Check Inside For:
University alumnus and graduate student travel to Haiti for mission work, page 3. University groups raise money for Haiti relief effort, page 4.
Own a piece of history Get a poster of The Daily Reveille’s front page featuring the Saints’ Super Bowl win, see page 10 for details.
THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Gimme Shelter
Volume 114, Issue 87
EBR Animal Control rescues stray dogs, offers them for adoption
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
BUDGET
English Dept. cuts could delay graduations
By Sabrina Trahan Contributing Writer
breeds. Richard Byrd, East Baton Rouge Animal Control and Rescue Center operations manager, said the most common dog at the shelter is a Labrador retriever or Lab mix. He said there are a lot of mixed breeds including hound mixes, husky mixes, terrier mixes, pit bull mixes and German shepherd mixes.
Budget cuts in the English department resulted in 39 instructors receiving termination letters effective January 2011 if the University does not revoke them. Cuts in the English department will likely result in delayed graduation dates, said English Department Chair Anna Nardo. “Students can’t enter most senior colleges until they have taken English 1001,” Nardo said. All students must take writing courses English 1001 and English 2000 to meet general education requirements, and the University could not accommodate all freshmen needing English 1001 if the cuts were to happen, Nardo said. As a result, a significant amount of students would not be permitted to take English 2000, a sophomore-level course, until their junior or senior year, Nardo said. “The main thing is that these cuts could limit the options of classes that are available to
SHELTER, see page 15
CUTS, see page 15
MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille
Kaitlin Saragusa, mass communication freshman, volunteers Wednesday with Karma, a rescued dog at the East Baton Rouge Animal Control and Rescue Center. Mixed breeds such as Karma are common at the shelter, as are larger dogs like Labrador retrievers.
‘‘
‘All you have to do is treat [the dog] right, and it will love you with everything it’s got.’ Richard Byrd
EBR Animal Control and Rescue Center operations manager
HEALTH
By Mary Walker Baus Contributing Writer
Many aspects of Louisiana culture imply bigger is better, but the opposite may be true for Louisiana’s dogs. Animal Control officers and volunteers will rescue any dog they find on the street, but the dogs they most commonly find roughing it in Sportsman’s Paradise are bigger
Vegetarian options become popular with students Dining halls offer meatless choices By Rachel Warren Contributing Writer
Many students are going green in a whole new way — using the earth to care for their own bodies. Vegetarian options are becoming more common in the University’s dining halls, and students are taking notice. David Heidke, LSU dining and concessions director, said vegetarian options are becoming more popular among students
than in the past. “We’re finding that the vegetarian items on our menu are seeing a lot more usage,” Heidke said. The 459 Commons and The 5 both offer several meatless options each day, Heidke said. Items such as tomato ravioli, veggie burgers and vegetable lasagna are provided. Both dining halls also have a station where students’ food is cooked in front of them. At these stations, students can choose how they want their entrées prepared, Heidke said. Amanda Songy, theatre junior, doesn’t eat red meat, and said the 459 Commons offers
many options for students who are particular about what they eat. “I liked the salad bar and the make-your-own dishes like fajitas and quesadillas,” she said. Vanessa Richard, a dietician at the Student Health Center, works with the dining halls to create programs for students that promote healthy eating and lifestyle choices. The popular program “Super Foods” was introduced last semester. Dining halls endorsed a new healthy food each month. This semester’s programs have not been determined, VEGETARIAN, see page 15
AMANDA TAGGETT / The Daily Reveille
Chris Mairena, biology freshman, fixes a salad Thursday at the 459 Commons. Many students are choosing vegetarian options as alternatives to greasy fried foods.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Iran nears nuclear warhead capacity
Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77
VIENNA (AP) — Iran pressed ahead Monday with plans that will increase its ability to make nuclear weapons as it formally informed the U.N. nuclear agency of its intention to enrich uranium to higher levels.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77. The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering from complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., with his family at his bedside, the hospital said.
Alligator kills girl in Brazil jungle SAO PAULO (AP) — A 13-foot (4-meter) alligator has reportedly attacked and killed a girl who was swimming in a Brazilian jungle river. NATO: Afghans to help offensive CAMP SHORABAK, Afghanistan (AP) — Thousands of Afghan soldiers and police will join U.S. and NATO troops in an upcoming offensive in southern Afghanistan, playing their biggest role in any joint operation of the Afghan war.
Teen crashes car into school, hall SHORELINE, Wash. (AP) — Sheriff’s deputies said a 17-year-old boy crashed his parents’ car through the doors of Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, then drove it down the hall. The car finally stopped 75 yards later when it hit a security office. Two school workers were still on the property and heard the crash. Police found the teen on school grounds about an hour and a half
after the crash late Friday night. He was taken into custody and then brought to Harborview Medical Center for a mental evaluation. Investigators said they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role. Balloon boy dad released FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The man who pleaded guilty in the balloon boy hoax has been released from a Colorado jail to serve the rest of his sentence in a work-release program. Larimer County sheriff’s office spokeswoman Eloise Campanella says Richard Heene was transferred Sunday and is expected to work during the day, then spend nights at a work-release dormitory. She didn’t have information Monday on where he’ll work. Heene started serving a 90-day sentence Jan. 11 after pleading guilty to falsely influencing the sheriff. His wife, Mayumi, pleaded guilty to filing a false report and must serve 20 days in jail.
PAGE 2
STATE/LOCAL
Jindal to pick interim Lt. Governor
Super Bowl sets viewing record
(AP) — Preparing for his new job as New Orleans mayor, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu will leave behind a position sought by a lengthy list of politicos vying to be second-in-line to the governor. But before anyone can run for the vacancy, Gov. Bobby Jindal will make a temporary appointment to the post and lawmakers will decide whether they want to abolish the job entirely, as Jindal is proposing. The governor’s chief of staff, Timmy Teepell, said Monday that Jindal spoke with people hoping to become the interim replacement for Landrieu until either a new lieutenant governor is chosen in fall elections or until the office is scrapped. Besides being first in the succession line if something happens to the governor, Louisiana’s lieutenant governor oversees the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and manages parks, museums, the state library and tourism efforts.
NEW YORK — The New Orleans Saints’ victory over Indianapolis in the Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of “M-A-SH” to become the most-watched program in U.S. television history, the Nielsen Co. said Monday. 3 shot, hurt in French Quarter NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Police are investigating the shooting injuries of a man and two women in the French Quarter during the Super Bowl celebration. Police say the victims are all local residents. Their names were not released. The shooting occurred at approximately midnight Monday at the intersection of Iberville and Bourbon Streets. Police responded to a call of “shots fired” and found the victims with non-life threatening injuries.
TODAY ON
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TODAY
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Two Can Play That Game: Battle of the Sexes NAACP Week- Game Night WCA Activity Center, 6p.m. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars presents Integrity Week Display your integrity by signing the NSCS Integrity Banner all week in Free Speech Alley from 10:00am-2:00pm Career Services Career Expo is TODAY 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 in PMAC Network,explore, find a job www.lsu.edu/career/expo Free GMAT Strategy Workshop Wednesday, Feb 10 6-7:30p.m Sponsored by LSU Test Prep Register online: www.outreach.lsu.edu/test LSU Scotch Guard Do you like volunteering? Do you want to support the LSU Army ROTC? Contact: lsuarmyscotchguard@gmail.com for more information Genesis Tutoring- FREE! Monday- Thursday 5pm-9pm Office of Multicultural Affairs, 355 Student Union 578-4339
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Diva Game Night Tuesday, February 9th, 7:13pm Castilian Room, Student Union, Casual Attire For more info contact: Samantha White swhit37@tigers.lsu.edu
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE CAMERA
Partly Cloudy
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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FRIDAY 45 34
SATURDAY 54 39
Black History Month Tribute February 9, 2010 LSU Student Union Ballroom, 6:00pm
HILARY SCHEINUK / The Daily Reveille
Log on to lsureveille.com to view pictures around campus from a bug’s point of view.
