The Daily Reveille - February 7, 2012

Politics: Republican race close in Colorado, Minnesota, p. 3

Recruiting: LSU hosts Junior Day, gains three commits, p. 5

Reveille The Daily

www.lsureveille.com

Entertainment: Madonna rocks Super Bowl halftime show, p. 9 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 • Volume 116, Issue 86

TRANSPORTATION

Bus stops to be done by end of February

Stops costs $80,000 to $90,000 each Kevin Thibodeaux

Yarn-aholics Anonymous Brian Sibille

Contributing Writer

some do.

“Once I was knitting in my art history class, and my ball of yarn rolled off my lap all the way to my professor’s feet, but he kept lecturing,” said Doris Belleau, art junior.

A self-described “close-knit” group of friends, the club’s officers constantly joke with one another as

Rain, sleet or snow, students will soon be able to wait for the Tiger Trails’ buses without being completely exposed to the weather.

Former Student Government President J Hudson’s initiative to erect covered bus stops around campus will finally be realized in two to three weeks, according to Gary Graham, director of Parking, Traffic and Transportation.

Graham said the project took so long to complete because plans had to be designed and approved before the two covered bus stops, which cost between $80,000 and $90,000 each, could begin construction.

Areas that were in need of a covered stop and that had the largest number of riders were identified in a collaborative effort

KNITTING, see page 15

BUS STOPS, see page 15

photos by ALYSSA SIRISOPHON / The Daily Reveille

April Zola Emerson, history sophomore and member of the University club Yarn-aholics Anonymous, knits Feb. 1 at the organization’s meeting.

Student organization indulges in the art of knitting

Staff Writer

Colleen Kissel is addicted.

Her habit consumes her daily life, as she carries around needles that she uses at home, in class or anywhere she can.

Kissel is only one of many who are hooked on knitting — the members of Yarn-aholics Anonymous.

The idea was stitched together in a West Laville dorm room two years ago when a group of friends with a common interest in knitting decided to make their crafty habit an official University club.

“We wanted to meet other people with the same interest,” Kissel said.

Kissel is the founder and “grand poobah” of

Yarn-aholics Anonymous.

She said she began knitting as a junior in high school to earn credit, but after her first lesson, she was hooked. She said she now knits constantly, whether it’s on a road trip, in class or in front of the television.

Other members also admitted to knitting in class, explaining that some teachers don’t mind, but

FACILITIES

Pieces of Hill Memorial Library fall to the ground Facility Services to check for safety issues Rachel Warren Staff Writer

The everyday hustle and bustle of the Quad was interrupted Monday afternoon by the sound of concrete crashing against the ground.

Facility Services employees roped off the area around Hill Memorial Library soon after several pieces of the building’s facade fell.

Grady Caldwell, maintenance superintendent, said the side of the building had simply deteriorated, and damage wasn’t visible until pieces began to fall off.

“Sometimes you just can’t see

it until it happens,” he said. “These old buildings, you can’t ever tell anymore.”

Sam Territo, associate director of Facility Maintenance, said the building’s crumbling could have been caused by age, but it also could have been caused by rainwater seeping into the facade and breaking the bond between it and the structural wall.

Caldwell said Facility Services employees are conducting a safety inspection of the rest of the building.

Employees will repair any more loose concrete found on the side of the building, which could mean replacing the building’s entire facade, Caldwell said.

Territo said it will probably take employees the rest of the week

to determine which parts of the building are structurally sound and which need to be replaced.

“They’ll do a full assessment,” he said. “They’ll also determine any costs at that time.”

Territo said small pieces fall off buildings once in a while, but this is the biggest piece he’s seen in several years.

Caldwell said no one was hurt by the falling pieces.

“I’m just glad it’s not in a high-traffic area,” he said. “That’s lucky.”

XERXES A. WILSON / The Daily Reveille

Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com

Facility Services roped off the front of Hill Memorial Library on Monday after large concrete chunks fell from the building’s facade.

The Daily Reveille

Nation & World

page 2

INTERNATIONAL

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

NATIONAL

STATE/LOCAL

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years on throne for Accession Day

Montana man fined $1,000 after confessing to instigating police chase

Proposed alcohol prohibition amendment stirs interest in Bogalusa

LONDON (AP) — Tributes poured in to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday as she marked 60 years on the throne with a message vowing to continue serving the British people.

Dressed in a Tiffany-blue hat and colorful overcoat against the winter cold, she was greeted by well-wishers in the snow-covered town of King’s Lynn at an event planned to mark Accession Day, the anniversary of the day she became queen in 1952.

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) —A Butte man who told officers he instigated a police chase because he always wanted to try it found out it’ll cost him a $1,000 fine to go with his tire damage.

The Montana Standard in Butte reports 55-year-old John C. Hughes pleaded guilty Thursday in City Court to reckless driving while eluding a peace officer.

Officers say Hughes was traveling faster than 100 mph on the interstate before officers laid out a spike strip to flatten his tires.

BOGALUSA (AP) — A proposed amendment to the Bogalusa city ordinance that prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property will get a public hearing this week.

The Daily News reports the proposed amendment would only exempt documented nonprofit organizations that would be required to get Special Event Permits and to stick with beverages of low-alcohol content.

Opponents say the law should stay unchanged, regardless of any potential economic impact.

Romania’s government collapses after protests, prime minister resigns BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s government has collapsed following weeks of protests against austerity measures, the latest debt-stricken government in Europe to fall in the face of raising public anger over biting cuts.

Emil Boc, who had been prime minister since 2008, said Monday he was resigning “to defuse political and social tension” and to make way for a new government. Thousands of Romanians took to the streets in January to protest salary cuts, higher taxes and the perception that the government was not interested in the public’s hardships in this nation of 22 million.

CHRIS RADBURN / The Associated Press

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, waves to wellwishers Monday during a visit to Kings Lynn Town Hall in eastern England.

Google, Facebook remove content on India’s order, raises censorship fears NEW DELHI (AP) — Google India has reportedly removed content deemed offensive to Indian political and religious leaders to comply with a court case that has raised censorship fears in the world’s largest democracy.

Press Trust of India says that Facebook, Google and 20 other sites were given two weeks to present further plans for policing their networks for photographs, videos or text deemed “anti-religious” or “anti-social.”

Chopper makes emergency landing at California school playground MODESTO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a helicopter encountered mechanical problems before making an emergency landing at an elementary school playground in a Modesto, Calif., neighborhood.

Neighborhood resident Susanna Ballard tells The Modesto Bee the helicopter was shaking badly as it flew over Sunday morning, and that she thought it was going to crash.

The aircraft had fueled at the Modesto Airport and managed to land safely in a grassy area at El Vista Elementary School after nearly hitting trees and a soccer goal.

Baton Rouge teenager shot several times, dies in hospital BATON ROUGE (AP) — Baton Rouge police say a teenager died after being shot in the parking of an apartment complex.

Cpl. L’Jean McKneely tells The Advocate that 19-year-old Justin Weideman died from multiple gunshot wounds Sunday afternoon.

Police were called to the scene about 3 a.m. Sunday and found Weideman lying on the ground next to a white vehicle.

Investigators say they have no motive for the killing and no suspects.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today on lsureveille.com Tune in to 91.1 KLSU at 5:20 p.m. to hear about campus construction amid the murky economy.

“Same Old Song and Krantz” reviews Alabama Shakes on the LMFAO entertainment blog.

Check out the LMFAO entertainment blog for a discussion on depression in literary works like “The Bell Jar” and “The Awakening.”

Get the latest news by downloading the LSU Reveille app in the iTunes Store and Android Market

facebook.com/ thedailyreveille

@lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports

Weather TODAY Partly Cloudy

67 47 WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

66 44

60 42

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

64 43

55 34

XERXES A. WILSON / The Daily Reveille

A lucky pooch plays hookie in front of Lockett Hall. Submit your own photo of the day to photo@lsureveille.com.

FIND A NEW YARD TO BRING ALL THE BOYS TO

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) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Geaux Home

Find a place to live, a roommate and much more!

Visit www.batonrouge-apartments.com

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. 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.

The Daily Reveille B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803

Matthew Jacobs • Editor-in-Chief Chris Branch • Associate Managing Editor Ryan Buxton • Associate Managing Editor Bryan Stewart • Managing Editor, External Media Andrea Gallo • News Editor Morgan Searles • Deputy News Editor & Entertainment Editor Katherine Terrell • Sports Editor Mark Clements • Deputy Sports Editor Kirsten Romaguera • Production Editor Clayton Crockett • Opinion Editor Brianna Paciorka • Photo Editor Tyler Daniel • Multimedia Editor Steven Powell • Radio Director Annabel Mellon • Advertising Sales Manager Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

page 3

POLITICS

Colorado, Minnesota caucuses take stage in Republican race Romney wins Nevada caucus Kate Mabry Staff Writer

With Mitt Romney’s significant win in the Nevada caucus Saturday, it remains to be seen if he’ll ride the wave of victory to gain favor in today’s Minnesota and Colorado caucuses.

But Romney came under fire when he was quoted last week saying he “was not concerned about the very poor,” who have a “safety net” to aid them in tough times.

