Volume 123 · No. 2
Thursday, January 19, 2017
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Head to lsunow.com for additional videos, photos and stories featuring MLK week events
Campus community unites to celebrate the legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. page 3 photos by KELLY MCDUFF, KATE ROY AND AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
Food truck owners cope with industry decline in Baton Rouge BY HANNAH VENERELLA @hannahvenerella Baton Rouge has had a complicated relationship with the food truck industry. Dubbed a “food truck revolution” just two years ago, the formerly flourishing scene is now on the decline. While food trucks still turn out in numbers for annual events like the Ogden Park Prowl and White Light Night, they’re scarcely seen day-to-day in the city. Although many food truck owners have been able to turn their love for the business into more permanent ventures, others continue to pave their way throughout the city streets — this
time with a different purpose. Nick Hufft, former food truck connoisseur and owner of the brick-and-mortar Curbside Burgers location, plans to reopen his Curbside Burgers food truck for special events. In Baton Rouge, food trucks are catering more to corporate functions, birthdays and office events rather than pedaling the streets, he said. Cupcake Allie and Taco De Paco have taken a similar route but still make frequent appearances at businesses whose clientele tend to be food truck fans, like The Radio Bar and Tin Roof Brewing Company.
see FOOD TRUCKS, page 7
Cupcake Allie does crosspromotions with other local businesses by cooking desserts for local restaurants like Rotolo’s and Lit Pizza.
HANNAH VENERELLA /
The Daily Reveille
page 2
Thursday, January 19, 2017 B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803 Newsroom (225) 578-4811
Advertising (225) 578-6090
Editor in Chief ROSE VELAZQUEZ Managing Editor APRIL AHMED
in this
ISSUE
Phone Scanners
News Editor WILLIAM TAYLOR POTTER
page 12
KIM NGUYEN / The Daily Reveille
Sports Editor JOSHUA THORNTON
5
Entertainment Editor ALLIE COBB
Office of Assessment and Evaluation uses security measures at front desk
Perfect Attendance
Opinion Editor ANJANA NAIR Production Editor RAMSINA ODISHO
8
LSU gymnastics fans continue to break attendance records
Deputy Production Editor TAYLOR WILEY
page 10
Then & Now
9
Freshman forward Wayde Sims continues father’s legacy playing for the Tigers
Horsin’ Around
12
65th Annual Mid-Winter Rodeo offers visitors traditional rodeo entertainment
A Theater Near You
14
Baton Rouge movie theaters feature a variety of films, options
Trumped the Competition Check out what our columnists had to say about the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States
Deputy News Editor LAUREN HEFFKER
JORDAN MARCELL / The Daily Reveille
Photo Editor ZOE GEAUTHREAUX Deputy Photo Editor HASKELL WHITTINGTON
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that 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.
ABOUT THE DAILY REVEILLE
19
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 of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
News
lasting legacy
page 3 ADMINISTRATION
LSU Foundation searches for new president and CEO CFO Dan Layzell serves as interim president BY NATALIE ANDERSON @natalie_mechell
KELLY MCDUFF / The Daily Reveille
We like to give these great glamorous stories that [Martin Luther King Jr.] was a man of peace … but what we don’t talk about is his sense of urgency about change now and not later. MONTURIOS HOWARD
NAACP at LSU President
University events honor civil rights leader, encourage community to take action BY EVAN SAACKS, HANNAH VENERELLA AND DENA WINEGEART @evansaaacks, @hannahvenerella and @denawinegeart As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration Week, “Beyond the Movement: Where do we go from here?” the University put on a series of events honoring the civil rights activist, leader and minister.
The University paid tribute to King with a plethora of activities, which included a candlelight vigil and day of service Monday, a lecture from activist Shaun King on Tuesday and a performing arts night Thursday. In addition, there was a Unity Reception dinner at
see MLK, page 6
The LSU Foundation — the University’s organization dedicated to promoting fundraising and philanthropic efforts — is continuing its search for a new president and CEO and LSU Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Former LSU Foundation President Stephen Moret, who served from May 2015 to December 2016, left the University to serve as president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Currently, Vice President for Finance and Administration CEO/CFO Dan Layzell serves as the CEO, interim president and ex officio director of the LSU Foundation. Sara Whittaker, senior director of communications and marketing, said AGB Search has posted and begun advertising for the two positions online. The position profile highlights the responsibilities, preferred attributes and qualifications, Blueprint for the Future of Development at LSU, advancement climate at LSU, LSU President F. King Alexander’s vision for LSU and this role, the University’s points of pride and Baton Rouge.
see FOUNDATION, page 6
CAMPUS LIFE
UREC set to begin opening to the public in February Facility on Nicholson also underway BY TAYLOR DELPIDIO @TD_Reveille The UREC expansion project that started in June 2013 is finally coming to a close. The UREC will begin opening the renovated space to the public in late February. “After several years of planning, design and construction of the multiple improvements to the recreation facilities on campus, we are happy
to say that the construction of the last and largest piece is nearly complete,” Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction on the UREC Project Roger Husser said. “With the completion of the sports recreation fields on Gourrier Lane and the new parking facilities and tennis courts being completed over the last couple years, the expansion and renovation of the main recreation center is essentially complete with minor efforts remaining to equip it and open it
see UREC, page 6
The UREC operates during regular business hours on Jan. 17 while under construction.
ALYSSA BERRY / The Daily Reveille
page 4
Thursday, January 19, 2017
GREEK LIFE
Latino students come together as brothers at Phi Iota Alpha BY DENA WINEGEART @DenaWinegeart When prospective brothers stroll down fraternity row during rush week, they may not see all of their fraternal options just by looking at the houses. Phi Iota Alpha, a historically Latino-American fraternity, does not participate in spring and fall rush week, nor does it have a house on fraternity row. Often, much of its recruitment comes from members’ involvement with other University students and the Baton Rouge community. Many may recognize Phi Iota Alpha as the fraternity with the large tailgate that blasts Spanish music on the Parade Ground before football
games in the fall. While Phi Iota Alpha President Vidal Villela said tailgating is used for recruitment, students can also see members volunteering in the community. Along with community involvement, Phi Iota Alpha works all year long for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. By hosting events like Trick-orTreat for UNICEF and Dancing with Phiotas for UNICEF, the brothers are able to fundraise for their philanthropy cause. Phi Iota Alpha also hosts recruitment parties, with one coming up this weekend. In 1931, Phi Lambda Fraternity, founded at the University of California at Berkeley, and Sigma Iota Fraternity merged to form the Phi Iota Alpha
Fraternity. Thus, Phi Iota Alpha became the University’s first Latino fraternity and held the distinction of being the Alpha chapter for the new national organization. Later, the University’s chapter disbanded and was re-organized in the spring of 2010, which then made the University chapter the Alpha Alpha chapter. Despite not partaking in the usual recruitment processes, members of Phi Iota Alpha like Villela and Jason Avelar said they get the Greek experience just like brothers of any other fraternity. “We’re very active with our Greek events like Songfest and Greek Week, as well as having a very active tailgating presence during football season,”
Villela said. He and Avelar both said the fraternity is a close-knit group of brothers. “I love the sense of brotherhood in my chapter. In the event of an emergency, I could pull a random name from the chapter roster, and I know that person would be there for me at any time,” Villela said. Avelar did encounter an emergency when he found out he would have to take summer courses to stay on track with his degree. “I didn’t have the money to pay for it,” Avelar said. “So the brothers came together and gave me the funds to pay for the classes. Everyone here has each other’s back, and that’s just one example.”
courtesy of JUAN ANDRES CAICEDO
Members of Phi Iota Alpha pose for a photo before a fraternity dinner.
CAMPUS CRIME BRIEFS
Students arrested for possession, intent to distribute cocaine in Herget
LSUPD Spokesperson Lt. Kevin Scott said two University students were arrested for possession with the intent to distribute a schedule II drug, possession of marijuana, possession of a legend drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Jan. 12 around 8:00 p.m., LSUPD responded to Herget Hall in reference to a noise complaint, according to Scott. Officers made contact with 18-year-old Andre Frederick and 19-year-old Hunter Knight
and recovered 11.5 grams of cocaine, marijuana, promethazine and associated paraphernalia, Scott said. Frederick and Knight were arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for the aforementioned charges.
Another reported break-in occurred at Tiger Stadium over the weekend, Scott said. According to LSUPD’s initial crime report, an LSU staff member called LSUPD officers
to the stadium around 11 a.m. on Sunday in reference to a burglary. The staff member told police that unknown individuals gained entered the stadi-
um sometime between 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the crime report. There are no known suspects at this time.
KIM NGUYEN / The Daily Reveille
Fugitive arrested Tiger Stadium broken into for in Visitor Center’s second time this month parking lot A 57-year-old fugitive was arrested in the parking lot of the Visitor Registration and Information Center after reportedly panhandling. On Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., LSUPD responded to the parking lot located at the corner of Highland Road and Dalrymple Drive for a reported panhandler, according to Scott. Upon arriving at the
location, LSUPD made contact with non-student John Hilliard Jr., Scott said. Officers then discovered Hilliard had an active bench warrant from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, according to Scott. Hilliard was arrested as a fugitive and then booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Baton Rouge man arrested for DWI at checkpoint on Nicholson
KIM NGUYEN / The Daily Reveille
LSUPD participated in a DWI checkpoint on Nicholson Drive at South Stadium Road on Jan. 13, according to Scott. During the evening, LSUPD arrested 27-year-old Walter Gonzalez of Baton Rouge for driving while intoxicated and
reckless operation of a vehicle, Scott said. Gonzalez refused to submit a chemical breath sample at the scene, Scott said. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the aforementioned charges.
page 5
Thursday, January 19, 2017 STUDENT GOVERNMENT
SG to release LSU app, introduce revamped Groovin’ in spring semester BY CJ CARVER @CWCarver_ Over the last semester, Student Government oversaw many changes on campus and plans to do the same for the current semester. During the fall 2016 semester, SG launched new initiatives for students, including keeping the Student Union open 24 hours during finals week, releasing the “Tiger Tenets” in response to the tailgating safety policies proposed by the dean of students and passing a bill to open the possibility of declaring Election Day 2018 a school holiday. “This semester the real hit-on point we want to make is: We’re not just going to be a Student Government who puts a water fountain,” SG president Zack Faircloth said. “We want to leave a really lasting impression, especially with this administration.” SG plans to accomplish this by launching three major initiatives this semester, as well as completely revamping Groovin’. The first of these initiatives is a brand new LSU app, which is slated for release this spring.
