Education: June test-takers will face a tougher GMAT, p. 4
Men’s Basketball: Coaches sport matching colored vests each game, p. 7
Reveille The Daily
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Entertainment: Students role play in “Dungeons and Dragons” game, p. 13 Tuesday, February 14 2012 • Volume 116, Issue 91
The Right Elements Married faculty members share love stories Emily Herrington
CATHERINE THRELKELD /
The Daily Reveille
Staff Writer
Chemistry professor Robert Cook plants a kiss on the cheek of his wife of nearly two decades, chemistry instructor Elzbieta Cook, on Monday.
For some faculty members, chemistry goes beyond the periodic table. Robert and Elzbieta Cook, a professor and an instructor in the University’s Chemistry Department, are celebrating almost 20 years of being each other’s Valentine. They’ve been married for 18-and-a-half years — Elzbieta was quick to correct her husband, who thought it was only 17. The Cooks met in 1992 while studying at the University of Calgary. Both were graduate students working toward doctorate degrees in chemistry. Besides chemistry, the pair held common interests that include hiking, spending time outdoors and enjoying winter sports. About six months into their relationship, Elzbieta left for Germany. The couple maintained a long-distance relationship for a year, communicating through e-mail and expensive phone calls. “I’m the one who made her move,” Robert said after Elzbieta accusingly pointed at him as the reason for their Southern relocation. Universities in Calgary weren’t apt for the scope of Robert’s research, and strict Canadian anti-nepotism laws proved problematic for the bubbling chemists, who wanted to work together. Though the cultural shift was vast, Robert said they’ve grown comfortable and accustomed to the Southern lifestyle, and Elzbieta would kill him if he forced another relocation. The couple’s work keeps them busy and often separate from each other despite their shared LOVE, see page 6
OBITUARY
Student dies in N.O. car accident Joshua Bergeron Contributing Writer
A University student died Friday after a fatal car accident in New Orleans. Ryan Russell Gibbs, a 31-yearold English graduate student, was a Texas native with a passion for music. He played drums and percussion in his high school band before spending a GIBBS summer with the Blue Knights Drum Corp of Denver. “The LSU family was saddened to hear about the passing of Ryan Gibbs,” said LSU Chancellor Michael Martin in a news release. “This is a great loss to the LSU community, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone he touched in the English Department.” After graduating in 2000 from Plainview High School in Plainview, Texas, Gibbs originally planned to major in percussion performance, GIBBS, see page 6
SCIENCE
Researchers work to make unhealthy foods healthy Professor adds Omega-3 to catfish Kevin Thibodeaux Contributing Writer
Students looking for a healthier alternative to greasy hamburgers and deep-fried catfish may not have to look as far as they think. Subramaniam Sathivel, associate professor of food engineering, along with other AgCenter researchers, is experimenting with adding healthier components to popular food items like hamburgers, catfish and shrimp. Sathivel said most seafood in Louisiana lacks a strong source of Omega-3 edible oils, so he is researching ways to increase the health benefits of food.
“If you look at the American diet, most of them are eating highfat foods,” Sathivel said. He said the oil, a powder that can be mixed into a catfish patty, can also be added to other popular food items like bread and pizza. Sathivel said the oil is capsulated, which masks the fishy taste and ensures the oil SATHIVEL will last longer. University dietitian Vanessa Richard said any time an unhealthy food can be made healthier by adding fiber or other nutrients, it’s always a good thing. “It’s convenient for the individual, but it’s providing health benefits,” Richard said. Sathivel freezes catfish patties
with the Omega power inside, and his ultimate goal is to sell them in local supermarkets. Sathivel is also working on extracting protein from the shells of crawfish and shrimp and creating a powder with the protein that can be used in soups or other dishes. He said seafood loses much of its protein when it’s boiled. All of the food that Sathivel works with keeps its flavor. “If you have healthy food, and it doesn’t taste good, then people won’t eat it,” Sathivel said. Sathivel’s research also provides his students with hands-on experience similar to the industrial process of working with food. Huaixia Yu, a former Ph.D. student for Sathivel, recently found employment at the Omega Pure HEALTHY, see page 6
AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille
Associate professor of food engineering Subramaniam Sathivel extracts protein from shellfish and turns it into a powder to be used to enrich soups Monday in Ingram Hall.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
INTERNATIONAL
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
Bahrain police fire tear gas and stun grenades at protesters
Washington governor proudly signs gay marriage bill into law
Judge tosses spill claims against BP contractor from 2010 oil spill
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Security forces in Bahrain fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters trying to occupy a landmark square in the nation’s capital on Monday ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Gulf kingdom’s Shiite-led uprising. Thousands of opposition supporters marched through Manama’s streets in the largest attempt in months to retake Pearl Square, the central roundabout that served as the epicenter of weeks of protests last year. Relatives toss roses into sea near sunken Italian cruise ship
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire handed gay rights advocates a major victory, signing into law a measure that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington state, making it the seventh in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed. Gregoire signed the bill surrounded by gay rights supporters. “I’m proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,” she said. It’s a historic moment, but the law doesn’t take effect until June 7.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A judge has dismissed all of the federal court claims against a BP PLC contractor sued over a deadly rig explosion and the massive oil spill it spawned in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. None of the plaintiffs’ attorneys or other companies sued over the Deepwater Horizon rig disaster formally objected before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier on Friday dismissed the claims against Weatherford International Inc., a Swiss-based oil field service company.
Magnitude-5.5 earthquake strikes Northern California coast, widely felt
Critter parade not just for cats and dogs; other pets welcomed
TRINIDAD, Calif. (AP) — A moderate earthquake has struck the Northern California coast. The U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude-5.5 quake struck at 1:07 p.m. about 18 miles east of Trinidad in an unincorporated part of Humboldt County. The epicenter is a rural area near the small community of Weitchpec, about 220 miles northwest of Sacramento. A dispatcher at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department says the temblor was widely felt and the shaking lasted 30 to 45 seconds.
SHREVEPORT (AP) — There were neighs, a baa and a cocka-doodle-doo in the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade. The Times reports that a goat, a Polish rooster, horses and miniature horses were among 300 or so critters in Sunday’s stroll around Shreveport’s Riverview Park. Most animals were pets, but volunteers at Four Forks Equine Rescue brought four full-sized horses and two miniature horses. Becky’s Bridge of Bossier City also brought rescued animals.
GIGLIO, Italy (AP) — Tossing bouquets of red roses into the sea, the relatives of people still missing one month after the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster mourned in a private tribute Monday. The family members boarded a small boat that took them 50 meters (yards) from the stricken cruise ship, which struck a reef Jan. 13 off the Tuscan coast when its captain made an unauthorized maneuver. Seventeen people died while trying to flee and 15 remain missing and are presumed dead.
HASAN JAMALI / The Associated Press
Riot police, unseen, fire tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters Monday, on a highway near the capital of Manama, Bahrain.
Queen Elizabeth, Kate to team up for royal event while prince is away LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II has a new sidekick for royal events: The Duchess of Cambridge. The upcoming appearances with the queen mark another foray into the public eye for the former Kate Middleton, who is stepping up her royal duties while her husband Prince William is deployed as a helicopter search-and-rescue pilot in the remote Falkland Islands. Palace officials said Monday the duchess will join the queen and Prince Charles’ wife Camilla.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Today on lsureveille.com Online exclusive: Women’s tennis to face Tulane today. Online exclusive: Read about the Rouge Orleans race and watch a video. Read about a music lover’s disgust at the deadmau5-Foo Fighters Grammy performance on the LMFAO entertainment blog. Check out the “Full Monty” on the LMFAO entertainment blog to get ideas on having a chill Valentine’s Day. Get the latest news by downloading the LSU Reveille app in the iTunes Store and Android Market
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CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
Sheri and Bill Wischusen have been alentines since they met in graduate school.
FIND A NEW YARD TO BRING ALL THE BOYS TO
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
SAFETY
CONSTRUCTION
The Daily Reveille
page 3
Mall of Challenge course gets a new, bigger design has 30-foot Louisiana Design climbing tower to increase security Joshua Bergeron Contributing Writer
Lauren Duhon Staff Writer
The Mall of Louisiana plans to hire off-duty deputies to patrol in the evenings near the mall area in the wake of the shooting that occurred Jan. 7. The incident resulted in the injury of two juvenile bystanders who were both shot after a verbal altercation broke out in the parking lot between Dillard’s and Rave Theater. In response to the incident, the Mall of Louisiana held a meeting with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and management from Rave Theater and Perkins Rowe. They discussed how the sheriff’s office could work with the mall to improve security and combat crime, according to Casey Rayborn Hicks, public information director for the EBRSO. “It was a good opportunity to get everyone on the same page,” Hicks said. “Basically, it was a ‘help us, help you’ meeting.” She said the group discussed measures to create a system where information can be sent instantly to all parties involved. The mall is primarily responsible for its security, according to Hicks. Along with the Mall of Louisiana, Rave Theater has also added more deputies to patrol and address problems. “We work very closely with mall management in order to make suggestions for security and offer assistance in any way we can,” Hicks said. Hicks said the deputies at the Mall of Louisiana and Rave Theater will network and communicate to pass information in order to identify possible issues and address them before problems occur. In addition to these changes, Hicks said the sheriff’s office is going to bring its surveillance tower to be manned by mall deputies. “We believe this meeting was the first of many that we will have to create a cooperative effort to fighting and preventing crime,” Hicks said. In the wake of the night shooting, marketing freshman Kelsey Soulant said she feels safer visiting the mall during the day. “You never know what may happen at night,” Soulant said. “I feel better going during the day, even if I am alone.” Despite the incident, kinesiology sophomore Chelsie Batiste said she will continue going to the mall. “Just because there was a shooting doesn’t mean I would stop going,” Batiste said. “Nothing has changed.” Contact Lauren Duhon at lduhon@lsureveille.com
The corner of Gourrier Ave. and River Road are joining the growing list of campus areas that are getting a face lift. The University’s UREC program is putting the finishing touches on a $115,000 Challenge Course, according to Adventure Education Coordinator Chris Bullard. The course is located directly behind the Sport and Adventure Complex and is replacing a dynamically belayed course with a statically belayed course. The new design will allow up to eight people on a single objective at one time, which means up to 24 people can use the course at once. Participants will no longer be belayed to an element and will complete each element by themselves, according to UREC Assistant Director of Marketing Scott Belanger. Included in the redesign is a dual-sided, 30-foot-high outdoor climbing tower, significantly taller than the 13- and 20-foottall sections of the climbing wall in the UREC Student Recreation Center. It’s connected to the other objectives by four lanes of rope between each objective. With the new design, groups of participants ascend via a cargo net, complete the initiative together and move on to the next initiative without coming back down until all objectives are complete. At the end of the course, a dual zipline will carry participants to the ground. Participants will not have to conquer the obstacles by themselves, as a certified UREC employee will be on site for safety reasons and to facilitate the main focus of the course — group communication and team building – according to Adventure Education Coordinator Chris Bullard. Participants will also have a set of “lobster claws” to catch them if they slip, need a quick break or need some assistance with the initiative. “This design is a much newer style with a lot more to do than
CONNOR TARTER / The Daily Reveille
Workers finish up construction Feb. 8 at the Student Adventure Complex, located directly behind the Sport and Adventure Complex.