Romney has taken back the comments several times and clarified that his quote was taken out of context.

Soon after Romney made the statement, he was endorsed by Donald Trump on Thursday. But Trump’s stamp of approval may not mean much, according to political science professor Christopher Kenny.

“Trump’s endorsement won’t help him,” Kenny said. “The timing of [the endorsement and Romney’s controversial quote] together was not a good thing for

Romney.”

The results of the Nevada Republican caucus were officially announced Monday. Romney led the race with 16,486 votes — more than half the total votes — while Newt Gingrich followed in second, gaining 6,956 votes, or 21 percent.

Ron Paul pulled in at 19 percent with 6,175 votes, and Rick Santorum came in last with 10 percent, or 3,277 votes.

After Gingrich’s significant loss in Nevada, he announced he would continue in the race and has no plans to end his campaign any time soon.

“This is the state he won last time, and he won it this time,” Gingrich said Sunday about Romney’s win in Nevada. “Our goal is to get to Super Tuesday where we’re in much more favorable territory.”

With almost a quarter of Nevada’s population being Mormon, religious affiliation may have played a role in helping Romney, the only Mormon nominee, win the state.

“He denies it, but in states with high Mormon populations, one would expect he’d do better,” Kenny said about Romney.

“He’s still trying to make the case

that he’s the candidate for a broad range of people, but since turnout was low, it’s hard to say.”

While the unemployment rate recently decreased to 8.3 percent, a figure which he described as “not great,” Kenny said nominees will have a harder time berating Obama about the state of unemployment.

“Eight percent is seen as the magic number, and many people say Obama won’t be re-elected into a second term if he can’t get below 8 percent. There’s no guarantee of that, though,” Kenny said.

Elementary education senior Jaclyn Tregle said she would pick Paul if she were to vote today.

“I like what he has to say,” she said. “I like his ideas, and I agree that smaller government would be more effective.”

Alice Inman, mass communication freshman, said Gingrich is the best candidate in the race.

“He’s experienced and gives good responses under pressure,” she said. “Romney looks like he’s doing good, but I don’t like him.

He’s too much like Obama.”

Inman also said she has met many college students who support Paul.

“A lot of young people like

JULIE JACOBSON / The Associated Press

Donald Trump greets Republican candidate and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney, Feb. 2 after announcing his endorsement of Romney.

him,” she said about Paul. “But I think it’s only because of his stance on the legalization of marijuana.”

Haleigh Robbins, English sophomore, said she’s disillusioned with the race.

“I’m not a big fan of Romney

or Gingrich, and they’re the top contenders,” she said.

Contact Kate Mabry at kmabry@lsureveille.com

ENVIRONMENT

EPA gives grant for La. beaches State may recieve $316,000

Graduate Organization president Ben Branoff said he thinks the BEACON website will be more relevant to states that have more beach activity than Louisiana.

Danielle Kelley “We don’t have many [beaches], but the ones that we Staff Writer do have need focus,” Portier said.

Louisiana state and local The Environmental Protection Agency will grant millions governments will be able to test waters for bacteriof dollars to nual contamination merous states, ter‘We don’t have many from “sewer overritories and tribes untreatto protect more [beaches], but the ones flows, ed stormwater than 6,000 Amerithat we do have need runoff, boating can beaches, inwastes, wildlife cluding those in focus.’ and pet waste and Louisiana. malfunctioning Louisiana is Ralph Portier septic systems,” expected to be alenvironmental sciences professor according to a located $316,000 news release. to help monitor This is the 12th year the the water quality of Calcasieu, Cameron, St. Mary, Lafourche, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes’ beaches, according to the EPA website.

The EPA will also launch a website called BEACON, which could be updated every two hours to inform the public of each beach’s pollution testing information and water quality.

“Some of the efforts made to clean up some of the beaches from the BP spill brought a lot of focus and attention to a lot of local and environmental issues on a lot of our country’s beaches,” said Ralph Portier, environmental sciences professor. “$10 million is not much … It will just begin to scratch the surface.”

Coast and Environment

EPA has granted money to various beaches, bringing the total amount of grant money to nearly $111 million.

Contact Danielle Kelley at dkelley@lsureveille.com

Career Services Resume Walk-In Hours This Week 8:30 am - 3:30 pm in B-4 Coates Hall careercenter.lsu.edu Career Services-Career Expo Business, Liberal Arts, and Grad School - Feb 9th Engineering, Science, & Technology - Feb 10th 10:30 am - 3:30 pm, LSU Union Ballroom network, explore, find a job! careercenter.lsu.edu/careerexpo Black History Month: Blacks in Academia Lecture Series Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 Frech House Grand Salon, 12 noon DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Becky at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: oncampus@lsureveille.com

page 4

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

FINANCIAL AID

Popular websites to Graduate takes on debt problem change privacy policy Emily Herrington Staff Writer

Gordon Brillon

Contributing Writer

It’s already been a dramatic year for the Internet, and it doesn’t look to be getting any easier for the average user.

Several popular websites have announced they will change privacy policies in the coming months, allowing for easier data management and more personalized content.

That means these websites will be collecting more information from users, and there are few legal limitations on what they can do with it. Users will have to be more careful with what they make available, and since few people read the privacy policies anyway, here is a handy guide for the concerned.

Stef Gray aims to play the part of David as she battles the student loan Goliath, Sallie Mae. Gray, a 23-year-old recent college graduate, initiated an online campaign in an effort to persuade Sallie Mae to stop charging student loan borrowers $50 for halting a loan for a three-month period, she described on a conference call Monday.

She said Sallie Mae only charges this fee to private borrowers, not to its federal loan customers. Gray also complained of a lack of safety nets for

student borrowers.

“I just want the same protections that are guaranteed for federal loans for free to be applied to private loans,” she said.

Gray was able to collect more than 110,000 signatures from students across the country with the aid of social media.

“This petition is not about me — it’s about the 110,000 people standing behind me,” she said.

William Winters, senior organizer of Economic Justice for Change.org, said Gray’s campaign emphasizes the power of social media.

“You don’t have to sit back and take it when a corporation

wants to do something unfair,” Winters said.

Gray said when she brought her box of signed petitions to the Sallie Mae office, she was coldly received and was refused a meeting with executives.

Gray said she shares her story with college students as a cautionary tale and encourages them to avoid taking out loans from Sallie Mae. “The student loan crisis defers the American dream,” she said.

Contact Emily Herrington at eherrington@lsureveille.com

Users have access to privacy options, limiting who can post on their walls and who can view the content they post. The new Timeline feature also allows users to remove past content they don’t want people to see. External websites that ask users to log in with Facebook and internal Facebook applications are often used to target advertisements and collect personal data.

Google+ Social Search shows users relevant results from their Google+ circles when searching through Google. In theory, nothing that was previously private will become public, but users should be aware that things previously forgotten could be dredged back up.

wednesday february 8 thursday february 9

Yonder Mountain String Band

Amazon uses information from previously viewed and purchased items to notify customers about deals that may interest them. In addition, it collects information about purchases and provides this to “co-branded” companies like Macy’s to create targeted advertising. As always, users should be wary of scams and check the feedback on sellers’ profiles before purchasing. Using a PayPal account instead of paying direct with a credit card can help prevent identity theft.

Early show! Two sets!

Doors 8 Show 9

Like most social networking services, Twitter gathers data from users to create targeted advertising. Twitter collects information about any links, videos and hashtags posted in a tweet, as well as observing which ads users view and click through. Tweets can be kept private, allowing only a user’s followers to view them.

wednesday february 

Body found on UTPA campus

Friday February 

an acoustic performance

GABE HERNANDEZ / The Associated Press

University of Texas-Pan American Assistant Police Chief James Loya talks to the media Monday after a woman’s body was found on the campus in Edinburg, Texas.

tuesday march 6

Eli Young Band

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Sports

Bridgewater to follow in brother’s footsteps?

Dual-sport, three-star, legacy recruit lists LSU among top three options Chris Abshire Sports Writer

Episcopal High junior Brian Bridgewater rarely stops smiling.

“I’m a laid-back guy,” the 6-foot-5, 230-pound power forward said. “Laughing is just a natural thing for me. That brings out my smile.”

Then again, the three-star recruit doesn’t have much reason to frown.

Bridgewater is one of the class of 2013’s top20 power forwards and has blossomed into a versatile, dominant force on the hardwood this winter.

“Brian is probably the best player I’ve coached,” said Episcopal coach Chris Beckman.

“He’s undervalued on all the recruiting sites. He can play inside and out on the wing. That combination is rare at his age.”

Bridgewater revealed that Arizona, Oklahoma and LSU are his current top three schools.

AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille

Brian Bridgewater, Episcopal Knights junior forward, dribbles Jan. 31 at a game against Northeast High School. Bridgewater is considering attending LSU, Arizona or Oklahoma.

Naturally, LSU has shown heavy interest in the forward with a tight end’s build, given his hometown ties.

But the Tiger connection runs even deeper.

Bridgewater’s older brother, Brad Bridgewater, donned purple and gold from 1998 to 2003.

The elder Bridgewater, a 6-foot-8 forward, never reached his high potential as a Tiger, largely because of a torn ACL he suffered prior to his junior season. He averaged 3.7 points per game in his career.