We’ve already “The LSU app was housing. something that was a no-brainer partnered with the [District Atin our mind; it was outdated,” torney’s] office and LSUPD to Faircloth said. “We actually try to make a higher standard have two great computer sci- for those.” ence majors at LSU working on The program is opt-in for the it right now, and we should have various student housing complexes, and there are already it out in March.” a couple that SG has also partnered with “We want to leave have signed up, Faircloth said. the Baton Rouge a really lasting One event SG Area Chamber plans to comto bring students impression, change is a project called especially with this pletely Groovin’. LSU Local. “While I can’t The focus of administration.” reveal any artist, LSU Local is connecting fresh[and] I can’t reZACK FAIRCLOTH men, sophomores veal much about SG President and juniors to location or what’s the Baton Rouge going to happen; community, both socially and that’ll all be released later in in the market by assisting the semester Groovin’ is going them with getting internships, to shock people, and they’re going to be ecstatic to see who the Faircloth said. The third of SG’s major artist is,” Faircloth said. The artist and location will initiatives this semester is Gold Standard Housing, which aims be announced in February, and to tackle crime in off-campus Groovin’ is set to take place on March 30. student housing. Another evolving aspect of “This was something that was launched back in the fall, SG is the executive branch’s but a lot of the work is going to involvement in legislation. “We work really closely with be in this semester,” Faircloth said. “Something like 25 per- our legislative branch, which cent of the crime in this police is sort of atypical from what precinct comes from student [the University has] seen in the
CAROLINE MAGEE / The Daily Reveille
Student Government President Zack Faircloth and his administration are launching three new initiatives this semester. past,” Faircloth said. “Pretty much everything we’re working on, there will be a piece of legislation accompanying it, and every time they put a piece of legislation through, somebody on my executive branch will be working on it.” SG will also be watching the state Legislature closely, as the University’s end of the year report card will be
released, said Jayce Genco, the SG presidential press secretary and a former reporter for The Daily Reveille. “There’s speculation that there is going to be a special session in the next few months, and we’re going to do what we have to do to make sure that LSU and higher education gets the funding and support that we need,” Genco said.
TECHNOLOGY
Testing center implements scanners, security devices BY KATHERINE ROBERTS @krobe844 In addition to video cameras, test proctors and phone signal detectors in the bathrooms, the Office of Assessment and Evaluation added phone scanners to its list of test security equipment in the spring of 2016. The phone scanners that detect metals inside cell phone antennas as well as Apple Watches. Testing lab manager Derek Wilson said even while test-takers’ devices are turned off, the phone scanners can still detect phones. The scanners are passive metal detectors, he said, meaning there are no health risks to students during the screening process. “Unlike conventional metal detectors, the ones we use at check-in are entirely passive, emitting no signal or fields, so there are no health and safety concerns when scanning students,” Wilson said. “They also [have] no effect on electronic devices such as pacemakers and are harmless to pregnant women.” The phone scanners retail at $10,000 each, but Wilson said the testing center bought the demo versions of the scanners so the price was less than half the retail cost.
ZOE GEAUTHREAUX / The Daily Reveille
A student enters the Center for Assessment and Evaluation on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, in Himes Hall. While the equiment is used to keep students from cheating, the phone scanners also help keep students from being accused of cheating, he added. “It’s as much about test security as it is for student security,” Wilson said. “If we see a cell phone out we have to
assume they’re using it, and even if they’re not, it’s for their own benefit to have it turned off so the students are not accused of cheating.” The testing center also has 30 cameras that can zoom in “pretty close,” Wilson said. “I’ve read writing on
people’s hands and cellphones from 100 feet away,” he said. “Someone will try and hide a cell phone in their lap, or they will try and hide it under a calculator cover, and I’ll just zoom in and take a picture.” The testing center also phone detectors in the
bathrooms of Himes Hall. These phone detectors can detect phone signals sent through bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even airplane mode. Like the phone scanners, they can detect other devices such as Apple Watches. Kinesiology sophomore Allyson Cambre said she has never seen the phone scanners enforced in the testing center. “I’ve seen them, and I’ve seen them go off, but I’ve never actually seen anyone say anything to anyone,” Cambre said. “Of course, I’m not in there all the time, but I’ve never actually seen anyone get in trouble.” Cambre said she normally keeps her phone on silent and in her backpack while in the testing center. While she keeps her phone off in the testing center, psychology junior Emily Braun she has several friends that keep their phones on silent when they go into Himes. Braun said the phone scanners are “overkill.” “If they are watching you that closely, and I know they are in the testing center, then I don’t really understand why they would need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment that would detect something so specific,” Braun said. “They could catch this through their other precautions they are taking to prevent cheating.”
page 6 MLK, from page 3 the The Club at Union Square on Wednesday and the University Food Pantry is hosting a food drive for nonperishable items which will continue through the end of the month. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration committee, made up of University and BRCC students, planned the events to honor MLK Day as a day of serving others. Wes Heath, assistant director for Cross-Cultural Affairs, said the University’s
Thursday, January 19, 2017 MLK celebration is so large that having a student-run committee to plan these events is a big help. “There’s so many events … and having students that are committed to the mission of MLK really pulls these events together,” Heath said. During MLK Celebrations, NAACP at LSU President Monturios Howard said he believes people sometimes overlook some of King’s traits that are essential to understanding his character and what he stood for. “We like to give these great glamorous stories that
[Martin Luther King Jr.] was a man of peace … but what we don’t talk about is his sense of urgency about change now and not later,” Howard said. He said he believes celebrating history, servicing others and the urgent push for change should transcend Jan. 20 and permeate every other day of the year. As part of Monday’s candlelight vigil, hundreds of students gathered in the Cotillion Ballroom to listen to spoken word poetry honoring King’s legacy and a message from Pastor Raymond A. Jetson of Star
Hill Baptist Church. The candle lighting took place at the LSU Memorial Tower. The MLK Candlelight Vigil is an annual event hosted by the University chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. “[Our message] was not about race. It was more about a call to action,” LSU NPHC President Anesha Pink of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority said. “We wanted him to motivate our youth to do more, to want to make a difference in their community. I think Pastor Jetson did an amazing job with that.”
On Tuesday, students, faculty and community members gathered for Black Lives Matter activist and New York Daily News writer Shaun King’s keynote lecture in the LSU Union Theater. He challenged the packed house to spend the next four years fighting for change on the local level to make for a better nation in the future. “Outrage and action have to be on the same level and I am not asking to take your outrage down, I am asking you to bring your action up,” he said.
FOUNDATION, from page 3 Alexander said the University will complete strategic planning efforts later in the year. “The plan is focused on defining internal values and positioning research and outreach for greater impact on the public good,” he said. “As president, I am committed to elevating the role of philanthropy within our enterprise. There are many exciting opportunities for donor engagement — all we need is the right leader in place to ensure the appropriate strategy is deployed.” Nominations and expressions of interest for the position are due to AGB Search by Feb. 20.
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
LSU Foundation is located on Nicholson Dr. on the LSU campus.
UREC, from page 3 for use.” Executive Director of University Recreation Laurie Braden said the construction is still ongoing, but a date has been set in late February to begin opening the new space. However, the full space will not be open until late April. “Our goal is to have a grand opening with Student Government, and bring back old Student Government members right at the end of April,” Braden said. The project will be fully completed in fall 2017. The new facility boasts a number of new features and facilities, such as a renovated indoor pool plus an outdoor lap pool and lazy river in the shape and more,” Braden said. The facility will also of LSU. Three courts were also added, two of which are multi-ac- feature retinal scanners at the tivity courts designed to accom- entrances to streamline the modate sports like indoor soccer entry process for students. Also coming soon from and volleyball. The track has been University Recreation is a UREC “Express” expanded and location on Nichat completion it The facility will also olson Drive, near will be exactly a third of a mile feature retinal scanners the new nutrition at the entrances to building. This in length. It will facility will fearun between the streamline the entry ture cardio equipsecond and third process for students. ment and space floors, winding for group workthroughout workout sessions and out spaces and around the renovated climbing classes, similar to a 24-hour fitness center, though the location wall. A studio for boxing fitness will not be open round the clock. classes has also been added. This facility will not incur an The renovation project has not increase in student fees. “It’ll be tight, but we think resulted in the removal of any it’s the right decision to serve popular facilities. “We’re getting everything students,” Braden said.
ALYSSA BERRY / The Daily Reveille
Construction on the UREC began in June 2013, and the project will be fully completed in fall 2017.
page 7
Thursday, January 19, 2017 be passionate and aware of the weather’s effect on consumCupcake Allie lends its er turnout, especially in the success to its eccentric speciality subtropical Baton Rouge climate. cupcake offerings, which range “I am a meteorologist at this from sweet to spicy — like its point ... So when it rains for, say, peach habanero flavor. two months, you make no money,” Local resHufft said. “And if taurant owners you’re looking to draw inspiration ‘And if you’re looking get into it because from Louisiana’s to get into it because you’ll make a million dollars, it’s the flavorful food, said Jay Book- you’ll make a million worst decision you man, chef and dollars, it’s the worst could ever make.” husband to AlliThe main decision you could ingredient in any son Offner Bookman of Cupcake small business is ever make.’ Allie. Jay said passion, he said. As Cupcake Allie a food truck owner, NICK HUFFT does cross proit’s necessary to owner of Curbside burgers motions with learn to become the other local busidishwasher, fry and nesses by cooking dessert for grill cook, business accountant restaurants like Rotolo’s Pizzeria and marketer, Hufft said. and Lit Pizza. For those with the drive and Several food trucks, including desire to open a restaurant, but Cupcake Allie, used to support don’t necessarily have the means, one another through the weekly a food truck is a good place to Baton Rouge Wednesday Food start, he said. Truck Wround-Up, but the con“I may not have a million dolcept fell through after the event’s lars, but I do have the ability to founder John Snow sold his food take out a small business loan, truck. open a truck and possibly get To successfully launch a to that point,” Hufft said. “And startup within the restaurant that’s small business America at industry, Hufft said one must its best. This is the dream to me.”
