight quarters and what they went through.” The fireworks will start at 9 p.m., and public seating is available on the levee. Both the Manship Theatre and the LSU Museum of Art are hosting fundraisers on the Fourth, and those who buy tickets can watch the fireworks from those facilities.
the River” fireworks celebration, which takes place on the New Orleans Riverfront near the French Quarter. The American Pyrotechnic Associated named the “dueling barges fireworks extravaganza” the 5th “must-see” fireworks display in the U.S., according to the event’s website. Closer to the Red Stick, students can travel to the False River community or to the city of Plaquemine where boat parades and fireworks take place each year. Just north of the city, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo will host Ò Red, White and Zoo” day on the Fourth. Michael Aguirre, BREC spokesman, said visitors can win a prize by identifying animals in the zoo that have at least two of the colors on the U.S. flag. But find an animal with all three colors, he said, and a bigger prize is in store.
summons,” McKneely said. “Some people here in that past have shot firearms into the air on the Fourth, and for that people will be arrested and prosecuted.” McKneely also said officers will be on patrol for drunk drivers, and there may be DWI checkpoints. Fourth of July pyrotechnics can also be a hazard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 people died in the US during 2006 in accidents related to fireworks, while an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries. Luis Hinojosa, who manages Louisiana Fire Works on East Rushing Road in Denham Springs, said fireworks are safe when used properly. He encouraged people to read safety labels and directions, refrain for use when intoxicated and keep appropriate distances from spectators. Ò The ones who get hurt, most of the time, aren’t using fireworks properly,” Hinojosa said. “People love fireworks in Louisiana and just want to have fun.”
PENSACOLA, from page 1
a week since the heaviest batch of oil hit the area, but the damage has already been done to the industry. “It’s pretty safe to say about 75 percent of our reservations that have been on the books are gone,” Schroeder said. “Some condos and hotels are 100 percent cancelled.” Oil cleanup has been a dayto-day process with cleanup crews working around the clock. Night cleanup has been the most effective because of the cooler weather. “With every change of the tide, the impact is different,” said Sonya Daniel, public information manager for Escambia County.
FOURTH OF JULY, from page 1
HITTING THE BARS Multiple bars in the Third Street area downtown are expecting large crowds this weekend, and some — like Schlittz and Giggles — will open Sunday for patrons to visit after the fireworks. Employees at FredÕ s Bar and Grill on Bob Pettit Boulevard said they’ll celebrate on Saturday night by giving out red and blue jello shots “because you can’t really make white ones.” Shady’s on East Boyd Drive is billing Saturday night as “Independence Day Insanity.” A Facebook page for the event tells patrons to “come and celebrate America” there because “thanks to BP nobody will be going to the beaches this Fourth of July.” OUTSIDE THE CITY Venturing outside Baton Rouge, other options include New Orleans’ 20th annual “Go 4th on
PLAYING IT SAFE Cpl. L’Jean McKneely, Baton Rouge Police Department spokesman, said it is illegal to both Ò pop fireworks and shoot firearms within the city of Baton Rouge.” He said officers often respond to calls of fireworks or gunshots during celebratory times. “We will confiscate the fireworks and issue a misdemeanor
Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com
Contact Nicholas Persac at npersac@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
PAGE 8
L’IL BITS
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010
Worship, transition, scam of Cosmopolitian magazine There are certain things every girl experiences as she grows up: awkward high school dances, bad first dates and first heartbreak, just to name a few. But along with those expected girl experiences, is something I like to call “The Stages of Cosmopolitan.” Cosmopolitan is the most popular female magazine in the 18 to 24 demographic, selling approximately 2.9 million copies each month. Along with sister magazines, like Cosmo Girl for the younger demographic, Cosmopolitan is printed in 60 different international editions and websites alike, according to its main website. Needless to say, Cosmopolitan is one of the most influential female brands in the world, which leads me to “The Stages of Cosmopolitan.” Stage One: Worship. Everyone