Sankofa Poets February 11, 2010 LSU Faculty Club, 6:00pm Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Informational Meeting. Howe Russell E134 Tuesday, February 9th 5-7PM Contact Person: Lauri Patterson lauripatterson@yahoo.com (225)284-5418 The Ladies of the Eta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority “Racing for the Kure: Breast Cancer Awareness” Wednesday Feb 10th @ 7:08 Coates 152 Attire is Business Casual For more info contact Kristen Dufachard @ kdufau1@tigers.lsu.edu
7:20 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Noon 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m. 5:20 p.m.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass 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.
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Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
PAGE 3
TRANSPORTATION
Parking garage construction to begin this summer New facility able to hold up to 750 cars By Sumit Kumar Contributing Writer
The Highland Dining Hall is set to be demolished this summer to make way for LSU’s first parking garage. The project officially started after Chancellor Sean O’ Keefe approved recommendations in 2005, said Director of Parking, Traffic and Transportation Gary Graham. The Board of Supervisors approved the rough design draft in December 2009. The building is now in the design and development phase, Graham said. Construction plans are being detailed, and contractors will soon place bids. The garage should be completed in spring 2012, Graham said. The
AMANDA TAGGETT / The Daily Reveille
Highland Dining Hall is scheduled for demolition this summer. The Highland Dining Hall remained open while Pentagon Dining Hall was renovated.
project will cost an estimated $25 million. The renovation of the Pentagon Dining Hall forced Highland to remain open as a dining alternative. Issues with the architect and high
TECHNOLOGY
interests in the bond market caused the delay of the project. The five-story facility will consist of a bookstore, a women’s center, an African American culture center and a garage space for nearly
750 vehicles. Visitors will park in the ground floor, while faculty and students will park in the upper floors. “The garage will help quite a bit with the Union, and students on the east side of campus and alleviate a lot of the problems of the visitors,” Graham said. Biology senior Hannah Gladden said the parking situation at the University could use improvement. Other students echoed that sentiment. “If you don’t park at 7:30 in the morning, you’re screwed. It takes nearly 20 minutes to walk to class,” said computer science senior Michael Thomas. Gladden said the garage will benefit students, especially because of its central location on campus. She said streets should be widened, as the garage could cause traffic congestion. The parking garage is one of the eight proposed parking projects on campus. The Highland construction will be complicated and
time-consuming because it is a multi-purpose facility, Graham said. Two of the other parking projects will be near the Residential College and the soon-to-be-demolished Alex Box stadium, according to Graham. The construction of the garage was part of the Parking and Transportation Master Plan to upgrade University parking facilities for students. Visitors will have to pay for parking, and the revenue raised will pay off the bonds, Graham said. During construction, the Highland dining hall block will be cordoned off but shouldn’t cause campus residents inconvenience, Graham said. “We try to maintain a good working relation with the residents,” he said. Contact Sumit Kumar at skumar@lsureveille.com
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Plans to phase out Mission work done in Haiti TigerBytes by March 1 LSU alumnus, grad More storage space in TigerBytes II By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
TigerBytes I, the University’s online storage system for students, is being phased out in favor of a larger and more powerful reincarnation, TigerBytes II. Both TigerBytes I and TigerBytes II are presently available for use under the Computing Services tab on PAWS. But TigerBytes I will be eliminated March 1, and TigerBytes II will be the only system available to students. TigerBytes II brings large improvements that will make usage more efficient for students, said Sheri Thompson, IT communications and planning officer. “TigerBytes II is a lot more robust in the amount of storage and what you can do with it,” Thompson said. “TigerBytes I is very old technology and is very antiquated.” TigerBytes was introduced to the University in 2002 with storage capabilities of 50 to 100 megabytes, Thompson said. TigerBytes II will offer 1 gigabyte of storage space — the equivalent of 1024 megabytes — according to the University’s GROK Knowledge Base. Thompson said TigerBytes II also comes with other new features, including the ability to use it as a Web hosting client. The reason for all the improvements to the system is simply the advancement of technology since TigerBytes was created. “It’s the same reason that your computer now is more powerful than if you bought one 10 years
ago,” Thompson said. TigerBytes II was paid for by a combination of funds from Information Technology Services and the student technology fee, Thompson said. TigerBytes I will not be completely phased out until March 1, but many students are already using TigerBytes II — there are currently more than 8, 800 TigerBytes II accounts. Any files left on TigerBytes I will be gone after March 1, Thompson said. Students have until then to transfer their files to TigerBytes II. The process is similar to the e-mail transition to TigerMail, she said. “If you’re using TigerBytes I now, it takes you to an intermediate page and gives you links and instructions on how to zip up your files and migrate to TigerBytes II,” Thompson said. Natasha Garcia, English sophomore, said she never used TigerBytes because she prefers to use a USB drive. Garcia said the 1 gigabyte storage of TigerBytes II won’t change that because her USB is the same size. Jules Robicheaux, biology sophomore, said he uses TigerBytes because it’s like a “virtual flash drive.” “I post class lectures [on TigerBytes] to print them in the library” Robicheaux said. Robicheaux said he has seen the TigerBytes II transition page, but didn’t know files on TigerBytes will be deleted on March 1. “I will transfer all of [my files] as soon as possible,” he said. Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
student to volunteer By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
A University alumnus and a graduate student will take the better part of the year to practice their passion for ministry work in Haiti. Social work graduate student April Blackburn and University alumnus Seth Blackburn will travel to 11 countries as part of the World Race program, and the second stop will be Haiti. The Blackburns heard about the Christian mission last August but didn’t know they’d be visiting Haiti until a day before the Jan. 12 earthquake wrecked the country. “I was thinking about the devastation and what people are going through, and then I remembered we’d be going there,” Seth Blackburn said. “I was scared because I didn’t know what to expect going to a place with that kind of destruction.” April Blackburn said 60 to 70 participants will travel with the group, and they will be assigned to places all across Haiti, not just Port-au-Prince. She said rebuilding will be the most important help they provide
in Haiti. “They’ll still be desperately needing help in many months,” April Blackburn said. “I’m happy to get there and continue the work that is happening.” But during the 11 months away, the Blackburns will also be giving up the everyday amenities found in the U.S. “We will leave our comfortable situation and help them rebuild their country out of love and service,” Seth Blackburn said. “That says a lot about what’s going on in that person’s heart.” Besides rebuilding plans, April said she hopes to do work with orphanages and care for children. The group will depart in July
and visit other countries in need, including the Dominican Republic, Turkey and China. The group will go through culture training in May to learn the customs of the countries that they are visiting. April Blackburn said she expects to come back a different person because of the experience. “I am excited overall seeing what God’s going to do over there through us,” Seth Blackburn said. “I’m anxious that the devastation will be so great that it might seem overwhelming, but I’m confident God has called us there for a purpose.” Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 4
CHARITY
LIFE COURSE AND AGING CENTER
Care training for dementia to enhance life quality of aging By Joanna Zimmerman Contributing Writer
MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille
Flags in Evangeline Hall represent students who have donated at least a dollar to the Haiti relief effort in ResLife’s “Geaux the Distance: Hope for Haiti” campaign.