FOOD TRUCKS, from page 1
HANNAH VENERELLA / The Daily Reveille
Baton Rouge’s previously booming food truck industry is now on the decline.
STUDENT LIFE
UREC holds open challenge course for University students BY KATHERINE ROBERTS @krobe844 Walking along a thin rope suspended 35 feet above the ground with nothing but a harness can be nerve-racking, but Adventure Education Coordinator James Rogers sees it as part of the challenge. The UREC’s Adventure Education program held an Open Challenge Course on Jan. 13, welcoming any University student with a valid LSU ID. The event took place on the UREC’s Challenge Course, which features seven high elements ranging 20-35 feet above ground and ends with a zip line. Rogers said many students are hesitant about the course at first. “It’s not called an easy-todo course,” Rogers said. “It’s a challenge course. We want to
challenge people.” Rogers calls it “pre-joy.” Many students are nervous and do not want to participate in the course because of a fear of heights. However, once these students start to climb, Rogers said they push themselves a little further until they finally end up at the zip line. “They zip down, and all of a sudden they get this feeling of joy after they do it,” he said. “They’ve seen the pre-joy, they’ve done the pre-joy and now they’ve reached the joy by completing the course.” Rogers said most students are excited after completing the course and eager to do another challenge course. Others are happy they did the challenge but have no intentions of completing the course again, he said. “It’s all over the board, but
I’d say students have more Raquel Lopez, an industrial positive than negative engineering senior. Unlike Hauber, this was Lopez’s first time reactions,” Rogers said. Computer engineering se- participating in a challenge nior Daniela Hauber partici- course. pated in the chal“Yes, I was lenge course. nervous, but actually, I thought Having done a ‘It’s a challenge it was going to challenge course before, Hauber course. We want to be easier,” Lopez said. said she was not challenge people.’ Most of the nervous and course requires knew she would participants to like completing JAMES ROGERS walk across tightthe course again. Adventure Education coordinator ropes with checkWhile the ropes points in between course can make the sections. Lofirst-timers anxious, Hauber said the course is a pez said the last section, which lot of fun in the end. consists of hanging beams that “I went here each time with participants have to jump across different people, and every time on to reach the next one was the everyone enjoyed it,” Hauber hardest part of the course. Although it was tough, Lopez said said. She came to the event with she still had fun.
Rogers said Adventure Education puts on these open challenge courses once a month. However, Rogers said the program also offers challenge courses for groups or organizations on campus. Groups that want to participate in the challenge course need to sign up online and Adventure Education will draw up a contract and plan the event for them, Rogers said. Adventure Education also offers trips, clinics and rentals for University students. The program also offers a portable climbing wall that groups can rent out and have brought to events. Rogers said Adventure Education will soon hold events at the UREC’s new indoor climbing area. This climbing area features a 35-foot climbing tower and 1,200 square feet of bouldering surface.
University students enjoy ropes and balancing exercises on the challenge course put on by the LSU UREC on Jan. 13.
photos by CAROLINE MAGEE / The Daily Reveille
Sports
page 8
attendance
LSU gymnastics fans increase season ticket purchases for third-straight year LSU gymnastics is continuing its climb in popularity among the Tiger faithful, generating a huge increase in season ticket purchases. Sales have seen a significant rise in the past three seasons, said Eric Hummel, LSU’s assistant manager of ticket operations. “Coming off a Super Six [Team Finals] appearance in 2014, NCAA appearance in 2015 and National Runner-Up [title] in 2016, we have started the next season ticket campaign in March/April of that year to continually drive off the team’s success that season,” Hummel said. The LSU Athletics marketing department ramped up its gymnastics promotion efforts through billboards, direct mail-outs and posters. Gymnastics 101, an exhibition match held
see ATTENDANCE, page 18 DATA COURTESY OF: LSU Athletics
4,532 3,871
2,047 1,139 561
708
707
814
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Fournette inks Under Armour endorsement
BY JOSHUA THORNTON @JoshuaThornton_
BY KENNEDI LANDRY @landryyy14
Season ticket sales for LSU gymnastics have increased by more than 700 percent since 2010
FOOTBALL
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
Leonard Fournette has a new endorsement deal. The former LSU running back has signed a deal with fitness clothing and accessories company Under Armour. ESPN’s Darren Rovell first reported the news, and Under Armour officially announced it in a news release Wednesday morning. “Today is just the beginning of the great things Under Armour and I will do together, including our joint commitment to my alma mater,” Fournette said in the release. “It means so much that I can give back to the school that helped shape and prepare me for my future.” The New Orleans native will sign a multi-year deal, according to Under Armour, and plans to give back to his former high school. “As part of the multi-year partnership, the ‘BUGA 5’ is revealed and will be awarded annually to five St. Augustine coaches, administrators and students who exemplify the traits of Fournette’s ‘Being United Generates Attitude’ mantra,” according to the news release. “Those five people who demonstrate a positive attitude ... will be awarded Under Armour prize packs and the opportunity to travel to and experience an NFL season game each year.” The Baltimore-based company represents NFL athletes such as Tom Brady, Cam Newton and Demaryius Thomas. Fournette signed a management deal with Roc Nation Sports last month and is expected to be a top-15 pick in the NFL draft.
BASEBALL
LSU adds video room for scouting, game planning Video coordinator Tutko to run facility BY GLEN WEST @glenwest21 LSU’s baseball team is adding an innovative tool for its upcoming season. The Tigers have implemented a new video and scouting player and development room, equipped with computers and overhead televisions to show film to players and coaches. The team hired video coordinator Jamie Tutko in the
offseason to run the video room. Tutko comes to Baton Rouge after working as a video coordinator with the Miami Marlins organization from 201416. He was also a Cincinnati Reds affiliate from 2012-13. “Some of the stuff we do here with the video is a little different than with any other sports,” Tutko said. Tutko’s job includes filming scrimmages and games at varying camera angles and developing a scouting report to assist the LSU coaches.
see VIDEO ROOM, page 18
LSU baseball’s new video room will be useful in scouting opposing teams when the season starts on Feb. 17.
AUGUSTUS STARK /
The Daily Reveille
page 9
Thursday, January 19, 2017 MEN’S BASKETBALL
Former LSU forward Wayne Sims (44) attempts a jump shot on Dec. 5, 1990.
THEN & NOW
LSU freshman forward Wayde Sims (44) shoots a threepoint attempt during the Tigers 95-78 loss to Mississippi State on Jan. 7 in the PMAC.
Freshman Wayde Sims continues father’s legacy by playing for LSU
BY SETH NIEMAN @seth_nieman
RYAN MCCARBLE / The Daily Reveille
THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES
F
reshman forward Wayde Sims is no stranger to the city of Baton Rouge. The Sims family name isn’t either. Wayde’s father, Wayne Sims, played forward for the Tigers from 1987-91. Wayne played under former LSU coach Dale Brown, appearing in the NCAA Tournament each year of his collegiate career. “It feels good,” Wayde said. “I’m just kind of carrying on his legacy playing behind him. I’m trying to be better than him, I guess you could say. He’s been a mentor to me throughout high school.” The No. 44 purple and gold jersey Wayde dons in every LSU game is the same number his father wore during his time at LSU. “I played there for four years,”
Wayne said. “For him to follow my footsteps is an awesome experience. He’s been wearing that number since he was maybe 12 or 13. He knew that I wore 44, and he embraced it at a young age, and he wanted to continue wearing it when he went to the collegiate level.” Wayne has been at Wayde’s side when it comes to basketball for as long as he can remember. So far in his rookie season, Wayde is averaging 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and shooting 44.7 percent from the field through 16 games. “I’ve always tried to be there to support him in any type of way — kind of shed light on the game of what I know, try to help him along the way,” Wayne said. “I’ve always tried to encourage him and try to critique his mistakes to
make him better.” The Baton Rouge native held scholarship offers from local schools such as University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Louisiana Tech, but in the end, it was LSU that got Wayde to commit. “I had other schools looking at me, and I was looking at them, too,” he said. “This school wasn’t just the place that I said I was just going to go to. I felt like this was the place that felt like home.” Wayde, a University High School graduate, didn’t have to travel far to continue his basketball career. He won three state titles under head coach Joe Spencer at University High School and spent the first three years playing alongside fellow freshman point guard Skylar Mays. “I feel like that helps —
staying here and keeping the local fans, keeping the same fans,” Wayde said. “If I would have went off to another school, I would have had to make new fans.” There are a few differences between this season’s team and the 1987-88 team that Wayne played on as a freshman. “When I was a freshman, I had more senior leadership,” Wayne said. “We had a couple of guys that were seniors on the team. They kind of pulled me along the way. His team is young, and they need to grow together.” Wayde and his father have more in common than their jersey number. Both were recruited by current LSU coach Johnny Jones, a cousin to the Sims family and
an assistant coach under Dale Brown when Wayne attended LSU. “It’s been a good connection,” Wayne said. “With family, he’s someone that you can trust for sure. It wasn’t a hard decision when Wayde decided he wanted to go to LSU and play for Johnny. It was a great choice and a great decision for him.” While basketball is what brought Wayde to LSU, Wayne hopes to see his son get much more out of the experience as well. “I would hope that he would go his four years and be able to graduate and get a degree,” Wayne said. “I look at basketball as an experience to be able to see places that you never thought you would have went before. That’s what it was for me.”