But the younger brother said his family ties give LSU no leg up in landing him.

“Not at all,” he said. “A lot of people might think that, but I don’t want to be tied to a legacy, necessarily. I want my own path.”

Coaches and teammates said Bridgewater would likely choose Arizona if he had to decide immediately.

Bridgewater also took up football for the first time last fall, lining up as a tight end and slot receiver.

“Football is real fun,” he said, laughing. “On the first day of practice, I got hit going across the middle. That was a wake-up call for me.”

Vincent Dellocono, Brian’s three-year running mate as the Knights point guard and Episcopal quarterback, said Bridgewater’s athleticism made him a difficult guard on the gridiron.

“At first, you could tell he was raw,” Dellocono said. “But his progression was insane. He was incredible by the end of the year. As a quarterback, it was a lot of fun to throw to him.”

BRIDGEWATER, see page 8

page 5

RECRUITING

LSU adds 3 commits following Junior Day Hunter Paniagua Sports Writer

When junior recruit Jeryl Brazil arrived in Baton Rouge on Saturday, he was the only member of the LSU class of 2013.

By the time he left, he had some company.

The LSU coaching staff hosted its annual Junior Day on Saturday, in which several top junior recruits were invited to visit campus. Coaches met with players and extended scholarship offers.

Brazil said he spent the day taking tours of the campus with fellow recruit Rickey Jefferson, younger brother of former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

“It was fun getting to meet everybody,” Brazil said. “I talked to a lot of the recruits while I was there and got their numbers so I can get to know them.”

It didn’t take long for the occasion to pay off as LSU added two commitments Saturday and another Monday.

Tre’Davious White and Chuck Baker made their commitments after meeting with LSU coach Les Miles during Junior Day. Jeremy Cutrer added his name to the class Monday after receiving a scholarship offer Saturday.

Baker became the second member of LSU’s recruiting class. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder played wide receiver and cornerback for Salmen, catching 37 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns during his junior season.

“Coach Miles told me I could commit any time I wanted to,” Baker told The Times-Picayune. “[LSU] is a very good school. It’s a place where I can go and realize my dreams.”

Hours later, White made his pledge to Miles and became the second recruit to join the LSU class during Junior Day. White hails from Green Oaks in Shreveport and could play either offense or defense at the college level.

The 6-foot athlete received a scholarship offer after attending the “Boys from the Boot” junior camp in January.

“When I came down last time, there were some places I didn’t get to see,” White told Rivals.com. “I wanted to soak everything in on my first visit, but this time, I was prepared for it. When I woke up [Saturday] morning, [committing] was the first thing on my mind.”

LSU’s latest addition came Monday when Cutrer, a 6-foot-3 safety from Kentwood, announced his commitment to the Tigers.

For Brazil, the class he started when he committed to LSU over the summer is piecing together nicely.

“We’re going to have a strong class by the end of it,” Brazil said. “Hopefully we get some of these other top prospects to commit.”

Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

page 6

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Manning steals Brady’s magic in Super Bowl XLVI victory MIC’D UP Micah Bedard Sports Columnist New England quarterback Tom Brady dropped back, slipped a tackle and fired a long bomb downfield.

As the ball soared through the air, it looked identical to the last time the Patriots and New York Giants met in Super Bowl XLII, when Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed a pass to wide receiver David Tyree’s helmet.

The bad news for the Patriots — the pass didn’t end the same way it did for the Giants in ’08.

Substitute teacher-turnedGiants starting middle linebacker Chase Blackburn picked off Brady, who was eyeing tight end Rob Gronkowski deep in New York territory.

New York showed glimpses of their last Super Bowl win, as Manning once again methodically drove down the field for the go-ahead touchdown late in the game.

New England coach Bill Belichick let Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw score from six yards out with 57 seconds, left thinking that was more than enough time for Brady to lead a drive for the ages down the field for the go-ahead touchdown.

His thinking didn’t pan out.

Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez dropped two passes, and Brady’s Hail Mary on the last play fell just short of Gronkowski’s outstretched arms in the end zone as the Giants celebrated

their second Super Bowl win in five seasons.

Missed opportunities were the story of the game for the Patriots.

Wes Welker dropped a pass from Brady late in the fourth quarter that could’ve led to a score. But the pass wasn’t the greatest, and blame should not be placed solely on Welker.

Once again, Giants coach Tom Coughlin got the best of Belichick and deserves credit for leading this team to another miraculous playoff run.

It should be noted that Coughlin drove his team to win in the playoffs and on the road in Green Bay and San Francisco.

But the biggest praise for the Giants’ triumph over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI goes to Manning.

The playoff magic that Brady possessed earlier in his career is now Manning’s. In his last two playoffs, Manning threw only two interceptions.

Skeptics can talk all they want about Manning’s inconsistent play during the season, but there’s no denying he’s one of the clutchest performers in all of sports.

Instead of the media focusing on Eli the week before the game, Peyton was the talk of the town.

I have no doubt Peyton was upset that, leading up to perhaps the biggest game of Eli’s career, little brother wasn’t getting the attention he deserved.

After his performance Sunday, the media probably won’t leave Eli alone for the next

GYMNASTICS Top 25 gymnastics teams Team: 1. Utah 2. Alabama 3. Arkansas 4. Florida 5. Oklahoma 6. Georgia 7. UCLA 8. Nebraska 9. Oregon State 10. Penn State 11. Ohio State 12. Stanford 13. Auburn 14. LSU 15. Boise State 16. Arizona 17. Denver 18. Missouri 19. Illinois 20. Washington 21. North Carolina State 22. Michigan 23. Iowa 24. West Virginia 25. Arizona State

Season Average: 197.031 196.675 196.667 196.630 196.613 196.605 196.435 196.113 196.031 195.855 195.530 195.450 195.245 195.145 194.963 194.938 194.920 194.915 194.800 194.480 194.445 194.381 194.375 194.365 194.114 information courtesy of GYMINFO

ERIC GAY / The Associated Press

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (left) and teammate Justin Tuck (right) celebrate Sunday after their team’s 21-17 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

couple of weeks.

It’s way too soon to say he’s a Hall of Fame lock or he’s a better quarterback than Brady or Peyton.

But, Eli still has a shot to go down as one of the best winners in NFL history. The Giants have a young, solid offensive core for the future, and the team’s

defensive front is one of the best in the league.

It’s comical that both Manning and Coughlin were doubted earlier in the season and some considered they might be on their way out of New York.

Both can relax now as the Big Apple will most likely be the place they spend their impressive

There is only one way to settle this case.

With higher scores.

Guaranteed.* Use promo code BATGR$15012REV and take $150 off a classroom course.

Hyperlearning LSAT courses for the June exam start February 25th.

When you’re ready for the next step, Call 800- 2Review (800-273-8439) or visit princetonreview.com today.

LSAT

®

Private Tutoring, Small Group Instruction, Classroom and Online Courses. $150 discount is valid only on new enrollments. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. princetonreview.com/guarantee for details. LSAT is a registered trademark of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which is not afliated with The Princeton Review. The Princeton Review is not afliated with Princeton University. *

*Visit

NFL careers.

Micah Bedard is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Houma. Follow him on Twitter @DardDog. Contact Micah Bedard at mbedard@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

RECRUITMENT

page 7

LSU coaches prepare for talented 2013 class of prospects Ian Fontenot Sports Contributor

After a 2012 recruiting class that saw 14 Louisiana prospects sign with the Tigers and four of the top five leave the Pelican State, LSU coach Les Miles made a pledge to bring in more homegrown talent.

According to Bayou Bengals Insider publisher Derek Ponamsky, Miles and his staff will have a bountiful crop of Louisiana products to harvest over the next year.

“2013 in Louisiana is going to be pretty good,” Ponamsky said. “There’s a lot of guys that

are really good athletes that are developing into better football players.”

LSU has already laid the groundwork for its 2013 recruiting class by picking up four commitments, all residing in Louisiana.

Loranger defensive back Jeryl Brazil became LSU’s first commit for 2013 when he pledged to the purple and gold on July 20, 2011.

Last weekend, LSU made more progress by gaining verbal commitments from Green Oaks’ Tre’Davious White, Salmen wide receiver Chuck Baker and Jewel Sumner safety Jeremy Cutrer following Junior Day in

Baton Rouge.

The LSU staff has also made more offers to several other Louisiana recruits.

Rickey Jefferson, brother of former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, is among those currently with a scholarship offer from the Tigers. The Destrehan wide receiver’s versatility makes him one of the most prominent names in the 2013 Louisiana class.

LSU is also targeting instate athletes such as John Diarse of Neville, who helped lead his school to a 4A State Championship victory last December. Diarse and Jefferson, along with Kendall

Beckwith of East Feliciana, look to be among the most coveted uncommitted athletes in the Bayou State.

Barbe tight end DeSean Smith is also one of the big names in Louisiana to receive an offer from LSU. “If you look at John Diarse and DeSean Smith and some of the other bigger-name guys, you realize that Louisiana does have a lot of guys that are going to get nationally recruited,” Ponamsky said.