University contributes to Haiti disaster relief By Sarah Eddington Staff Writer
The University continues to do its part to contribute to Haiti relief efforts. The Department of Residential Life created a campaign called “Geaux the Distance: Hope for Haiti,” which students can donate a dollar to put their names on miniature Haitian flags that will hang on the walls of residence halls. Students are also encouraged to participate in “penny wars” — a competition between residence halls and individual floors to collect the most pennies for Haiti. Competing floors can put silver coins or paper money into other teams’ collection bins to counteract their amounts. For example, if a bin has 500 pennies and someone adds a $5 bill, the amount becomes zero. Penny wars are a fun way to compete and give more money to a good cause at the same time, said Jay High, communications manager of ResLife. Every residence hall community is participating and has set their own goals, High said. High said the overall goal for the campaign is $1 for every mile between Baton Rouge and Port-auPrince, Haiti — $1,437. “The losses in Haiti are unimaginable, and we want to be part of
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
that global outreach,” High said. “We need to have compassion for those people as if the earthquake had happened in our own backyard.” The money is collected at the end of the month and sent to the American Red Cross. “The students are really excited to help,” High said. “So far I think we have $500 collected.” The competition will continue all semester, High said. Another campus organization, Tigers for Haiti, collected donations to go toward LifeStraws — portable water filters for prevention of common diarrheal disease. Amy Potter, geography graduate student, created the campus-wide relief effort and said it has collected nearly $1,200. “It delighted and surprised me to see such an outpouring from all over,” Potter said. LifeStraws are a useful item to send to Haiti because they meet an immediate need, Potter said. “LifeStraws are mobile — you can wear them around your neck, and they last up to two years,” Potter said. “It’s something very tangible.” Potter said Tigers for Haiti is in the process of planning an educational forum in March where professors can present their research on Haiti. Contact Sarah Eddington at seddington@lsureveille.com
The University’s Life Course and Aging Center has partnered with Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area to offer dementia care training in compliance with a new state law. The Louisiana Legislature passed Senate Bill 810 in 2008, requiring all employees of adult residential care and nursing facilities in Louisiana to pass a training course in dementia care. The partnership was certified Jan. 21 and is currently the only group certified in Louisiana. Alzheimer’s disease often has a morbid stigma attached to it, said Dana Territo, director of services at ASCA. “They deserve a quality of life like anyone else,” Territo said. The first training course will
be held Feb. 10 in the Rosemary Conference Room at ASCA. After the first program, courses will be held quarterly. Workers in full-time care must have eight hours of approved training within 90 days. Those in maintenance positions must have four hours of training. The curriculum was created by Territo, psychology professor Katie Cherry and communication sciences and disorders professor Neila Donovan. The curriculum consists of five topics to be taught in eight hours — an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, communication with persons with dementia, behavior management, promoting independence in activities of daily living and understanding and dealing with family. Five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 5 percent of people 65 to 74 and almost 50 percent of those 85 and older may suffer from the disease, according to the CDC. One of the goals of the program is helping the community prepare for an aging population. The research faculty continues to be dedicated to its goals despite budget cuts, Lilly Allen, associate director of the LCAC and associate professor in the school of social work, said. “What we find is that faculty is always committed to promoting education and keeping with flagship agendas,” Allen said. “All the faculty, across the board, is working harder.” Contact Joanna Zimmerman at jzimmerman@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 5
Revelry TUESDAY’S 225
Today’s KLSU Specialty Shows: 9 pm - 11 pm : Rusty Cage (Metal) 11 pm - 1 am : Martian Mix (Mashups/ Mixtapes) TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 9, 2010
PAGE 6
Mardi Gras 2010 Edition
2 5
2
Places to get king cake Meche’s Donut King or Manny Randazzo King Cakes
Saints in Mardi Gras parades Drew Brees — Bacchus and Sean Payton — Orpheus
Things to wear to Mardi Gras Perlis Horizontal Striped Rugby perlis.com
Wave Vision dress forever21.com
Deux Lux Mid Pleated Flap Satchel urbanoutfitters.com
Mellow Mushroom Pint Night! FREE Pint Glass with Purchase of Draft @ Regular Price FRED’S Tonight: $2.50 Bud Light Lime & Wheat; $5 Jack Daniels doubles Wednesday: $2.50 Imports, $3 Doubles, & $2 Shots all night Thursday: 8-10 Ladies Night Every Night: $2 Shots 12-2 and $1 SoCo & Limes all night
Blank NYC purple jeans bluefly.com
9-10:30 AM Without A Paddle: Nature’s Calling 12-1:30 PM The Hurt Locker 3:00-3:30PM News Beat Live 4:30-5:00PM Sports Showtime Live 5:00-5:30PM News Beat Repeat
HANK Gladiator Sandal topshop.com
7:00-8:30 PM 10:00-10:30PM 10:30-11:00PM 11:00-12:30PM 12:00-12:30AM
A Perfect Getaway News Beat Repeat Sports Showtime Repeat Julie & Julia Sports Showtime Repeat
Sports
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
PAGE 7
Offensive Woes
FAMOUS AMOS
Lady Tigers must try to achieve perfection
Top five scorers for the Tigers
But the most glaring cause of the Tigers’ inconference ineffectiveness may be their lack of offensive production. “We’re doing the best we can,” said LSU
After the LSU women’s basketball team completed a 92-19 dismantling of Centenary to open this season, Centenary coach Bojan Jankovic had strong things to say about the Lady Tigers. “I’m sure they can compete for the national championship with what they have this year,” Jankovic said. “You can see the difference from last year. They had a great team last year, but now they are getting better.” That victory feels very far away now, just like the opti- AMOS MORALE mism the team Sports Columnist probably felt after the game. LSU now sits at 15-7 — 4-6 and ninth in the Southeastern Conference — and unless they can find a way to get back to their winning ways, they may find themselves at home come tournament time. LSU has lost six of its last eight games, but not for lack of trying. It seems like just as one of the Lady Tigers’ issues gets resolved, another pops up. The Lady Tigers are playing with a championship effort, but nothing is going right for them. Last week was a perfect illustration of how this season has gone. LSU lost a tough 49-46 contest to No. 19 Georgia. Heading into the game, the Lady Tigers were struggling on defense and couldn’t seem to find their rhythm against zone defenses. LSU had held the SEC’s last place team, Alabama, to
OFFENSE, see page 11
PERFECTION, see page 11
Bo Spencer averaging 15.5 points per game
Storm Warren averaging 12.2 points per game
Dennis Harris averaging 4.1 points per game
Aaron Dotson
Tasmin Mitchell
averaging 3.5 points per game
averaging 17.3 points per game
photos by J. J. ALCANTARA; photo illustration by ELLEN ZIELINSKI / The Daily Reveille
Tigers struggle to shoot efficiently, rank last in many categories By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
It’s no secret the LSU men’s basketball team has suffered in Southeastern Conference play. The Tigers (9-14, 0-9) are off to their second-
worst start ever in SEC play, and the blame could lie on many factors. LSU only has two seniors on the roster — one of whom hasn’t played all season because of a knee injury — and has three walk-on players who have seen significant playing time this season.