GYMNASTICS
Freshman All-Arounder Kennedi Edney looks to make her mark BY HANNAH MCDUFFIE @hannahmcduffie_ Kennedi Edney is LSU’s “fire-breathing dragon.” At least that’s how coach D-D Breaux described the freshman gymnast after her 9.95 score on vault and 9.875 on uneven bars in her first gymnastics meet. “She’s a freshman,” Breaux said on Jan. 6. “Look at her face. She tends to get a little bit timid sometimes because she doesn’t know what kind of monster she is. Once she has that awaken[ing] and says ‘You know what? I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with,’ and she’s going to step into her own.” Several top-ten gymnastics schools recruited Edney, including UCLA, Utah, Oklahoma and Minnesota. “I would get letters
from schools like Utah and Oklahoma,” Edney said. “Other schools wouldn’t recruit me because they thought I was going to UCLA.” Kennedi’s father, Tyus Edney, is a former basketball player at UCLA and was a part of the Bruins 1995 National Championship squad. For some people, it might seem extraordinary, but it never phased Kennedi. “He’s my dad. I see him no different,” Kennedi said. She grew up going to UCLA’s campus and had been there multiple times before going for her official visit. Even though she is familiar with UCLA, Kennedi described LSU as feeling like home. “I chose LSU for the environment,” Kennedi said. “It was very positive, and it felt like
home here.” Regardless of what school Kennedi picked, it didn’t matter to her father, as long as she was happy. “If I’m happy, he’s happy,” Kennedi said. “LSU didn’t let go. They were going to keep on pushing until they got me.” Breaux mentioned how Kennedi and other teammates do what is expected of them every day of training. “They’re doing a tremendous job,” Breaux said. “Every day they are doing everything we ask them to do, both in and out of the gym.” Before coming to LSU, Kennedi looked up to her friend and former gymnastics team member Kaitlyn Clark, who competed in gymnastics at the University of Alabama. “She pushed me to be
better and always supported me throughout,” Kennedi said. Kennedi described her first NCAA meet on the road against Alabama as “normal” and untroublesome. “My favorite event is vault,” Kennedi said. “Training is going well so far, and I’m training in all four events. I really want to start competing in floor.” Against Alabama, Kennedi scored a 9.90 on vault and 9.80 on bars and beam, respectively. Since moving to Baton Rouge from Chino, California, Kennedi has enjoyed the weather, food and people. “I actually like the difference here because in California you get no rain,” Kennedi said. “Here you get different weather, culture and environment. The people here are more friendly than they are in California.”
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
Freshman gymnast Kennedi Edney clings to the bar during the Tigers 197.825-193.600 victory against Georgia on Jan. 6 in the PMAC.
page 10
Thursday, January 19, 2017
SWIMMING AND DIVING
LSU diver Lizzie Cui reflects on Olympic experience BY HANNAH MARTIN @hmartinTDR Tattooed on Lizzie Cui’s forearm are five interlaced rings. Cui, a sophomore diver on LSU’s swimming and diving team, decided to get the tattoo after competing in the 2016 Rio games. To Cui, the tattoo represents everything she worked for, what she accomplished and everything she still has to look forward to. “[The tattoo] is on my arm forever and I got it there so I can see it everyday,” she said. “Just because I’ve been to one Olympics doesn’t mean it is over.” Cui found out she qualified for the Olympics just weeks before the games started. She competed for New Zealand, the country she was born and raised in and is the first diver since 1992 to qualify for New Zealand and only the second diver in LSU history to make it to the Olympics. The Olympics takes 130 divers, men and women, from all over the world. To get in the top 130, Cui had to compete in a series of international competitions. Most of her competitions are collegiate, but the World Championships and World Cup are at the top-most level. “The World Cup, which was in Rio last year, is where you have to place in one of the top spots,” Cui said. “There is only a certain amount of them. Everyone is trying to get that last spot to the Olympics.” At the World Cup, the scores aren’t announced immediately, so Cui had to wait to find out if she qualified for the Olympics. While Cui waited for the news,
she came back to LSU for the summer to train with the hopes of qualifying, regardless of the outcome. “With such a small amount only being able to go to the Olympics, I didn’t think that I would make it,” she said. “But I still trained like I was going to and it all fell in place.” Cui had originally prepared for the 2020 Olympics, so she was in complete shock when she learned she qualified for the 2016 Olympics. “It’s still an incredible thing to think about,” Cui said. “But now that I’ve actually gone, I realize that the athletes are just like me. They train just like me. They have the same goals as me.” Cui was relaxed, focused and collected when she arrived at the Olympic Village in Rio, but admits she was star struck by all the athletes walking around. “Now I feel that I really am worthy of going to the Olympics,” she said. Cui took her talents to the diving board Aug. 12, her birthday. She dove in the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard, which she also competes in collegiately. That was her only day of competition, but she is already looking forward to the next Olympics and considering how she can take it further next time. For Cui, it isn’t a question of making it to the Olympics anymore, but rather how well she performs. After Cui competed, she had a few weeks to watch other Olympic events at the and enjoy Rio itself. “Next time I go,” she said, “I’ll be much more mature in the sport and all the
collegiate competition will make me even better. Hopefully, I’ll get an even better result the next time.” Cui’s coach, Doug Shaffer, feels his responsibility is to help his athletes achieve their goals and aspirations. Cui began to compete in swimming and diving when she was eight years old, and it has become much more than just a sport to her. “Every day I fall in love with diving even more,” she said. As Cui got older and diving became second nature, she started to think about how she could get better competition outside of New Zealand and was on the lookout for schools in the states. Cui came to the United States last January and was admitted to LSU in the middle of the school year. She spent more of her time traveling and competing than attending school and had to adjust to a new country. Not only was Cui competing on the collegiate level, she was also trying to stay focused on the Olympics. Cui now trains with the goal in mind of making it to the top 12 or, ultimately, medaling and placing in the top three. Shaffer has a simple philosophy about Cui and his team: he just wants them to learn. “Our sport is like a puzzle,” he said. “You put this particular piece of the puzzle together and you don’t get the end picture until you have all the pieces together. You have to have the vision of what the big picture is going to look like and be willing to stay dedicated to putting the pieces together.”
photos by JORDAN MARCELL / The Daily Reveille
[ABOVE] LSU sophomore diver Lizzie Cui launches into a dive during practice in the LSU Natatorium. [LEFT] Cui dives from a 1-meter springboard during practice in the LSU Natatorium. [MIDDLE] Cui speaks about her Olympic experience. [RIGHT] The tattoo of the Olympic rings, which Cui got after competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, adorns her forearm.
page 11
Thursday, January 19, 2017
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Dental office, Friendly dentist and staff needs part time help Tues-Thurs 8-5pm. Send resume to rbranstetterdds@yahoo.com Dr. Robert Branstetter 6155 Harry Drive BR, 70806. Looking for a fun rewarding job that will work around your schedule? St. John the Baptist Human Services is hiring! For the job you will work one on one with someone who is developmentally disabled. If you are interested call 225-216-1199 or email 1Carolynmills@gmail. com.
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Fat Cow is now hiring dishwashers, cooks and cashiers. Come join the heard and enjoy a smoke and drug-free work environment with flexible hours and the highest pay in the LSU area! Experience preferred but not required. Apply in person and bring your winning attitude. LSU Office of Student Media is looking for a student IT MANAGER to join our team for the spring 2017 semester. The IT manager will provide support services for desktops (PC & Mac) and servers along with other IT-related responsibilities. Pay is $10/hour for a maximum of 10 hours per week. The IT manager will maintain office hours with some on-call hours. Coding skills are desired but not required. Applicants must be in good academic standing and enrolled full time at LSU. Contact Tad Odell at
Now accepting applications for waitress and pie makers. Apply at RZP, 4395 Perkins rd. Physical Therapy tech needed for outpatient orthopedic clinic in Baton Rouge. PT tech will assist patients with exercise and maintain cleanliness of the facility. Email hennessyptliv@ gmail.com. Part Time Warehouse Help Wanted LaCour’s Carpet World, 7421 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Flexible part time hours any day / any time Monday - Friday between 8:00am and 1:30pm. $11.00/hour paid weekly. To apply E Mail Resume and schedule when you are available to work to: Jobs@ lacoursbr.com. The Office of Student Media is seeking applicants for the posi-
tion of Back-up Distribution Assistant for The Daily Reveille. Applicants must be LSU students enrolled full time and in good standing. Reliable personal transportation and availability in the very early morning hours on Thursdays is required. Rates of pay will be a minimum of $15/hr for the Reveille and $10/hr for other publications. Please submit an application at www.lsunow.com/advertising/ application. Shift Managers at Laser Tag of Baton Rouge are a critical part of our operation. Shift Managers oversee running the facility, managing the staff, and making sure guests have a good experience. This is a perfect job for a student looking to build their resume and gain valuable experience. Job duties include: Opening and closing the facility Opening and closing tills Running games on time Cleaning the facility to Health department code Ensuring that food is cooked properly Managing a staff of over thirty employ-
ees Booking and organizing special events and parties Highly qualified Applicants will: Be very responsible and have reliable transportation Enjoy working with adults and children Have the people skills needed to handle problems when they arise. A Shift Manager must be willing to work nights and weekends. Must be 18 years or older. Please submit resumes to christopher@ltag. com.
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GYMNASTICS
JAN 20 • 7:30 PM • TEXAS WOMAN'S
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page 12
Thursday, January 19, 2017
A cowboy wrangles up a young cow in the calf wrangling event .
Three ranchers sit on a railing and observe the event.
Horsin’ Around
Locals gather in Lafayette’s own Blaham Coliseum to witness a showcase of traditional rodeo entertainment during the 65th Annual Mid-Winter Rodeo.
