The Daily Reveille - March 19, 2013

EVENT: ‘Vagina Monologues,’ feminism still relevant after 17 years, p. 9

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Lady Tigers picked No. 6 seed for NCAA Tourney, p. 5

Reveille The Daily

www.lsureveille.com

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 • Volume 117, Issue 109

King Alexander Reveille to take the editor threatens throne?

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

Board recommends new LSU president

photo courtesy of LSU MEDIA RELATIONS

The University’s Presidential Search Committee nominated Fieldon King Alexander as the finalist for the position of LSU system president and chancellor on Monday.

The University’s Presiden- came after news leaked Montial Search Committee nominated day morning that the presidential Fieldon King Alsearch committee exander, president narrowed the canAlyson Gaharan of California State didate field from Staff Writer University Long more than 30 finalBeach, as the lone top choice for ists to one person who visited camthe position of LSU System presi- pus over the weekend. Alexander’s dent and chancellor at the Board name was announced at the afterof Supervisors meeting Monday noon meeting, despite rumors that afternoon.

The surprise announcement PRESIDENT, see page 4

Will F. King Alexander bring positive change to LSU? Vote at lsureveille.com.

Finalist called champion of higher ed. Alexander’s past shows a good f it for LSU Ferris McDaniel Senior Investigative Reporter

Fieldon King Alexander is a father of three, a twice-named “President of the Year” by the California State University Student Association and the sole finalist for LSU’s combined chancellor and president position.

Alexander, who is currently

president of California State University Long Beach, was born in Louisville, Ky., but raised in Gainesville, Fla., until he left the state in 1987 to attend St. Lawrence University in New York in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He then traveled overseas CHAMPION, see page 4

THE NEW FRONTIERSMAN CLAYTON CROCKETT News Editor While Fieldon King Alexander may have no immediate ties to the University, his opinions on state government support for public education and higher

education institutions more than compensate — to the point of almost directly mirroring the sentiments of current LSU administrators.

This is not to say University students can expect more of the same under an Alexander administration, per sé, but we can expect PAST, see page 15

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Impact complaint dismissed by UCourt Staff Reports A request by Impact LSU to reopen a complaint filed last week against the Unite LSU campaign regarding the late submission of financial documents was dismissed by the University Court on Monday evening on the grounds that it had already been voted upon.

According to the complaint, which was filed 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, “financial documents for the Unite LSU ticket were not submitted by the 10:00 a.m. deadline on the day of election results.” Though this was initially a potential reason for disqualification, the complaint was voted upon and dismissed by UCourt last week.

Adviser for the Unite ticket Joe Gipson quoted the Student Government Rule of Court, saying, “The ruling of the University Court is final and cannot be appealed.”

SG Chief Justice Morgan Faulk said she shared the sentiments of those in attendance.

“Believe me, I’m tired of being here just as much as y’all are,” she said.

Howell confirmed to TigerTV that he plans to appeal the UCourt’s decision to Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students K.C. White.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @TDR_news

University Court Chief Justice Morgan Faulk explains the court’s decision to not hear Impact LSU’s appeal Monday.

TAYLOR BALKOM /

The Daily Reveille

Read a columnist’s thoughts on the latest SG developments, and another writer suggests positive changes for Woodard to implement, p.13

lawsuit

Staff Reports The Daily Reveille editor in chief is continuing legal action against the University’s secretive process to identify and select potential candidates for the LSU System president and chancellor position.

Although a final candidate for the position, F. King Alexander, was identified Monday afternoon, Daily Reveille Editor in Chief Andrea Gallo said exposing the steps of the selection process is still essential. Gallo’s attorney, Scott Sternberg, sent a letter telling the University to seek Attorney General Buddy Caldwell’s opinion on whether the names of at least 30 potential candidates are public record, or face a possible lawsuit.

Gallo originally filed public record requests with Interim System President and Chancellor William “Bill” Jenkins, Board of Supervisors Chairman Hank Danos, the LSU Foundation and search firm R. William Funk and Associates.

Those requests were denied, with officials citing private funding for the search as a reason not to release the information to the public. A similar attempt by The Advocate met the same fate in February.

But Gallo insists the information is vital for the University community and the state.

“LSU’s status as a public research institution means students, faculty and residents of Louisiana have the right to know who the possible leaders of the University and system could be,” she said.

Sternberg said it is important to continue this effort because the process has been shrouded in mystery.

“It’s not just a ‘gotcha’ question,” he said. “We don’t think this is a good precedent to set for future searches.”

Sternberg said a statute in Louisiana’s law demands potential leaders of public office be identified.

However, names were not turned in to the state — instead, potential candidates applied directly to the search firm, skirting the statute.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @TDR_news

The Daily Reveille

Nation & World

page 2

INTERNATIONAL Pope Francis to create papal coat of arms, ring marked by simplicity VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is mixing his Argentine past with his Roman present to create his new papal coat of arms, while harking back to a pope associated with the Second Vatican Council for the simple ring he will receive during Tuesday’s installation Mass.

The Vatican on Monday released details of the symbols of Francis’ pontificate, which in its inaugural days has been marked by his preference for simplicity and aversion to Holy See splendor.

Pair accused of plotting to behead British soul singer Joss Stone LONDON (AP) — Two men accused of plotting to rob and kill soul singer Joss Stone planned to decapitate her and dump her body in a river, prosecutors said Monday.

The suspects, Junior Bradshaw and Kevin Liverpool, were arrested in June 2011 close to the singer’s house after suspicious neighbors reported them to police.

The motive for the plot was not clear, but Morgan said the men may have targeted Stone for her money or because they disliked her links with the royal family.

ANDREW MEDICHINI / The Associated Press

The so-called “fisherman’s ring,” from the apostle Peter, was chosen by Pope Francis as the ring he will receive during today’s installation Mass.

Two inmates escape from Quebec prison in hijacked helicopter MONTREAL (AP) — Two inmates made a daring daylight escape from a prison outside Montreal in a hijacked helicopter, then led police in a car chase and exchanged gunfire at a rural cabin before they were finally recaptured, authorities said Monday.

Police said the helicopter pilot was held hostage in the Sunday jail-break and was not a suspect. He was treated for shock at a hospital.