the previous course,” Bullard said. “We had 30 groups come out before the old course was retired. With the redesign, we hope to focus more on team building and get more people out to use this course.” Bullard said the Challenge Course’s new location should not be a problem. “Although many users have never heard of the Challenge Course, it will be easily visible from River Road,” he said. The course is available to all students. Users must contact the UREC in order to book the Challenge Course for their group. Bullard said the course should be completed by the end of this week.
Contact Joshua Bergeon at jbergeron@lsureveille.com
Black Masculinity in America: A Sideline Story Wednesday, February 15, 2012 225 Peabody Hall, 6:00 pm
Have you ordered your Gumbo yet? Come see us today at the Graduation Fair at Lod Cook 10 am - 5:30 pm Campus Housing Contract Renewal (CHCR)
Current ECA & WCA residents can reserve a different room and may invite one person to join them in their same room in their apartments
Black History Month: Blacks in Academia lecture series Wednesday, February 15, 2012 French 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
The Daily Reveille
page 4
HIGHER EDUCATION
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Obama budget aims to keep college tuition affordable Brian Sibille Staff Writer
President Barack Obama intends to follow through with his initiatives to make higher education more affordable and to reward institutions that work to keep tuition down, as outlined in his 2013 budget released Monday. Obama addressed colleges and universities directly Monday when he released the budget at Northern Virginia Community College, calling for an end to increasing tuition rates. “We’re putting colleges and universities on notice: You can’t just keep on raising tuition and expect us to keep on coming up with more and more money,” Obama said. “So what we’re saying to states, colleges and
universities — if you can’t stop Office of Management and Budtuition from going up, then fund- get, in a conference call Monday. ing you get from taxThe “innovative payers will go down.” ‘If a school is not steps” that will reap His 2013 bud- taking steps to en- rewards were not exget follows up on the plicitly detailed in the call to action with sure that tuition is budget. the extension of the not skyrocketing, Higginbottom “Race to the Top” colthat federal aid said federal aid allege affordability and will be called into ready given to colcompletion program. leges and universities question.’ The program was crewill be tied to tuition ated in 2011 to cover Heather Higginbottom constraining efforts. K-12 schools, but the deputy director of the White “If a school is not inclusion of higher House Office of Management taking steps to ensure education will encourthat tuition is not skyand Budget age colleges to keep rocketing, that federal tuition low. aid will be called into question,” Universities and colleges Higginbottom said. taking “innovative steps” to minShe said efforts to keep colimizing tuition will benefit from lege affordable will be emphathe Race to the Top program, sized within state governments said Heather Higginbottom, dep- that control funding for public uty director of the White House universities in their states.
Race to the Top will also reward colleges that “adapt reforms” to help students graduate on time. Additionally, the 2013 budget proposes the use of $55 million “to test, validate and scale up effective strategies to improve higher education.” The budget outlines Obama’s intention to be “first in the world” in the proportion of college graduates by 2020, but it does not elaborate on the specifics of the strategies that will be employed. Past higher education aid efforts are sustained in the budget with potential reform to how the $10 billion in campus-based aid is distributed, such as doubling the number of on-campus jobs. The Pell Grant program will remain funded through 20142015 under the new budget,
which asks for the maximum award amount to be raised by $85, pushing the value to $5,635. Maintaining that amount will continue “by generating savings elsewhere in higher education,” the budget says. The budget also certifies the continuation of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a college tax write-off worth up to $10,000 over four years of higher education. The credit would become permanent with the 2013 budget. In further efforts to deplete college costs, Obama asked Congress to suspend an increase in college debt interest rates, which could double this summer.
Contact Brian Sibille at bsibille@lsureveille.com
ADMISSIONS
Integrated reasoning section added to tougher GMAT in June Paul Braun Contributing Writer
Starting in June, MBA hopefuls can expect a more difficult version of the GMAT as a stepping stone on their path to graduate school admission. The new GMAT will feature an integrated reasoning section comprised of four question types, each challenging the test taker’s ability to understand different types of graphs, spreadsheets, text, charts and tables, according to Andrew Mitchell, Kaplan Test Prep director of pre-business programs. The questions found in the integrated reasoning section will be similar to the data
interpretation questions on the Mitchell said. GRE, Mitchell said. Scores from the current ver“The GRE is something of sion of the test will be valid for a sibling test,” five years, but Mitchell said. Mitchell said How to register: “Many business students hoping schools accept -Online at the Official GMAT Website, to take the test the GRE as a mba.com in June should substitute to the -At the Pearson Professional Center, begin studying GMAT. Never- Baton Rouge 5555 Hilton Ave., Suite now. theless, the ques- 430. Call at 225-216-2794. He said tions in this sec100 hours is the What to expect: tion are relatively recommended -Table Analysis new.” amount of prepaAmong the -Graphics Interpretation ration time for unique additions -Multi source Reasoning the GMAT, and to the exam is -Two-Part Analysis that the intethe table analysis grated reasoning question type, in which test tak- section would require students to ers will be required to sort infor- prepare on a computer-based promation into appropriate columns, gram to familiarize themselves
HOLIDAY
Downtown hosts Valentine’s celebration
Rachel Warren Staff Writer
Love is in the air in Baton Rouge. Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District, said residents are invited to the Town Square downtown tonight to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love songs will play throughout the night thanks to Downtown Development’s sound system in the Town Square, located on North Blvd. between Fifth Street and River Road. “Music will be playing, and the fountains will be going,” he said. “It’s going to be a great night.” Rhorer said residents sent photos of their significant others, family members and good friends to be
shown on the video screen of the media beacon in the square. The photos will be displayed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. He compared the festivities and environment to a pared down version of New York City’s Times Square. Rhorer said this is the first time Downtown Development has put on an event like this, but he’s seen a positive response from residents so far. He said he expects “hundreds and hundreds” of romantics to visit the square tonight. “We encourage people to come down and take a look,” he said.
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
with the new question types. “Taking it in June allows you to avoid spending time studying for the integrative reasoning test,” Mitchell said. “It allows students to focus solely on the quantitative and analytical writing sections to boost their scores.” Because the integrated reasoning section will have its own sub score within the GMAT results, students will be unable to mask a poor showing in that section with better results from the rest of the test, according to a Kaplan news release. The time required to take the test – approximately four hours – will remain unchanged as the inductive reasoning section will replace one of the writing
assessments, the release said. The University has not administered the GMAT in five years, according to Harley Anton, assistant director of lab operations for the Office of Assessment and Evaluation. The company affiliated with the GMAT has not had a contract with the University in that time, he said. The test is administrated year-round on demand at testing centers around the world, according to the official GMAT website. Students can go to mba.com to schedule an appointment at a local test center. Contact Paul Braun at pbraun@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
ENVIRONMENT
page 5
Coastal Master Plan draft stirs up sediment, controversy
Paul Braun Contributing Writer
The most comprehensive effort of coastal protection and restoration in Louisiana’s history may hit the state’s coastline within the year. Kirk Rhinehart, chief of planning for the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration, said his office will approve its final draft of the 50-year, $50 billion plan to restore the coast and submit it to state legislators by March 26. That $50 billion will come from many sources, including BP, the Natural Resource Damages Assessment and the Clean Water Act, Rhinehart said. Those funds could account for tens of billions of dollars not currently appropriated to the individual Gulf States, he said. Most of the proposed land building would occur through the diversion of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers, the plan said. Sediment diversion is achieved by rerouting fresh water and sediment with new channels or structures. School of the Coast and Environment professor Harry Roberts has conducted research on the successful sediment diversion in the Wax Lake Delta on the Atchafalaya River. Roberts said sediment diversion is the key to the level of coastal restoration the
photo courtesy of THE COASTAL PROTECTION AND RESTORATION AUTHORITY
A marsh in Bayou Dupont in southeast Louisiana is being restored. Marsh restoration among sediment diversion is one of the methods of land building in Louisiana. plan outlines. These methods will slow land loss due to the rising global sea level, he said. “We must use the sediment resources we have at hand in the most efficient way,” Roberts said in an e-mail. “The Wax Lake Delta is a good example of the landbuilding potential of river diversions. However, river diversions must be located where they will not only build new land, but also do the most good to enhance and maintain existing wetlands.”