NFL
Who Dat Nation hoarse after celebrations Fans line roads outside airport to greet team By Mary Foster The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jubilant fans greeted the Super Bowl-winning Saints Monday, showering them with “Who Dat!” chants as they returned to their home city as champions. At a suburban airport, thousands of fans decked in black and gold lined the road to cheer their team after its 31-17 win over
the Indianapolis Colts. “The Saints kept hope alive in this city that better days were coming,” said Shannon Sims, a 45-year-old criminal court administrator, as she waited for the team. She said the Saints “were the force that kept us Log on to see how students moving forward.” to the The city woke up reacted Saints’ win. hoarse, hungover and happy, wondering if that Super Bowl thing really happened. In the French Quarter, stragglers — decked out in Saints jerseys and team colors — remaining from the all-night party turned
to coffee and beignets as dawn broke. Richard Bourland said he came from nearby Gulfport, Miss., hoping to see history made and wasn’t disappointed. The 57-year-old said he pulled his first allnighter in at least 15 years celebrating. “I came because it is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Bourland said as he sipped strong black coffee. “I wanted to experience a miracle, and I did. I’m still trying to believe it.”
lsureveille.com
FANS, see page 11
SARA SICONA / The Daily Reveille
Saints fans celebrate New Orleans’ 31-17 Super Bowl victory against the Colts on Sunday night in Fred’s at Tigerland.
PAGE 8
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
AROUND THE SEC
Three Southeastern Conference teams ranked this week LSU to play Razorbacks, Commodores
14 Tennessee this week. Tuesday’s matchup against the Crimson Tide will be the site of ESPN’s College GameDay.
By Chris Branch
JOHN PELPHREY, RAZORBACKS RIDING HOT STREAK Arkansas enters the week on a high note. The Razorbacks won four straight conference games to get themselves the SEC West lead. After getting pummeled by 31 points at Kentucky, Arkansas reeled off wins against Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Georgia and Auburn. The Razorbacks now sit at 5-3 in conference play. Arkansas coach John Pelphrey said the turnaround is a tribute to the mental state of his team. “A long time ago, a wise coach told me to never get too high or low and stay on an even keel,” Pelphrey said. “Whether they’ve gotten the desired outcome or not, they go to work. This is the hardest working
Sports Writer
Welcome to a league muddled in mediocrity. Only three of the Southeastern Conference’s 12 teams can sport rankings next to their respective names. Contrarily, only four of the league’s teams have losing records in conference play. Kentucky enters the week as the No. 3 team in the country according to the Associated Press, while the ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll has the Wildcats in the No. 2 slot. Tennessee and Vanderbilt are the league’s other ranked teams at No. 12 and 22, respectively in the AP. The rest of the league has been beating each other up. Florida, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississippi State all boast .500 or above league records. Alabama sits at 3-6 in conference play, with Auburn and Georgia sitting at 2-6. LSU sits alone in last place at 0-9. VANDERBILT’S STALLINGS HAPPY TO BE BACK HOME For the first time this season, Vanderbilt will have two home games in the same week. “We’re excited to be back home,” said Commodore coach Kevin Stallings in a teleconference. “We have two big games this week. It now comes down to protecting our homecourt advantage.” The Commodores are slated to face off against division rival No. 12 Tennessee on Tuesday, then will play LSU on Saturday. ESPN will nationally broadcast the Tennessee game. “There are a few games each year where obviously you don’t have to do much to get your guys ready to play,” Stallings said. “Tuesday night would qualify as one of those.” The winner of Tuesday’s contest will move into second place in the East division standings. Currently, the teams are tied for second position at 6-2 in the conference. “We think that the East is probably the toughest division in all of college basketball,” Stallings said. “We’re in a good position right now.” CALIPARI NOT A FAN OF NBA’S ONE-AND-DONE RULE Kentucky coach John Calipari, a connoisseur of one-year players, does not endorse the current rules preventing high school players from jumping straight to the NBA. Calipari coached some of the most famous one-and-dones, such as Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. Current Kentucky freshmen John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are near locks to declare for the 2010 NBA Draft. “I don’t like it,” Calipari said in a teleconference. “I think they should be able to go right out of high school. If they go to college,
APRIL L. BROWN / The Associated Press
Arkansas’ Courtney Fortson shoots a free throw Feb. 6 as Auburn’s Frankie Sullivan looks on with four seconds left in overtime. Arkansas defeated Auburn, 82-79.
they should have to stay two or three years.” Furthermore, Calipari proposed a loan system for players with bright NBA prospects who have to attend college. According to Calipari, the loans these players would take out would be against future earnings.
Also, Calipari said the program would erase any shady transactions between players and prospective agents. “I think it would eliminate what all is going on,” Calipari said. Meanwhile, Kentucky will look to continue its impressive SEC run against Alabama and No.
group of guys I’ve been around in my time here. They know and understand what it’s like to be a student athlete. They have an understanding what it is to be on a team.” Much of the turnaround can also be attributed to the resurgence of sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson. Fortson averaged 24 points per contest in the last four games. “Courtney is a very good basketball player,” Pelphrey said. “He helps us a lot. Now [senior forward] Michael Washington, [freshman forward] Marshawn Powell and [sophomore guard] Rotnei [Clarke] have it easier. It’s very difficult to keep him in front one-on-one. He needs to take care of the ball at times, but when you’re always in attack mode it’s hard.”
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
SPRING SEASON
Sports fans’ focus shifts to LSU Students await baseball, football By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor
Less than 36 hours after their first Super Bowl title in franchise history, New Orleans Saints fans are showing no signs of moving from celebration mode. But while Saints fans and University students continue the celebration, the sports world must go on. LSU’s campus was a ghost town Monday morning, with a scattering of University students present to turn in homework or papers or to partake in clicker quizzes, as well as express their sports viewing plans foreseeable future. Sports fans of all kinds will turn their attention to everything from LSU baseball to the PGA Tour. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the baseball team bounces back from losing Jared Mitchell and Chad Jones,” said Tom Schexnaildre, biology senior. The defending 2009 NCAA College World Series Champions return to the diamond in Alex Box Stadium Feb. 19 against Centenary. Kristie Larson, Spanish junior, agreed LSU baseball is a top priority on a list of things to see this spring. “I’ve never been to an LSU baseball game ... and I don’t know why because I’m a huge baseball fan,” she said. “I’m on a mission to go.” With baseball etched in many sports fans minds, LSU football seems to be an afterthought following nine losses in the previous two years. The Tigers are scheduled to break out fresh helmets and pads Feb. 25 for the start of spring practice. LSU will endure four weeks of 15 practices before playing in the annual spring game on March 27 in Tiger Stadium. Stephanie Stevens, sociology and mass communication junior, is ready to see what improvements LSU football coach Les Miles and his staff will make. “I like seeing them get out there,” Stevens said. “You get to see who has developed since the season ended and to see if we have any talent out there.” The Saints’ Super Bowl victory Sunday signified not only joy for Saints fans, but it gave hope to some LSU football fans as well. “Those are the two big football teams in the state, so when one does bad, the other can win a championship and pick up everybody in the state,” said Brad Lawrence, history sophomore. “It gives everyone hope for LSU football now that the Saints have won a title.” Regardless of sport, Lawrence said any part of the sports calender is just as exciting. “Pretty much any sport going on right now I try to follow close,” he said.
Although LSU football is only two and 1/2 weeks from starting back up, Sunday signified the culmination of the NFL season, leaving some University students in a state of confusion. “If you’re a football guy, after football season you’re kind of at a loss for what to do,” said William Sain, English junior. “It gets kind of boring.” Sain considers football, baseball and hockey his top three sports and will turn his attention toward the Washington Capitals now that football has ended. “It’s hockey season,” he explained with a grin. “I’m a huge Washington Capitals fan, and I’m excited because we recently won 12 [games] in a row.” Schexnaildre said professional golf is something to keep an eye out for in the coming months. “I’m concerned for golf,” he said. “You lose a guy like Tiger Woods, who is the face of golf, and the ratings are down and golf is hurting.” Schexnaildre said the PGA Tour will rebound when viewers realize there is more to golf than Woods. One thing many sports fans forgot about amid the Saints hoopla is the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I almost forgot about them because of the state of shock I’m in,” said Olivia Leblanc, chemical engineering sophomore. The Olympics are slated to start this weekend, which interferes with one of the most popular times of the year in New Orleans — Mardi Gras. “My friends and I even thought about going to the Olympics but it’s Mardi Gras so I really didn’t think about it,” she said.
Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com
Tom Schexnaildre biology senior
William Sain English junior
Kristie Larson Spanish junior
Brad Lawrence history sophomore
‘I’m looking forward to seeing how the baseball team bounces back.’ ‘It’s hockey season ... I’m a huge Washington Capitals fan.’ ‘I’ve never been to an LSU baseball game ... I’m on a mission to go.’ ‘Pretty much any sport going on right now, I try to follow close.’
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 FANS, from page 7
Fans had trouble believing the Saints’ Super Bowl victory, the first in their 43-year history — it was, after all, just their ninth winning season. Disbelief did not prevent them from throwing a huge “Lombardi Party,” however. The team’s big season came four years after Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city and destroyed thousands of homes and small businesses. “After Katrina everyone was hurting,” said Derek Stevens, 27,
OFFENSE, from page 7
coach Trent Johnson. “Guys aren’t trying to miss shots.” The Tigers are the worst offensive team in the conference, scoring only 62.7 points per contest — 5.5 points fewer than the next closest team, Alabama. They are also last in scoring margin among SEC teams, being outscored by an average of 3.7 points a game, and they are the only team to average a negative scoring margin. By contrast, the league leader in points, Kentucky, averages 82.3 points a game and has a positive scoring margin of 16.4 points. When the Wildcats and the Tigers faced off last Saturday, both
PERFECTION, from page 7 just 41 points and beaten the Tide’s defense to put up 78 points, but the real challenge would appear when the Lady Tigers headed to Athens, Ga. The Lady Tigers played great defense and held Georgia to just 35 percent shooting, but LSU shot just 27 percent in the game. LSU’s shots just didn’t fall. “We played as hard as we could,” LSU coach Van Chancellor said in a news release after the loss. “Our defense was the old LSU defense tonight, but we couldn’t make a shot when we needed to. If you can’t score, it’s hard to win in this league.” The Lady Tigers got back in the gym and focused with hopes of getting their offense together as they readied to play an Ole Miss team that defeated LSU earlier in the season. Only LSU senior guard Allison Hightower reached double figures in the loss to Georgia, but three Lady Tigers scored more
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 11
who was still on Bourbon Street at dawn. “The Saints was the one thing we had that was positive, that made us hopeful.” Long-suffering fans throughout the city shot off fireworks, danced in the streets and second-lined down the St. Charles Avenue streetcar tracks. On Monday morning, Bourbon Street crews worked at dawn to clean up the remnants of the street party that began before the game ended and stretched into the new day. “It was crazy the whole day,” said Earl Wheeler, 21, a bartender at one of the Bourbon Street clubs.
“It was one really good time. Lots of love going around. But I was too busy to watch the game. I’m going home to do that today.” The victory came a day after New Orleans elected a new mayor and several other city officials. But in the area newspapers there was little besides the Saints. The Times-Picayune ran a 5-inch headline that said “AMEN.” The subhead read, “After 43 years, our prayers are answered.” At Lakeside News, which usually sells about 100 copies a day, owner Michael Marcello said he had
sold 6,000 to 7,000 by 9:15 a.m. “I wish I had some,” he said. “I’m out again. This is the fourth time I’ve run out.” At the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly called Angola, the game was on television in all the dormitories, and even some of the cell blocks where problem prisoners are kept, said prison spokeswoman Cathy Fontenot. “We thought it was such an important game, we let them watch this one,” Fontenot said. Prisoners decorated their dorms with Saints and Who Dat signs, Fon-
tenot said. “We had prisoners secondlining through the dormitories and down the walkways outside,” Fontenot said. Traffic was light coming into town Monday, and many businesses expected people to stay home. The public schools had scheduled a full day Monday, but planned to let students out early Tuesday to attend a parade planned for the Saints.
teams scored less than their averages, but Kentucky still won by a comfortable 26-point margin. “Kentucky was a really good defensive team,” said LSU senior forward Tasmin Mitchell. “They were blocking everything, and they were really active and athletic out there on the perimeter. It’s greater competition. It’s tougher to score against teams like that.” In the last nine games, LSU has scored below its season average seven times, and in a contest against Alabama on Jan. 27, the Tigers scored only 38 points — their lowest point total since a 37-32 loss against Alabama in 1948. That contest took place 37 years before the NCAA adopted the shot
clock. One of the causes for LSU’s lack of offensive production may be a lack of diversity in its scoring attack. “We haven’t had much production off the bench, but we’ve been trying to get it,” said junior guard Bo Spencer. “We’ve just got to start screening people and executing the plays, and then we’ll probably start getting more offensive production from everyone.” Mitchell averages 17.3 points per game, Spencer drops an average of 15.5 points per contest and sophomore forward Storm Warren averages 12.2 points per game, but scoring drops off significantly after that. No other players average more
than five points per game, with the No. 4 scorer on the team, freshman forward Dennis Harris, averaging 4.1 points per game. “We’re young on the bench,” Mitchell said. “To put those guys out in the water like that against Kentucky or someone like that, it’s really tough to ask for a lot.” Another cause for LSU’s offensive woes may just be its shooting. The Tigers are also last in the SEC in field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage. They are shooting 40.6 percent from the floor and only a staggering 27.3 percent from downtown. “We’re not really making shots, but they’ve all been well-contested,” Mitchell said. “These are great teams
,and they’re lengthy, so it’s tough, but you’ve got to work through that.” Perhaps as a direct result of their offensive impotency, the Tigers’ assist-making capabilities have suffered as well. LSU is No. 11 in the SEC in assists with only 11.26 per game. The only team worse than LSU is South Carolina, who averages 9.95 a contest. Sophomore guard Chris Bass leads the team with three per game with Spencer right on his heels with a 2.9 assist per game average.
than 20 points against Ole Miss. LSU sophomore forward LaSondra Barrett, who had a season low four points in the loss to Georgia, scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds against the Lady Rebels. Hightower scored 31 points in the game, and LSU junior Katherine Graham logged the third triple-double in the history of the program. Graham scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 10 assists, but even that wasn’t enough as the Lady Tigers came up just one free throw short of sending the game into a fourth overtime. LSU lost, 102-101, after three overtimes. “I thought we played with an incredible effort today,” Chancellor said. “I thought we fought as hard as we could fight. I felt we lost the game early, not late. Late in the game, we did all we could. They made some incredible shots in the end. The difference in the game was we couldn’t rebound the ball over a team that I thought we
could really keep off the offensive boards.” This week the Lady Tigers will head to the gym to try and iron out the newest wrinkle on the path to victory. But it feels like each team they play finds LSU’s weak spot. The key to victory for LSU when it played No. 3 Tennessee was to keep the Lady Vols off the offensive boards, which they did. But they were unable to break Tennessee’s zone defense and fell, 5543. If the Lady Tigers want to look like the team that could compete for a national championship, they will need some momentum, and to do that they will need to play nearperfectly from here on out. Very good just doesn’t seem to be enough this year for LSU. Amos Morale is a 22-year-old history senior from Houston. Follow him on Twitter @_amosmorale3. Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com
Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 12
OUR VIEW
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tucker Commission’s recommedations vague, not reassuring The Louisiana Postsecondary Education Review Commission — or “Tucker Commission” — released its findings Friday, making several recommendations for easing the pressure on the state’s higher education. Unfortunately, most of the recommendations are vague and untested, and Louisianians can hardly be reassured. The first recommendation is a proposal to consolidate the governing boards of all state secondary
education institutions down to two. This recommendation received plenty attention, and it looks good to our unyielding conservative leaders. But the report has no specifics on exactly how this change will serve the students’ interests — or really how much it will change at all. The report provides no concrete estimate of how much money will be saved, no description of what specific programs will be run more efficiently or really any other example of how these changes will be effective.