A rider lassos in a calf as part of the show.
photos by KIM NGUYEN / The Daily Reveille
Members from the FFA and 4-H Club show up to participate.
page 13
Thursday, January 19, 2017
[ABOVE] Miss Rodeo Louisiana, McKenna Greene, enjoys the atmosphere at the Mid-Winter Rodeo on Jan. 13. [LEFT] The announcer checks out the packed stands of the arena.
Check out a recap of the rodeo at lsunow.com
A young fan receives an autograph from rodeo clown Lecile Harris.
Entertainment
page 14
a theater near you Baton Rouge theaters feature variety of shows, amenities BY ABBIE SHULL | @Abbielj
During awards season, it always seem there is a lot of discussion about films you’ve never seen. Local theaters always play the big releases like “Star Wars” and “Captain America,” but it seems nearly impossible to find films like “Moonlight” and “Lion.” There are a multitude of opportunities to see such films in and around Baton Rouge. From the Manship Theatre to Cinemark at Perkins Rowe, theaters in Baton Rouge offer a wide variety of shows and amenities.
AMC AMC Theaters is the largest theater chain in Baton Rouge, with a 15 screen theater at the Mall of Louisiana and a 16 screen off O’Neal Lane. While it is one of the larger chains in the U.S., the Baton Rouge locations have unique film screenings. The Mall of Louisiana location recently screened a Telugu film, “Shatamanam Bhavati,” and regularly offers limited engagement specialty films. For those who are of age, the Mall of Louisiana location includes
MANSHIP THEATRE
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge. The Manship offers a variety of special events from ballet and theater performances to specialty film presentations. Located in The Shaw Center for the Arts, The Manship provides a more upscale filmgoing experience.
CINEMARK
Cinemark at Perkins Rowe offers a middle ground between the two aforementioned theaters. It still shows wide releases like “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” but it also offers a selection of alternative films. The theater is currently screening two Telegu films, an anime and five films sure to be Oscar contenders. If your desire is to see something different, Cinemark is the place. On select
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
a bar, Macguffins, while the O’Neal location is under construction to include both a bar and lounge seats in its theaters. Because they’re a large chain, the AMC locations offer more opportunities for viewers to save money. By joining their loyalty program, viewers can earn rewards, as well as participate in $5 ticket Tuesdays. While the theater may not be as unique as others, it is a convenient, reliable way to go to the movies.
The Manship is unique because it only shows films as special events. “Moonlight” was screened earlier this month ahead of the Golden Globe Awards where it took home Best Motion Picture-Drama. In the next few weeks, The Manship will screen a variety of films ranging from “The Godfather” to “Neruda.”
Sundays and Wednesdays, the theater has showings of older films — this week it’s “Rebel Without A Cause” — and it screens live performances from the Bolshoi Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera. Ticketing is different at this theater, as you choose your seats when purchasing tickets. A few of the screens have luxury lounge chairs and the theater has multiple “Discount Days.” Most notably, tickets are less than $5 on Tuesdays.
MUSIC
Neutral Snap finds popularity in college party system BY RACHEL RATHLE @rachelrathle Neutral Snap is an energetic up-and-coming band who started eight years ago. Each member of the group raves about their stellar stage presence, and with their recent boost in popularity in and around Baton Rouge, the group is hoping to become famous. The band plays a variety of music from the ’90s and 2000s. The nostalgic, teenage angst music gets the audience
singing and dancing along with the band, lead singer Josh Latham said. Their music is more of a mainstream pop punk and alternative mix. “If you don’t have energy on stage, everyone in the crowd feels uncomfortable displaying energy,” Latham said. “But if you’re going absolutely nuts, everyone on stage wants to go nuts with you.” Everything changed when the band began booking gigs
see NEUTRAL SNAP, page 17
Neutral Snap performs live at The Varsity Theatre on Jan. 1.
RYAN MCCARBLE /
The Daily Reveille
page 15
Thursday, January 19, 2017 LIFESTYLE
Louisiana Double Play captivates customers, offers variety of comics BY CORRINE PRITCHETT @corrineellen Local comic book store Louisiana Double Play, located on the corner of Bricksome Avenue and South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, has its doors open to anyone in need of a great story. Its wide selection of comic books is accompanied by a staff that does everything possible to fulfill their customer’s needs. “My coworkers and I understand completely that without customers, we do not exist,” manager Otto Zoller said. “Our job is to help you find what you are looking for, whether you have been searching for years or have never picked up a comic book in your life.” Some comic books are easier to find than others. The most popular are comic books that have been turned into TV shows, such as “The Walking Dead,”
or those featuring famous superheroes who have been around for decades. However, people don’t always realize that the shows and movies they are watching actually originate from comic books. “Titles such as ‘Red’ and ‘The Expendables’ are some lesser known examples,” Zoller said. “Netflix shows like ‘Daredevil’ and ‘The Punisher’ [and] shows on the CW such as ‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’ all help to generate interest.” Because of these shows’ popularity, Louisiana Double Play is able to pique customers’ interest by allowing them to see what will happen next, or how the show is different from the comic. No matter how acclaimed the TV and movie versions are, readers contend that nothing lives up to the comfort and familiarity of reading a comic.
Comic books seem like an old concept, but the idea is timeless. “The studios have the ability to make their adventures epic, but there will always be something about picking up a comic book and reading each panel, getting pulled in to the combination of colorful art and word balloons,” Zoller said. Whether a customer is looking for a popular TV shows’ comic book or a rare story that not many people know about, Louisiana Double Play is the place to go. “Robert has been successful over the years with understanding what makes a comic collectible and how to find quality items whenever purchasing a deal,” Zoller said of store owner Robert Broussard. “His knowledge helps keep customers coming back because they know they can get great books at great prices.”
photos by WHITNEY WILLISTON / The Daily Reveille
Louisiana Double Play, located on the corner of Bricksome Ave. and South Sherwood Forest, provides a variety of comics and sports cards for purchase.
Ice Skate Rollerskate Hockey Parties Hot Chicks
Leo’s
ICELAND/ROLLERLAND LLC [ICE] 926-5448 [ROLLER] 925-9186 WWW.SK8LEOS.COM
page 16
REV R ANKS REVENGE BODY WITH KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN E!
Let me start off by saying I am a lover of all things Kardashian, so when I heard Khloé Kardashian was going to have a new show, I practically cleared my schedule for every Thursday night in the foreseeable future. However, I was more than a little disappointed by the premiere of “Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian.”
Abby King @abbby_marieee
THIS IS US NBC “This is Us” is relatable and challenges viewers to look beneath the surface of outer appearances. The series seeks to inspire understanding in a world that’s too quick to judge a book by its cover.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ captivates viewers until ending BY ABBIE SHULL @Abbielj It’s been 13 thirteen years since I was first captivated by Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” I was in the fifth grade and my entire class was reading the first three Snicket novels in preparation for our field trip at the end of the year to see the film version. The film was not a great interpretation of the popular novels, but the Netflix series is. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” follows the Baudelaire children Klaus (Louis Hynes), Violet (Malina Weissman) and Sunny (played on screen by Presley Smith with voice acting provided by Tara Strong) on a perilous journey after the death of their parents. They must outwit villainous characters like Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris) and uncover the mysteries their parents
left behind. Delightfully witty and thoughtful, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is the first truly enjoyable series produced by Netflix that is built for families. That’s not to say a college student cannot enjoy this series. This generation grew up with the books and will appreciate the attention to detail given by producer/director Barry Sonnenfeld and head writer Daniel Handler. Fans of the series will know that Handler is the true author, having written under the pseudonym of Lemony Snicket since “The Bad Beginning” in 1999. What Handler does so well, as he did in his 13 novels, is language. With words like phantasmagorical and inordinate, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” both entertains and educates even its oldest viewers. Perhaps the success of the series stems from the fact that
the man who originally dreamt the characters helms this adaptation; however, much of the charm comes from a cast chock full of talent. Patrick Warburton leads the cast as the mysterious narrator, Lemony Snicket. His gloomy tone and strangely unemotional demeanor perfectly encapsulates this gothic mystery. On the other hand, the most exciting moments of the series occur when Harris graces us with his portrayal of the vile Count Olaf. Harris is a chameleon of acting techniques as he goes from one disguise to the next throughout the series. The show’s supporting cast features delightful performances by Joan Cusack, Catherine O’Hara, and Alfre Woodard. Even if you’ve never read the books, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” will captivate you all the way to the desolate cliffhanger ending.
Rachel Rathle @rachelrathle
SING
Illumination
Illumination fell short with its newest film. While “Despicable Me” and “Minions” are what I’d call witty and clever, “Sing” was slow-paced and lacked originality.
Rachel Rathle @rachelrathle
Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
courtesy of NETFLIX
page 17
Thursday, January 19, 2017 NEUTRAL SNAP, from page 14
Neutral Snap performs at The Varsity Theatre on Jan. 12. RYAN MCCARBLE /
The Daily Reveille
in Baton Rouge. Fred’s Bar in Tigerland has booked them several times, and the crowd loves it. At the band’s first performance at Fred’s, Shaquille O’Neal jumped on stage to sing with them. Collectively, the band now has its sights set on what is to come and is dedicated to making each performance count, no matter the size of the crowd. Guitarist Walker Legrand talks about his experience playing at Fred’s over time. “It was nerve-racking the first year or so we played, but you get so used to it after a while,” Legrand said. “Going out to play at Fred’s now is like any other night, but we’re just jamming out on stage instead of hanging out with friends in the crowd.” The band has booked some smaller gigs at notable locations like Blue Bayou, where they only had about eight people listening. Down the line, they upgraded as they played on New Year’s Eve this year at The Boot in New Orleans. The band believes their age and genre puts them in the perfect position to reach their audiences. From their experience, playing for college students is easier when you are a college student. Playing
college party music to college students is like playing for a group of friends. Neutral Snap strives to pump up their audience. Before each show, the band plays “No Problem” by Chance the Rapper to get themselves and the crowd in the right mindset. Legrand wears two ties as he performs. JP Brown breaks at least three strings of his guitar. Bassist Dominick Conforte asks for patience from his audience as he needs a minute to get in the spirit of things. Meanwhile, George Neyrey is usually in the back, but wants his audience to know that he’s having the best time beating on his drums. In the near future, the band will be recording some of its original songs. Each performance features a couple of their own creations, and the songs seem to resonate well with listeners. “We are trying to do a Better Than Ezra type thing,” Latham said. “They made their success through the college party system, and when they were at their prime, they dropped a whole bunch of really good originals.” As a whole, the band believes that fame is achievable if they put in the work. “We put 110 percent of everything we do into what we do,” Latham said.