University High defensive end Tim Williams also recieved an offer from LSU. The 6-foot-4

pass rusher joins Denham Springs defensive tackle Tevin Lawson as possible Baton Rouge area natives who could become Tigers.

Edna Karr High School in New Orleans continues to appear on LSU’s radar. After the 2012 signing of offensive tackle Derek Edinburgh, tight end Standish Dobard, who currently has an LSU offer, attended LSU’s Junior Day with his teammate, cornerback Noel Ellis last weekend.

Contact Ian Fontenot at ifontenot@lsureveille.com

NBA

Cousins leads Kings back against Hornets, 100-92 Brett Martel

The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — DeMarcus Cousins had 28 points and 19 rebounds, and the Sacramento Kings erased an 18-point deficit en route to a 100-92 victory over the slumping New Orleans Hornets on Monday night.

Tyreke Evans scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, when Sacramento took its first lead on Marcus Thornton’s free throw with 6:24 left. Isaiah Thomas scored 17, including a 31-footer with 2:15 to go that gave the Kings a 94-88 lead.

Thornton added 12 points.

Greivis Vasquez tied a season high with 20 points and Marco Belinelli scored 18 points for New Orleans, which has lost six straight. Emeka Okafor scored a season-high 19 points and Chris Kaman added 10 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in his return from a weeklong absence while the Hornets tried to trade him.

Cousins scored 12 of his points in the third quarter as the Kings trimmed its deficit from 13 at the half down to five at 72-67.

Belinelli responded with a jumper and Vasquez went baseline-to-baseline at the horn to

give the Hornets a 78-69 lead heading into the final period, but it was not nearly enough.

Cousins’ driving reverse layup as he was fouled by Kaman ignited a 12-2 run to open the fourth quarter. Evans followed Cousins three-point play with nine straight points of his own — all on drives to the hoop, once as he was fouled.

New Orleans was able to tie it at 86 on Trevor Ariza’s fastbreak layup, but Thornton, who had struggled most of the game and finished 3 of 12 shooting, came back with a 3 to give Sacramento the lead for good.

Sacramento finished shooting 47 percent (37 of 78), while New Orleans shot 42 percent (34 of 81) after making only 26 percent (6 of 23) during the fourth quarter.

The Hornets hit 11 of 22 shots in the first quarter and had an early 14-point lead when Belinelli hit his second 3 on a kickout from Kaman to make it 27-13.

The play gave Belinelli 10 points as he joined Okafor (11 points) as a double-digit scorer in the opening period.

The Kings cut their deficit to six points with a 12-4 run capped

by Jimmer Fredette’s 3, but the Hornets pulled away again.

BILL HABER / The Associated Press

Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) goes to the basket Monday during the first half the game against the New Orleans Hornets. The Kings won, 100-92.

Reserve guard Xavier Henry, playing in only his fifth game this season, doubled his previous season high in scoring with eight straight points, including a floater in the lane as he was fouled and a fast-break layup that he initiated

with a steal. Vasquez finished off an 11-0 run with a turnaround from the baseline as he was fouled, making it 43-27.

New Orleans’ lead got as large as 52-34 before the Kings trimmed it down to 52-39 on

Cousins’ layup that narrowly beat the halftime horn.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

page 8

NFL

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Southern University dance team performs at Super Bowl Members sworn to secrecy before game The Associated Press

(AP) — Southern University’s Dancing Dolls had an experience of a lifetime — and they can thank YouTube for it.

The dance team performed in Sunday’s halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI with pop music icon Madonna. The Advocate reported Monday that Madonna discovered the young women after watching a video of one of their performances on the popular website.

“It goes to show the power of YouTube,” said Southern University band director Lawrence Jackson.

This year’s game attracted more than 111 million viewers. Jackson

said the performance was the first for In a telephone interview after the Dancing Dolls at the Super Bowl, the show, Smith said they felt perwhich the New York Giants won 21- fectly comfortable before they went 17 over the New England Patriots. on stage and during the performance.

Kayla Smith, the “Once [Madonna] did all Dolls’ captain, said her tricks in the show, we knew ‘They’re a Madonna told her that all we had to do was go out and positive one of her personal do our best,” she said. trainers found the representative The Southern University for the troupe while searching Band Department, which overfor dancers on Youuniversity, sees the Dancing Dolls, will reTube. She and another ceive a payment for the Dolls’ and we’re member, April Rollperformance, Jackson said. He ins, flew to New York excited about declined to reveal how much. their talents in early December to The Dolls normally have meet with the pop star.

11 members, but Madonna being “We thought we recognized.’ needed at least 20 dancers. So were actually going to the group recruited nine other James Llorens students for the performance, be learning something, Southern University but when we got there, Southern University spokesman chancellor they wanted April and Edward Pratt said.

I to teach them something,” Smith Jackson said Super Bowl halfsaid. “We were like, ‘Oh wow, you time show representatives conwant our choreography?’” tacted him about possibly inviting

Bridgewater said he has used his AAU trips with the Houston Hoops Bridgewater said he wants to fo- and this junior season to sharpen a cus on one sport — likely basketball perimeter game.

— but LSU is pursuing him hard as a “I’m being recruited a lot as a possible dual-sport signee. [small forward],” he said. “ I’m pracUnselfish to a fault on the floor ticing my ball handling and shooting and amicable off it, Bridgewater is from the outside every day. I need to an ideal teammate, according to his expand my game.” peers and coaches.

With coaches “Brian is calling him weekly, ‘I don’t want to be tied texting him daily humble [and] doesn’t have a to a legacy, necessarily. and sending him big head,” Beckletters, the pressure man said. “Those I want my own path.’ on Bridgewater as a guys in the locker sought-after recruit Brian Bridgewater room wouldn’t let ramps up with each Episcopal High junior forward him. He certainly school that expressdoesn’t bring all the es interest. arrogance and baggage superstars in The 17-year-old said he has high school usually have.” taken a few pointers from his older The primary critiques of Bridge- brother on how to handle the process. water’s game include being under“I get some tips from Brad, sized for a power forward and the things like, what to look for in a lack of a consistent mid-range game. coach,” Brian said. “I don’t get to

BRIDGEWATER, from page 5

AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille

Brian Bridgewater, Episcopal junior forward, dunks the ball Jan. 31 at a game against Northeast High School. Bridgewater has also dabbled in football.

talk with him much, though, since he’s still in Australia playing pro ball.”

While the younger Bridgewater said he will play no favorites with the Tigers in his recruitment, the junior acknowledged that LSU does hold a special appeal.

“I remember going to a lot of games in the PMAC and getting to see guys like Jabari Smith and Stromile [Swift] throw it down,” he said.

“Those were some fun times. I’ll always love LSU, whether I end up there or not. It’s like home.”

Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com

the Dancing Dolls shortly after November’s Bayou Classic, the annual football game between Southern and Grambling State.

The university had to keep quiet about the performance because of a confidentiality agreement with the NFL, Pratt said.

“This is an amazing event for our students, and we were bursting at the seams to try to say something,” Pratt said.

James Rollins, April Rollins’ father, was just as frustrated about keeping the secret. He said his daughter finally told him she was performing at the Super Bowl after she had been flying back and forth from New York to work with Madonna.

“Here she is dancing on the biggest stage, and I can’t tell anybody,” James Rollins said.

Many students watched the performance during a Super Bowl party

held on Southern University’s campus. Once the red-and-white dressed team popped onto the stage with Madonna, cheers erupted throughout the room.

Southern Chancellor James Llorens said the invitation is a testament to the hard work and reputations of both the Dancing Dolls and Southern’s marching band, the Human Jukebox.

“They’re a positive representative for the university, and we’re excited about their talents being recognized,” he said.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

Entertainment

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

page 9

Madonna continues world domination

photos by AMY BROUSSARD, CATHERINE THRELKELD, XERXES A. WILSON and MARIAH POSTLETHWAITE / The Daily Reveille

[Clockwise from top left] Kinesiology junior Raven Atkins, theatre senior Charlotte Raphael, psychology freshman Chelsie Draughter and anthropology sophomore Kaylah Paige choose to wear their hair naturally.

Going Natural

African-American women embrace their natural hair textures

It’s been two years since Kaylah Paige decided to become mainstream. Celebrities such as Solange Knowles chop her hair off. and actress Kim Coles have attracted attention for their The anthropology sophomore said she felt intense natural hairstyles and their promotion of natural hair. anxiety as she faced the daunting task, Going natural is the process of Raylea Barrow but felt proud afterward, looking into the growing out natural Afro-textured hair mirror and seeing nothing but her natural to rid the hair of ends that have been Entertainment Writer self. chemically relaxed or straightened, ac“I was so happy,” Paige said. “The smile was plas- cording to Mirelle Liong-A-Kong, author of “Going Nattered to my face.” ural: How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair.”

Paige is one of many other African-American and Kong said African-American women’s desire to have Afro-Caribbean women who are making changes to their hair through the “natural movement” that has recently HAIR, see page 11

Giveaway: Win a copy of Mirelle Liong-AKong’s book “Going Natural” and products from her natural hair care line. Enter on The Daily Reveille’s Facebook page.