This is the first time this has occurred in a Quebec facility, according to a facility manager.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

NATIONAL

STATE/LOCAL

Conn. governor’s panel issues early ideas for gun control requirements

Clergy calls Jindal’s increase to sales tax unfair to poorer residents

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — An advisory panel reviewing the deadly Newtown school shooting for Connecticut’s governor on Monday recommended requiring registration of all firearms in the state and mandating all its K-12 classrooms have doors that can be locked from the inside.

There was also enough consensus among the commission members to recommend bans on high-capacity magazines and the possession, sale or transfer of guns capable of firing more than 10 rounds of ammunition at a time.

Police: Fla. college student plotted massive dorm attack on Monday

(AP) — More than 250 Louisiana clergy members said they oppose Gov. Bobby Jindal’s tax swap proposal because it is unfair to the poor and threatens state services, according to a letter delivered to the governor’s office Monday.

Jindal proposes to get rid of Louisiana’s personal income tax and corporate income and franchise taxes. To offset the loss, the governor wants to increase the state sales tax by 47 percent, from 4 percent to 5.88 percent, and to charge sales taxes on more services.

When combined with local sales taxes, Louisiana would have the highest average sales tax nationwide.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A college student with two guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a backpack filled with explosives pulled a dorm fire alarm Monday in an apparent attempt to force other students out into the open so he could slaughter them, authorities said. Instead, he put a bullet in his head as police closed in.

James Oliver Seevakumaran, 30, was found dead in his dorm room at the 51,000-student Orlando campus of the University of Central Florida. No one else was hurt.

JESSICA HILL / The Associated Press

Supporters of gun control pick up reading material March 13 at a Connecticut Against Gun Violence meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Thief returns $800 plus interest from 1980s Michigan store burglary HASTINGS, Mich. (AP) — A burglar expressing guilt about stealing $800 from a western Michigan store three decades ago has repaid the money, plus some interest.

The anonymous thief sent a note and $1,200 in $100 bills to the Barry County sheriff’s department in Hastings, and they arrived Monday, WOOD-TV reported.

The writer admitted breaking into the Middle Mart on Michigan north of Middleville about 30 years ago.

NFL commissioner: New Orleans deserves to host Super Bowl again PHOENIX (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says New Orleans deserves to host another Super Bowl despite the in-game blackout that stopped play for 32 minutes.

The league believes New Orleans authorities were able to discover the source of the problem in the third quarter that partially darkened the Superdome. He stresses that it will have “no effect on it at all” should New Orleans bid for another Super Bowl.

Weather

PHOTO OF THE DAY

TODAY Partly cloudy

77 53 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

DISCOVER the most unique

DRINKS

of Baton Rouge

BARS

72 44 FRIDAY ANGELA MAJOR / The Daily Reveille

Derreyal Youngblood, Adrienne Webb and Anne Pedersen fill out a bracket Monday in the PMAC. Submit your photo of the day to photo@lsureveille.com.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

on stands April 8

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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. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

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The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

HEALTH

page 3

BR has highest nationwide AIDS rate for second straight year 29.4 per 100,000 residents infected Zach Carline Contributing Writer

According to a recent report, Baton Rouge ranks No. 1 for AIDS rates in major metropolitan areas in the country for the second year in a row.

The latest statistics, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows Baton Rouge had 29.4 AIDS cases per 100,000 people in 2011. These numbers are down from 33.7 per 100,000 in 2010, but are still the highest in the nation.

The figures represent only AIDS cases and not HIV. The same studies showed Baton Rouge has 41.6 cases of HIV per 100,000 people, ranking third in the country.

Health Promotion Coordinator at the Student Health Center Seirra Fowler said there may be more people with HIV than the study shows, saying one in five people with HIV do not know they are infected.

Fowler said the high rates are most likely due to lack of

education, resources and knowledge of safe-sex practices in the Baton Rouge community, a sentiment shared by founder and CEO of the Baton Rouge AIDS Society A.J. Johnson.

“We as a community are not doing a great enough job,” he said.

Johnson said he has seen a lack of involvement in the community to bring awareness to AIDS in Baton Rouge.

He said he hopes to see people talking about AIDS more as well as increased testing within the community.

Fowler said it is important to be tested because years may pass without any symptoms of HIV, and when they do appear, it may have already progressed to AIDS. Executive Director for Metro Health Shirley Lolis said HIV testing is important not only to identify a person’s status as positive or negative, but to bring attention to risky behaviors.

Lolis said when people are tested, they are also encouraged to look at their behaviors and develop a plan to reduce any that may put them at risk.

Metro Health provides free testing to the community and LSU students.

Lolis said one of the goals of Metro Health is to “try to meet

people where they are and identify their needs.”

One way they accomplish this goal is by providing free rapid testing in the Student Union throughout the semester. The testing is a non-invasive oral swab with results provided in 20 minutes — virtually instantaneous when compared with a blood sample, which takes days to produce results.

Lolis said there has been more testing in recent years and believes this may have led to the increased rate shown in the statistics.

She said she would like to like to see a decrease in cases when next year’s reports are released, but said she does not want this decrease to mean people are not getting tested but rather show a realistic representation of AIDS decline.

“Young people feel invincible,” she said, but stressed only one act of unprotected sex or one infected needle can lead to the disease.

“HIV is 100 percent preventable,” she said. “People have to have a plan.”

JACQUELYN MARTIN / The Associated Press

HIV-positive Marco Benjamin of New Brunswick, N.J., walks in the AIDS March on July 22, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Baton Rouge has the highest AIDS rate in the nation.

Contact Zach Carline at zcarline@lsureveille.com

STATE

Jindal tax reform may affect daily lives of students, faculty University funding will not be changed Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez Staff Writer

Though Gov. Bobby Jindal’s tax plan — intended to eliminate personal income tax, corporate income tax and franchise tax — will not affect University funding, Director of the Public Administration Institute James A. Richardson said students and faculty members will feel the effects of the new plan.

On Thursday, Jindal revealed his tax reform plan before a House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting.

Jindal’s news release stated the reform will eliminate $2.7 billion in personal income tax, corporate income tax and franchise tax, and this will be made up with a 47 percent increase in state sales tax, particularly by increasing tobacco product taxes to $1.41 per pack.

The plan also includes exceptions for certain items and professional services like legal

services, oil and gas services and healthcare.