But Eugene Turner, another professor in the School of Coast and Environment, said he is opposed to the use of diversions proposed in the current plan. Turner has conducted research on three deltas in the flow path of diversions on Louisiana’s coast, the most notable of which is the Caernarvon Diversion on the Mississippi River downstream from New Orleans. From what he observed at Caernarvon, Turner said the different types of soils already
present in the delta are affected differently by water from upstream. He said organic soils at the Caernarvon Delta developed over several thousands of years with very few nutrients from upstream. With the diversion came an influx of nutrients from farming communities upstream, which allowed wetland plants to survive without growing as extensive root structures. The combination of the wetland’s less-developed root structure and the decomposition of the soil made it especially susceptible to land loss, Turner said. “After Katrina, they lost 55 square miles in the flow path of the diversion,” Turner said, “Onethird of the wetland. My interpretation was this loss was due to the nutrients in the river and flooding due to the diversion.” Turner said he has voiced his concerns to the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration several times and endorses the backfilling of canals as a safer, more cost-effective method to build land. Christopher D’Elia, dean of the School of Coast and Environment, said most of the discussion he has heard regarding the plan has been positive, but that some dissension is customary. “Anything you do will involve controversy,” D’Elia said.
“There is always going to be an interest group negatively affected, just as interest groups will be positively affected.” Rhinehart said the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration does not consider the land loss at the Caernarvon Diversion to be applicable to the type of sediment diversions proposed in the current draft of the plan. “The Caernarvon Diversion is not an analog or accurate comparison,” Rhinehart said. “The Wax Lake Delta is what we point to as a successful sediment diversion.” He also said that projects of canal backfilling are smaller than the scope of the Master Plan. The Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration values such contributions and has put a “huge emphasis” on reaching out to a vast portion of the state’s population affected by coastal land loss, according to Rhinehart. He said the office has worked to address the concerns of environmentalists while balancing the concerns of industry representatives that rely on Louisiana’s coastal economy. “We understand that ours is a working wetland,” Rhinehart said. “It is not a petting zoo. This is not the Everglades.” Contact Paul Braun at pbraun@lsureveille.com
page 6
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
LOVE, from page 1
area of study. “This may be the only time we spend together this week,” Robert said of his wife seated at his side. The Cooks say hello upon passing each other in Choppin Hall and may share a lunch or two in the Union during the week, but that’s the extent of their shared workplace. They teach on alternating days and don’t carpool to work. But Elzbieta said working with her spouse can be convenient. Robert teaches her class when she’s sick, and she administers his exams while he’s traveling. Elzbieta said she and her husband are “too spontaneous” for Valentine’s Day. Advance dinner reservations just wouldn’t work for them, she said. They prefer to stay home with their pets and a bottle of wine.
HEALTHY, from page 1
Co. in Houston, Texas, one of the largest fish oil and fish protein industries in the world, according to Sathivel. Communication studies junior Kara Coe said because of the limited supply of food, students need to eat what’s available to them. She said if unhealthy foods are made healthier, it’s an added bonus. “If someone’s going to give
GIBBS, from page 1
but he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University in 2004. He further showcased his academic prowess after graduating summa cum laude with a perfect GPA and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas Tech University in 2009. Gibbs was working on his
Next door in the Life Sciences building, biological sciences faculty members Bill and Sheri Wischusen share a similar love story. The couple met in graduate school at the University of Alabama, and their relationship developed as they spent time together at school and events like potlucks and bar happy hours. Bill admitted he was late for their first date at a local Chinese restaurant after getting caught up in a project. “We were graduate students — we couldn’t afford anything else,” Sheri said. The Wischusens rode the tide from Alabama to LSU after both were offered jobs in the Biology Department. They’ve collaboratively published academic papers and host the biology boot camp, BIOS, for
incoming freshmen. “We don’t know any better — it’s what we’ve always done,” Sheri said of working together. Sheri, the College of Science director of undergraduate research, said she and Bill, an associate professor, collaborate well because their skill sets complement each other. When asked about Valentine’s Day plans, Bill shot back with “I can’t tell you that!” and Sheri called the day a made-up holiday. The pair lives by academic calendars, and Bill said Valentine’s Day always falls during a busy time in the semester. “We’ve finally got the semester rolling, and now we’re deep into planning next semester,” he said.
me a McDonald’s hamburger and tell me it has 15 calories, of course I’m going to eat it,” Coe said. Emily Cefalu, psychology senior, said she already takes Omega-3 pills for her health, but she hates the fishy taste of the pills. She said if local cuisine can be made healthier and include these natural nutrients, she’d be happy to give up her Omega-3 pills. “It’s a convenience factor,” she said.
Lucas Johnson, civil engineering junior, said that fried catfish will always be unhealthy. He said the best way to have a healthy lifestyle is to keep a good balance. “You can eat catfish,” Johnson said. “Just have a 15-minute jog after.”
master’s thesis in his final semester of study at LSU as he pursued a Master of Fine Arts. Aside from devoting himself to his academic endeavors, Gibbs also enjoyed nature. He went skydiving over the Alps in Switzerland and snorkeled coral reefs in Jamaica, and he was also a photographer. He is survived by his parents Russ and Vicki Gibbs of
Bryan/College Station, Texas, among others. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Boxwell Brother Funeral Directors in Amarillo, Texas. Memorials may be sent to the creative writing graduate program at LSU.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Changing of the Guard
Sports
page 7
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU picked as NCAA host site in 2013
Staff Reports
photox by CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
[Left] LSU sophomore outfielder JaCoby Jones hauls in a grounder Feb. 3 during practice in Alex Box Stadium. [Right] LSU junior outfielder Raph Rhymes gears up for a pitch Feb. 3 during practice. Rhymes had Tommy John surgery during the offseason but expects to be healthy by the season opener.
Mainieri ready for Jones’ switch to CF Luke Johnson Sports Writer
The LSU baseball team will have a drastically different look this season, with three new starters striding the expansive Alex Box Stadium outfield. The Tigers’ starting outfielders will include a converted catcher, a converted second baseman and last season’s full-time
designated hitter. after they drafted him in the first Though the group might not round of last year’s MLB draft. have a lot of collegiate-level exMahtook batted .383 last seaperience, they compiled some im- son and launched 14 home runs — pressive numbers with their bats six fewer than the rest of the team last season. combined. The new outfield will likely While Mahtook was the feature sophomore Jacklynchpin of LSU’s ofPosition fensive success last season Slaid in left field, Preview son, LSU coach Paul sophomore JaCoby Jones A four-part in center field and junior Mainieri strove to find series the positive side of his deRaph Rhymes in right field. parture. Most notably, the Tigers “The loss of Mikie is a trewill be without the services of “Mr. Everything” Mikie Mahtook, mendous loss. He’s one of the who accepted a last-minute deal great players in the history of LSU to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays baseball,” Mainieri said. “But at
the same time, I think sometimes our team relied so much on Mikie to make the big play. ... We always kind of felt, ‘Well, if you don’t come through, Mikie will.’” Mahtook didn’t only bring a powerful bat. He was LSU’s most athletic outfielder last season — a role Mainieri hopes Jones can pick up this season. With a 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame that resembles a young Mahtook, Jones fits the build. Mainieri saw the potential and asked Jones’ coach in the summer OUTFIELD, see page 12
LSU is guaranteed to be part of March Madness for the next two seasons, regardless of the Lady Tigers’ performance. The PMAC will serve as a host site for the first and second rounds of the 2013 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, LSU announced Monday. Louisiana won’t host the 2013 regional round, but the tournament will conclude in New Orleans. The Final Four will take place in the New Orleans Arena. This is the second consecutive season LSU will host part of the tournament. It will also be the site of the 2012 NCAA First Round on March 18 and the Second Round on March 20. The NCAA has named LSU a host site for the first two rounds a total of six times since the Women’s Tournament expanded to 64 teams. The PMAC also played host in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2008. The Lady Tigers hold a 13-2 record in NCAA tournament games played in Baton Rouge, with a 6-0 all-time mark in first-round games. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Coaches don dapper sideline styles, attract attention
Sweater vests come in many colors
great coaches like Dick Bennett or Bobby Knight, and they wore sweaters. It’s not meant to be a fashion statement.” Johnson and his staff have traditionally rocked the coat-andChris Abshire tie look, but this season’s switch Sports Writer to Nike’s specially-made sweater With Valentine’s Day finally vests has provided fashion versahere, millions of men are primp- tility through playful color coming and preparing to look espe- binations. cially dapper tonight. Using seven colors, more The LSU men’s basketball than a dozen shades and the outcoaches practically scoff at the fit’s two-tier design, the coaches lack of commitment. have trotted out at least 19 differTigers coach ent looks through Trent Johnson ‘The vests are really just 24 games. and his coaching There’s the staff have been about being comfortable. white-on-lavensporting suave ... It’s not meant to be a der look. Classic sweater vests on purple sits atop fashion statement.’ a pastel yellow. the bench every game this season, Lavender purple Trent Johnson showing a keen blends beneath a LSU men’s basketball coach fashion sense in a gray vest. sport known for sweatpants and Those are just a sample of sneakers. the options, and Johnson said he “The vests are really just usually leaves the tough attire about being comfortable,” John- choices to an assistant coach. son said. “You look at some The smooth style hasn’t
gone unnoticed. And The Valley Shook, SB Nation’s LSU blog, begins its live tweets of every Tiger game with an update on the coaching staff’s color combinations. Opposing fans consistently tweet about the unexpected coaching uniforms. Johnson said he’s heard the social media interest but only cares about commentary from within the LSU family. “The only feedback I’ve gotten is from Annie Alleva — [Athletic Director] Joe Alleva’s wife — who thought they looked good,” Johnson said. “She approves, and my wife accepts it. If it was up to [my wife], I’d be in a suit and tie every day.” Johnson is no stranger to acclaimed attire. He was named one of Forbes’ 10 Best-Dressed College Coaches in 2008 while he was at Stanford and claimed a similar honor last February from Lost Letterman, a college sports fan site. SWEATERS, see page 12
CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
(From left) LSU men’s basketball assistant coaches Brent Scott and Donny Guerinoni, head coach Trent Johnson and assistant coach Nick Robinson sport sweater vests Saturday in the Tigers’ 67-58 win against the Crimson Tide.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
GYMNASTICS
Foot injuries sidelining gymnasts Rowan Kavner
Sports Contributor
CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior forward Storm Warren (24) tries to get past Alabama defenders Feb. 12 during the game against Alabama in the PMAC. The Tigers won, 67-58.