knows about the pressures of high school and the need to fit in, especially young girls. Cosmopolitan is the unofficial guide book by which every teen girl lives. With articles like “How to Win a Guy Over in 10 Seconds” and “Do You Really Know How to Kiss?,” it’s easy to see how a young, impressionable girl would want to memorize everything in the magazine. I remember poring over the newest edition of Cosmopolitan with my friends in high school, but the funny thing is I don’t remember what the articles were about. I remember laughing and asking questions and sharing stories with my best friends. And, most importantly, I remember feeling like I belonged, because in a twisted way, Cosmopolitan gives girls the chance to fit in. It provides girls an excuse to talk about things that every girl is feeling, but
everyone is scared to bring up at the same time. Stage Two: Transition. During the move from high school to college, it seems like everything changes. You’re living on your own, meeting new people, trying new things and making sure you don’t relive the naïve mistakes you made in high school. I’m BrittAny dAvis not sure with guys, but for Columnist girls, this stage in life is very “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman”, for lack of a better, non-Britney Spears title. College independence provides a false feeling of maturity, and that’s where Cosmopolitan comes in. Cosmo uses this fake maturity against its
readership. Girls who learned how to kiss from Cosmo are now reading articles like “77 Sex Positions in 77 Days” and “The Trick to Hotter Sex.” It sets these crazy standards about life, sex and beauty for young women who are going through a big life change. Without a stable environment, it’s easy for some young women to be influenced by the sensationalized images and articles provided in Cosmopolitan. Stage Three: Scam. I remember the day I graduated from stage two to stage three, and I’ll never look at a Cosmopolitan magazine the same way again. That was the day I realized the whole magazine was a bundle of product placements. Do you know what the five must-have items for summer are or the newest celebrity make-up trends? I’ll tell you what they are, big paychecks for the
magazines. The coolest clothes and makeup aren’t what the celebrities are using or wearing, it’s just another way to present an advertisement. You can’t fool me anymore, Cosmo. Going through “The Stages of Cosmopolitan” is synonymous with growing up for girls. You start off naïve and immature and then think you know it all, when you don’t. But, finally, you come to understand the bigger picture. It’s a rite of passage. Most girls do not live and breathe by Cosmopolitan magazine, but there is always the exception to the rule. After all, there is a reason the magazine has been a success since 1886, and it’s not the five-question Cosmo quizzes. Contact Brittany Davis at bdavis@lsureveille.com
PRESS X TO NOT DIE
Promoted tweets could bring Twitter revenue
You can tell we’re in a new information generation when breaking news and major launch announcements are broadcasted in 140 characters or less. You can see what celebrities and “celebrities” are doing in their down time, read what’s being announced for your favorite entertainment medium and even blow your friend’s phone up with updates about the bagel you just ate or the squirrel you just hit with your car. Twitter has hit the mainstream by storm during the past few years. And while many have joined and embraced the social networking site – I use it because I’m required to for this writing gig I have. I won’t lie, Twitter is a fun thing to do when I’m bored and feel like bugging my friends with my status updates, but I still don’t really see the overall value in it. I find myself using the site more because many of my favorite video game publishers and developers are now announcing new material over Twitter. With more and more companies breaking news on Twitter, this should mean more revenue going to the social networking site because more eyes are looking for that little blue bird. Unfortunately for Twitter, this isn’t the case.