Richardson said students will see a price increase on items they consume every day even if they do not currently pay an income tax.

“There are a lot of things you will pay taxes on that you are not paying taxes for right now,” Richardson said.

He said students will pay more for services and products such as haircuts, movie tickets and laundry detergent.

Richardson said for University faculty, those with the highest incomes will benefit more than those on the lower end because faculty members who make less money will still have to pay more in sales tax.

“The middle income will be more iffy if they are going to break even or not,” Richardson said.

Director of External Affairs Jason Droddy said the plan will not affect internal financial operations of the University.

“The amount of money for appropriation should remain unchanged,” Droddy said.

Emily Jordan, French sophomore, said the plan sounds

rational because it is just taking away money and putting it in another area, but said she will be able to see greater effects in the future.

“It will affect us more when we have real, paying jobs with real things to buy,” Jordan said.

International trade and finance junior Erica Perales said her home state of Texas has a similar tax plan, but the state also has high property and school taxes.

“If we were to actually have an area to focus funds in the state, our school could improve,” Perales said. “Education should be the main concern.”

Another challenge of the plan is seeing if it will pass in the legislature, Richardson said.

He said if it does pass, lawmakers and Louisiana residents will be able to see the ultimate effect, but this evolution will not be overnight.

Read one columnist’s take on the new tax plan, p. 12.

Contact Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez at fsuarez@lsureveille.com

Grad School Application Series Join us TODAY for Get Into Graduate School!

4:00-5:00pm, 152 Coates Hall Learn more @ careercenter.lsu.edu/grad-school Become a Man of Merit, Service and Leadership The LSU Black Leadership Initiative Complete your 2013 Fellows Applications Online at lsu.edu/BMLI Applications due Friday, March 22nd, 2013 DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Sam at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: admanager@lsu.edu

page 4 CHAMPION, from page 1

to pursue his Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford, England, in 1991, but he returned to the states for his doctorate in 1996 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., specifically studying educational leadership and policy analysis.

Since the conclusion of his college career, Alexander has served as president of two public universities — Murray State University in Kentucky from 2001 to 2005 and CSU Long Beach from 2005 to present. He has also worked at five public universities in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and California.

The University’s gain is California State University Long Beach’s great loss, said Associate Vice President of Public Affairs Terri Carbaugh — a notion echoed by many others at CSU Long Beach, including Long Beach College District Superintendent-President Eloy Ortiz Oakley.

“I greet the news that President F. King Alexander is the consensus candidate for the presidency at Louisiana State University with sadness and great pride,” Oakley said. “His commitment to our community and students as exemplified by the Long Beach College Promise would be deeply missed in Long Beach. These same traits set him apart as a higher education leader who understands the connection of public education institutions to the communities they serve. He has been a true partner of Long Beach City College and his leadership has helped secure the success of the Long Beach College Promise for generations to come.

I am sure he will produce similar results at LSU if they are fortunate enough to have him as their president.”

Alexander is much more student-centric than institutioncentric when tackling issues surrounding higher education, Carbaugh said. He puts the students and their families first.

He helped start the Long Beach College Promise, which began in 2008 with the aim to improve college preparation, access and completion for local students of the greater Long Beach community, she said. This involves elementary students visiting the school to learn why college is important and how they can make it to the university.

Kasia Hall, editor in chief of the Daily 49er, CSU Long Beach’s campus newspaper, didn’t feel comfortable expressing her feelings on Alexander as president but said he is “a great

source to work with.” She said Alexander is a busy man, but has always been open when talking with the media and keeping everyone informed with what was going on at the university in a timely manner.

“From what I’ve heard from the campus community, he’s held in high regards,” Hall said.

Choosing Alexander as the finalist for the chancellor-president position is good for the University because the experienced president is aware of the needs of higher education, said Thomas Klei, presidential search committee member.

In a December 2012 article written by Alexander and Charles Reed, chancellor of the 23-campus California State University System, the two said the United States must rethink higher education funding.

“Public higher education in California — and in the rest of the U.S. — is on an unsustainable trajectory,” reads the Financial Times article. “The U.S. cannot keep boasting about how globally successful it used to be in higher education; instead the country needs to refocus energies and examine how higher education can meet society’s changing needs.”

Other articles written by Alexander drive the point that individual states must be held accountable for maintaining certain levels of tax support for higher education, which he considers “essential for the future of public higher education,” according to a post on insidehighered.com.

During his tenure at California State University Long Beach, graduation rates improved to the highest levels in the school’s history.

CSU Long Beach’s private philanthropic giving is in the middle of a first “Capital Campaign,” and more than $200 million has already been raised, doubling the University’s endowment.

Additionally, Alexander maintained and modified budgeting processes to accommodate an $85 million reduction in state appropriations during the economic recession.

He has also written multiple books regarding the topic of higher education, including “Education Finance: Historical, Political and Legal Perspectives,” “Maximizing Revenue in Higher Education” and “The University: International Expectations.”

The Daily Reveille PRESIDENT, from page 1

the new system president would be someone from Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration or someone with a previous history at the University.

“Our goal was to find a candidate that understands the traditions and practices of higher learning, but also embraces the changing market place and is willing to lead our great university through those changes,” said Presidential Search Committee Chairman and Board of Supervisors member Blake Chatelain. “Alexander has a deep understanding of higher education, but he also has a vision for the future.

He’s the right man for the job right now.”

Though Alexander has not officially been approved by the Board of Supervisors as the University’s next leader, he said he would be honored to join the University.

“This is an exciting period at a difficult time for higher education.

LSU is positioned better than many public universities in the United States to lead the Land Grant mission into the next 50 years,” Alexander said in a statement. “LSU has developed a great reputation due to the work of its faculty and staff and the quality of its students, and I would be honored to be part of that cohesive team as it moves into the future.”

Interim System President and Chancellor William “Bill” Jenkins said he is optimistic about Alexander’s nomination, especially after the reports at the meeting Monday.

“I believe we have a very good presidential nominee,” Jenkins said. “We’re in a time of change, and he is well aware of the changing dynamic in higher education right now.”