Tigers get second chance against Bulldogs Chris Abshire Sports Writer
Revenge seems to be a powerful motivator for the LSU men’s basketball team this season. The Tigers captured two home wins during the last 10 days against Arkansas and Alabama, each of which beat LSU this season the first time around. Another revenge opportunity awaits LSU (14-10, 4-6 Southeastern Conference) tonight when No. 23 Mississippi State marches into the PMAC. The Bulldogs (19-6, 6-4 SEC) held off a furious LSU lategame rally to escape with a 7671 triumph three weeks ago in Starkville, Miss. “I liked the way we competed in that game,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson. “Our guys didn’t give up, but that game was ultimately lost on the glass.” Johnson said the last meeting’s 46-26 rebounding deficit has been his primary focus in preparing for tonight’s rematch. That likely begins with stopping Bulldog junior forward Arnett Moultrie, who terrorized LSU to the tune of 28 points and 12 rebounds on Jan. 25. Freshman forward Rodney Hood also added 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Bulldogs down low. “I fully expect them to put an emphasis on pounding the ball inside,” Johnson said. “No one player can neutralize a guy like Moultrie, and they’re far from a one-man team anyway. It requires trust in a sound team defense.” That team defense will also need to reach the perimeter, as MSU senior point guard Dee Bost is one of the league’s most dynamic distributors. Bost had nine points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals in the first meeting. “They have a bunch of guys that can go off at any moment, but he’s their leader,” said LSU senior guard Chris Bass. “He’s a natural passer out there.” The Bulldogs had won five of the last six conference games before suffering a brutal overtime home loss to Georgia last Saturday.
Bass said he expects the best shot from a notoriously erratic State squad. “They’re gonna come in with a lot of energy and probably play pretty mad after a tough loss,” Bass said. For LSU, home has been its safe haven in SEC play. The Tigers are 0-5 in SEC road games but hold a tidy 4-1 league record within the PMAC’s confines after a 67-58 victory against Alabama last Saturday. Freshman forward Johnny O’Bryant III scored six points against MSU last month, but he was playing his first game back from a hand fracture that caused him to miss five games. O’Bryant’s steady play since culminated with a 17-point, ninerebound, zero-turnover night against the Crimson Tide on Saturday, a performance the Tigers may need the athletic forward to repeat. “I’m definitely starting to catch the flow of the SEC a little bit and finding my legs,” O’Bryant said. “It’s going to be a challenge against their bigs, but I’m ready to prove my game against a good frontline.” LSU hung around in the teams’ first meeting thanks to a torrid 11-of-21 3-point shooting performance. The Tigers’ long-range shooting has been anything but scorching lately, as they are firing at a 14 percent rate beyond the arc in the four games since playing State. Accurate perimeter shooting may be necessary to hang with an MSU squad that averages nearly 80 points per game and features a deadly 3-point shooter in sophomore guard Jalen Steele, who burned LSU for 15 points last month. “They’ve got eight quality guys, and a guy like Steele is part of what makes them so dangerous,” Johnson said. “There’s never a player you can slack on, or they’ll make you pay.”
Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com
The LSU gymnastics team is giving a new meaning to athlete’s foot. Four gymnasts have battled foot injuries early this season, causing most of them to miss time in competitions. Sophomores Maliah Mathis, Sarie Morrison and Kaleigh Dickson and senior Ashley Lee all missed events through the first six meets of the season due to foot or ankle injuries. Mathis, who missed the seasonopening Cancun Classic on Jan. 6 with an injury to the back of her foot, tied for the nation’s top score on floor last season with a score of 9.975 against Georgia, marking the highest score for any LSU gymnast on any event last year. She’s competed on vault the last four meets and was added to the floor routine in LSU’s last meet Friday against Kentucky, where she scored a 9.775. “It wasn’t the best floor routine, but I’m getting there,” Mathis said. “I’m getting back in the lineup.” Mathis competed in both events again this weekend and said she plans on adding further events in the weeks ahead. “It’s not like any other sport where if you twist your ankle, you can still do football, you can still do track,” Mathis said. “You have to pound, and it’s not easy.” Morrison’s injury held her out the last two meets before Friday, when she scored a season-high 9.875 on bars but was unable to compete in any other event. She was originally
File photo
Maliah Mathis scores a 9.80 on Feb. 4, 2011, helping the Tigers to a season-high beam mark. LSU posted a 48.975 overall on beam.
expected to return in four to five weeks after tearing cartilage in her ankle. “If the trainers and the doctors tell you four or five weeks, you always want them back in two or three weeks,” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. Morrison, LSU’s best all-around performer last year, hasn’t competed on floor this season, and the Cancun Classic is the only meet in which she competed in more than one event. She said it’s difficult to know when an injury is serious because of her high pain tolerance. “Next week, I’m going to start trying to do some tumbling and things on the trampoline and hopefully getting back before the four to five weeks that was expected,” Morrison said.
Dickson missed the Auburn meet Jan. 13, and Lee hasn’t competed on floor since injuring her foot in practice two weeks ago prior to LSU’s meet against Kentucky on Feb. 3. The sophomore class has been particularly plagued by injury, and Morrison said it’s because the team relied heavily on that group last year. “A lot of the freshmen last year had to do more work, so I think that this year it’s kind of showing a little more that we’re a little tired,” Morrison said. “But I think we’ve all been coming in the gym and working really hard. Injuries are always going to be there in gymnastics.” Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
page 9
Five things I love about LSU coach Trent Johnson MIC’D UP
Micah Bedard Sports Columnist I’ve been a Trent Johnson believer since Day 1. When I heard the former Stanford and Nevada basketball guru was going to be the successor to John Brady at LSU, I could not have been more excited. Johnson didn’t disappoint in his first year at the helm, guiding the Tigers to the Southeastern Conference regular season championship and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. With my freshman year at LSU also being Johnson’s first season in Baton Rouge, I can’t help but feel a special bond to the fourth-year coach. Trent’s last three years have been a bit rocky, but everyone still deserves to get some love thrown their way on Feb. 14. So on this Valentine’s Day, I give you the five things I love about Trent Johnson as the LSU men’s basketball coach. 1. He’s a Northwest guy Call me biased because I spent most of my childhood in the great city of Eugene, Ore., but I love that Johnson’s roots are in the Pacific Northwest. Johnson’s stops at Boise State, Nevada and Stanford have allowed him to approach SEC basketball from a West Coast perspective. It’s not like he lucked his way into the head coaching job at LSU either. Johnson was named Coach of the Year in both the Pac-10 and the WAC.
2. He’s not afraid to make bold decisions on and off the court One thing is certain: Johnson doesn’t answer to anybody when it comes to strategical moves on the court. For example, his decision to move sophomores Andre Stringer and Ralston Turner to new positions in 2012 made a big impact on the way LSU has played this year. The jury is still out on whether those moves will have helped or hurt the Tigers so far this season. As far as off the court, Johnson suspended senior forward Malcolm White for his horsecollar foul on Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis in January before the SEC even got the chance. Trent doesn’t mess around when it comes to discipline.
3. He loves dodgeball I have nothing but respect for a 55-year-old man who still has the moxie to dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge. After watching Johnson participate in the tournament put on by the men’s basketball team the last two years, I’m starting to think he enjoys it more than the LSU students that also take part. If you’re thinking of entering the tournament next year, a word of warning — Johnson takes no prisoners. 4. He never thinks a game ahead Another thing I admire about Trent is the fact that he never looks past an opponent. Earlier this year, when asked about facing a top-25 team in Virginia, Johnson reminded reporters that the Tigers still had to play
Grambling State before they faced the Cavaliers. It didn’t matter to him Grambling State was 0-9 at that point in the season. Like the “Honey Badger,” Johnson doesn’t care if his team is playing Baton Rouge Community College for its next contest. With LSU currently sitting at 14-10 and its postseason fate in doubt, his calming presence that takes every game as it comes will be beneficial for this Tiger team going forward. 5. He has a great fashion sense If anyone has been to the PMAC to watch the Tigers play, they might have noticed a slight wardrobe change for Johnson and his coaching staff. This season, Trent and his fellow coaches have adopted sweater vests as their clothing of choice on the sidelines. At first I thought it was just a onegame gimmick, but it appears the sweater vests are here to stay. I find it funny because when he’s off the court, Trent’s demeanor doesn’t necessarily scream “I like to wear lavender vests.” As long as the Tigers finish with a winning record this season, the sweater vests are OK with me. Micah Bedard is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Houma. Follow him on Twitter @DardDog.