One-name wonder Madonna — one of the most innovative, provocative and culturally relevant entertainers of our time — dazzled an audience of 111.3 million Sunday night with a visually stunning spectacular at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Probably the most shocking part was that nothing shocking happened. The Material Girl was relatively uncontroversial during a 13-minute set that concluded with a RYAN BUXTON rendition of Associate “Like A Prayer,” Managing Editor backed by Cee Lo Green and a gospel choir. It was certifiably tame compared to the burning crosses of the song’s 1989 music video, which drew ire from the pope himself.

The closest to scandalous the show came was when guest star M.I.A. flipped the bird to the camera. The gesture was quick enough for most viewers to miss it, yet media outlets eager for halftime controversy gave M.I.A. the attention she wanted, prompting a response from the NFL that said the “obscene gesture” was “completely inappropriate [and] very disappointing.”

MADONNA, see page 11

RESTAURANT

North Gate Tavern now serving food Old bar looks to attract college crowd David Jones Entertainment Writer

North Gate Tavern’s newest owner plans to teach an old bar new tricks.

The West Chimes Street establishment is under new management, was recently remodeled and is now serving food.

Dusty Cooper, owner and chef at North Gate Tavern, said the bar suffered an “identity crisis” and was devalued by the neglect of its previous owners and the rough crowd that

frequented the bar. Cooper said she decided to serve food and change the restaurant’s decor to appeal to a new clientele, specifically University students.

“It hasn’t been a student hangout for quite some time.” Cooper said. “You can look out the window and see LSU’s campus. There’s no reason why it’s not packed with students.”

Cooper started her career as a professional cook, working with renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck and Ben Ford. She said she plans to use her culinary skills by putting a unique spin on classic dishes and serving them at affordable prices.

“This place hasn’t had food for 15 years. I had to do something that

would create buzz,” Cooper said.

Buffalo chicken wontons, a grilled mac-and-cheese sandwich and fish tacos are a few attentiongrabbing dishes on Cooper’s menu, which she finalized Friday.

Cooper, who bought the bar around June, said she also hired all new workers.

The tavern’s bartender, Baton Rouge Community College digital arts junior Jo Schott, said students are receptive of the changes at the bar. She said the tavern’s mission to cater to a different crowd is being realized, as fraternity and sorority exchanges are scheduled for the future.

Morgan Kerns, University NORTH GATE, see page 11

AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille

North Gate Tavern serves everything from bacon cheeseburgers to Thai lettuce wraps, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The West Chimes Street bar finalized its new menu Friday.

The Daily Reveille

page 10

LITERATURE

University to host Dickens film festival

but they provide great material for movies,” Hollyfield said.

The films will be accompaToday marks accomplished nied by discussions about their author Charles Dickens’ 200th relevance in and effect upon tobirthday, and the University is day’s culture. University profesready to celebrate. sors, members of the Baton Rouge The University will hold a AIDS Society and other guest semester-long film speakers will make festival to showcase All events will be appearances to higha couple screen adlight the many simiaptations of Dickens’ held in Coates Hall, larities between ideas work each month. The room 143 at 6 p.m. presented in the movfestival, which began ies and contemporary Monday, will run un- Feb. 13 – David Lean’s culture. til April 16 and is free “We want to con“Great Expectations” to attend. nect the allegories Postdoctoral fel- Feb. 27 – Carol Reed, to issues in Baton low and event orga- “Oliver” Rouge as well as innizer Jerod Hollyfield March 12 – Alfonso Cua- ternational communisaid the event will ties,” Hollyfield said. celebrate Dickens’ en- ron’s “Great Expectations” Director David during body of work. April 2 – Roman PolanLean’s 1946 adapta“We want to ski’s “Oliver Twist” tion of “Great Expecraise awareness about April 16 – George Cukor’s tations” will play the Dickens and show night of Feb. 13 and, how his work has “David Copperfield” according to Hollybeen interpreted over field, the date was not the last 70 years,” Hollyfield said. chosen by accident.

Hollyfield said the festival — “The film had a big influence sponsored by the University’s De- on scary movies to come. It’s ropartment of English, international mantic and gothic – a good movie studies program and program in to attend with your valentine,” film and media arts — will feature Hollyfield said. film adaptations, rather than Dickens’ literature, in order to make the material more accessible.

“Dickens’ books are a bit long Contact Josh Naquin at for events like marathon readings, jnaquin@lsureveille.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

ON THE LOOSE

Josh Naquin

Entertainment Writer

ENTERTAINMENT BRIEF

Tom Cruise movie headed for Louisiana The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Universal Pictures is returning to the Bayou State next month for its next big project — an action thriller with sci-fi elements and starring Tom Cruise.

The name of the project and other details are under wraps, but one thing Universal executives are willing to say: Louisiana has served them well when it comes to making movies.

Louisiana was the filming site of such Universal projects as 2005’s “The Skeleton Key” with Kate Hudson; 2009’s “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” with John C. Reilly and Salma Hayek; the now-showing action film “Contraband” starring Mark Wahlberg; and the sci-fi action film “Battleship,” which is due out in theaters on May 18.

“It is a wonderful place to make films,” said Andrew Fenady, Universal’s president of physical production, who oversees all aspects of physical production, including budgeting, scheduling, hiring crews and managing dayto-day operations.

Filming on the untitled Tom Cruise project is set to begin mid-March in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Fenady said. The film will co-star actresses Andrea Riseborough and Olga Kurylenko.

Filming will last a little more than a month in Baton Rouge and just under two weeks in New Orleans.

It won’t be Cruise’s first time working in Louisiana, but it will be the “Mission Impossible” star’s first time back for film work in a while. Cruise starred with Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst in 1994’s “Interview with a Vampire,” which was filmed in New Orleans and other parts of south Louisiana.

Cruise will be joining a growing list of A-list actors working in Louisiana this year.

Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley are expected to arrive next month for the filming of “Ender’s Game,” an adaptation by Summit Entertainment of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel of the same name.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at entertainment@lsureveille.com

reporting by RAYLEA BARROW; photo by BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

Cast members of the “Eiffel Tower: Revisited” lab play promoted the coming event using peculiar methods Monday afternoon in the Quad.

At 1:40 p.m., cast member Stephen Horne searched for his missing ostrich, Sarah Patin, above, who wore an ostrich head as a hat and ran around the Quad among confused students.

Theatre performance sophomore Matthew Reed is cast as the “Eiffel Tower: Revisited” bellboy. He handed out fliers while Patin ran loose.

“It’s a postmodern play that deals with social media. It’s a surrealist play,” Reed said.

Logan Delabarre-Hays, international studies and political science sophomore, a Quad bystander, thought the stunt was an interesting form of advertisement.

“Maybe I will go see it. I like surrealist work,” Hays said. “I have gone to a couple of lab shows and I liked them.”

“Eiffel Tower: Revisited” opens today and runs until Feb. 11 in the Studio Theatre. Tickets are available at the door for $10.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 HAIR, from page 9

straight hair has become so deeprooted in popular culture that women will go beyond hair damage to get it.

“When I look back at the ’60s, afros dominated the hair and fashion world,” Kong said. “After the civil rights movement, people had to go back to work and make their career.”

That’s when relaxers and the straight-hair look became popular.

Paige made the decision to go natural in the fall semester of her freshman year and styled her hair in braids to allow her natural roots to grow. After 12 years of relaxers, she said she felt out of place and struggled with self-confidence issues deeper than her hair, like not fitting the stereotypical “black girl” mold.

“I felt weird,” Paige said. “I felt like embracing my uniqueness and

MADONNA, from page 9

The split-second snafu served as a reminder of the controversial, press-baiting ways one might have expected from Madonna. The only difference is that Madonna’s outlandish behavior usually comes with at least a hint of a deeper message, while M.I.A. was likely just rebelling against compromising her status as an edgy, challenging musician by becoming a choreographed cheerleader beside the world’s most successful pop star.

But try as M.I.A. might to grab headlines, the focus was undeniably on Madonna in one of the biggest performances of her 29-year career. She wore the spotlight well, delivering one of the most exciting Super Bowl performances in recent memory and adding yet another notch to her bedpost of high-profile pop culture moments.

From the moment she rolled around the stage of the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards in a wedding dress as she sang “Like a Virgin,”

NORTH GATE, from page 9

microbiology alumnus, said she is disappointed by the changes in the bar since it was one of the few places that provided an alternative scene in Baton Rouge.

“We have an entire area dedicated to frats and sororities.” Kerns said. “It makes me sad that they are going in that direction.”

Peter Garibaldi, vocal performance sophomore and bouncer at the tavern, said the changes at the restaurant are not meant to ostracize a specific group of people and could possibly attract a more diverse crowd.

“It’s not some run-of-the-mill college bar.” Garibaldi said. “It’s not that stereotypical, homogenous group of college people. You can have frat guys hanging out with metal guys here.”

North Gate Tavern originally served as a venue for local musicians and live bands. Although she stopped booking bands for a period of time, Cooper said she plans to continue the tradition of live music at the bar.

Local band Bravo Charlie, who had played at the tavern before, performed a 30-song set Friday night, and band members said they still enjoyed performing at the venue.