Before serving at CSU Long Beach, Alexander was president of

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 Murray State University from 2001 to 2006. He has also held positions at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; University of Wisconsin, Madison; and University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“Alexander’s leadership and accomplishments at CSU Long Beach make him a stand-out candidate for LSU,” Chatelain said. “He emerged as our leading candidate, and there was no room to wait on a decision we were sure about.”

The Committee had two inperson meetings and numerous phone interviews with Alexander before recommending him to the Board, said Board of Supervisors Chairman Hank Danos.

“I just met him yesterday, and his credentials, capabilities and strengths are excellent, and our interactions were very, very good,” Jenkins said. “He was very interested and very enthusiastic. He is clearly very excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Chatelain said Alexander is highly regarded by faculty and students at CSU Long Beach and will visit the University later this week to meet with the LSU community.

Although the Board did not take action after receiving the Committee’s recommendation at the meeting Monday, Chatelain said the Board will begin the next steps of the hiring process at a special Board of Supervisors meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Chatelain said Alexander will finish the semester in California and should begin his LSU presidential duties

by June.

“He’s had experience with significant changes and challenges,” Chatelain said. “His outlook on the changes we face is that they’re very achievable.”

Under Alexander’s leadership

at CSU Long Beach, the university saw improvements in graduation rates, fundraising and research. Alexander also oversaw a reorganization of the university’s institutional advancement and public relations office.

These skills and experiences make Alexander the ideal person to lead LSU forward, Danos said.

“I’m confident he can manage well and take us through our redesign well. He’ll guide LSU through the challenges that lie ahead very successfully,” Jenkins added.

SSA Consultant Christel Slaughter, who is guiding the LSU System through the reorganization process to improve efficiency, said the naming of the top candidate gives the process renewed energy.

“Now that we have somebody in mind, it makes it very real,” Slaughter said. “We have someone who has been dealing with a state that is struggling economically. To know that he’s had to deal with that and is still considered a top president who is respected by peers and faculty and students is great. I’m so pleased.”

Alexander’s been through challenges similar to what LSU is currently facing. He has the academic background and understands the need for the transition because he’s been through it, Slaughter said.

“Dr. King Alexander is a young and dynamic leader with valuable experience,” said CSU Long Beach University Chancellor Emeritus Charles Reed in a news release. “He is a winner for LSU and the people of Louisiana.”

Contact Alyson Gaharan at agaharan@lsureveille.com

CHERISH the MEMORIES

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Sports

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

page 5

LSU selected as sixth seed in NCAA Tournament

Lady Tigers to take on Green Bay Tyler Nunez Sports Writer

The LSU women’s basketball team celebrated with fans Monday night in the PMAC as it was announced as the No. 6 seed in the Spokane region of the NCAA Tournament.

The Lady Tigers will take on 11th-seeded Green Bay, which enters the tournament on a 24game winning streak, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the PMAC. “Seeing that sixth seed up there; it is a great place to be,” said LSU junior forward Theresa Plaisance. “We are in a great spot.

We are going to come out, do our revenge on the Lady Lions, but best and have a great run in the they are not yet ready to look that tournament. ... It’s do-or-die now, far ahead. and we are ready to go.”

“I am not saying anything It’s a familiar matchup for [about a potential match against LSU fans, as a sixth-seeded LSU Penn State] until we get past that took on an 11thfirst game,” said seeded Green ‘It’s do-or-die now, and LSU junior guard Bay in the first Jeanne Kenney. we are ready to go.’ “I’m not jinxing round of the 2009 NCAA Tournaanything, but we ment. LSU won, are going to be Theresa Plaisance 69-59. ready.” junior forward Also familThe Lady Tiiar is LSU’s likely second-round gers look forward to having the matchup against third-seeded opportunity to play their first two Penn State if it gets past Green games of the tournament in their Bay. LSU was ousted from the home venue, a luxury most teams NCAA Tournament by Penn are not allotted.

State, 90-80, in the second round LSU has fared well in home last season. games this season, going 13-3 in The Lady Tigers are excited about the opportunity to exact SELECTION, see page 7

ANGELA MAJOR / The Daily Reveille

LSU junior forward Theresa Plaisance cheers with her team and fans while watching the Selection Show on Monday in the PMAC. The Lady Tigers earned the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

HEAD to HEAD

Should LSU basketball have played in the CBI? No excuse for LSU to pass on CBI tourney MIC’D UP MICAH BEDARD Sports Columnist LSU didn’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament or National Invitational Tournament, but apparently it has too good of a basketball program for the College Basketball Invitational. This just in: it doesn’t.

The Tigers finished in the middle of the pack in the worst power conference this season and maybe the weakest group of basketball teams in Southeastern Conference history. They should be thankful to be invited to any kind of postseason tournament.

When the NCAA Tournament and NIT brackets were released and LSU’s name was nowhere to be found, an obvious alternative for the Tigers would have been to accept an invite to the CBI. If you’re unfamiliar with the CBI, it’s a 16-team tournament in which the champion is decided by the two finalists playing a best-of-three series.

The only drawback is that schools have to pay to host games before the championship round, but LSU could have easily made the money back through ticket sales and concessions.

Saying first-year coach Johnny Jones and his squad overachieved during the 2012-13 season is an

understatement. LSU had 19 wins this season, one more than it did last season under former coach Trent Johnson. But LSU could have added more wins by playing in the CBI. At first, I didn’t mind the Tigers ending their season one victory shy of a 20-win campaign in Jones’ first season. Then I heard this: “We didn’t consider any other tournament,” Jones told Matthew Harris of The Advocate on Sunday night.

Wait, what?

This has been a picture-perfect first season for Jones considering the team he inherited, but the Tigers’ season shouldn’t be over yet.

Programs aren’t built overnight. LSU isn’t Kentucky, Duke or Kansas.

I know Jones is a Dale Brown disciple, but this isn’t the 1980s.

Since 2000, LSU has only reached the NCAA Tournament four times, including a Final Four appearance in 2006. If Jones wants to get back to the glory days of the program under Brown’s tutelage, he can’t expect to flip a switch and the team turn into a basketball powerhouse.

This is a football school, not a basketball institution. I have no doubt Jones will eventually buck that trend, but spurning the CBI isn’t the way to go about CBI, see page 8

Refusing CBI bid is about pride, standards LOCKS OF JUSTICE MARCUS RODRIGUE Sports Contributor

TAYLOR BALKOM / The Daily Reveille

LSU men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones led his team to a 19-win season in his first year at the helm.