Contact Micah Bedard at mbedard@lsureveille.com
SPORTS BRIEFS Former LSU basketball stars Augustus, Fowles named to Team USA USA Basketball announced Monday that former LSU women’s basketball stars Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles were two of 21 finalists selected for the 2012 USA Women’s Basketball Olympic Team. Augustus and Fowles became the first Lady Tigers represented in women’s basketball at the Olympics in 2008, when the duo helped the United States claim the gold medal at the Beijing Games. Augustus, a two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, two-time Wade Trophy winner and two-time Naismith Award winner at LSU, has shined in her six-year WNBA career with the Minnesota Lynx. The 6-foot guard/forward was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2006, is a three-time WNBA All-Star selection and was named WNBA Finals MVP following her performance that sparked the Lynx to the WNBA Championship. Fowles was named the 2008 SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year en route to earning First-Team AllAmerican honors. Currently in her fourth
season with the Chicago Sky, the 6-foot-6 center has twice been named a WNBA All-Star and was named the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year. This will be the sixth time Augusts has represented America on a national level and the fifth time for Fowles. The squad will be coached by Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma. LSU freshman infielder Foster gives up football for baseball LSU freshman infielder Jared Foster has decided to forgo a collegiate football career to focus strictly on baseball. The Lake Charles native was a walk-on quarterback for the football team and will compete for time at second base this baseball season. The 6-foot, 185-pounder hit .375 with nine home runs, 33 RBI and 15 stolen bases in his senior season at Barbe High School, earning All-State and All-District honors in both baseball and football. Coming out of high school, Foster received offers from McNeese State, Southeastern and Tulane to play football, and also compiled a number of baseball offers.
Sophomore pitcher Gausman tabbed First-Team All-American LSU sophomore pitcher Kevin Gausman has been named a 2012 preseason First-Team AllAmerican by Baseball America, LSU announced Monday. Gausman started 14 games on the mound for LSU last season, compiling a 5-6 record and a 3.51 ERA in 89.2 innings. He had 23 walks and 86 strikeouts. Gausman was 3-1 as a starter in his last four starts and finished No. 8 in the Southeastern Conference in strikeouts. He also ranked No. 5 in the SEC in opponent batting average (.215) and No. 9 in hits allowed (70). The Centennial, Colo., native was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2010 MLB Draft and was named the No. 4 prospect on the USA Collegiate National Team by Baseball America last summer. Gausman is penciled in as the starter for LSU’s season opener against Air Force in Alex Box Stadium on Friday night. LSU had only one player selected on the Baseball America team. Florida leads the NCAA with seven. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
photos by CATHERINE THRELKELD and BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
[left] LSU Coach Trent Johnson dons a sweater vest Saturday. [right] Johnson charges to throw the ball Oct, 11, 2011, during the Maravich Maniacs dodgeball tournament.
page 10
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Daily Reveille
page 11
page 12 OUTFIELD, from page 7
Cape Cod Baseball League to give him some innings in center field. The results satisfied Mainieri’s curiosity. “The coach called me back and said with the scouts he was talking to up in Cape Cod, many of them felt that Jones was the best center fielder in the Cape Cod League,” Mainieri said. Jones is making a major transition for the second consecutive season. He earned Freshman AllAmerican honors by hitting .338 last season after making the jump from his small Richton, Miss., high school. Now Jones is getting used to playing a different position at the college level, though center field isn’t entirely new to him. “It’s a big adjustment,” Jones said. “But I’ve been playing center field since I was a junior in high school. Coach Mainieri likes to move me around, but it’s a good thing.” With Jones roaming center
field, Rhymes and Slaid have the early edge on the corner outfield spots, though their positions are not set in stone. Slaid earned the opportunity to play with an impressive summer and fall. While he may not wow anyone with his physical measurables or stats — he stands 5-foot-10 and has only six career at-bats — Mainieri said he thinks he can provide some pop to the LSU lineup this season. At LSU’s Media Day, Mainieri pegged Slaid as an early candidate for the cleanup spot in the order. “When you watch him, you’re not going to be impressed necessarily by his size or his athleticism,” Mainieri said. “But this kid just seems to put the barrel of the bat on the ball in a very consistent way. ... We’re trying him in left field. That’s an experiment that’s a work in progress. We’re going to see how it plays out.” With Rhymes, it’s less of an experiment than an assurance of health. The Monroe native had to
The Daily Reveille undergo surgery in the offseason after batting .360 with 42 RBIs last season. The injury miffed Mainieri. “I don’t know how this happens — Raph Rhymes was our full-time DH last year, and at the end of the year he needed Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm,” Mainieri deadpanned. “I’m still trying to figure that one out.” Rhymes has been limited to rolling the ball back to the infield when it comes his way in practice, but he’s confident he’ll be ready to go when LSU opens the season on Friday. “Throwing, hitting, it feels great,” Rhymes said of his arm. “I haven’t had any setbacks or anything. I’m just working to rehab it every day.” In reserve, LSU will have junior college transfer Arby Fields, junior Alex Edward and freshman Chris Sciambra. Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 SWEATERS, from page 7
“It’s so funny to see those things,” Johnson said. “I’ll look nice with a tie to go to church or to speak publicly, and people will tell my kids that ‘Daddy is like GQ.’ They respond with, ‘No, he’s not, Mom just told him to wear that.’” While Johnson said he prefers casual gear, Tiger players revealed that their coach has an affinity for high-end, fresh kicks, like Nike Air Force 1s. “Coach J likes to think he has swag, but he’ll clown around with it too,” said freshman forward Johnny O’Bryant III. “He’ll put on a practice jersey, but match some sick sneakers with it.” Players also say this season’s new look fits the staff’s animated attitude. “They’re just adding their own swag to it,” said senior guard Chris Bass. “It’s cool and looks good. It’s a nice change. Coach Johnson could get mad and be quick to take the jacket off when
they wore the suits.” With many color combos, the possibilities remain boundless for the staff. But one color — purple — was a unanimous preference among players and coaches. Johnson admitted the purple had good vibes early in the season, Bass said he liked the lavender with the brown sweaters and sophomore guard Andre Stringer preferred the classic LSU purple over white. Despite the love for purple, some players still jumped at a chance to outfit the coaches in a more flamboyant design. “I would have the coaches wear a checkerboard purpleand-gold design,” O’Bryant said. “But it would be on a three-piece suit. They’ll look like tricked-out Temptations soul singers. That’s my dream.”
Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com
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Entertainment
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
page 13
Sony extorts Houston’s death
Fellow artists, fans honor singer’s death
CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
Students demonstrate a typical “Dungeons & Dragons” fantasy game board, featuring character miniatures, Monday in the West Campus Apartments lobby.
Some students hide gameplay for fear of stereotypes; others celebrate
David Jones
Entertainment Writer
Ryan Hoppens’ Friday night endeavors may come as a surprise. The coastal and environmental science senior says he’s playing Monopoly, but he really travels to an unfamiliar world of magic, filled with strange creatures that can attack at any time. Hoppens plays the fantasy-adventure board game Dungeons & Dragons, in which players
venture through fictional worlds and encounter mischief along the way. Almost every week, Hoppens and his friends play the game, though they disguise it as Monopoly. The group also has a secret Facebook page under the same guise. Hoppens said he was initially apprehensive to play the game, given the nerdy stigma often associated with D&D. But he was eventually lured in after observing friends embark on fantasyfilled adventures.
An entire adventure in D&D is called a campaign, in which characters can fight in turn-based battles, Hoppens explained. One campaign can last days or weeks or even extend indefinitely. Before a campaign begins, each player creates a character, choosing a skill level and personality. Players can choose a variety of combinations — from an evil wizard to an idiotic barbarian — and some add other attributes to DUNGEONS, see page 15
“You don’t have to be a nerd to play and know this game.” Kevin Willis, chemistry senior
When a generation loses its voice, the world mourns. Whitney Houston was the voice of a generation. Her death, while not surprising in light of her ongoing problems with drugs and alcohol and her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown, is still shocking and upsetting, to say the least. Although official toxicology results won’t be out for more than a Taylor month, I’m goBalkom ing to assume Entertainment her death was Writer drug related. Reports have been swirling about her erratic behavior around the Beverly Hilton Hotel before she died, so it’s not a crazy assumption. In the days following her death on Saturday, many artists offered tributes to her memory. Long-time mentor Clive Davis shared heartfelt words at a pre-Grammy party she was supposed to attend. LL Cool J opened the Grammy Awards with a prayer for Houston, saying, “We’ve had a death in our family.” WHITNEY, see page 15
MUSIC
Freshman wins spot on URock Reed to perform in New York, Miami Austen Krantz Entertainment Writer
Few go from recording songs on a friend’s equipment to a nationwide tour in one day, but Seanil “Nilly” Reed is one of them. The mechanical engineering freshman won a spot on the URock Tour, which pairs unsigned artists with mainstream performers, after submitting an entry form with encouragement from his younger sister. The URock Tour is a contest featuring selected musicians from all musical genres who will perform
across the country from Los Angeles to New York. The tour will include shows by popular hip-hop artists like T.I., Wale, Big Sean and Soulja Boy. Reed will compete to win $10,000 in cash, $30,000 in prizes from Def Jam Recordings, a record deal, a major tour contract and studio time for upcoming projects. The tour partners with major record labels like Def Jam, Capital City Promotions and MTV. “The fast acceptance was pretty over the top for me,” Reed said. He submitted two songs, a photo and a biography and was told he would receive a response after three to five days. The URock Tour emailed him back the next day. Reed said he didn’t know how to process the news at first.