The report also insists graduation rates must improve in the state’s higher education system, whose rates rank among the worst. The sentiment is nice, but it’s also obvious. And the report provides no concrete solutions how to improve graduation rates. The rest of the suggestions are equally vague. To be fair, the Tucker Commission had a huge assignment and a relatively short time to yield results. Instead of allotting time and resourc-
es to intense study — the kind necessary to get concrete numbers and measurable results — the legislature designed a committee to appear it was doing the people’s business — without the drive to actually do it. This is symptomatic of our state government’s neglect for the higher education crisis. The real solutions lie in the arcane restrictions of how funding is distributed. Revising these restrictions will require a two-thirds vote of the legislature and a vote of the
people, but these changes are necessary. It’s time the legislature and governor stop “solutions” that are only facades and actually roll up their sleeves and do the “dirty work” — spend political capital and make some people do what’s necessary — their constituents elected them to do.
Contact The Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
FACTORYHAUS
Saints rebuild, renew spirit of New Orleans “Hell is yourself, and the only redemption is when a person puts himself aside to feel deeply for another person.” This Tennessee Williams quote was one of the first things I thought of Sunday night. The Saints had just won the Super Bowl, and for one moment, a city that has seen so much pain and hardship felt redeemed. I can’t pretend to know what it was like to have 8 feet of water wipe away my house. But I can see the hope and life the Saints have given the city of New Orleans. And if anyone deserves to feel hopeful, it is New Orleans.
To some, it meant vindication for a team long referred to as the ’Aints. To others, it means finally retiring all those old paper bags. Some argue the franchise has done more to rebuild the city than almost anything else. It was hard not to be sympathetic to those sentiments for those of us who experienced the pure euphoria that engulfed Bourbon Street after the win. People across all races and social classes swarmed into the French Quarter to celebrate the win. The feeling was like no other — it is a moment I will always remember and pass onto my children and grandchildren. The only time I’ve ever seen that many people
celebrating together was at the inauguration of President Obama. I wouldn’t be surprised if historians point to this weekend as the renewal of New Orleans. Not only did the beloved franchise bring home the Lombardi Trophy, Stephen Schmitz Columnist the city also overwhelmingly elected Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu to be the next mayor of New Orleans. Landrieu, a member of Louisiana’s premier political dynasty, is
known for his ability to govern. The huge victory Landrieu assembled Friday, bringing together both white and black voters, gave many hope a new administration would tackle the city’s crippling problems — namely crime, urban blight, education and infrastructural issues. To solidify this, thousands upon thousands of people will celebrate the city’s rebirth by making this year’s Mardi Gras one to remember. But Charity Hospital still sits shuttered. Much of the Lower Ninth Ward has not recovered. Crime is at an all-time high, 64 murders per every 100,000 residents, dwarfing any
other major U.S. city. Nevertheless, Mr. Landrieu’s victory and the Saints’ incredible victory allow the city to embrace that iconic Tennessee Williams quote. Redemption is found in helping one another. New Orleans cannot be rebuilt on its own, but this weekend put the city on a path to redemption. Stephen Schmitz is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from The Woodlands, Texas. Follow him on Twitter at TDR_Schmitz. Contact Stephen Schmitz at sschmitz@lsureveille.com
JUXTAPOSED NOTIONS
Obama’s budget proposal not aggressive enough
“We just can’t keep on spending as if deficits don’t have consequences,” President Obama said during his State of the Union Address. These are interesting words — considering they were the introduction for his new budget proposal, which is projected to increase the deficit spending by $1.56 trillion. Blatant hypocrisy aside, this figure is optimistically low, considering the math used to calculate it. This number was derived by piling on imaginary revenue the administration expects will be generated by the passage of key pieces of legislation, according to the president’s statements. This proposal is optimistic to the point of foolishness, particularly considering the current political climate. Last month alone saw the political upset that was Scott Brown, R-Mass., reflecting a telling dislike
with the administration’s proposals to date. This new trend only increases the likelihood of defeating legislation aimed to generate the non-existent revenues of which the president seems so fond. Such fairytale revenues are meant to make a dent into the proposed $3.83 trillion budget proposal, which aims to fight unemployment, increase taxes on the wealthy and freeze government programs with selectivity. To some, the word “selectivity” may evoke a feeling of fiscal responsibility and budgeting wisdom. But the sad reality is this brand of “selectivity” neatly sidesteps the third rail of politics — Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security— leaving us with a pittance in terms of savings. According to the Congressional Budget Office, only $250 billion in savings will be generated during the next decade, meaning we’ll be
THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER GERRI SAX ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT
Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor
saving less than 3 percent of the roughly $9 trillion in additional deficits the government is expected to accumulate in the same period. Even the long-term revenues that may be generated by the proposed $100 billion tax break for small businesses will do little to combat the deficit and its accompanying compound interest. This proposal is more of an attempt to garner RepubliLinnie Leavines can support for the budget than Columnist sound fiscal policy, meaning it is not aggressive enough and will be costly, particularly in the short term. Considering this gridlock, the best option left to us is finding individuals willing and able to attack the
aforementioned third rail of politics. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., is the only politician who seems willing to broach the subject. In his new plan, “Roadmap for America’s Future,” he outlines his ideas for reforming Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, citing the trillions of dollars in unfunded liabilities these programs have saddled us with as reason for his reform. In the broadest sense, his plan promotes phasing out these entitlement programs with heavy emphasis on privatization and cost-controlled vouchers. The details of realizing Ryan’s plan are more complex, but the fundamentals are sound. His proposal would erase the long-term deficit and actually result in a small surplus, according to estimates made by the Congressional Budget Office. But the unpopularity of such a policy will make it difficult to
EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
attract other members of Congress to support it — particularly as many of them are career politicians unwilling to make cuts to these programs. This is especially true considering, mere months ago, said politicians were screaming to save these programs from being cut to fund the proposed health care legislation. But radical fiscal policy such as Ryan’s is necessary, even if unsavory. The status quo cannot be maintained and does not deserve to be kept regardless. Linnie Leavines is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Central City. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_lleavines.