When the LSU men’s basketball team was not awarded a National Invitation Tournament bid Sunday night, it was left with one of two choices: hang up the shoes and shove this season in the books, or pay to participate in the College Basketball Invitational tournament.

LSU officials quickly made the decision to deny a bid to the CBI, and they should be praised for it.

The common argument for playing in the CBI is that teams get more experience by playing more games. But how much more experience can these Tigers (1912, 9-9 Southeastern Conference) get?

After five months and 31 games, there’s not much more LSU can get out of this season.

It’s been through an 18-game docket in the SEC and advanced to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

If these young Tigers don’t know what it takes to win in the SEC by now, then shame on them.

Playing a bunch of scrubs would do next to nothing for LSU. I’m not even going to bring

up the money issue. The LSU Athletic Department is willing to throw any amount of money at anything, so that’s not even a sound argument.

But the CBI brings up a serious logistical concern. Teams participating in the CBI must host their own games, and LSU would be hard-pressed to do that, seeing as the PMAC is already playing host for the first and second rounds of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

Though these dates may not necessarily create conflict, putting on a college basketball game is kind of a big deal. A lot of planning and manpower has to go into it, and the University would have had two days to scrap it altogether.

But the real issue is pride. If I’m a player and my coach tells me, “Hey guys, we weren’t good enough to receive an NIT bid, but we can keep playing basketball if we pay up,” I’m not going to feel good about myself or my teammates.

More basketball is always great, but if I were a player, I’d be embarrassed to play in the CBI. The NIT is already viewed as the consolation bracket for the teams that didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, so the CBI can only be described as the consolation bracket for the PRIDE, see page 8

page 6

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

SOFTBALL

page 7

BASEBALL

LSU takes on Georgia Southern in doubleheader This week’s relaxed weekend against Kentucky, only throwing 170 pitches in 10-and-a-third innings as comThe LSU softball team will pared to 326 pitches thrown in 21 continue its extended home stint innings in the team’s trip to Missiswith a midweek doubleheader sippi State two weeks ago. against Georgia Southern tonight, This will also be the first time just two days after sweeping Ken- in program history the Tigers and tucky in the Tigers’ Southeast- Eagles meet each other on the softern Conference home opener this ball diamond. However, this will weekend. be the 11th time GeorThe defending Next up for gia Southern has faced Southern Conference a Louisiana school the Tigers: champions will at— totaling a 4-7 retempt to knock LSU Who: LSU (23-5, 5-1 SEC) cord — in its 26-year off its five-game win- vs. Georgia history. ning streak when the Southern (8-12, 0-3 LSU is comEagles roll into Tiger ing off a three-game Park on Tuesday on Southern Conference) sweep of Kentucky in the heels of their four- When: 5 p.m. today which the Tigers outloss weekend at the Where: Tiger Park scored the Wildcats Florida State Tourna14-6, including two Watch or listen at home: come-from-behind, ment.

But according to CST, 104.9 FM last-inning wins.

LSU coach Beth To“It’s definitely rina, Georgia Southern could pro- exciting to get a sweep because vide an unexpected challenge dur- it is very hard,” said LSU sophoing the midweek matchup. more A.J. Andrews. “We’re just “There’s no question — if very proud of ourselves. We’ve we take Georgia Southern lightly, come a long way as a team, and I we’re going to end up on the los- think we’ve only gotten better each ing end,” Torina said. “They’re game. That just pumps us up even well-coached. They have two re- more to go out on Tuesday and win ally solid pitchers and maybe even those two games as well.” more that I don’t even know about.

Andrews slapped the gameThey’re a solid program, and we’re winning, two-run single to shallow going to have to show up Tuesday right field, propelling the Tigers to and grind it out and really play two a 3-2 lead late in the sixth inning of tough games.” their final match against Kentucky.

Georgia Southern pitcher First pitch is scheduled for 5 Sarah Purvis is the Eagles’ stud on p.m. Tuesday in Tiger Park. the mound, boasting 110 strikeouts and a 2.08 ERA this season — 28 strikes and .38 ERA behind Tiger Contact Mike Gegenheimer at leader senior Rachele Fico.

Fico received a relatively mgegenheimer@lsureveille.com Mike Gegenheimer Sports Contributor

RICHARD REDMANN / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior pitcher Rachele Fico (37) pitches March 16 during the Tigers’ 4-3 extra-innings victory against Kentucky in Tiger Park.

SELECTION, from page 5

the PMAC. “They’re coming to our house, and this is a big [Southeastern Conference] house,” Kenney said. “We look to take care of our home court. It is going to be a fight. I am glad it is at home, and I am excited.”

LSU is one of an impressive group of seven teams representing the SEC in the tournament.

Tennessee and Kentucky were both selected as the secondseeded team in the Oklahoma City and Bridgeport regions, respectively. Georgia will join LSU in the Spokane region as the fourth seed.

LSU coach Nikki Caldwell said having faced all of those teams at some point this will likely help them succeed in the tournament.

“The SEC really does a great job of preparing you for different types of teams that you may face in NCAA Tournament play,” Caldwell said.

Still, Caldwell does not want her team to expect anything but the best performance out of any team they play, saying each team enters the tournament “zero-and-zero.”

As far as expectations go, the Lady Tigers have set their

goals on par with what every successful NCAA Tournament team expects.

“We want a national championship,” Kenney said. “It is a big accomplishment to get [to the NCAA Tournament], but it is another thing to win. We are definitely going to take it one team at a time.”

Contact Tyler Nunez at tnunez@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @NunezTDR

WAVEFARER BOARD SHORTS

Baseball America poll Rank / Team

/ Last Week 1 1. North Carolina 2. Vanderbilt

2

3. Oregon State

3

4. Louisville

4

5. South Carolina

5

6. Mississippi

6

7. Louisiana State

7

8. Cal State Fullerton

8

9. Georgia Tech

9

10. Kentucky

10

11. UCLA

11

12. Florida State

12

13. Orgeon

16

14. Virginia

22

15. Notre Dame

17

16. North Carolina State 18 17. Oklahoma

23

18. Rice

19

19. Mississippi State

13

20. Arizona State

14

21. Arkansas

15

22. Indiana

24

23. Central Arkansas

NR

24. Virginia Tech

NR

25. San Diego

NR

The Daily Reveille

page 8 LSU head coach Johnny Jones watches Jan. 23 in the Tigers’ 58-54 victory against Texas A&M. Jones said he “didn’t consider any other tournament” after the Tigers failed to earn an NIT bid.