Recently when accessing the site, users have been encountering the “fail whale,” the term brought up when Twitter’s servers are “overloaded with tweets,” and an image of the Twitter birds trying to hoist up a giant whale appears. As large of a networking site as Twitter is, it’s very understandable it may have some network downtime. Considering users can tweet from their computers, cell phones, iPods and even over Twitter’s own device known as TwitterPeek. Yet with AdAm Arinder more and more Columnist “fail whales” popping up, many users were starting to think something was wrong with their favorite new news outlet – and they were right. Last month, Twitter announced it had its worst month in terms of operation since last October, and it seemed to be struggling to maintain proper servers. The main thing that always confused me about Twitter is how the site manages to stay up, because I have never seen any type of ad or pop-up box when typing my 140 characters or less. It’s fascinating that Twitter is able to function without that
THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board DAVID HELMAN Editor-in-Chief STEPHANIE GIGLIO Managing Editor KRISTEN ROWLETT External Media Editor
added revenue. Clearly the site isn’t making any money, but maybe that’s not the founder’s goal. Last semester I wrote about Twitter’s @anywhere campaign which incorporated that little blue bird into numerous websites allowing readers to tweet what they were reading. Obviously that brought a little bit of income to the site through advertising dollars with its partnering sites. But still, it hasn’t been enough to keep that little bird afloat. However, earlier this month, something new popped up on Twitter. To the right of a user’s Twitter wall are 10 “trending topics” – the terms most tweeted about by users in a recent period. Generally, something must be popular to make it to the trending topics. Or you could do what Disney/Pixar did and buy your way into Twitter’s trending topics. To help advertise their latest movie “Toy Story 3,” Disney/ Pixar purchased a spot as the 11th trending topic (interestingly not the first trending topic) labeled “Toy Story 3” with a gold box labeled “Promoted.” Tweets from the company would also pop up on users’ Twitter walls even without having followed Disney or Pixar. While I understand Twitter
needs to make some money to stay afloat, this could start to get annoying. Sure, just one promoted tweet won’t likely clog your wall. But remember, tweets can be read from all the devices I mentioned above. This could be great for advertisers looking for a new way to quickly and massively display their product to many potential customers, but it could easily become overwhelming depending on how many Twitter allows. Unfortunately, the promoted
trending topic is now taken down since the movie’s release, but that doesn’t mean users won’t be seeing more of them. Hopefully Twitter will be smart and keep this under control – as well as finding other ways to make money. The last thing that needs to happen is Twitter becoming a pay site or begin giving out user information to advertisers à la Facebook. Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
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EdITOrIAl POlICIEs & PrOCEdurEs
QuOTE OF ThE dAy
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Diana Spencer
Princess of Wales July, 1 1961 — Aug. 31, 1997
The Daily Reveille
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010
COX COMMUNICATIONS
Opinion
PAGE 9
North Gate construction making the right moves The new construction underway in LSU’s North Gate area is a great step in the right direction for the burgeoning neighborhood. A CVS, PJ’s Coffee, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Shanghai Tokyo and Pita Pit will all comprise the new shopping center known as College Row North Gate and will be completed in time for the fall semester. The shopping center will also have a new parking lot, which will hopefully relieve some of the area’s already bad parking situation. This new establishment could lead to further projects dedicated to improvement of the immediate area around campus. North Gate would see better crowds with a large bar. The Varsity serves its purpose for concerts but is impractical for hangind out at on a normal business night because of high prices and an unconventional bar
layout. The dive bars along Chimes Street also cater well to their clientele but lack the size to accommodate larger crowds. I’d imagine the naked white walls of the old Blockbuster could easily be remodeled to a new bar. This current eyesore could be transformed into a fine drinking Cory Cox establishment, Columnist complete with the new Capital One ATM being constructed next door. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about opening a tab and forgetting your credit card at the end of the night. A large bar could also disperse some of the cluster at Serrano’s during and after home football games. Another crucial business
opportunity lies in the former pizza heaven Mr. Gatti’s. Allyou-can-eat buffets are favorite stops for college students, and the absence of one in Northgate hurts. Hopefully the Italian gods will shine their beautiful light upon us and bless us with another $6.99 cheap pizza feast. Proven businesses in the area have laid down the blueprints for new enterprise to succeed. I love Raising Cane’s as much as the next person in Baton Rouge. In fact, I’m a proud member of the Caniac Club. Yes, such a thing exists and it even comes with a free box combo (it lacks health benefits, except if you count its high cholesterol content). Cane’s is unique in the fact that the original restaurant started in North Gate and has since spun off franchise throughout the country, giving hope to future entrepreneurs.