Joshua Cartmill, animal science alumnus and guitarist for the band, said the new additions to North Gate Tavern increased the venue’s

my weirdness.”

Once Paige went natural, she felt like she joined a community without even trying. She described the awesome feeling of seeing another woman on campus with natural hair.

Kong created a website, GoingNatural.com, to help women connect and give advice to one another during the process, especially women who meet negative feedback.

“There is nothing wrong with the straight look,” Kong said. “The difficult thing is dealing with natural hair itself. [African-American women] have been alienated from it.”

Business sophomore Jasmine Lamotte also stopped relaxer treatments and is currently transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. She said it’s a major adjustment, but her family is supportive.

Madonna secured a place in our cultural consciousness unrivaled by just about anyone in the last three decades.

And she’s never lost her touch.

She sold more than 1.5 million copies of her 1992 coffee table book, “Sex,” which featured nude photos of the singer. She raised questions about censorship when she appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in 1994, smoking a cigar and uttering the F-word 13 times on air. She upstaged pretty much everyone at the 2003 VMAs through the kiss heard ‘round the world with Britney Spears.

And just last month she lit up the blogosphere merely by calling Lady Gaga “reductive” during an interview with “20/20,” sending thousands to look up the word’s definition and landing Madonna on the front page of the MerriamWebster website.

So it’s understandable that one might expect something scintillating when such a provocateur takes television’s biggest stage. Instead,

The Daily Reveille “In the beginning, [transitioning] can be hard because you don’t know how to deal with your hair.

Your family members and society may not accept you for it,” Lamotte said. “Also, with job interviews, they may think you look unprofessional because your hair is not straight.”

African-American studies professor Stephen Finley said many black women face obstacles stemming from a racial hierarchy.

“All people in America — native born or immigrant — are socialized into a system of white privilege that ranks bodies based upon color and race,” Finley said in an e-mail.

Finley said black hair represents both the pressure to conform to white standards of beauty that have become the norm over centuries into a hierarchy of beauty.

“African-American hair is a

the controversy-free show was a far cry from the 2004 “wardrobe malfunction” that made Janet Jackson a mortal enemy of the FCC. But we couldn’t have expected as much after her interview with Jay Leno last week.

“For sure no nipples,” Madonna told the late night host. “I don’t like to repeat myself.”

Her Super Bowl performance, which was generally praised by critics and fans (fittingly, considering she did cartwheels in stilettos at age 53), takes Madonna one step further on her path to world domination.

Hitting it out of the park on the biggest TV show of the year is only the most recent milestone for Madge. She’s also sold more than 300 million records worldwide and won seven Grammys and two Golden Globe awards.

Beyond that, she will forever be an icon of sexual liberation, free

page 11 symbol, just as bodies are. Bodies represent social systems, and they take on and carry meaning that mirrors pressures of given collective cultures,” he said.

LHDC-TV, also known as “Long Hair Don’t Care,” is a YouTube channel produced by Nik Scott, who began a personal blog in 2008 to document her natural hair journey.

Scott said it’s been less than a year since she went natural, and she experienced a failed transition when she stopped growing out her natural roots and used a relaxer again. After speaking with a co-worker on embracing culture, she questioned the point of pride in embracing Afrotextured hair.

“Women relax their hair because that’s what is acceptable and comfortable. It’s like a right of passage,” Scott said. “With my failed attempt,

my mind was not transitioned.”

Scott predicts natural hair will be a trend in 2012, depending on each woman’s reasons for going natural, because it is an extension of a woman’s personality.

“My daughter, my sister, and my mother — none of us have the same kind of hair.” Scott said.

Paige used to feel torn down from the smallest snide remark from family members on her decision to go natural, but now she thinks natural hair is beautiful and advises women considering the natural look to go for it.

“I had to remember that I did it for me,” Paige said.

Contact Raylea Barrow at rbarrow@lsureveille.com

MATT SLOCUM / The Associated Press

Madonna performs Sunday during halftime of the Super Bowl XLVI game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots in Indianapolis.

speech and reinvention. Over-thetop pop starlets of today owe their very existence to Madonna, whose career reads like a how-to guide for an unapologetic rise to international superstardom.

And with a new album,

“MDNA,” slated for a March release, 2012 looks like yet another year of Madominance.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

potential as a source for live local music in the community.

“It’s non-smoking inside now and a lot more pleasurable experience than a smoky dive bar.” Cartmill said.

The changes will attract the young professional crowd, which is the majority of the band’s fan base, Cartmill also said.

Cooper said there are more than 100 projects — from patio renovations to electrical work — required to finish the renovation, but she plans to have them completed by the end of 2012.

“It’s a slow process.” Cooper said. “We’re making some money and spending some until the place gets where it needs to be.”

Contact David Jones at djones@lsureveille.com

2012-13 Campus Housing Contract Renewal Reserve a space in the apartments: February 13-15, 2012 Reserve a space in the residence halls: February 27-March 1, 2012

www.lsu.edu/housing

The Daily Reveille

Opinion

page 12

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The times, they are a-changing As Facebook Timeline becomes universal and the company goes public, users’ complaints will soon dissipate PRESS X TO NOT DIE

Adam Arinder Columnist Facebook is about to make another big change.

I know it was only last week when it was announced that the new Timeline feature will become mandatory for all users — I’m still seeing complaints on my news feed about it — but Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg are making headlines again.

This new change isn’t one people will be able to see on their Facebook page. No, this change is one people will see in their daily stock reports.

That’s right — Facebook is going public.

Announced last week, Zuckerberg and crew are trying to raise $5 billion, Facebook’s initial public offering, before it hits the stock market sometime around May. The social network is estimated to be worth between $75 and $100 billion, experts say.

If you’re looking for advice on whether or not to invest in your favorite procrastination tool, prepare to be disappointed — that isn’t my specialty.

Instead, we’re going to focus on a letter Zuckerberg wrote to potential investors about Facebook and the direction the site is going as he opens the door to the country’s largest social network.

With almost 850 million users,

WEB COMMENTS

As usual, our website, lsureveille. com, has been absolutely buzzing with reader comments. Check it out today, and let your voice be heard.

In reference to the Feb. 1 article, “Brother Jed grabs student attention with controversial evangelism,” readers had this to say: “First of all I commend Ms. Reed for saying, ‘We have no official policies about the plaza. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is the only policy

it’s hard to make everyone happy.

What Zuckerberg wants to do, however, is make the best service he can for all of his followers, no matter what it takes, he says in his letter.

Zuckerberg explains how he and his workers are not only constantly innovating the website, but are always trying to improve its features for users. He’s not afraid of messing things up if it means improving his business.

This business ideology is what he wants his investors to see when they decide to own a piece of the network. Facebook’s main goal, according to Zuckerberg, is “to strengthen how people relate to each other.”

It seems in the short eight years the website has existed, Facebook has succeeded in that goal — and so much more.

Everyone’s life is voluntarily out there on the Internet via a social networking site. This thought was completely unfathomable 20 years ago. Now this formerly closed society is about to be open to the public, and that can be a bit scary.

Many old-school investors and businessmen may not be a fan of Zuckerberg’s carefree attitude toward running his company.

His motto, “move fast and break things,” greatly differs from the companies he speaks of in his letter, which he says slow down because they’re afraid of making mistakes and losing business. Zuckerberg writes that the only way to move forward is to be bold and take risks, even if that means making a

few mistakes on the way.

“The riskiest thing is to take no risks,” he says in his letter.

While some may not agree with Zuckerberg’s way of doing things, there’s no denying his success. Going from coding in his Harvard dorm to being the face of a possible $100 billion business is no mistake.

It’ll be a tough pill for some people to swallow, but like most aesthetic changes to the site itself,

people will get used to it and learn to accept it.

It’s a big leap for Facebook to make, and as Zuckerberg said in his letter, there will be more changes to come — and we know how much people love change.

But it’s this change that’s brought us things like Facebook chat, video and Timeline, so by Zuckerberg opening up like this it makes me more confident in what

he’s doing for his company, his brand and America’s favorite time killer.

we need.’ This position is not typical among administrators; most of them seem to think they need a policy on virtually everything, especially when it comes to regulating speech.

I need to correct a few inaccuracies in this article. I was not speaking against the bikini underwear — that was my associate, Sister Pat. And to clarify my position on the pre-martial kissing, any action that stirs up one’s passions before marriage is sinful.

If one’s passions are not stirred by a prolonged kiss on the lips, then it is not much of a kiss.

I did not say, nor do I believe,

that most “students are logical, smart and capable of their own thoughts.”

Few of them know the laws of logic; much less do they apply them in their dialogue with me. Most students merely emote against the claims of Christianity. They are more likely to be smart alecks instead of actually being smart.

Also, I said the skeptics have succeeded in putting most Christians on the defensive, not offensive. My team is different because we put the unbelievers on the defensive by taking the offensive. We are spiritually militant and aggressive. Most

Christians do not know how to deal with us because they have been content to stay in their place in the back of the bus.

As for Tina Davis’ comment that I give Christians a bad name, she needs to understand that to be called a Christian in the first century was a pejorative term. The problem is that most Christians want to be accepted by the world. Jesus, on the other hand, was ‘despised and rejected of men,’ according to the Scriptures.