RICHARD REDMANN /

The Daily Reveille

CBI, from page 5

accomplishing it.

I’ve heard LSU shouldn’t waste its time playing with lower-level teams that couldn’t even make the NIT or Big Dance. I’m sorry, but doesn’t LSU fall into that category as well?

People think the CBI is just a place for desperate teams trying to salvage subpar seasons. It’s not.

Purdue is participating in the CBI this season after missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six seasons. But LSU is too high-profile of a program to play in such a disgrace to basketball, right?

Five of the past six championship finalists in the CBI are in the NCAA Tournament field this season. The tournament could have been used as a building block for next season, like Oregon, VCU and Creighton have done in past seasons.

The best example of a team using the CBI as a springboard for future success is VCU. The Rams and coach Shaka Smart shocked the college basketball world in 2011 by making the Final Four as a No. 11 seed.

Where were the Rams the

March before? Hoisting the CBI trophy after winning the championship series against St. Louis.

It was Smart’s first season as coach when VCU won the CBI in 2010.

He wasn’t worried about being disrespected by playing in a thirdtier tournament. Smart just wanted his team to get as much experience as it could.

If you have the opportunity to play, take it.

“It’s just disappointing,” Jones said. “It’s disappointing to see other teams keep playing games, and your season’s over and your seniors have played their last games.”

There’s just one problem, Johnny: you could have kept playing games along with those other teams.

Jones will have a news conference today to recap the season instead of game planning for a CBI contest. And that isn’t the right move.

Micah Bedard is a 22-year-old history senior from Houma.

Contact Micah Bedard at mbedard@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @DardDog

PRIDE, from page 5

consolation bracket.

What player with any sense of pride in what he does would want to participate in something like that?

The program clearly thought about the precedent it would set by accepting a CBI bid. LSU basketball is trying to move forward and reshape its image, so why would it lower its standards by accepting a bid to the CBI? The Tigers went to the NIT last year and anything less than that would be a step backward for the program.

The bottom line is that if a program wants to be of championship caliber, then it should conduct itself toward championships that are awarded, not paid for.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 Sports, much like life, are simple in that you get out what you put in. Two sets of professional selection committees did not find LSU good enough to receive a postseason bid, and while I do think LSU deserved an NIT bid, I can’t argue to the contrary.

LSU fans need to face the truth: their Tigers just weren’t good enough. Yes, they overachieved. Yes, it was a fantastic season with memorable performances. But you’ve got to let go.

Quit being the doting and overprotective mother and let them pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get stronger from the experience.

This young team will benefit much more from realizing its résumé wasn’t up to par and moving on with new goals in

mind than accepting a CBI bid, which is nothing more than a tiny trophy for “outstanding effort.”

And that’s a trophy nobody wants to receive.

Everyone’s been talking about how great LSU will be next season, but they keep forgetting that the only way to realize the future is to let go of the past.

Congratulations, LSU. Take a seat and enjoy the offseason.

You’ve earned it.

Marcus Rodrigue is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from Thibodaux.

Contact Marcus Rodrigue at mrodrigue@lsureveille.com

The Daily Reveille

Entertainment ONE-MAN SHOW

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

page 9

Fosberg to perform at Union Theater

Rob Kitchen

Entertainment Writer

Michael Fosberg did not know he was half African-American until he was 32 years old.

On Wednesday, Fosberg will perform his one-man show “Incognito” at the Union Theater.

Fosberg grew up with his mother and stepfather for most of his life. After learning they were getting a divorce, he decided to find out who his biological father was.

“I never asked questions; my mom never told me any answers,” Fosberg said. “But when they were getting a divorce, I realized I needed to find out who my biological father was.”

After getting phone numbers of every possible candidate from a phone book collection in a Los Angeles library, he started calling.

“I was nervous,” Fosberg said. “I finally got the courage and picked up the phone and called the first name on the list. I asked him some questions and I realized I had tracked my father down on the first phone call.”

After speaking with his newly found father, Fosberg discovered some surprising information.

photo courtesy of INCOGNITOTHEPLAY.COM

“He said, ‘I’m sure there’s one other thing your mother never told you. I’m African-American,’” Fosberg said. “I was raised in a white, working-class family in the suburbs of Chicago thinking I was a white guy my whole life, when in fact I’m half black.”

Several years later, Fosberg wrote a book discussing elements from his life and his discovery.

About five years later, Fosberg was invited to read some of his stories to a group of people.

“I came to read some stories and people were just blown away,” Fosberg said. “They were laughing.

They were crying. It just resonated with people so much and they came up after the show saying I should be doing this, and I said that I was writing a book, and they said I should be performing it. I did another reading a couple months later, and I got the same response.”

Fosberg’s book, also called “Incognito,” was published in 2011.

The early performances of his readings developed into his one-man show. In addition to performing in theaters, Fosberg also performs his ONE-MAN SHOW, see page 11

‘THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES’ COMES TO BATON ROUGE

Manship Theatre to host iconic feminist play tonight Taylor Schoen

Female empowerment methods are misused

Entertainment Writer

The Eve Ensler episodic play “The Vagina Monologues” delves into why “vagina” has been labeled a dirty word, as nicknames ranging from “vajayjay” to “hoo-ha” become more abundant in today’s society and Michigan state representative Lisa Brown was prevented from speaking on the floor to Congress during an abortion debate last June after she said the word.

The Manship Theatre will host a benefit performance of “The Vagina Monologues” tonight. The play is presented by The Baton Rouge Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center, or STAR. The play first premiered in 1996 and has been coaxing audiences to discuss topics like sex, menstruation, masturbation, rape, the birthing process and everything in between ever since.

Racheal Hebert, executive director of STAR, has been helping to organize the play for the past six years. She first became involved during her time at the University in 2007 when she was a member of the student organization Women Organizing Women, now known as Feminists in Action.