Contact Linnie Leavines at lleavines@lsureveille.com
QUOTE OF THE DAY “America is a vast conspiracy to make you happy. ”
John Updike American author March 18, 1932 — Jan. 27, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
MURDA, HE WROTE
PAGE 13
Obama should make ‘question time’ a fixture
There may be hope for the political discourse in our country after all. First, President Barack Obama delivered a distinctly conversational State of the Union speech, addressing Republican legislators directly. Afterward, many pundits were skeptical that the president had struck a chord of bipartisanship given the highly entrenched camps over health care reform. But this bipartisan theme continued when the president made a highly unusual move two days later: He faced his opposition directly by making a speech and fielding questions from Congressional Republicans on live television. In what is being likened to question time in England — when the prime minister must defend his policies before Parliament — he went into the lion’s den. But the political blood sport, which the media would have certainly enjoyed, didn’t show itself. Instead the
president’s remarks were again conversational, as he addressed both the successes and failures of Democratic and Republican relations. When it was time for the Republicans to ask their questions, it was refreshing to hear them treat the president with respect. Even though most of the “questions” were loaded assertions — some unfairly phrased — the president took it in stride. And no one interrupted him with accusations of lying. It was also refreshing to hear what command Obama has of his issues. He seemed relaxed, and he drew many laughs from his crowd. Whether this new theme is evidence of Democratic unease shouldn’t be the relevant point here. For whatever reason, the president has changed gears. He seems to be attempting to raise the level of political discourse to a point where the details of his reforms can be
discussed point by point. He would do well to continue his hands-on, in-the-open approach to the political process. Whether you agree with the Democrats’ plan to bring new life into the nation’s health care system, chances are you probably don’t have a clear understanding of what is exactly included in the bills. This is reflected in conflicting public opinion polls. Many of Mark Macmurdo the Democrats’ proposals poll Columnist well individually, but when combined, do poorly. Clearly health care reform has stalled because it hasn’t been clearly and effectively sold. Much of the confusion over what exactly is being proposed has been because of the lack of direct debate before the American public.
We need to make sure we don’t get bogged down in the shouting matches that take place between Democratic and Republican partisans. Instead, we need both sides at the table, so disingenuous assertions can’t go unchallenged. If the Democrats’ proposals for health care reform are the best thing for America, they shouldn’t be afraid to debate their merits. Perhaps it’s fitting that Jon Stewart made his second appearance on “The O’Reilly Factor” last week. Like the president’s address to Congressional Republicans, it was refreshing to see two public opinion heavy weights from different sides of the aisle sit down and talk. Their discussion was occasionally sarcastic, but it never got uncivil. It wasn’t a cage fight. It was a chance for candid discussion — a discussion which included sensitive issues like the ideology of O’Reilly and the Fox News Channel itself.
I watch “The O’Reilly Factor” as a form of sadistic entertainment, but O’Reilly’s willingness to put Stewart on the air separates it from the partisan liberal Keith Olbermann’s show. O’Reilly wasn’t afraid to have someone ask tough questions. The president of the U.S. should be able to do the same thing. Obama should do himself — and the nation — a favor: Make an annual discussion with the opposition a permanent part of the State of the Union. Doing so will greatly improve the political discourse in our country and our democracy. Mark Macmurdo is a 23-year-old history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo. Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com
CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE
Catholic Church is not force for good in world In case you missed the Intelligence Squared debate on BBC last fall, here’s a brief summation: the Catholic Church got absolutely massacred by two well-spoken atheists. The motion in question: whether or not the Catholic Church functions as a force for good in the world. Andrew In the Church’s Robertson corner was Ann Columnist Widdecombe, Member of Parliament, and Nigerian Archbishop John Onaiyekan. And on the victorious side were the polemical voices of Christopher Hitchens and Steven Fry. So how did two secular atheists emerge triumphant against the most powerful religious institution on Earth? It’s actually quite simple. Hitchens’ law states he cannot lose an argument. Combine this with the emotional discourse and charm of Steven Fry, and you’ve got a winner by default. To be fair, the proponents of the Church were lacking — if not downright outmatched. But was it simply the opponents’ presence that merited victory? Not even close. The archbishop opened the debate apparently thinking his title would prohibit anyone from disagreeing with him — I’m sure he’s used to that at the pulpit. After ranting about the benevolent nature of the Church — and failing to establish any form an argument — he had the audacity to conclude “is there anyone here
who still doubts?” The crowd responded with laughter. Hitchens, in true fashion, came roaring through the gates and initiated “you [the Church] must start by asking for forgiveness.” The absolution needed by the Church is for innumerable atrocities, but Hitchens focused primarily on historical crimes against humanity as well as the modern mayhem caused by their actions. Invoking the Church’s silence during the Holocaust, the promotion of genocide in Rwanda by its clergy and the inadvertent murder of millions through their policy on condoms, Hitchens thus elicited roars of applause. He shoots — he scores. Widdecombe, though more capable of framing a dispute than the archbishop, failed to make a persuasive case that her Church was indeed a force for good. She doomed herself and her cause, I believe, when she whined that all these debates somehow digress to the Church’s policy on condoms and sexual prohibitions. Fry was the final contributor and did quite well to call Widdecombe out on her ranting about the monotonous citations of the Church’s sexual policies. He likened her petition to a burglar in court, who would plea that his crimes were irrelevant because he did nice things sometimes too. As a gay man, Fry attacked the doctrines of the Church that would prohibit him from membership. And, perhaps more seriously, he held the Church responsible for the murder of innumerable AIDS victims through spreading the lie
that condoms increase the possibility of contracting the disease. Not leaving out the systematic child rape that has occurred for far too long, Fry’s discourse was the final blow to an already wounded creature. The votes were then tallied, and here’s a bombshell: The Church is not a force for good. So what does one take away from this debate? For starters, the voice of secularism is finally emerging triumphant over claims of religious infallibility. We should be proud to see these
brave voices standing up and crying foul when needed. A group of homophobic virgins indeed has no place dictating family values. Condoms don’t kill people — lies of the Church do. The billion followers they boast about need aid and guidance — not the dogma and religious bigotry that has killed so many. For shame! Perhaps we need more Sinead O’Connors, those who would dare to rip apart a picture of the pope on national TV — crying “fight the real enemy.” I will continue to feel this way until this behemoth
of a corporation decides to apologize for its crimes against humanity and recognizes its potential to actually be a force for good. Relinquish your keys to heaven — you have been weighed and found unworthy to hold them. Andrew Robertson is a 23-yearold religious studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter at TDR_Arobertson. Contact Andrew Robertson at arobertson@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE / The Daily Reveille
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For Sale Laptops $199 and up. Computers $99 and up. Repair desktops/laptops. Computer Exchange, 10120 Florida Blvd. 225.274.1400 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING and FALL 2010!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-3465055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.