FOR RELEASE JANUARY 19, 2017
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 __ over; invites for a visit 5 Can’t __; hates 10 Hangs limply 14 Nary a one 15 Stork or egret 16 “Law & Order: SVU” actor 17 Horse’s gait 18 Agassi with a racket 19 List of dishes 20 Jet-__; traveling the globe 22 Small suitcases 24 __ Padres National Forest 25 Olympics prize 26 French farewell 29 Argon or xenon 30 Log house 34 Early flowers 35 Derek & others 36 Shade of red 37 Letters before an alias 38 Eight-armed sea creature 40 Daniel __ Kim 41 Looked at 43 Capture 44 Rosary piece 45 __ as the hills 46 Mr. and __. 47 Not plain 48 Stall for time 50 Triangular sail 51 Modified 54 Fruity dessert 58 One whose pants are on fire? 59 Unclear 61 Tempt; entice 62 Peddle 63 __ board; nail file 64 Deserve 65 “For Your Eyes __”; 007 movie 66 Film holders 67 Metal corrosion DOWN 1 Colony insects 2 As __ as a boil
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
3 Tie the __; wed 4 Stops moving around 5 Waterbirds 6 Orange drink 7 __ together; combine 8 Bundle of __; anxious person 9 Great fear 10 Alike 11 King toppers 12 Trait carrier 13 Erwin of old TV and others 21 Part of a vowel list 23 Shoestrings 25 Brickwork 26 Addis __ 27 Fists 28 Boise’s state 29 Acquired 31 Obama’s VP 32 Sir __ Newton 33 Impoverished 35 A’s followers 36 Baby bear 38 Not as new
(c) 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
39 Faux __; social blunder 42 Aged 44 Chatterbox 46 Monsieur’s wife 47 Little falsehood 49 Crowbar 50 Baby kangaroos
51 To boot 52 Claim against property 53 Over six feet 54 Ringlet 55 Hawaiian feast 56 Miscalculates 57 Living expense 60 Seventh letter
page 18
Thursday, January 19, 2017
GYMNASTICS
Junior Lauren Li working toward earning spot in LSU’s lineup Li returns after injury in sophomore preseason BY KENNEDI LANDRY @landryyy14 Every athlete fears for the day that an injury takes them out of competition. For LSU junior gymnast Lauren Li, it came when she broke her foot in a preseason practice session last year. Now healthy, Li is working to earn a spot in this season’s lineup after the injury prevented her from competing during her sophomore year. “Rehab went really well,” the all-arounder said. “When I started coming back into training, it was still during the season last year. I was always a little bit short just because everybody had the extra training that I didn’t have, so I was always alternate for beam.” As a freshman at Penn State, Li competed in all four events, with a career high of 9.90 on both beam and vault and 39.10 in the all-around. After transferring to LSU for her sophomore season, Li broke her foot during a preseason
VIDEO ROOM, from page 8 Tutko is a graduate of St. Leo University, where he was captain of the baseball team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports business in 2011. LSU will use the room for player development and scouting other teams throughout the season. The coaching staff will now have the ability to show the players what they are doing right or wrong. The new video room will assist in game preparation against opponents for big matchups. “We’ll use the video to scout opponents,” Tutko said. “So we have a full game plan for when we play Florida and other
practice that left her unable to compete for the majority of the season. Li said it was a disappointment to be unable to compete last season, but back and healthy, she’s ready to contribute in any way. While fully capable of competing in all four events, Li focuses on beam and hopes to earn a permanent spot in the lineup. Li played a pivotal role in LSU’s season opening win against Georgia, scoring a 9.85 on beam. “Someone new in the beam lineup, Lauren Li, goes up, goes 9.85 right there in the No. 3 spot, which is a critical spot,” LSU coach D-D Breaux said. “When you get two great performances, that No. 3 has gotta hold up and set up the end of the lineup.” Breaux explained that the intersquads often dictate how the lineup will play out for the following meet. It is important that those intersquads mean something, Breaux said. “Consistency wins,” Breaux said. “The best three scores in any event, they’re pretty much gonna be sacred. With the three scores that are the lowest, we’ll have an opportunity to look at that and make
a substitution.” Echoing Breaux’s sentiment, Li said she thinks she needs to work on consistency more than anything. Li explained that
SEC schools.” Video and analytics have become a big part of team success in the MLB over the past eight to 10 years. With the transition to college, Tutko is hoping for that same success for the Tigers this year. “We want to stay ahead of pretty much everybody else in college baseball,” Tutko said. “So that was one of the main reasons [for building the video room].” The room was finished in early January, and LSU is already preparing for the season opener. Coaches and players have started using the room to develop a gameplan for the Tigers’ first game. “Some student interns have
already been in here to chart a couple of games we have been preparing for,” Tutko said. “We’ve had some coaches working with our catchers and watching some footage as well.” With high expectations for this season, the video room is expected to help players in a new way. “It’s easy for a coach to see something from a player and be able to tell him,” Tutko said. “But to be able to come in here and show them what they are doing wrong or what they are doing right at the same time will help that player tremendously.” LSU opens its season on Feb. 17 when they host Air Force at Alex Box Stadium.
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
Junior gymnast Lauren Li competes on the balance beam during the Tigers’ 197.825-193.600 victory against Georgia on Jan. 6 in the PMAC.
AUGUSTUS STARK / The Daily Reveille
LSU baseball will use its new video room for player development, showing what they are doing right or wrong during games.
the team wants somebody that it can trust to always hit their routines in competition. “I have a good beam routine,” Li said. “But there are
other girls in the lineup that can be just as or more consistent than I am. I think that’s what I really need to work on myself.”
Nothing really seems to get in their heads or change their approach... and that’s a mark of a mature team. JAY CLARK
LSU gymnastics assistant coach
ATTENDANCE, from page 8 in December, helped sell more season tickets as well, Hummel said. The second-ranked Tigers have a 268-55-3 record in the PMAC as of Jan. 18, going undefeated at home for the past three seasons with an average attendance of 9,906 at each meet during the 2016 season. “When you walk into the arena and there’s hundreds of LSU fans, it’s huge,” LSU coach D-D Breaux said. In 2016, LSU broke the home attendance record for the fourth year in a row with 13,296 fans in the PMAC. All of the top 10 most attended meets have come in the past four years, with three of the top five in the 2016 season. Despite the large number of fans in attendance, LSU gymnasts said they don’t let that affect their play during meets. “Some people may say you get home scored, but I think that this team doesn’t really focus on the scores so much,” junior all-arounder Myia Hambrick said. Coaching is much easier
in an environment where the team is confident and comfortable and is handling their jobs, LSU assistant coach Jay Clark said. “What’s impressive to me is just the mindset that this team has and the approach that they’ve taken so far,” Clark said. “They’re really unflappable. Nothing really seems to get in their heads or change their approach at all, and that’s a mark of a mature team.” The Tigers opened the season with a 197.825-193.600 win against Georgia with 7,602 fans in the PMAC. The attendance for Friday’s upcoming meet against Texas Woman’s University is expected to be higher, with better weather and students back on campus. The fans in the PMAC create an environment in which the team can thrive and be confident. “You can’t even imagine what it means to the team and their energy,” Breaux said. “If you’re passionate about something and other people are passionate with you, all of a sudden that passion is growing legs and walking around the area, so it’s a good thing.”