Jesus said unto his brethren, ‘The world cannot hate you: but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the

works thereof are evil.’ - John 7:7.

Has Ms. Adkins never hear of ‘the offense of the cross?’ - Galatians 5:11. St. Paul said, ‘We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness.’ - 1 Corinthians 1:23. The only thing I am threatening the students with is Hell, unless they repent and believe the gospel.”

- Jed Smock

The Daily Reveille Editorial Board

Matthew Jacobs Chris Branch Ryan Buxton Bryan Stewart Andrea Gallo Clayton Crockett

Editor-in-Chief Associate Managing Editor Associate Managing Editor Managing Editor, External Media News Editor Opinion Editor

MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / The Associated Press

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talks May 26, 2010, about the social network site’s new privacy setting in Palo Alto, Calif.

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.

Adam Arinder is a 22-year-old communication studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.

Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com

Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com

Quote of the Day

“Our goal is not to build a platform; it’s to be across all of them.”

Mark Zuckerberg Facebook creator May 4, 1984 - presemt

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Opinion

page 13

Arms deal to Bahrain uncovers foreign policy hypocrisy MANUFACTURING DISCONTENT

David Scheuermann Columnist In a speech following the United States’ missile strike on Libya, President Barack Obama proclaimed a resounding call to spread the ideals of democracy around the world.

“Because wherever people long to be free, they will find a friend in the United States,” Obama said.

And in some bizarro universe, this commitment to a democratic ideal may ring true. But in reality, the United States’ support of democratic movements, especially in the Middle East, depends largely on what they offer us.

Let’s take the island nation of Bahrain as an example.

Inspired by the protests in Tunisia and Egypt, Bahraini citizens gathered on Feb. 14, 2011, in the capital city of Manama, calling for political reforms such as free, fair elections and a constitutional monarchy.

What they were met with in return was a violent crackdown by the Bahraini monarchy that began on Feb. 17, 2011, or Bloody Thursday. A month later, troops from other Persian Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were brought into the country as martial law was declared for three months.

All in all, 2,929 people were detained and 55 are believed to have been killed during the uprising as the Bahraini government cracked down on everyone from opposition activists to doctors trying to do their jobs. Midnight raids occurred in Shia neighborhoods, opposition activists “disappeared” and detainees reported being tortured by their government.

What was the response from the United States?

After initially offering stern words against the violence used against protesters, the United States decided to pursue a $53 million arms deal with Bahrain.

The kicker: After the deal was delayed by human rights concerns and congressional opposition, last week the Obama administration

found a way to go through with the sale without congressional or public oversight by exploiting a legal loophole.

By breaking down the arms package into individual sales of less than $1 million each, the Obama administration can sell anything it wants without notifying Congress.

Yet, our support to anti-democratic regimes is nothing new.

Saudi Arabia, notorious for its oppressive laws and mistreatment of minorities, is a major beneficiary of the United States. In 2010, the Obama administration signed the largest arms deal ever to a foreign nation when it agreed to sell $60 billion worth of military equipment to the country.

A more apt comparison may be our relationship with Yemen, a country which has also killed and detained protesters in its brutal crackdown on uprisings since last year. Despite the violence against Yemeni citizens, the United States never offered an action that went further than harsh words and criticisms — because Yemen allows the United States to conduct

counter-terrorism actions inside the country.

When you compare this treatment to our support for the NATO intervention in Libya and our attempts at sanctioning Syria, there is an obvious double standard and hypocrisy when the nations abusing its citizens have something to offer us.

There are political arguments for our support of anti-democratic regimes such as the Bahraini government.

The United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which is seen as a major force for combating the influence of Iran in the region, is stationed in Bahrain. Bahrain’s alliance with states such as Saudi Arabia also would have made it difficult to chastise the government without repercussions.

However, these strategies seem short term and alienating.

A Pew poll released in May 2011 revealed that, even after the Arab Spring, a great majority of the population in many Middle Eastern countries viewed the United States unfavorably. What concerned them about the United

States was “a perception that the U.S. acts unilaterally” and neglectful of their interests when making foreign policy decisions, according to the Pew Research Center.

The sad thing about that is there is no way to combat such perceptions when they are entirely accurate.

Our foreign policy in the Middle East may provide stability in the short term, but it also perpetuates animosity toward us in the region, empowers our enemies against us and makes a mockery of the democratic ideals that this country was founded on.

David Scheuermann is a 20-yearold mass communication and computer science sophomore from Kenner. Follow him on Twitter at @TDR_dscheu.

Join the conversation at blogs.lsureveille.com/opinion.

Contact David Scheuermann at dscheuermann@lsureveille.com

Comparing different majors, there is no comparison NEVER EMPTY THOUGHTS

Marie-Therese Yokum Columnist Everyone usually attends college for the same group of reasons: to enhance learning on a subject you favor, to experience the stereotyped life of parties and drinking, to get paid more than those who don’t attend or because it’s what everyone else is doing.

Just like in any environment, biases based on competition emerge.

A select group of majors, such as engineering, science and pre-med, are known for believing that they have harder tests, grading scales, courses and material to learn. Comparing grade point averages between majors isn’t possible, however, because of the heavier burdens they have to endure.

Engineering majors alone will take an average of 128 to 132 hours and are required to take calculus, physics and chemistry their first semester on campus. They are also the only college at the University with a complex flow chart outlining required courses and prerequisites needed.

Majors that don’t appear as complex from their titles — such as kinesiology, studio art or communication studies — receive the stereotype that getting a major in said fields is easy.

Studio art freshman Patrick Lebas agreed.

“People think we color in books and draw pretty pictures,” Lebas said. “We take foundation classes and go through materials

before getting to actually produce anything.”

By the time we get into college, everyone should know that prejudging anything is a mistake.

To claim certain majors are harder than others is like saying hockey is less intense than football.

Both require specialized training and teamwork — how can you say that one is harder than the other?

I was under the crazy impression that everyone understood why students are given the opportunity to select their own major in college: by making the decision to major in a field of our choice, the decision to achieve its requirements is implied.

“It’s what interests me. It’s difficult, but not overwhelming,” said animal science junior Keaton Lea. Misconceptions about majors are too easy to make. When the average person on campus hears kinesiology, he or she usually associates the major with being easy or even one undeclared majors pick for the time being.

Kinesiology junior Brittney Hampton explained that her curriculum has many different concentrations, with most students interested in physical therapy looking at grad school, where a 3.7 grade point average is the minimum. Graduate Record Examination scores and experience in the field are also considered.

“We take chemistry, anatomy and conditioning classes where not everyone is easy to work with,” Hampton said.

After discussing the topic of stigmas with students on campus, I found that most acknowledge majors like engineering are harder because of the courses required

within a semester.

I also concluded that other majors even out in challenge when it comes to other aspects like networking, portfolios and internship/experience — something that future employers look at much more intensely in majors relating to communication or art.

“The hours spent studying and completing homework are equal to the amount of time we spend with paintings and graphic design,” said studio art senior Justin Reed.

I always knew there was a reason that the design buildings were kept open practically 24 hours.

How we are taught the information needed to excel in the field of our choice is always going to be different. No need to claim that apples work harder than oranges — something that provides just as many benefits to society and is a fruit all the same.

“There will always be stigmas with anyone’s major, but if you’re passionate, that shouldn’t matter,” communication studies sophomore Bridget Bailey said.

At the end of the day, hopefully the lesson learned is that comparing majors with varying requirements is impossible

LACYE BEAUREGARD / The Daily Reveille

because the scales are not the same.

Pursuing any major in college will involve studying, while success in any field will require practice regardless.

Marie-Therese Yokum is a 19-year-old mass communication and finance sophomore from Lafayette. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_myokum.

Contact Marie-Therese Yokum at myokum@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

page 14

at 4646 Constitution Ave.

STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join!

Click On Surveys.

CHIMES EAST is hiring experienced wait staff. Please come and apply between 2-4 p.m.

225.296.4981 HELP WANTED Experienced servers/bartenders needed for catering company. PT, flexible schedule, $10+tips. Email your work experience and info to mauiwowibr@gmail.com ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM Seeking student proficient in excel and word to answer phones, file, and perform light office work. Flexible 15 - 25 hours/ week. More hours available during summer. Competitive salary. E-mail resume and available hours to humanresources@ compliance-sg.com. 225.275.5131 MARKETING/SEO INTERNSHIP 10-20 HRS/WK Social Media SEO/Marketing/Admin Motivated, energetic, and flexible Send Resume to: Em_Saunier@ yahoo.com PART-TIME COLLECTORNIGHTS Part time collector wanted for night shift. Off of Essen Lane. Will train. Email resume and availability to resume@ transfinancialco.com PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Afternoon Teachers needed 3-6pm flex days. no degree required. Please email your resume to parkviewbps@gmail. com HAMPTON INN COLLEGE DR. is now hiring for Night Audit, Front Desk, and Sales Assistant positions. Please apply in person

RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATE Part time positions @ I Love Shoes must be available to work Sat. send resume Shoeladi@yahoo.com 225.767.9043 225.767.9043 VET ASSISTANT/KENNEL HELP part-time weekdays. Prevet or animal science major preferred. $7.50/hr. Must have reliable transportation. 225.927.7196 KLSU VOLUNTEER NEED! KLSU is looking for a volunteer DJ experienced in Cajun/ Zydeco music to host a weekly show Sundays from 7-9pm. Applicants should contact programdirector@ tigers.lsu.edu or (337) 739-8500.