The Chimes, with its worldly beer collection and blackened alligator, has long been a mainstay of North Gate. Its tame and friendly atmosphere makes it the go-to restaurant near campus. Highland Coffees seems to be pretty popular with students. I don’t drink coffee or really study for that matter, but this random opinion columnist appreciates the shop for its support to the local community over several years. Small niche stores like Highland Coffees and Storyville are great for overall business as they often bring back returning customers and spread via word of mouth. Hopefully an influx of new businesses will send the beggars packing. Perhaps the biggest problem with North Gate is the number of vagrants on its streets. Find a way to clear out the homeless and self-proclaimed
bohemians who call the front of Circle K home and live off of students’ spare change and King Cobra tall cans. I understand poverty is a problem in most major metropolitan areas and that the Baton Rouge’s zoning commission didn’t just transplant homeless people here. The frequency of it within our North Gate area, however, is at an extraordinarily high level. Find ways to combat it. The way I look at it, new businesses will bring more people and more security. More security will lead to fewer homeless people in North Gate and a cleaner and more hospitable neighborhood.
Contact Cory Cox at ccox@lsureveille.com
FANNING THE FLAMES
BP’s grant to University could be propaganda The nut of today’s lesson pertains to BP’s generous grant to the LSU School of the Coast and Environment — a $500 million chunk to pay for studies on dispersant usage in the Gulf of Mexico and the grim toll it exacts on marine life. Somehow, the oil giant had never managed to get a hold of the University in the long years prior to the Deepwater Horizon spill, when it was still drilling throughout the Gulf to the cadence of Sarah Palin’s gibberish party slogans like an army of Haliburton contractors wired on Ritalin. Dean Christopher D’Elia seemed more or less aware of his tenuous position as the recipient of a BP grant. The mere mention of the company’s two-letter name is now enough to evoke heart-rending shrieks and fits of brutal anger from charter captains and commercial fishermen in the Gulf coastal region. In a Times-Picayune article dated May 24, D’Elia preempted a defense of sorts — one that he is sure will dispel any traces of skepticism about the college’s ulterior motives, and its possible role as BP’s personal PR representatives. Just imagine: our very own School of the Coast and Environment, reduced to a gang of hired thugs paid to disseminate crude lies three years down the road about the “ironically beneficial effects that the cocktail of dispersants and oil plumes have had on our study’s sample of coral reefs.” Indeed. I can almost imagine the typeface. “It’s wonderful,” an ecstatic D’Elia will be quoted by Daily Reveille correspondents in June, 2013. “The massive unde rwater pl um es now serve as
camoflauge for schools of previously endangered fish; additionally, our scientists found that the mix of dispersants served as a ‘natural fertilizer’ to blooming reefs.” Ye gods, I will not be able to cope with propaganda of that order. I can Trevor Fanning hardly stomach the thought of Columnist our newspaper being “pressured to be mouthpieces for BP,” as Dean D’Elia so aptly spoke. That is one take on the grant — naturally it is a dour forecast, no doubt colored by an inborn cynicism that pervades all my opinions concerning old white men receiving lump sums of money from oil conglomerates that would not bat an eyelash at staining the whole Atlantic a deep and shiny black with some of Deepwater Horizon’s finest — no, that will be all right, and the money will flow right in. But Dean D’Elia seems like a decent enough guy, at least going by the general tone of his comments to the reporters on nola. com, and he probably did nothing to merit this cruel and unusual fate — a shameful profile of ridicule by a mean-spirited opinion-editorial writer for The Daily Reveille. Yes, in reality, it makes perfect sense that BP would pay the flagship University in a state whose commerce it has sabotaged and whose populace it has demoralized for an “impartial study” on the ruinous consequences its spilled oil has wreaked on sea-faring wildlife. Yeah ... it is as about as sane a defense policy as standing trial on
felony drug-dealing charges and wiring $10,000 to the DEA’s office for a “full and unbiased probe into the case” that will exonerate you for sure, and fix your negative image among the community as an “untrustable disrepute” and neighborhood junkie. So really, the whole story leaves me with a deeply-rooted but totally unverifiable suspicion about the true nature of this grant.