Opinion
page 19
TRUMPED the COMPETITION After controversial campaign season, Trump to be inaugurated as 45th president illustration by BETSY PRIMES / The Daily Reveille
Trump inauguration anticipated despite campaign setbacks NO FORTUNATE SON CHRISTOPHER GODAIL @ChrisGodail Every political figure has a group of overzealous followers who push the envelope and cross the fine line between morality and immorality. The methods that these followers use to show support for their candidate often undermine the credibility and integrity of the individual they support. To those hateful few from all political parties, let it be known that I — that we — condemn you for your expressions of prejudice, bigotry and outright hate. It must be understood, however, that this is a few. Most people are reasonable, kindhearted individuals, no matter their political allegiance. Issues arise when we lose sight of this and let bias begin to show its head with the creation and persistence of narratives that turn “few” into “many” into “all.” In last week’s edition of The Daily Reveille, a group of University faculty took out a full page advertisement decrying the “increase in verbal and physical threats” since the election. Data from an article by the Southern Poverty Law Center was provided
that largely — not exclusively — regurgitated a slew of unverified first-person narratives. It should be known that the SPLC — by its own admission — is “not really set up” to cover far-left extremism, as if it simply doesn’t exist. Preluding the data referenced, the SPLC article identified the arson of Hopewell Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi, that had been vandalized with “Vote Trump” graffiti, as “a harbinger of what has become a national outbreak of hate, as white supremacists celebrate Donald Trump’s victory.” The church, which is situated in a community that is 78 percent black, was allegedly set ablaze by longtime parishioner Andrew McClinton, a 45-year-old black male who has since been arrested and charged. Perhaps the faculty would have been better served by using verified accounts instead of quantitative research from a biased source that not only takes word of mouth at face value, but also projects guilt toward innocent parties. Further, the SPLC has a history of self-censoring results that dispute its narrative, as it did in its report titled “The Trump Effect: The Impact of the 2016 Presidential Election on Our Na-
tion’s Schools.” In that report, the organization neglected to include at least 2,000 incidents of hate directed toward white students in what former civil rights attorney Hans Bader claimed the SPLC saw as an “inconvenient truth.” The faux hate at Hopewell was added to the ever-growing list of Trump-inspired hate crime hoaxes. It is fitting, nonetheless, that the quintessential example provided in the advertisement by the aforementioned faculty is nothing more than “fake news.” In his first post-election press conference last week, Trump validated that term as he railed against leftist news organizations CNN and Buzzfeed following their disclosure of a discredited and possibly libelous report on his purported ties to Russia. As a symbolic representative of Republican frustration, our president-elect is defeating the liberal media at their own game. The tone of his press conferences pre-election was predominantly defensive, and if last week was any indication, they are now going to be offensive displays of conservative firepower that send shock waves through the progressive echo chamber. He actively circumvents openly biased media, disallowing them to control the flow of information, and instead relies on social media
to speak directly to the people. This gloves-off approach is seen as necessary to ensure integrity and accountability in the wake of the recent assault on “fake news.” Diplomacy and political correctness appear to have fallen by the wayside in what is one of the several major reasons conservatives look forward to the Trump presidency. Among them is the withdrawal from disastrous free trade deals such as NAFTA and TPP that encourage the upheaval of American jobs to countries with a lower standard wage. Nationally, optimism is abound as Softbank, FoxConn and IBM have already made their intentions to employ tens of thousands of American workers known. Undoubtedly, the enforcement — not the continued relaxation — of our immigration policies and the actual rule of law will be a priority for the incoming administration. Consequently, the construction of a wall on our southern border and revitalized law enforcement agencies will spearhead this initiative, as will the strategic federal defunding of “sanctuary cities” that safeguard criminal aliens from justice. Continuing, strict vetting procedures will be set for refugees coming from war-torn countries,
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Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor
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 of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Daily Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving 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 LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
and there will be an outright acknowledgement of the Islamic State group as a legitimate terror organization, not a “JV team” like President Barack Obama once claimed until they swept through Syria and admittedly surprised him. CIA Director John Brennan confirmed intelligence reports that the Islamic State group is attempting to infiltrate the U.S. refugee program and that the number of their fighters is greater than what Al-Qaeda had at its pinnacle. The prevailing theme is the safety and prosperity of America, and Americans first. This Friday, Trump will raise his right hand and assume office as the forty-fifth U.S. President in front of an estimated 900,000 people at the National Mall. A collection of homegrown marching bands and drumlines will shower him with song and marquee performers like Toby Keith will perform in his honor throughout the week. Moreover, he will only attend three official inaugural balls in stark contrast to presidents in years past. Less flash, more substance. For America. Christopher Godail is a 27-yearold interdisciplinary studies junior from Kenner, Louisiana.
Quote of the Week “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”
Ronald Reagan
40th U.S. President Feb. 6, 1911 — June 5, 2004
page 20
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Trump inauguration void of celebrity talent because of backlash CHATTY ABBIE ABBIE SHULL @abbielj Apparently, President-Elect Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election because of the demand of the people; therefore, he wants his inauguration to be for the people. Just not the tax-paying people of Hollywood, New York, or Washington D.C. According to a tweet by the President-Elect, “‘a’ list celebrities are all wanting tixs to the inauguration.” This is a hilarious inaccuracy as most of Hollywood despises him (see 2017 Golden Globe Awards) and many have publicly declined offers to perform. In November, a spokeswoman for Elton John released a definitive “NOT performing” statement after a member of the transition team claimed John would perform at the Jan. 20 inauguration. Both Jennifer Holliday and Andrea Bocelli backed out of performing after receiving back-lash from fans. Tonywinner Holliday even released an apology to her LGBTQ fan base. Countless others have released similar statements after supposedly being asked to perform including Moby, Ice-T, George Lopez, The Beach Boys and The Dixie Chicks. I find it incredibly hard to believe that the inauguration committee would ask arguably the most outspoken females in music to perform for the President-Elect. “No one is prepared to normalize what is going on in the country right now,” Dixie Chicks manager Simon Renshaw told TheWrap. “If anyone does do it, I hope that the check that they get is in the nine figures. Because it’s probably the last check they’re ever going to get.” President Barack Obama’s
inauguration performers included Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Josh Groban and countless others. People who backed him on the campaign trail were happy to support his inauguration. The same can be said for former President George Bush who had Destiny’s Child at his 2001 inauguration. Being invited to these celebrations was an honor any A-lister would be proud to receive; however, these were peaceful inaugurations held after positive campaigns. Obama instilled hope in the American people and united us under a banner of change, while Trump united 46.1 percent of the voting populous through hate speech and bigotry. Even people who supported Trump on the campaign trail, like Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, are not reported to continue their endorsements and perform for either his inauguration
or the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” concert on Jan. 19. They stand to lose a number of fans and ticket sales if they support Trump now. You’d think this lack of talented performers this inauguration would cost less than those in years past, but you’d be wrong. Obama’s first and second inaugurations each cost around $170 million while this year is set to cost nearly $200 million. Only $63 to $70 million will come from private donors, according to Slate, and taxpayers will cover the rest of the cost. This is consistent with the amount taxpayers have previously had to pay; however, taxpayers in New York City are already upset with the amount they will be forced to pay to support the President-Elect’s wish to live, at least part-time, in his New York penthouse. It might be nasty of me to bask in the glow of Holly-
wood’s resounding, “No,” but it’s going to be a long four years and we’ve got to take our wins when we can get them. Trump’s lack of celebrity entertainment is well-deserved after a campaign full of hateful remarks. From the mocking of a disabled reporter to the infamous tape of him bragging about sexually assaulting women, Trump has alienated almost every possible demographic. It is right for Hollywood A-listers to refuse to let their fame and fortune validate Trump’s hateful rhetoric. The bumpy ride for those who have confirmed performances is never ending. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir lost one member who resigned in protest and there is a petition, signed by thousands of members of the Mormon Church, urging the choir not to perform. Jackie Evancho, of America’s Got Talent fame, received backlash because her sister is transgender
and Vice President-Elect Pence has long supported anti-LGBTQ legislation. After the Rockettes confirmed their involvement, a slew of protests from their dancers occurred, resulting in a leaked tape of a meeting with their management company MSG Entertainment. In the video, James Dolan, a representative for MSG, is asked if the company is asking the dancers to be “tolerant of intolerance,” to which Mr. Dolan replies, “Yeah, in a way, I guess we are doing that. What other choices do we have?” It is depressing for me to think about the Rockettes in their teeny outfits performing for the man who once bragged about being able to do whatever he wanted to women. Abbie Shull is a 23-year-old mass communication junior from St. Louis, Missouri.
courtesy of FLICKR
Trump’s historic inauguration signals national transition SAVED BY THE BELL
FREDERICK BELL @frederickdbell President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the next president of the United States on Friday, Jan. 20. While nearly every presidential inauguration can be described as “historic,” this time seems and feels very different. Trump will be the first president-elect in modern history to be inaugurated who has never previously held elected office, served in any military capacity or held any official position with the federal government. While some saw this as a vulnerability, it proved to be Trump’s strongest asset during the boisterous 2016 election cycle.
In a campaign defined by establishment and anti-establishment status, it was the latter that was ultimately successful. Despite Trump winning the votes of the electoral college, his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. This is a fact Trump and his supporters would, understandably, like to ignore and quietly sweep under the rug, believing that it is inconsequential to the direction of this country. But they would be wise to try to reconcile this fact if they want to be able to govern with the will of the majority behind them. Trump and his team are already experiencing the aftermath of one of the most contentious elections in recent memory. A number of A-list performers have declined to perform at Trump’s
inauguration because of the way he conducted himself during the campaign. To date, more people know about who won’t be performing at the inauguration than who will. Trump’s rhetoric about immigrants and Muslims lead some to protest the businessman’s historic moment. However, Trump appears not to mind. “The so-called ‘a’ list celebrities are all wanting tixs to the inauguration, but look what they did for Hillary, NOTHING. I want the PEOPLE!” Trump tweeted last month. While there may not be many A-list celebrities in attendance, President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have said they plan to attend. Former Presidents
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have also announced they plan to attend. This will be a great show of bipartisanship from the former presidents and a secretary of state who all openly opposed and challenged him during the election. While over half the country did not support him for president and vehemently objected to the policies he espoused, he is the president now, and we must support and respect the office. We may not want everything he promised during his rallies, but we want him to do well for the sake of our country. A-list celebrities or not, Trump has a lot on his plate. It’s my hope that he will be mindful of the fact that he lost the popular vote and this should mean more to him as he moves forward with his agenda. If not,
come Friday, Trump will almost certainly be enjoying his first and last inauguration. Frederick Bell is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Greensburg, Louisiana.
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
page 21
Thursday, January 19, 2017 SATIRE
Trump makes preparations for inauguration ceremony I COLUMN AS I SEE ‘EM HARRIET ADAMS @omeller Inauguration Day is near, and there is change in the air — and not just pocket change, a small loan of a million dollars type of change. This Friday will be the day that begins an era of “Making America Great Again”, which may or may not entail taking Cokes back to a nickel a pop or burning witches at the stake, depending on your interpretation of when America
was great. President-elect Donald J. Trump has been anticipating this day since he first considered running for the presidency in 1988. In the short days leading up to the official beginning of his term, Trump has been making a few preparations in order to make his transition into the White House a smooth one. First, Trump will use a quick brush or 12 of his Kylie Jenner matte finish bronzer in shade “Citrine” to give his skin that subtle orangey glow. Next, he’ll run a comb through his wispy mane while mouthing the words “huge”
“wall” and “loser” over and over to himself in the mirror. After a quick kiss and wink to himself, Trump will be ready to go. “It’s going to be huge,” Trump said. “I have a totally terrific lineup for the event. Only the biggest names like 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The only thing I’m upset about is that my best friend, who is not a hacker, won’t be there. I won’t say his name. Really fantastic guy, though, believe me.” Trump has also said, despite his earlier statement about only accepting the results of the election if he won, he will
place his hand on the Bible and swear to any oath he has to on Inauguration Day. “Fine,” Trump said. “I’ll do it. But if I think it’s rigged, I’ll cross my fingers. And if they catch me, then I’ll have Melania cross her fingers.” As it’s time for the Trump family to assume office, it is also time for the Obama family to step down. Like any other election, there are many who will celebrate, and many who will mourn. There are already several different groups planning to demonstrate during or after the Inauguration, such as the Women’s March on Washington,
Occupy Inauguration and DisruptJ20. “Losers,” Trump said. “Probably being led by crooked Hillary. They’ll be the first ones over the wall, which is totally happening, by the way.” Despite any protests or opposition, at noon on Jan. 20, 2017, Trump will become the 45th president of the United States, and that night will be his first to sleep in his new home at his new address in Washington D.C. Harriet Adams is a 20-yearold mass communication sophomore from Bonita, Louisiana.