“People started telling me, ‘Do you know how big this is? You know that such-and-such is going to be there?’” he said. But this isn’t the beginning of this rapper’s musical career. Reed released three mixtapes in the last year, as well as a song about LSU football. He hopes to continue to create, despite the inconvenience of using recording equipment of a friend who lives in Dallas. “If I had my own recording space, I would put out more,” he explained. “I’m just using what I have right now.” Reed said he also hopes to create music videos because he sees YouTube as a great promotional tool. UROCK, see page 15
photo courtesy of SEANIL REED
Seanil “Nilly” Reed, mechanical engineering freshman, will perform with Wale in the URock Tour in five major cities across the country, including New York and Miami.
page 14
Reveille Ranks
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Reveille writers reflect on their best and worst dates
The Daily Reveille UNION
YouTube videos promote events Raylea Barrow
Give me five... or not
Entertainment Writer
I’ll admit, I don’t have much experience with dating. My only girlfriend is the one I’ve been with for about four years, but the beginning of our relationship provided plenty of bad date stories, most of which were my fault. The worst of these was our first date. We went to a movie, “The Strangers,” with her friends. Things were going well, so about halfway through the movie, she nudged me and held out her hand for me to hold. What did I do? I gave her a high-five. Yes, you read that correctly. A high-five. I’m lucky she had a sense of humor and didn’t drop me right there, but that simple gesture has always haunted me.
To promote upcoming activities and events, the Student Union is creating a new form of promotion that aims to appeal to students using YouTube. Under the direction of Ellen John, assistant director for the Union’s Marketing Department, digital art sophomores Hunter Esmon and Andy Thompson created “Union Time,” an Internet series that informs students of Union activities and events like Free Art Fridays and the University’s Juried Student Art Show. Esmon and Thompson ask students three questions partially related to the event they want to promote. One promoted production, rock opera “Vox Lumiere - The Phantom of the Opera,” will premiere March 3 in the Union Theater. “Vox Lumiere” is a mix of silent theater and a live rock concert. Derek Bonvillain, graphic design junior, was interviewed Monday for “Union Time” and said the videos are a neat way to interact with students. “I didn’t even know about [‘Vox Lumiere’],” Bonvillain said. “I would go; it sounds cool.” For their upcoming video, which will be released Thursday, Esmon and Thompson asked students what kind of masked superhero they want to be, as well as the craziest thing they have ever done for love. Typically, the Union will advertise activities through AxisTV screen advertisements, posters and bulletin boards. “Union Time” is a new concept and only a few videos have been released. “We want students to know what we have going on in a fun way,” John said. “I wanted to do videos, and we came together in a
[C-]
JOEY GRONER
Day at the museum
If anyone wants to learn tips on being a gentleman, they should take lessons from my best date — a double date to the University’s Rural Life Museum. Going to a museum for a date didn’t seem appealing, but he made it worthwhile. Being an out-of-state student, I actually learned something about rural Louisiana lifestyles. Our group strolled in the beautiful botanical gardens and played the old game of skipping rocks, which I eventually mastered after numerous attempts. What impressed me about my date was that he did his research and took me to an Indian restaurant, which is my favorite food. The date wasn’t awkward or forced because he made me feel special by pulling out my chair, opening doors and treating me like a princess. He showed me that not all guys have ulterior motives when it comes to dating.
[A]
RAYLEA BARROW
High school musical My sophomore year of high school, I was dating a girl who was very quirky, always singing and dancing and being obnoxious wherever we went. She invited me to her high school’s prom, and everything was going well until we actually got to the dancing part. Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” came on. We immediately stopped dancing as she looked me square in the eyes and, very loudly, sung along. She never broke eye contact — apparently she didn’t want to miss a thing. I awkwardly stood there for a few seconds before I excused myself and went to the restroom, where I stared in the mirror, wondering what the hell had just happened. Let’s just say we broke up soon after that event, and I haven’t been able to listen to Aerosmith since. Even seeing pictures of Steven Tyler activates my gag reflex.
[D+]
TAYLOR BALKOM
Young at heart
No one forgets their first. A first love, a first kiss and a first run at the two-thrust tango imprint on a memory forever. In the midst of my prepubescent middle school giddiness, I embarked on my first date, which was with the first love of my life. After a strenuous 35-minute car ride with my overly religious dad force-feeding us Bible quotes and a stop at the purity ring warehouse, I made it to the movies. The particular PG-13 flop escapes my memory, but I remember the dinner at a local restaurant, BJ’s. Since our palates were as immature as our awkward kiss goodbye, we ordered overpriced burgers and annoyed the wait staff the entire night. It was perfect. Although it was probably the most lackluster time I’ve ever had with a girl, it was probably the most peaceful.
[B-]
DAVID JONES
Starry, starry night The date started as most first dates do, with safe conversation topics and jitters. But creative planning and a bit of luck carried us past awkward beginnings. I took her to one of the last operating drive-in movie venues in the country. It was a summer night, but the highdesert climate of Nevada made the evening unusually cool. The chilly weather was exacerbated by the open-air environment of my roofless Jeep and the frightening nature of the movie, “Obsessed.” Motivated by warmth and fear, we wrapped our arms around each other. Under the starry night sky we watched the silver screen and by the end of the film, we embraced — not out of necessity, but desire.
[A-]
JOSH NAQUIN
EDITOR’S PICK: ‘That’ high school dance date Deciding how to plan a decent date in the modern world of Twitter, texting and tabloid-hyped expectations is a challenge faced by both genders and all ages. The worst date I’ve experienced was initiated by a high school dance. As he was without a vehicle, my date requested I drive my bucket-of-bolts Chevy Blazer, circa 1996, to the event. Classy. He barely spoke throughout dinner, wouldn’t touch me for our photos, and I seldom saw him on the dance floor. The conversation he did manage was strained and uncomfortable, and I was never more thankful to have a posse of close friends to exchange horrified looks with when we caught him chilling at the food table. I can’t express how glad I am that the days of corsages and boutonnieres are behind me.
[D]
MORGAN SEARLES Entertainment Editor
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
AMY BROUSSARD / The Daily Reveille
Digital art sophomores Hunter Esmon (left) and Andy Thompson (right) interview graphic design junior Derek Bonvillain on Monday outside the Union for a “Union Time” video.
collaborative effort.” John said the videos have been effective, but the show needs time to grow and become more popular with the student body. Esmon and Thompson have been best friends since they met at freshman orientation. Now, the duo have been able to expand their digital media skills into a marketing job at the Union. “Union Time” is produced every two weeks, after Esmon and Thompson have spent the weekend brainstorming their next idea. With Adobe software, they devote 10 hours to creating each episode, which includes shooting and editing in postproduction. “One of our videos was about the Compact Art Show,” Esmon said. “We usually have eight or 10 questions that we come up with, and we pick the best three.” Originally, the show was going to be called “Hunter and Andy’s Excellent Union Adventure Time Show.” Some ideas were to show parkour, a form of freerunning, in the Union and have the interviewee use a
stun gun on Esmon. Because “Union Time” is a new idea and few videos have been made, Esmon and Thompson have been working on informing students about the videos. John said there will be a link on the Union website where students can view the videos, but it has not been set up yet. For now, videos are available on YouTube and the Union’s Facebook page, LSU Student Union. “We’re still trying to promote it,” Esmon said. “We’re going to make T-shirts and posters.” Esmon said he enjoys hearing students are being recognized from the videos. Thompson agreed and said he likes meeting new people through the videos. “The most interesting thing is observing people who are interested in answering the questions,” Thompson said. “If people see that [‘Union Time’] is legitimate, people will like it.” Contact Raylea Barrow at rbarrow@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 WHITNEY, from page 13
Twitter was filled with kind words about the R&B songstress, and #RIPWhitney was a trending topic on the day following her death. Perhaps the best tribute was Jennifer Hudson’s spine-tingling rendition of “I Will Always Love You” during the Grammys. It was fitting, since Houston gave Hudson her first Grammy in 2009. President Barack Obama issued a statement about Houston, saying his prayers go out to the family. Press Secretary Jay Carney said Obama admired the singer’s “immense talent” and called the death a tragedy, according to The Associated Press.
Unfortunately, not everyone remembered Houston’s life with kind words and song. Sony Music increased the price of “The Ultimate Collection” from £4.99 to £7.99 on the British iTunes Store hours after her death, The Guardian reports. Distasteful? A bit. I understand music labels are out to make as much money as possible and aren’t known for their morals. But this is so comically evil, it’s hard to believe. Houston literally died hours before. The first thing to jump to anyone’s mind should not have been, “Let’s make money off of this.” But music executives wouldn’t dare pass
The Daily Reveille up a chance to earn a quick buck. The album was returned to its original price at the end of the day, but the damage was already done. Houston’s voice is unforgettable. Her 1991 performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Super Bowl XXV is the best version of the national anthem I’ve ever heard. Personal issues aside, Houston’s youthful spirit and contagious smile will live on. While Sony decided to capitalize on her death, her other tributes paid perfect homage to a sensational singer. Contact Taylor Balkom at tbalkom@lsureveille.com
DUNGEONS, from page 13
further character depth. Characters are usually represented by miniature game pieces, but a player can also sport garb of his or her imaginary characters. One player, who assumes the role of Dungeon Master, creates a fantasy world, which is mapped out on a giant grid for the characters to venture through. “The Dungeon Master has to be very imaginative and quick-thinking,” Hoppens said. “You’re basically figuring out what he is thinking.” Hoppens, who has been playing for about a year now, said his current Dungeon Master’s attention to plot and character development is what he enjoys most. “It goes beyond what most games do,” Hoppens said. “Some people may like fighting, and some may like solving puzzles. It has a lot to offer.” Kevin Willis, chemistry senior, said he enjoys game strategy and how challenging role-playing games can sometimes be. Although Willis doesn’t play D&D, he said he does enjoying playing other role-playing games, like Dark Heresy. Willis said he keeps his participation in role-playing games hidden when meeting new people. He doesn’t appreciate stereotypes about gamers, especially because he knows a diverse group of people who play. “You don’t have to be a nerd to play and know this game, “ Willis said. “I don’t appreciate how [the stereotypes] put these negative connotations with RPG players.” Willis, who has been playing for about six months, frequents Little Wars, a local gaming store on Jefferson Highway that specializes in roleplay and war games. Little Wars manager Jeff Long said the store offers a neutral gaming area for people who are interested in role-playing. He said he understands the stereotypes that surround roleplaying because many people are ignorant of what players actually do. “All the role-playing games, no matter how good of a game, it does sound really dumb from the outside,” Long said. Long said he encourages people to try role-playing games because they give players an escape and a chance to awaken their imagination. Hoppens said he enjoys the freedom of playing D&D. He said he plays video games but they are often too structured and plagued by monotony. “After a certain amount of time, the [video] game is the same,” Hoppens said. “The characters and move
CATHERINE THRELKELD / The Daily Reveille
Ryan Hoppens, coastal and environmental science senior, demonstrates Dungeons & Dragons gameplay and rules Monday in the West Campus Apartments lobby.
sets don’t change. You’re kind of repeating yourself.” Both Hoppens and Long said games serve as a social outlet. Hoppens said he and his friends spend up to five hours playing D&D and enjoying food and friendship. Hoppens, who said calling their game nights “Monopoly” is now more of a joke than a cover-up, is
content with people knowing he is an avid D&D fan and player. “I have enough fun playing that I don’t care what anyone has to say about it,” Hoppens said.