She said the play was compiled

by Ensler, who is a survivor of rape

photo courtesy of JOAN MARCUS

Eve Ensler, creator of “The Vagina Monologues,” performed in the play during its early stages. The Manship Theatre will host “The Vagina Monologues” at 7 p.m. tonight.

herself, to learn about the global epidemic of violence against women and why the word “vagina” is still taboo.

“Eve went around the world and sort of collected different women’s stories on their body experiences, their identity with their body and with their vagina,” Hebert explained. “A lot of the stories kind of range [in mood] — some are happy, some are sad, some are sarcastic and very funny and some actually talk directly about sexual assault and domestic violence.”

Hebert said it’s interesting how the play has remained so poignant more than 15 years after its inception. She noted even today when she talks to people about these topics, women are still shy or nervous about adding “vagina” to their vocabulary.

Typically, the play includes about 10 to 13 monologues, and a spotlight monologue is added each year. The spotlight monologues generally focus on a relevant or modern issue. According to Hebert, this MONOLOGUES, see page 11

Eve Ensler’s 1996 play “The Vagina Monologues” is 17 years old this year — almost old enough to be declared a legal adult.

The social movement spurred by the play, one of proudly embracing the SAMANTHA BARES feminine exEntertainment perience, is Writer reaching a critical point. You may recognize this point as what is commonly known as “puberty.”

In 2007, “The Tyra Banks Show” had an episode in which experts explained the female anatomy on a detailed plush vagina model. Banks eventually returned to the subject that brought her so much media attention by featuring women with two vaginas each on an episode two years later.

Although coming off as a

bit sensationalist, Banks’ show at least addressed the vagina as an anatomical reality rather than something forbidden to giggle about around a coffee table.

This isn’t to say Ensler’s dream of an empowered feminine consciousness has been realized.

The word “vajayjay” debuted in a 2006 episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” in which the word vagina was used so many times that the producers began to feel uncomfortable and requested a change of word choice from the writers.

The term spread like wildfire and entered mainstream vocabulary faster than you can say “euphemism.” Oprah even mentioned it several times on her show, declaring it “a nice word.”

At the original staging of “The Vagina Monologues,” the use of the word “vagina” was considered shocking and refreshingly candid. Ensler wanted to EMPOWERMENT, see page 11

The Daily Reveille

page 10

‘Planes’ a bad omen for Pixar CRYIN’ BRIAN BRIAN SIBILLE Entertainment Editor I’ll never forget the first time Mom popped “Toy Story” into the VCR. That opening scene where the toys scramble to find out who the new toy is before their owner Andy returns and discovers their secret incites a childlike wonderment that not only returns with every repeated view of “Toy Story” and its sequels, but also appears with every Pixar film that moves us to tears without fail — except “Cars.”

Easily the festering wound on Pixar’s mostly genius body of work, the first installment of the automobiles-as-beings franchise was lousy enough. What can you expect from a movie based on NASCAR? But if that wasn’t enough, “Cars 2” forced itself into our lives and was the first true blight committed by the Pixar moviemakers who are used to critical fanfare.

It was an obvious money-making move that tried to mirror the success of the “Toy Story” franchise but failed miserably.

It’s been easy to push the “Cars” saga out of the way with beautiful films like “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles” more than making up for Larry the Cable Guy voicing a character called “Tow Mater.”

Surely it couldn’t get worse.

The failure of “Cars 2” must have been enough to send the horse to the glue factory.

But as with many things in life that seem like they can’t get much worse, Dane Cook has to come and ruin it for everyone.

Disney, sans Pixar, announced “Planes” last week. Literally, “Cars” in the sky. The film wasn’t even supposed to make it to theaters, with a straight-to-DVD release planned for late 2013.

Yet it’s slated to fly into theaters (sorry) Aug. 9, from the geniuses at DisneyToon Studios who unleashed all those terrible sequels to Disney animated classics.

It’s mind-numbing to try and discern Disney’s reasoning for bringing this tragedy to the screen.

“Cars 2” is Disney and Pixar’s second-lowest-grossing film, but sequels are still seen as cash cows in American cinema — as proven by “Superhero Movie” and the genre-farce franchise that ascended straight from the pit of Hell.

Not even Jon Cryer — the guy in “Two and a Half Men” who isn’t Charlie Sheen or Ashton Kutcher — thought it was worth his precious and much-sought commitment, so the reigns were handed off to Dane Cook, and the world exploded.

The absence of Pixar’s stamp should be alarming, but John Lasseter, “Toy Story” mastermind and arguably the father of modern animated films, is signed on as producer.

This column may seem like a lot of hoopla over a dumb sequel that probably won’t have a theater run longer than Eddie Murphy’s

screenshot from “PLANES” THEATRICAL TRAILER

2012 nail-in-the-respect-coffin “A Thousand Words.”

But what twists the proverbial knife in the back of kids and adults who still find magic in Pixar’s classic filmography is the slight chance this may be a sign of the fall of the Pixarian Empire.

Pixar films are works of art that often transcend the tropes and trends of mainstream cinema. I thought I’d never again experience

the hollow sadness that washed over me when Andy gave his toys away as he left for college at the end of “Toy Story 3” (see how relevant it is?), but the decline of Pixar may sting just as much.

Contact Brian Sibille at entertainment@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @TDR_entertain

3-18 ANSWERS

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 ONE-MAN SHOW, from page 9

show for high schools.

“I performed it for [a high school] and afterward, students were so engaged in a dialogue about identity, about how we see ourselves,” said Fosberg.

Fosberg began touring other high schools and universities across the country. He has also performed for corporations.

“His story is really a fascinating story of self-discovery,” said Terry Serio, assistant theater director for the Union Theater. “It should be an interesting evening, something that everyone can enjoy.”

Fosberg will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The show is free to students with ID.

Contact Rob Kitchen at rkitchen@lsureveille.com

MONOLOGUES, from page 9

year’s spotlight will be about the relatively new campaign One Billion Rising. The movement aims to unite the estimated billion women who have been victims of either sexual or domestic abuse. It also encourages others to become proactive about ending the hatred and disrespect of the female gender.

Hebert said although the play focuses primarily on the issues women face, men are welcome to attend as well.

“We always encourage men to attend because, you know, it’s about sexual violence and women’s issues, but these are issues that affect everyone, not just women,” Hebert said.