Maybe British Petroleum CEO Tony Hayward will call up Dean Christopher D’Elia one of these days and congratulate him, laughingly, on taking the grant — or stop by the University to crack open a few brewskies and swap war stories on the roof of HoweRussell annex. And there will be one refrain that will reverberate in D’Elia’s ears throughout that whole, deca-
dent weekend — as Tony leans in close, the terrible odor of gin on his breath, and whispers a dark and haunting Pink Floyd lyric into D’Elia’s ear: “And did we tell you the name of the game, boy? We call it riding the gravy train.”
Contact Trevor Fanning at tfanning@lsureveille.com
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Classifieds
PaGE 10
Help Wanted StudentS needed to work with children/ adults with disabilities. Several positions available; various hours. Apply: St. John the Baptist, Human Services. 622 Shadows Ln, Suite A 225.216.1199 FRAteRnItY HouSe dIReCtoR Phi delta theta fraternity needs a House director, House Mom or House dad for the Fall 2010 Semester. Must be able to live in chapter house, private suite provided. Call for more info. 504.400.8819 GReAt HouRS! GReAt PAY! texas Roadhouse is currently hiring servers and hosts. Come by 10360 n. Mall dr, M-th, between 2 and 4 pm for an interview. Hope to see you soon! don’t MISS tHIS oPPoRtunItY! now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JeFFeRSon 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PeRKInS RoWe 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours. equal opportunity employer ►►BARtendInG uP to no eXPeRIenCe neCeSSARY. tRAInInG PRoVIded. AGe 18+ oK 1-800-965-6520 ext127 PARt tIMe HoSteSS needed Gino’s Restaurant is taking applications for a part time hostess. Applications are accepted 2pm-5pm Monday-Friday. 4542 Bennington Ave. off College drive 225.927.7156 KenneL AttendAnt Part-time kennel attendant needed for busy veterinary office in south BR. Please contact Monica 225.756.0204 enVIRonMentAL ConSuLtInG FIRM seeking part time individual technically proficient in CAdd. A great opportunity to gain professional experience. Competitive pay and flexible hours. e-mail resume to humanresources@compliance-sg.com or fax to (225)754-0406 HAMPton Inn CoLLeGe dRIVe has openings for front desk clerks, night audit and housekeeping. Please apply in person at 4646 Constitution Ave. FIReWoRKS SALeS And MIS.HeLP half days and full days now thru July 5th 8-15.00/hr free meals must be non-smoker and work July 4th until 10:00pm 225-366-2391 CYCLone LAundRY Pt position avail. for
Wash/Fold. M-W-F 9-5 Apply “in person” today at 623 e. Boyd! 225.767.5720 eSL InStRuCtoRS Mon., tues., Wed., 6:00 P. M.--9:00 P. M. $13.00-$16.00 hr. Send resume mstaub@ccdiobr.org 225.242.0324
For Sale
BuRBAnK CoMMonS leases 4-bd/2-ba fully-furnished units. Individual leases, roommate matching available, low rates, on LSu bus route, great amenities! 225.757.5585 BRIGHtSIde VILLAS CondoS www.brightsidevillas.com Beautiful, remodeled 2 Bd, 1.5 bath, 1,100 sq/ ft. Move-in SPeCIAL $475/ mo/per person. 1 yr. lease. no pets. 225.663.0038 or bsvillas@gmail.com
tIGeR MAnoR CondoMInIuMS. unItS ReAdY FoR SPRInG and FALL 2010!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.
WALK to LSu 1 BR from $540 and 2 BR from $660, pool, laundry center. university View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. no PetS.