internet and utilities. 337-356-3311 THE BLOX APARTMENTS FULLY Furnished Apartments E-MAIL: bloxapts@livmgt.brcoxmail.com THE FOLLOWING PRICES ARE VALID FOR THOSE LOOKING TO MOVE-IN IMMEDIATELY AND SIGN A LEASE ANYWHERE FROM MONTH TO MONTH UP TO 5 MONTHS! [BLOX Lease Rates] 2 Bedroom Units - $650/ Month 3 Bedroom Units - $750/ Month 4 Bedroom Units - $850/ Month Security Deposit - $300 Rent Includes: ELECTRICITY, Water, Sewer, Trash, and Pest Control. -If you put utilities in your name, we will deduct $100 from your monthly rental rate. -We also offer UNFURNISHED apartments! SPECIAL: Free Membership to Spectrum Fitness for the duration of your tenancy with us! 225.246.2274 3 Bedroom House Near campus 691 Dentation. Three bedrooms, two full baths, competely renovated home in Highland Hills $1500 a month, $1000 deposit, 1 yr lease 225.278.6650 WalK To Campus 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING and FALL 2010! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. LSU Walk to Campus Big Clean 1 br $495. New Orleans Courtyard style. Pool, Coin Laundry, bus line. No pets 766-5511 LSU TIGERLAND Special Lg Studios 1&2 BR TH &Flat Pool, w/f, $450 to $695 225.615.8521 Practically on campus! 1 & 2 bedrms ranging from $375/mo - $525/mo. 225.344.9995
Condo For Sale updated/gated community. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Furnished/ vacuum cleaner/microwave/refrigerator/all dinner ware. Community Pool. 225.445.1877 225.445.1877
1Bd/1BA ground floor apartment for rent in Brook Hollow. No pet deposit! $765/mo, February Rent Free! 225.365.2572
1989 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, 4X4, Automatic, 55678 miles - $2,300 - Email me for more details at: ACEYROWLEY@AOL. COM
2BR/2.5BA TH FOR RENT W/D, alarm system, covered parking, private courtyard. Incredible location, off Perkins near College Dr. $1,000/ mo. Call Melissa @ 225.343.0010
For Rent Arlington Trace Condos Gated Community on Brightside Clubhouse on Site All Appliances Included Currently Accepting Deposits for June & August Move Ins! 2 bed/2.5 bath units $1300 3 bed/3.5 bath units $1650 Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES NICE 2 BR 2.5 BATH, W/D, POOL. $900 1737 S. Brightside View 318-243-8231 southlandpropertiesinc.com
Roommate Wanted Room in good house. W&D, alarm, etc. No lease needed. $295 + shared utilities. $250 dep. 225.921.1209 $317 1 or 2 Roommates Needed 3 bedroom 1.5 bath house. Rent $317 1/3utl. Pets ok! jhonor2@lsu.edu 225.733.7114 Roommate Seeking grad or undergrad student for a 2BD/2.5B townhouse. Good condition. 15 min from LSU. $300/ mo. 985.688.3138 Large bedroom at Heatherstone Townhouses. On LSU bus route. $550/month includes
Personals Ladies! Cute girl and handsome guy, both LSU students, looking for an intelligent, openminded and exotic girl to get to know. We enjoy fine dining, dancing, and live music, but we are open to any adventure. We would love to take you out some time, so email us, we’re not creepsters! RIPmr.miyagi@gmail.com Sexy lady looking for a sexy man to love me sexy. I like slight speech impediments and
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
big curly hair...all over. If interested pls email cheesecake4816@yahoo.com SOUNDS LIKE: music. books. standing in smoke-filled bars watching live shows. taking pictures. yes? phoenixmoth@gmail.com. Bad Romance: Charming, witty, and handsome bachelor looking to meet a beautiful, intelligent Lady Gaga type for love games or to just dance. jjacobs2376@gmail.com Cute Fashion Major with an engineer’s mind looking for a nice, clean cut guy to hang out with. Let’s catch a movie or coffee sometime. fashionistadiaries61@yahoo.com
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 CUTS, from page 1
students,” said Erin Cromer, English senior. “Overall, it would have a significant effect on faculty and students who want to take specific English courses.” State-determined budget cuts, not only in the English department, are a complex matter, Nardo said. If the University does not revoke these cuts, the consequences would be disastrous because the University would not be able to meet student needs, she said.
VEGETARIAN, from page 1
Richard said. “We’re mainly promoting general healthy eating and balance — a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness,” she said. And it’s not just the University. Schools across the country are embracing the growing trend. Matthew Mackey, marketing manager at the University of Alabama, said his university’s dining halls have been expanding to offer more vegetarian options
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Most termination letters must be issued one year in advance, as the University must give notice to instructors in danger of losing their positions, Nardo said. But the University can revoke letters of termination. This method maximizes budget flexibility, Chancellor Michael Martin said in a budget update Friday. He hopes the University will receive more funds than currently expected. “Over the next few months, we will work to narrow our academic focus to ensure we remain
committed to excellence even if we will be doing less,” Martin said. “This will mean program eliminations and reductions.” Martin hopes the Universitywide cuts will yield budget savings of at least $15 million on a regular basis. Gov. Bobby Jindal will release the 2010-2011 budget Friday.
during the last year. About 20 percent of students who eat at dining halls gravitate toward the vegetarian areas, Mackey said. But not all of them are vegetarians. Mackey said many non-vegetarian students eat the food as well because it is healthier. Off-campus dining establishments in Baton Rouge are also offering more meat-free foods. Ainsley Coughlin, co-owner of Truly Free Bakery and Deli, said about 30 percent of its customers
are vegetarian or vegan. Truly Free Bakery and Deli was originally intended for customers with food allergies. The food served there is free of gluten, egg and dairy. “I was surprised to see a lot of vegans coming in,” Coughlin said. “I didn’t even know there were any in this area.”
Contact Sabrina Trahan at strahan@lsureveille.com
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
SHELTER, from page 1
Katherine LeBlanc, director of communications for the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said dog shelters in Louisiana don’t mirror what the media are calling the “Paris Hilton syndrome” in California. The West Coast state is seeing an increase of Chihuahuas in their animal shelters. Animal lovers are blaming Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton for the surplus of the tiny pet, according to a Dec. 10 Los Angeles Times article. Marianne Fairchild, EBR Animal Control veterinarian, said people are more likely to own smaller dogs in California because it’s a more metropolitan state. She said bigger dogs are more prominent in Louisiana because of the sportsman environment. LeBlanc said pit bulls — or American Staffordshire terriers — make up about 70 percent of the dog population at LA/SPACA in New Orleans. She said pit bulls started as the ideal family pet but have become less popular because of their association with dog fighting. She said pit bulls are a popular breed in the Southern
PAGE 15 states in general. Fairchild said pit bulls are not allowed for adoption at EBR Animal Control. “With our demographic [in Louisiana], it’s hard to find the right environment [for pit bulls],” she said. “The demographics are such that there are a lot of pit bulls in Louisiana for dog fighting.” George Dowing, EBR Animal Control animal caretaker, said the Center is more likely to rescue hounds and Labs in the countryside while pit bulls and mixed breeds are more likely to be rescued in the city. Small- to medium-sized dogs are adopted faster than the bigger dogs at EBR Animal Control, Dowing said. “Most people want smaller dogs or lap dogs,” he said. “People figure they’re easier to take care of and show love to. People tend to care for little dogs more [because they can be held].” Fairchild said shih tzus end up in shelters because pet owners can’t afford the cost of the dog’s high-maintenance fur. She said EBR Animal Control rescues a fair amount of Chihuahuas because they’re overbred. LeBlanc said pit bulls seem to be in the kennels longer because there are so many of them compared to other breeds. LeBlanc said the LA/ SPCA works with about 11,000 animals per year. She said the LA/SPCA can hold 300 animals, and they have about 50 animals up for adoption at a time. “Euthanasia is part of our job, and it’s because people are not spaying or neutering their animals,” she said. “[People have] a lack of education of how spay or neutering affects a pet and the affordability of the surgery.” The adoption fee at EBR Animal Control is $70. Byrd said the adoption-ready dogs are spayed or neutered, rabies-free and have microchips. “I don’t know where you’ll find a pure-blood for $70,” he said. “And it won’t be spayed or neutered with a microchip.” Fairchild said mixed breeds can be healthier than purebred dogs because they have a more diverse gene pool. Kaitlin Saragusa, mass communication freshman, volunteers at EBR Animal Control once a week because she enjoys being around dogs. Dogs available for adoption at the shelter can make good pets for anyone, she said. Adopting two dogs from the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society benefitted Caroline Tyler and her family in more ways than just saving money. “We thought about the whole breeder thing ... [but] why not save money and save a life at the same time?” said Tyler, undeclared junior. Byrd said adopting a pet is a great option for people who can’t afford breeders. He said adopting a dog from a shelter ultimately saves two lives: the adopted dog and the stray that will take its place in the adoption pen. “People can get a dog that is hungry for love and hungry for affection,” Byrd said. “All you have to do is treat it right, and it will love with everything it’s got.”
Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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