12.50/HR Assist young lady with severe CP/ Wknds / 70706 area.

Flex hrs. lsulevy@gmail.com MOBILE DJ POSITION Complete Media Group is looking for outgoing and energetic personalities. We provide DJs for private parties of all sorts. This is not a bar or radio position. Pay averages around $25/ hr after training.

Perfect for college students. Visit www.batonrougedj.com or call for more information. 225.769.2229 EARN EXTRA MONEY Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience Required.

Call 1-855-201-3786 EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads. www. AdCarPay.com SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS NEEDED! PART TIME AFTERNOONS APRIL FULL TIME SUMMER STARTING MAY 14 CRAWFISH AQUATICS-LOUISIANA’S TOTAL SWIM PROGRAM. IF YOU ARE HIGHLY MOTIVATED, HARD WORKING, WE CAN TEACH YOU THE REST. EMAIL RESUME TO: swimcraw@crawfishaquatics. com 225.769.5377 HOW TO MAKE $2,000 A Month Blowing A Whistle! New Online

Book - Tells How For: $2.99.

Forward: Name and Email Address For FREE information to: imasportsref@att.net *******BARTENDING******* $300/Day Potential NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Training Available.

AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127 NOW HIRING LIFEGUARDS Now hiring LG’s & Managers at various pools in BR and NOLA. Discounted certification courses available for employees. Apply at www.selaaquatics.com TEXAS ROADHOUSE Currently seeking motivated individuals who want to make money while having fun. No experience necessary. Apply in person M-TH between 2-4.

BATON ROUGE MARRIOTT Organized? Great Communication Skills? Outgoing? We want you!

Front Desk Agent Positions Available Now! Call us for details and apply in person! 225.924.5000 GOAUTO INS. needs Phone Cust Ser Agt 5pm- 8 m-f :10am-2 Sat. Very good hr. pay. 225 400 8337 FUN FLEXIBLE STUDENT JOB! $16 Base/ Appt.

Flex sched-temp/perm ideal for students, all ages 17+, conditions apply, training provided. sales/ service, Call TODAY:225-383-4252

WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $325.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 THE GATES AT BRIGHTSIDE CONDO Newly renovated

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

3bed/2bath Condo available for rent. $1,500 a month for entire unit. We also have a 2bed/2bath available starting in July at $1,200 a month. Call Vedant at 504.352.4825

ROOMMATE NEEDED 4BR/2BA house off Brightside. $435 mo. + utilities. Call 337513-6730 for details.

LSU TIGERLAND 1&2 br, Flat & T/ H, W/ F, Pool W/ S pd, LSU Bus $450 - $675 225.615.8521 NOW ACCEPTING DEPOSITS Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos and Lake Beau Pre Townhomes 2 & 3 bedroom floor plans available DEAN FLORES REAL ESTATE www.deanflores.com 225.767.2227 $99 UNIVERSITY VIEW $99 1and 2 bedroom flat, short term lease available until July 2012. All electric, central air and heat, Pool and Laundry onsite. Give Brianna a call 767-2678 university-view@ cox.net 3BR/2B BRIGHTSIDE CONDO $1300/mo. Private courtyard, fireplace, w/d, and covered parking. No pets please. Available now 225.648.3115 CHATEAU DU COUR Large Updated 1 or 2 BR, 1 B apt in Tigerland in enclosed 32 unit complex. $475/$575. $300 dep.

767-3935. 225-772-2429.

BIG NERDY GUY SEEKS NERDY GIRL Mostly to hang out with. Hopefully you’ll enjoy memes, video games, and Monster. If your group of friends has a big, bearded guy-shaped space, e-mail me at mcspanky101@yahoo.com NEED A DATE?! Tired of being alone on Friday nights?

Have a sorority function but don’t have a date and don’t feel like going with a frat boy?

Want free drinks and dinner with no expectations of anything in return? Then email me! I am free every Friday night and will pick you up and take you on the date of your life or just be a quite shy guy who just takes you where you want to go and lets you do your own thing. You call the shots..

Email me at coxman54@ yahoo.com if interested.

GREAT CONDO ON W PARKER 3/3BTH 3 cov parking, all utilites included, Fully furnished all necessities, spacious, year lease $2,000 a month.

3 BR 2 BATH FOR RENT 1631 Fountain Ave./950mo.

225.295.3035

ROOMMATE NEEDED Large townhouse on Alvin Dark on LSU bus route. $400mo plus 50%utilities and cable. 713.254.9034

MEET MARK. Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

Shop on-trend, customizable cutting-edge beauty and fashion for that special someone or even yourself.

Find it here at www.mymarkstore.com/ejames

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

page 15

KNITTING, from page 1

they knit common creations like scarves and hats. Their constant collaboration often yields more creative projects, like a miniature Harry Potter plush, donning his signature lightning-bolt scar, a Hogwarts sweater and Gryffindor boxers.

Though the club started as friends, the Yarn-aholics Anonymous e-mail list now includes more than 100 knitting enthusiasts, and the group’s inclusion at the Student Organization Fair this semester brought in 35 prospective new members.

Yarn-aholics recently went online to connect to more interested students and better communicate with current members.

Belleau said as the group’s “tech wizard,” she manages the Yarn-aholics’ Tumblr blog, posting new patterns, interesting work and meeting schedules. She said the University’s news blog recently began following and reblogging the Yarn-aholics.

Kissel said a regular meeting will begin with introductions so new members can meet officers and seasoned members. Each meeting usually features knitting lessons, and often the meetings serve as classes for beginners.

“Yarn-aholics is open for anyone who wants to learn,” said April Zola Emerson, history sophomore and the club’s “lesser poobah.”

The club’s officers buy yarn and knitting materials to add to what has already been donated so new members don’t need their own materials.

Emerson said she was a beginner knitter when the club began. She said learning to knit was overwhelming at first but not as challenging as she had imagined, adding it was much like learning to ride a bike.

Nick Williams, psychology senior, said the idea of making his own clothes drew him to the club.

Members said they wear the clothes they make on a daily basis, and many people notice around campus, stopping to compliment the creations.

The Yarn-aholics’ most notable contribution to the University community was the homecoming banner they made last semester.

Requiring 100 hours of work over nine days, the 8-by-7-foot banner hung from the Student Union composed entirely of yarn.

“One member suggested we do it to get our name out, and we had a brainstorming session and came up with the idea,” Kissel said.

Officers and “valued members” worked on the banner until 5 a.m. on the day it was due.

The final product depicted an elderly woman knitting with an orange cat on her lap, while a sign to her right read “Home Sweet Death Valley.”

The Yarn-aholics resumed their work on campus Feb. 1 at their first meeting of the semester.

Their next meeting is Feb. 15, and the gatherings continue throughout the semester, as detailed on the Yarn-aholics Anonymous Tumblr page.

Contact Brian Sibille at bsibille@lsureveille.com

“A man who stops advertising to save money, is like a man who stops the clock to save time.”

-Henry Ford

AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille

Construction on the covered bus stop continues Monday outside of Lockett Hall.

The two new stops are to be completed by the end of February.

BUS STOPS, from page 1 between Graham’s office and SG. The stops are being constructed in front of Lockett Hall and on the corner of South Stadium Drive and Tower Drive, outside of the Doran Agricultural Engineering Building.

Graham said the length of construction has caused the project to finish while classes are in session.

“It’s just like any other construction — you’ll have some inconveniences,” Graham said.

Graham said the weather has held up construction, and no work was able to be accomplished last week when storms halted the project.

However, Graham said there haven’t been complaints of traffic congestion or noise disruption during classes.

Graham also said workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the bus stops’ roofs and will begin work on landscaping around the stops and finishing the columns.

Students, on the other hand, are unsure of the necessity of more covered bus stops.

Pre-nursing sophomore Kristen Nelson said the bus stop outside of Lockett is unnecessary because there is already one across the street in front of the Journalism Building. She said she has to go out of her way to walk around the construction when she is trying to get to the bus stop.

History sophomore Keli Langley thinks the bus stops will add convenience during bad weather.

“You don’t want to be sitting out here when it rains,” she said.

Baton Rouge resident Patricia Cowart, who rides the Tiger Trails’ buses to campus, said construction causes traffic congestion.

“They stop in the middle of the street to drop you off,” Cowart said.

Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at kthibodeaux@lsureveille.com

Screwed Up?

Left a mess Drunk texted her friend Left the toilet seat up Go to www.lsureveille.com to place your Valentine’s Day shout out today!

Deadline: February 8

?

got get lifepages.

lifepages.com View the LSU yearbook online at lifepages.com

page 16

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Geaux Home

Find a new roommate or new place to live at: www.batonrouge-apartments.com

Don't spend this Valentine's Day with

BEN & JERRY.

IT’S FREE!