FSBotoWnHoMe PH(318)730-1260 SIeGen LAne/ QuAIL HoLLoW 2BdRM; 2 1/2 BAtH;WSHR And dRYR FIRePLACe; 2 CAR CoVeRed PARKInG HoMe WARRAnItY(1YR) $129,500 7MI FRoM LSu
4 RooMS to Rent large home with 4 rooms to rent out. MBR/ bath downstairs-600/ mo 2 large upstairs rooms-500ea/ mo 1 med BR upstairs-400/ mo/shared bath small pets accepted w/300 deposit 1 year lease required w/ one month deposit availiable 06 Jun 10 SeRIouS InQuIReS onLY PLeASe 225.931.2655
1 Bed/1 BAtH Condo Great condo in gated community close to LSu! only 3 years old. All tile flooring, stainless appliances, washer/dryer to remain! Reduced to $97,500. Call (225)937-1317 for more information
For Rent
tIGeR MAnoR CondoMInIuMS. unItS ReAdY FoR SPRInG and FALL 2010! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www. tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. 615 StARInG LAne 3BR/2BA 2000 square feet bonus room
Large fenced yard with covered patio $1500/mo Available 7/5 225.297.7888 LSu tIGeRLAnd SPeCIAL Lg Studios 1&2 BR tH &Flat Pool, w/f, $450 to $695 225.615.8521 1 Bd RM AVAIL AuGuSt 1St. 4065, 4118 and 4243 Burbank. From $475. 978-1649. $300 deposit. near Walk-ons and Mellow Mushroom. www.lsubr.com for pictures and floor plans. WALK to LSu 1215 Aster-3bed/2bath, all appliances provided, fenced backyard, pets welcome-$350, Available noW- $1200/ month, $1200 security deposit- call Heather 225.603.7866 MALe RooMMAte Brightside estates-. Share apt. w/grad student. W/d, Cable/ utilities paid. $500/month. Serious inquiries. Prefer student. no drugs, no pets. dober_mann@msn.com 225.588.9409 WALK to CAMPuS 3328 Wyoming 2BR duplex $650 W/d incl.815 W. Roosevelt $550 1BR studios $395 225.388.9858 LARGe 1-BR (650 sq. ft.) $500 and 2-br (1170 sq ft.) $700 in small quiet complex perfect for serious students. Walk, cycle, or take the LSu bus to class, shopping. on-site manager, reserved parking, video surveillence security. 757-8175. Apply online at http://riverroadapartments.tripod. com LSu 1 BedRooMS 1984 Brightside # 219 $650 gated, on bus rt. pool 588-3070 LSu tIGeRLAnd 1/2 off 1st Month!
Thursday, july 1, 2010
1&2 Bd, Pool, w/ f, Pd Water, Sewer and Gabage $425 to $650 225.615.8521 CHAteAu du CouR In tigerland. Lge 2 BR apts in enclosed complex. newly remodeled! $625. 7722429 767-3935 www.chateauducour-tigerland.com mck@ chateauducour-tigerland.com SPeCIALS noW AVAILABLe Lake Beau Pre Homes & townhomes, Arlington trace & Summer Grove Condos All Appliances Included 2 & 3 bedroom floorplans dean Flores Real estate 225.767.2227 4BR/3BA HouSe 356 Stoney Creek Avenue in Highland Creek s/d; $1500mo. 985.705.5635 3 BedRooM CondoS 5252 Brightside View. washer/dryer $1200/mth $600 dep. 588-3070 southlandpropertiesinc.com ACAdIAn @ CLAYCut Lots of space! 3BR/2BA 1650 square feet A Must See! $900/mo Available now 225.297.7888 L S u Walk to Campus -pool- 2BR all appls. inc w/ d $695 1BR $495 Studio inc ul’s $445. 2BR near BRCC $595. 766-5511 CHAteAu du CouR In tIGeRLAnd Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com HouSe FoR Rent 3 BR, 2 BA, Close to LSu. $1200. mo. $500. deposit.