Contact David Jones at djones@lsureveille.com
page 15 UROCK, from page 13
“My music can only go so far in the amount of people it reaches, and YouTube is the best outlet for that,” he said. Some of Reed’s tracks on YouTube have reached thousands of hits, with his LSU football song boasting more than 50,000 views. Reed’s music career began with basketball. “My var‘I want my sity basketball lyrics to have team needed a substance. I song to warm up to,” Reed don’t want it said. “That was to just be me my first time talking.’ actually writing Seanil Reed my own lyrics. mechanical engineering It went from freshman there, to a mixtape, to two mixtapes, to three mixtapes, to all of this.” Along the way, Reed developed a unique style. He seeks to drive home a message and wants to separate from distasteful mainstream rap. “My rhymes are clean and respectable, but at the same time it gives that edge that explicit lyrics do,” he explained. “I want my lyrics to have substance. I don’t want it to be me just talking.” Reed searches for substance every day, carrying a notebook to jot down anything he can transform into thoughtful lyricism. “Any time I have a thought, I just pull it out and write it down,” Reed said. He explained his style exhibits elements of fellow URock Tour performer Wale’s music. “Some of his lyrics can be seen through some of my lyrics — like similar flow and similar ideas,” Reed said. But Reed said he derives inspiration primarily from rapper-producer J. Cole. “From metaphors, to lyrics, to style, to the substance in which he’s talking about something, he’s that guy,” Reed said.
URock allowed Reed to choose six dates of the 13 available shows. He selected Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Dallas and New Orleans. “I want to go back home because I’m originally from New Orleans,” he said. “That will be exciting because a lot of my family and friends are there.” Reed can’t decide which city is most exciting. “I’ve never been to Los Angeles, I’ve never been to New York City, so it has to be a tie between L.A. and New York,” he said. Even before the tour begins, Reed has received support from a growing number of fans, he said. “Ever since this has happened, all kind of people have been coming out of nowhere with all kinds of support,” he said. “I’ve been waiting on a break like this.” Reed said he wants the University behind him. Specifically, his goal is to have a song played in Tiger Stadium. Reed has contacted multiple sources in an attempt to organize a song broadcast and is still working at it. “If I get the school behind me, locally, I feel like I can do anything,” he said. “To hear my song in Tiger Stadium — other than me getting a record deal — that’s top notch.”
Contact Austen Krantz at akrantz@lsureveille.com
Don't spend this Valentine's Day with
BEN & JERRY.
IT’S FREE!
The Daily Reveille
page 16
This Valentine’s Day,
Opinion
Love yourself
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 V-Day around the world:
Feb. 14 not just about publicizing relationships
POSITIVELY CARNAL
Kristi Carnahan Columnist “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I’m pretty sure when Charles Dickens penned those words, he wasn’t thinking of Valentine’s Day. Sorry, Charlie. Today is advertised as a day for overt romance, supposedly in honor of multiple Catholic saints named Valentine. Historically, there’s no known association with romance until Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Parlement of Foules” around 1382. Far removed from the time of courtly love, the weight of this romantic day can be taxing or uplifting for the single and coupled alike. Some single people feel like a failure because of the emphasis on committed relationships. Many people in a relationship, though, feel it’s a day where they’re forced to do something for their loved one — something which may not be 100 percent heartfelt. It’s really not an easy day for anyone, is it? Maybe it’s time we take a step back and relieve pressure all around. We’re so focused on proving that we love someone today that we forget it’s not the outward romantic gestures that make love special. It’s OK to be single. No one should be in a relationship simply to take part in a
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Safe sex is not just abstinence, birth control Safe sex is more than not making babies, despite what your parents, school or The Daily Reveille tells you. Yesterday, The Daily Reveille featured an article about Safe Sex Awareness Week, which is great; however, the same error made in most sex education classes was made on these pages: a focus on abstinence and
pseudo-holiday propagating false romanticism. If you haven’t found the person for you, don’t be ashamed or upset. Celebrate the strength and determination it takes to wait for a person who makes you laugh and treats you like you deserve to be treated. It’s not easy being single, but being in a relationship is no cakewalk either. Not everyone likes roses, chocolate or candy chalk hearts (as my partner calls them). Not everyone can write a poem, yet many find cards impersonal and, frankly, way too cheesy. In this economy, the average Joe can’t afford dining at fancy restaurants, but he may not know how to cook a romantic meal from scratch, either. I’m pretty sure we’re eating at Izzo’s tonight. The point isn’t that Valentine’s Day is the absolute worst holiday in existence — Presidents’ Day snags that honor. There are a lot of things that make love special, but in trying to publicly prove our love, we forget the most basic part of that emotion. We forget to love ourselves first. The commandment isn’t “love your neighbor as best as you can figure.” It’s “love your neighbor as yourself.” You have to love yourself before you can love anyone else, platonically or romantically. We live in a time of rampant self-hatred. We’re showered constantly with demands to change our bodies, our thinking, our personalities and sense of humor, as if who we are just isn’t good enough.
preventing baby-making. That’s not “safe” sex. That’s no sex. Let’s get real: a baby is not the worst thing that can happen after bumping uglies. In fact, a woman using birthcontrol as her only line of defense against the health concerns related to sex isn’t protected at all. So here’s the dirty on staying clean. Learn to use condoms and use them right. Let’s call it a 75cent insurance policy. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Wash up before sex. You’d be surprised how easy simple sexual
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
Sydney, Australia
They’re wrong. We come in all shapes, sizes, skin tones and eye colors. We have different things that make us laugh, cry and fall in love. I can’t stop people from believing there’s a standard of romance, but I can say you’re not alone if you don’t like that specific style of romance. This Valentine’s Day, don’t ask for anything from your partner. Turn your love inward and have a day of romance with yourself. Make a list of what makes you amazing, and post it somewhere you can see it every day. It’s great to look at a list of why you’re awesome on a bad hair day or a morning after you’ve gotten only three hours of sleep. Take a long bubble bath if that’s your thing. Stay in, eat leftovers and laugh at reruns of your favorite sitcom. Don’t worry about what you “should” do, and take the day to do what makes you feel loved. Realize that love starts on the inside and works its way out, whether you are in a relationship or not. Make this Valentine’s Day about showing yourself love and do what is right for you, regardless of your relationship status. Kristi Carnahan is a 25-year-old anthropology senior from West Monroe. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_KCarnahan.
Contact Kristi Carnahan at kcarnahan@lsureveille.com
problems can show up from not washing before you start getting frisky. Take a look. A lot of STDs have tangible components: smell, sight and taste. You wouldn’t buy green meat from the deli, why would you have sex with it? In the case of a bad deli sandwich, wash your mouth out and pull your pants up. Don’t share your toys. Treat adult items like the real thing. Clean it, don’t let everyone use it and use condoms when you share. If you can’t remember to use them correctly, don’t share. Communicate. This doesn’t just mean knowing your
Manila, Philippines
Lahore, Pakistan
Beijing, China photos courtesy of THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tune in to 91.1 KLSU-FM at noon and 5:20 p.m. for a lesson in Valentine’s Day traditions in other cultures.
partner’s name before you leave Tigerland — although that’s bound to help. You should ask your partner about his or her sexual history and last STD checkup. The more you know someone, the less chance they can hide their past sexual conduct. Get tested, dummy. This could be the most important and most overlooked aspect of safe sex. Being informed about your body keeps you safe and your partner safe. If your partner knew and told you, maybe you’d not have to tell your mom why she heard you crying while you peed last night. The Student Health Center can help you out with this
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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.
if you’re afraid of telling your regular physician. It’s simple. Just don’t be dumb. College is all about having fun. You know what to do, and you have no excuse to yourself nor your partner to not take the right safety measures. Austin Matthews mass communication junior
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
Quote of the Day “Today is Valentine’s Day — or, as men like to call it, Extortion Day.”