‘Queer’ only usable as reclaimed slur, not an umbrella term LYNNE YOU A HAND
queer, you had no right to live, no right to happiness, and were fair target for anyone needing to boost their own fragile LYNNE BUNCH masculinity.” @lynnbunch11 Peron also said that As soon as The allowing LGBTQ allies to use Huffington Post changed the the word divides the communame of its LGBTQ section nity even more. from “HuffPost Gay Voices” “To have it inflicted us by to “HuffPost Queer Voices,” our allies is no less traumatic a new era of sexuality and and painful. If anything, it is gender politics began. The worse,” Peron said. “It is diviword “queer” has steadily sive and it is painful. Inclusionrisen into mainstream use ary only includes people withover many years, but in that out those painful experiences. moment, it broke into the You can’t be inclusionary and limelight. divisive at the same time.” Since the name change, Though I do not agree with the term became the use of the more popular and “queer” if people in the LGBTQ word increasingly as an umbrella community want to known as an term, I support empower themselves umbrella term people reclaimby claiming a slur used ing the slur. If for the LGBTQ against them, then it is people in the LGcommunity. More their right to do so. people began to BTQ community replace the acwant to empower ronym “LGBTQ” themselves by with “queer,” thinking it was claiming a slur used against easier to refer to the communi- them, then it is their right to ty in a single word. Though the do so. It is not much differterm “queer” may seem like a ent than black people using hip new addition to the commu- the n-word or people with disnity, the word itself arose from abilities using the r-word. Gay a history of abuse, discrimina- people have reclaimed other tion and bigotry. slurs used against them like If a person searches “queer” “dyke” and “faggot,” so saying on the internet, they will see the word “queer” can help disit defined as “strange,” “pe- associate the term with pure culiar” and “unusual.” When trauma. used as a verb, it means “to LGBTQ people began to spoil or ruin.” When the use of reclaim the term “queer” in the word as a derogatory term the late ’80s after the AIDS became prominent in the 20th crisis struck the community. century, LGBTQ individuals The word became a way for became the butt of the abuse. people in the community to Recent generations of the live unapologetically, saying LGBTQ community do not “we’re here, we’re queer, get have the same experience over it.” with the word as their elders Using “queer” as a did. James Peron, a writer self-descriptor is not meant to who discussed his aversion to bew fun or quirky, and it is not the term in an article for The meant to stand on its own as an Huffington Post, is just one of individual identity. It is meant the many gay men who expe- to remind LGBTQ people of rienced trauma because of the how some non-LGBTQ people derogatory term. see the community: weird, dif“‘Queer’ is a traumatic, ferent and even less than hupainful word for many of us,” man. The people who died in Peron said. “Once you were the AIDS crisis were denied
courtesy of FLICKR
Activists participate in marriage equality march in The Castro, a neighborhood in San Francisco. fast action because they were “queer,” and they deserve the meaning of that word to never be twisted around. I stand up for an LGBTQ person’s right to reclaim the word, but I will never be OK with a non-LGBTQ person using it. No matter how much the
community reclaims it, there will always be too many people who use it in a hurtful way. It is hard to think of an umbrella term to describe the LGBTQ community, but our problem is we are trying to find a single word to describe a community that
is founded on diversity. The community is a spectrum, and there will never be one word to encapsulate the beauty of it. Lynne Bunch is an 18-yearold mass communication freshman from Terrytown, Louisiana.
page 22
H ead 2016’s “La La Land” a breath of fresh air
The 2016 musical comedy “La La Land” about dreamers and goal-setters in Los Angeles was a welcome departure from the smashing, crashing, and explosions featured in most of the year’s films. Of course, there are always the more artistic films that are made each year like “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea,” which were both thought provoking and distinctive in their themes. The vast majority of films are adaptations of novels or comic books and go for the “wow factor.” While everyone can enjoy watching a nice comedy or seeing their favorite novels and comic book characters come to life, film has suddenly lost its value as a form of expression. “La La Land” won seven awards at the 2017 Golden Globes, and that is just the beginning of its potential success. In addition to the obvious critical acclaim, those who have seen it cannot stop talking about how fun and exciting it is. I couldn’t get my friends to see the movie with me because it was so different in music and style. Even its trailer is distinct in the fact that Ryan Gosling sings the film’s signature song “City of Stars” without any context. It is mesmerizing and perplexing all at once. I thought to myself: “I must see this!” While watching, not only did the film make me nostalgic for 1950s films like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “An American in Paris” and “Funny Face,” but “La La Land” also made me think of the things that it was based on: pursuing your dreams at all costs and becoming the person you want to be. It is interesting and somewhat disheartening to the Ryan Gosling/Emma
Thursday, January 19, 2017
to
H“Moonlight” ead undoubtedly best film of 2016
MYIA-PINION
RYLED UP
MYIA HAMBRICK @MyiaChristine
RYAN THAXTON @ryanthax
Stone lovers that the characters don’t end up the way a typical romance would. The film is realistic in showing that love and finding your way in life are messy. Stone performs in a convincing and relatable way. She is a struggling actress who makes it known that she doesn’t have time to swoon over a guy. Gosling delivers a performance that is reminiscent of old Hollywood. He is wholesome, weird enough to be charming and honest in his role. He was the perfect person to play the character. Filmmakers and screenwriters should take notes on what director Damien Chazelle created for the world. He took something he knew about and created a wonderfully relatable story that others didn’t think would sell. The thing is, it has sold. It has sold in massive numbers, and has won the approval of many people because it tells a story. It is visual art that merges all forms of performance into one colorful piece that commands attention. In fact, it grossed an estimated $9.7 million on its limited opening weekend, despite only showing at 733 theaters nationwide. Money aside, Gosling and Stone were able to showcase their other modes of performance through song, dance and acting. Having films like this offers a fresh look into our evolving culture. Tap into your inner movie buff and explore a fun depiction of humanity in “La La Land.” Myia Hambrick is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Temple, Georgia.
courtesy of LIONSGATE
“Moonlight” and “La La Land” are easily the two biggest movies of 2016, scoring six and seven Golden Globe nominations, respectively. While “Moonlight” won one of six categories and “La La Land” won all seven of their nominations, the two films were mostly in separate categories and avoided comparison. But that will change on Jan. 24 when Oscar nominations are announced and, as expected by every Oscars prediction, “Moonlight” and “La La Land” will go head to head in best picture and a number of other categories. “La La Land” is a beautifully crafted film and deserves to be seen, but is it the crowning cinematic achievement of 2016? No. In a year when race relations and drug abuse seemed to come to a climax in prevailing political discourse and headline grabbing events, a movie about drug culture, mass incarceration, and school violence set in Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia seemingly encapsulates all of the emotional turmoil that has marred this country in 2016. Yet, these themes are not the essence of “Moonlight,” and director Barry Jenkins does not harp on them nor dramatize them. While they are part of what makes “Moonlight” so captivating, they are not the heart of the film. Director Barry Jenkins presents these stereotypes of the black male experience in “Moonlight” to break them with nuanced, varying meanings of hard life experiences. “Moonlight” doesn’t rest on a blanket story or overarching experience, but where “Moonlight” subverts stereotypes, “La La Land” espouses them. The film avoids being corny and boasts an old Hollywood kind of magical realism that makes the film seem larger than anything else in theaters. However, the message to dreamers to keep on dreaming in the land of Hollywood is nothing new; the relationship between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling create a romcom-on-acid trip that, underneath the musical references and beautiful score, is as predictable as any big-budget superhero film. The plight of a white man wanting to save jazz and a barista hoping to
break into stardom is always alluring to a core moviegoing audience, but that doesn’t make it the best movie of 2016. They are equally beautiful films, and both boast amazing cinematography and artistic vision. The use of vibrant, full colors and brilliant artistic direction are what has these two films racking up awards along with their centering on acting and emotion. Yet in “La La Land” the beautiful storytelling masks what is a fairly basic trope. Don’t take this the wrong way, “La La Land” does deserve to be seen and awarded, but it is nowhere near the must see of 2016. However, with a larger budget and two of the biggest names in Hollywood, “La La Land” is impossible to avoid while “Moonlight” is only playing in one theater in Baton Rouge. This has nothing to do with the value of either film, simply the commercial weight of both. “La La Land” is the musical equivalent to a Marvel Studios film—big budgeted, easily entertaining, yet lacking a groundbreaking narrative. Unfortunately, your average moviegoer and “La La Land” lover has rarely heard anything of “Moonlight” other than its name, despite both being equally critically acclaimed. “Moonlight’s” abstract message can resonate with nearly everyone: it has themes of masculinity, queerness, blackness, and addiction. Of course this film depicts a specific reality for a specific kind of American that makes the film even more insightful. As A. O. Scott wrote in the New York Times, “Moonlight” is “both a hard look at American reality and a poem written in light, music and vivid human faces.” The film is a trifecta of social urgency, artistic creation, and personal value that all artistic mediums play into. Not to mention being simply captivating. To overlook “Moonlight” and instead call La La Land, or any other film for that matter, the best movie of 2016 would be a shame. Ryan Thaxton is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from Monroe, Louisiana.
courtesy of STUDIO A24
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Thursday, January 19, 2017
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