The Daily Reveille
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010 Pets welcome. Call 985.688.2757 HarwiCH House For rent 3 bd / 2ba $1350 / mo $1000 dep; all appliances stay; avail July 1st - Call: 225.806.1437 1464 sHarLo 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath townhome $1100/mth $600 dep. fenced patio, w/d 955-6480 southlandpropertiesinc.com
$600/ month. 443-928-4112 or LPeter1@ students.towson.edu. FemaLe roommate Brightside estates - share apt w/vet student. w/D, Cable/ utilities paid. $500/month. serious inquiries. Prefer student. no drugs, no pets. on Lsu bus route. Call 225.588.9409
1Br/1Ba For Lease $495/mo on Lsu Bus route. 4647 earl Gros #6 & 7 Dep. $400 1st months rent 1/2 off. call Keyfinders realty for more info or visit www. keyfindersBr.com 225.293.3000
Luxury ConDo For rent seeking tenants for 2Br/2.5B condo in Lake Beau Pre’. only $550 plus utilities! Gated Community featuring luxury pool/ jacuzzi, game room, tennis courts, media room, gym, and only 2 miles from Lsu. email bbrow22@gmail.com for more details
CarLotta/ e. state/ iVanHoe walk to class. 1 and 2 bedroom units $350-$495 call eric 225-588-3039
Fem. roomates-niCHoLson Lakes, Beautiful 3bedrms $450mo. util. partially furnished, no pets 504.717.5188
2BD/1.5Ba ConDo Brightside. all appl, w/D, refinished tub, private patio, end unit. $915/mo 225.772.3283
Miscellaneous
$aVe $ waLK to Lsu! LGe 1 Br aPt 7697757 / 266 -8666 / 278-6392 2 BeDroom 1. 5 bath apt. on nicholson dr. $400 deposit. $650 per month. (225)768-7093 HiGHLanD roaD Houses 3 br 2 ba available aug 1st. 225.769.1079 1324 HarwiCH 3 Br 2 Bath House. carport, w/d, wood floors 955-6480
Roommate Wanted roommate neeDeD male grad seeking roommate to share 2Br/2.5B Lake Beau Pre Condo only $575 aLL utiLities inCLuDeD!! Gated, Pool, Gym, tennis Court 225.247.0567 FemaLe roomate neeDeD to share 3Br/2Bath condo, on Lsu bus route, $500+utilities/mo. Call Heather 337.780.9159 or 225.767.8830 room For rent in LarGe house in nicholson Lakes. House has all upgrades. move-in specials available. 2rooms available-take one or both! $550/month. lakehouse378@yahoo.com 225.335.0818 2 FemaLe roommates neeDeD! 3 bedroom condo. $550 a month in a gated community right outside Lsu campus. Call mary for more information. 225.229.2955 roomate wanteD 3Br 2.5Bath HuGe corner townhouse in Heatherstone off Brightside Dr, fully furnished common areas, pool access, all utilities included
eConomist entrix is seeking economists to work with a multidisciplinary team of accomplished biologists, chemists, economists, geologists, Gis technicians, and planners on a resource assessment in the Gulf of mexico region (home office location is
negotiable). 1. Participating in research and analysis in providing technical support to a wide range of projects 2. reviewing and assessing survey data; 3. Preparing reports associated with surveys conducted; and 4. Preparing reports describing the assessment of impacts and recommended measures for resource recovery. Basic Qualifications: 1. Bachelors degree or higher in economics, resource economics or agriculture economics, or a bachelors degree or higher in environmental studies or environmental sciences with an economics minor 2. strong analytical and quantitative capabilities, including college courses in economic theory, mathematics and statistics, and quantitative methods to measure economic benefits and costs 3. excellent oral and written communication skills 4. must be willing to work long hours, including some weekends. 5. must be authorized to work in the u. s. without company sponsorship Desired Qualifications: 1. working knowledge of economic theory, mathematics and statistics, and quantitative methods to measure economic
PAGE 11 benefits and costs 2. excellent interpersonal skills, as the candidate will work closely with clients and other employees on a variety of projects 3. solid time-management and followthrough skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on and manage multiple tasks and projects with tight deadlines 4. ability to work well independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team
in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment 5. Coursework in economics, econometrics, applied statistics, environmental science, and Geographic information systems (Gis) 6. strong proficiency in microsoft office word & excel, and demonstrated ability to work with statistical software 7. strong business and client orientation entrix is an equal opportunity employer. (www.entrix.com) 925.988.1220
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The Daily Reveille
ThursdAy, july 1, 2010