Jay Leno American comedian and television host April 28, 1950 — present
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Opinion
page 17
Confessed sins should be fair game as court evidence THE PHILIBUSTER Phil Sweeney Columnist As I see it, what matters most to Louisianians — aside from football and food — is religion. As a whole, we’re a devout bunch. Though we know how to sin, we know better how to confess. And while we could never be sure, given their absolute confidentiality, I’d venture that Louisianians’ confessions are, without a doubt, the juiciest of all. They are confidential, right? “No matter what it is, even if it’s illegal,” New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond told WWL. “I am bound by church law, by Canon law and by what we call ‘the seal of confession’ to tell no one.” As it turns out, though, a Michigan Court of Appeals is actually debating the admissibility of one such confession, which was used as evidence in a criminal case involving
the sexual abuse of a 9-year-old girl. According to court documents, the accused Samuel Bragg, 19, confessed to Rev. John Vaprezsan of Metro Baptist Church in Belleville, Mich., that he assaulted the girl during a sleepover at his home in 2007. Vaprezsan subsequently revealed Bragg’s confession to Belleville police, testifying that church doctrine didn’t prevent him from doing so, and Bragg was ordered to stand trial on a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. The crimes carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Vaprezsan’s testimony represents a significant portion of the prosecution’s case, but judges Pat Donofrio, Patrick Meter and Elizabeth Gleicher appeared reluctant Thursday to allow it as evidence, citing Michigan’s “priest-penitent privilege.” While there’s no timeframe for a ruling, the case has sweeping national implications for the “confessional privilege” rule of evidence and, regardless of the court’s
decision, is likely to be further appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court — and possibly beyond. Confessional privilege, otherwise known as clergy privilege, ecclesiastical privilege and, as Aymond related, the “seal of confession,” forbids legal inquiry into the content — or existence, even — of the various communications between clergy and penitents. Needless to say, if faith can move mountains, proverbially, this rule of evidence probably isn’t going to budge. As the appellate judges expressed, admitting the confession creates a nightmare for trial judges having to determine on a caseby-case, denomination-by-denomination basis whether the clergy’s statements about such confessions could be used in prosecution of the laity. On the other hand, disallowing the confession effectively cripples the prosecution’s case, setting the stage for Bragg — who’s guilty by all accounts — to be acquitted.
Here’s my confession: if we’re to choose between the sanctity of religion and the miscarriage of justice, then we’d better side with the latter. In other words, I’m much more inclined to absolve Vaprezsan’s indiscretion than Bragg’s. I’d rather the seal of confession broken than the scales of justice. There’s a lot more at stake in this particular case than the soul of the confessor. Forgive me the sin of not being concerned with Bragg’s salvation — it simply doesn’t mean anything to me — just as I’m sure it means less to the 9-year-old girl he assaulted. But more generally, confessional privilege represents a kind of perversion of the justice ideal. That anything so subjective and immaterial as religion and “spiritual healing” could possibly take precedence over the swift and expedient enacting of justice is, quite frankly, sinful. While it’s true that confessional privilege is a necessary extension of freedom of religion, Bragg lost that very right upon violating a child and
threatening to kill her if she told anyone. Justice “in heaven” is simply not as desirable — nor guaranteed, for that matter — as justice on earth. “This is a very dangerous case because it could have very serious repercussions for religion,” Bragg’s lawyer, Raymond Cassar, said Tuesday. “If a pastor is allowed to testify against a member of his church about privileged communications, no one will want to confess their sins to their pastors anymore.” Somehow, I think we’ll be forgiven. Phil Sweeney is 25-yearold English senior from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_PhilSweeney.
Join in the conversation at blogs.lsureveille.com/opinion. Contact Phil Sweeney at psweeney@lsureveille.com
GOP enthusiasm gap should concern Romney, Republicans FOR THINKERS ONLY Matthew Westfall Columnist The gaping hole in the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination continues to grow. In this year’s GOP contest, voter turnout has been significantly down compared to 2008 in nearly every state that’s voted so far. It’s still early, but the current downtrend should be alarming to the conservative base. In Florida, where Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney grabbed a substantial victory with a commanding 46 percent of the vote, overall turnout was down significantly from four years ago. This year, 1.7 million voted in the GOP primary, compared to 1.9 million in 2008. Republicans have been deflated and unexcited by the weak field in this year’s contest. In Colorado, 65,000 people voted this year, compared to 70,000 Republicans in 2008 and 121,000 Democrats. In Missouri, 250,000 people voted in the GOP primary this year, compared to 588,000 Republicans in 2008 and 827,000 Democrats. In Minnesota, 48,000 people voted this year, compared to 63,000 Republicans in 2008 and 214,000 Democrats. In some areas, voter turnout has been strongest where people were energized to vote for a candidate who isn’t Mitt Romney. According to election tracking of the Florida primary done by the United States Elections Project, turnout was up from four years ago in counties where rival Newt Gingrich
did well and significantly down in counties where Romney dominated. In South Carolina, where Gingrich clobbered Romney, turnout was up substantially from 445,000 four years ago to 606,000 this year. Sure, Romney just won the ultra-low turnout Maine caucuses, but Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum swept Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado from him in one day last week. Santorum’s hat trick proves just how uneasy Republican voters are with Romney, the presumed frontrunner in the race. In this year’s Missouri caucus, Romney attracted 100,000 fewer votes than he did in 2008. The same downward trend was seen in Minnesota and Colorado as well.
The dismal turnout in the contests should be a warning sign for Republicans. The Washington Post had it right when it called the setbacks a “disaster.” Aside from the split within its own party, the conservative base is now seeing an enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats. A Public Policy Polling survey shows that almost 6 in 10 Democrats, 58 percent, said they are “very excited” to vote later this year, compared to 54 percent of Republicans that answered the same. Even more troubling for the Republican Party, 25 percent of conservatives said they are “not at all excited” to vote in the 2012 presidential election. Six months ago, this statistic
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
was slanted in the opposite direction, when 48 percent of Democrats and 54 percent of Republicans said they were “very excited” to cast their votes in the fall. The downslope in excitement may be partially attributed to the overall negative tone of the GOP contest. Hell, the very intent of negative ads is to depress turnout, so they can’t say they didn’t see this coming. However, the downtrend can be largely attributed to a distinct lack of excitement surrounding Romney. Conservatives are confused by Romney’s record and his political views. There is a deepening rift between the party’s insurgent and establishment factions. In a speech to the
Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington on Friday, Romney dubbed himself a “severely conservative Republican.” The problem is nobody believes him. Legendary conservative activist Richard Viguerie cast doubt on the former governor’s sincerity. “Romney has shown, once again, that he can mouth the words conservatives use, but he has no gutlevel emotional connection with the conservative movement and its ideas and policies,” Viguerie said. Even Republican bimbo Sarah Palin can see the ship is sinking. “We can’t afford to have low voter turnout in the general election, and that is all the more reason for Romney to really start connecting more with conservatives,” Palin told CNN and The New York Times in an interview. Facing lingering questions about his candidacy and the recent Santorum upswing, Romney will be spending precious extra time — and probably millions more in campaign funds — directly attacking Santorum with less time focused on challenging President Obama. Romney now faces a war on two fronts: one against his own party, and the other against the Obama campaign. At this point, it’s tough to say which is more important. Matthew Westfall is a 23-year-old mass communication senior from Winchester, Va. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mwestfall.
Contact Matthew Westfall at mwestfall@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 18
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human being that I’ve ever known and no one will ever convince me that he was a lie. To help me email: sherlock.lives@hotmail.com INTROVERTED SMART GUY looking for a female friend to do things with. (E.g. texting, random small talk, hanging around campus or going to places.) Emphasis on person to person activities (club activities count). I know people are busy with life so not asking for something everyday just every once in a while. Only SERIOUS offers please! Email me at pumpitup120@yahoo.com if interested (put Personal Ad in the subject line so I know what to look for if it goes to spam) 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.
ROOMMATE NEEDED Large townhouse on Alvin Dark on LSU bus route. $400mo plus 50%utilities and cable. 713.254.9034
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I BELIEVE IN SHERLOCK, do you? Please join me in proving that Richard Brook is a fraud. Moriarty was a real person. Sherlock was the best man, the most human...
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
page 19
Involvement • Leadership • Service
Watch for this ad every Tuesday! Facebook: LSU Campus Life Twitter: @LSUCampusLife
Campus Life Student Spotlight: Jessica Addison
the
Help
See past spotlights at campuslife.lsu.edu
Senior in Civil Engineering from Maurice, La Jessica is President of Tigers Against Trafficking (TAT), and also worked with A21, an anti-trafficking agency, when she was studying in Australia. TAT’s next project is a 5K on March 31. (See tigersagainsttrafficking.com) Favorite thing to do: SLEEP!!! Fight human trafficking, spend time with family and friends, build relationships with people Recent achievement: accepted into the Leadership LSU program Favorite music: BROOKE FRASER! Hillsong United, Rita Springer, Lecrae Favorite movies: Beauty and the Beast! Anything Disney, and anything with Denzel Washington Campus Life Spotlight showcases the diversity of involved students at LSU. Send nominations to jruck@lsu.edu with name, email and why they should be in the Spotlight.
coming up with Thurs, Feb 23, 5:30pm Sweet Olive Cemetery Clean-Up
Cox Auditorium Discussion with LSU faculty after the film
Saturday, Feb 25, 11am-5pm
Team up with students from the University of Tennessee to restore and beautify this historic site, Baton Rouge’s first African American cemetery. Transportation and food provided. Register by Thursday, Feb 16 @ volunteer.lsu.edu
Service in the Swamp Saturday, March 3, time TBA
Bluebonnet Swamp Transportation and food provided. Register by Friday, Feb 24 @ volunteer.lsu.edu
General Meeting
Wednesday, Feb 29, 6:45pm, Coates 152 Get 1 hr of service. Join mini-service projects. Find out about leadership positions and upcoming projects.
Marsh Madness
Saturday, March 10, Lacombe, LA Plant marsh grass in Big Branch Natl. Wildlife Refuge Transportation and lunch provided. Register between 2/15 and 3/1 @ volunteer.lsu.edu campuslife.lsu.edu    578-Â5160
Marching into Service with the
Boys and Girls Club of  Southeast  Louisiana
We  return  to
New Orleans to  continue  the  work  of  the
BCS project.
Saturday Mar 3
8:30am-Â5pm
Limited  to  40  students Transportation/food  provided. Register by Thurs Feb 23, 4:30pm campuslife.lsu.edu 10 minute maximum time slot +  material material most be pg-13 we cannot accommodate drum kits
page 20
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, February 14, 2012