Along with reclaiming the word “vagina,” Hebert said “The Vagina Monologues” and STAR try to clear the name of feminism.

“Feminism is, even though people don’t like to admit it, it’s still a little taboo. … Feminism has

become just an outdated word. People don’t think there is still a need for the feminist movement,” Hebert said.

She went on to recite statistics contradicting the idea that feminism is no longer necessary.

“If you look at the demographics of our Congress, where only 17 percent or 20 percent are women, there are a lot of inequalities still in existence,” she said. “I think feminism and especially Women’s History Month and things like ‘The Vagina Monologues’ really bring that conversation into the public.”

“The Vagina Monologues” will be performed at 7 p.m. tonight at the Manship Theatre. Student tickets are $20 and tickets are $25 for the general public. All proceeds will go to STAR.

Contact Taylor Schoen at tschoen@lsureveille.com

page 11 EMPOWERMENT, from page 9

present the vagina as the ultimate symbol of female empowerment, so she listed all of the strange and commonly used words for it, along with the anatomical name, with glee.

A mere decade after Ensler’s first performance, the shock value of using playful vagina euphemisms in ordinary context was already being misused and abused by the oppressors of women.

Ensler has said that without using the anatomical name, women are more likely to feel shame, anxiety or discomfort.

How else could you interpret the reaction of the “Grey’s Anatomy” producers to what they felt was an overuse of “vagina”?

The fact that Ensler’s use of the anatomical name was considered an empowering move shows that the movement has gone astray of her original message,

with antics more exasperating than liberating.

And given more recent events — like the Steubenville rape case, in which the media showed more concern over the futures of young rapists than the physical and psychological damage done to a young woman — it’s time we grow up and start treating the female anatomy with respect, rather than getting queasy and tiptoeing around the issue.

This isn’t just some feminist throwback to 1996. The movement is alive, although misguided and misused in the mainstream.

Empowerment is still within reach.

Samantha Bares is a 19-year-old English sophomore from Erath, La.

Contact Samantha Bares at sbares@lsureveille.com

CELEBRITY

Lindsay Lohan sentenced to rehab as part of plea deal The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lindsay Lohan isn’t headed back to jail — but she won’t be free to party for a while either.

The troubled 26-year-old actress accepted a plea deal Monday in a misdemeanor car crash case that includes 90 days in a locked-down rehabilitation facility she won’t be able to leave.

Lohan, who has struggled for years with legal problems and been briefly jailed five times, pleaded no contest to reckless driving and lying to police who were investigating the accident involving the actress in June along Pacific Coast Highway.

A charge of obstructing an officer was dropped.

Lohan also was found in violation of her probation in a 2011 necklace theft and sentenced to 180 days in jail.

However, she can avoid jail time if she complies with the conditions of her plea deal, which also includes 30 days of community labor, 18 months of psychological therapy and an unspecified fine and restitution.

Lohan spoke little to Superior Court Judge James R. Dabney in court and said “yes” when asked if she accepted the plea deal. Before the “Mean Girls” actress left the courtroom, Dabney offered her a suggestion.

“Don’t drive,” he said.

Dabney did not set a date for Lohan to begin rehab. Instead he set another hearing for May 2, when the court must be given proof of enrollment in a treatment program.

The sentence extends Lohan’s probation for another two years.

Dabney warned her there won’t be any discussion about putting her back on probation if she doesn’t meet the conditions of the latest sentence.

Lohan arrived nearly an hour late for Monday’s proceedings and was showered with confetti as she passed through a barrage of media to enter the courthouse.

The “Freaky Friday” star reportedly missed her original Sunday

REED SAXON / The Associated Press

Actress Lindsay Lohan and her attorney Mark Heller appear Monday at a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court.

night flight from New York to Los Angeles, instead traveling on a private plane provided by a Los Angeles-based energy drink company for which she has made promotional appearances.

“Thanks Mr. Pink for the private jet see you all in a few hours in LA,” she tweeted early Monday.

After entering the courtroom, Lohan sat for more than two hours as her New York-based attorney, Mark Jay Heller, and prosecutors ironed out a plea deal.

After a pair of arrests for driving under the influence in 2007, Lohan has resolved her numerous legal issues without going to trial.

Instead she has faced judges who have sentenced her to rehab and counseling, which even her current attorney acknowledges have not completely helped the troubled actress.

Lohan entered Monday’s hearing with a lawyer whose competence has been questioned by a judge. At one point during the proceedings, she told an incessant Heller not to “say anything else.” Lohan and Heller were joined by Long Beach-based attorney Anthony J. Falangetti.

Lohan’s longtime advocate, Shawn Holley, left the case earlier

this year after keeping the actress out of jail for significant periods of time on probation violations and the allegation in 2011 that she took a $2,500 necklace without permission from an upscale jeweler.

After Lohan left the courthouse, her father, Michael Lohan, who brought his own legal team to the proceedings, confronted Heller and Falangetti.

Michael Lohan told reporters that Heller was being investigated for witness tampering in the case and was not being paid by his daughter. Instead, Lohan said the attorney took the case to gain media attention.

Heller did not respond to the claim

by Lohan at the courthouse. A call to his New York office was not immediately returned.

“Go home,” Michael Lohan called out to him. “You have done enough damage. Leave my daughter alone and stay out of the press.

You’re a parasite.”

Lohan, who’s had a strained relationship with his daughter over the years, was restrained by his attorney and separated from Heller and Falangetti by a sheriff’s deputy.

Heller “is her official representative,” Falangetti told Lohan. “You are not.”

Lindsay Lohan has been a courthouse mainstay since 2010 when she failed to appear for a probation hearing because she claimed she lost her passport in France.

By that point, she had already been on probation for nearly three years on the pair of driving under the influence cases that took the former Disney star five years to resolve.

Lohan has been under some form of probation since her 2007 convictions and has been repeatedly sent to jail and rehab for violations ranging from failing to perform her community service to skipping counseling sessions.

All her jail stints have been short because she has only been convicted of misdemeanors and because of jail overcrowding.

Out of court, Lohan has struggled to regain her stature in Hollywood. She missed the premiere of “Machete” in 2010 because of her court troubles, and her acting return in 2012’s “Liz & Dick” was widely panned by critics and viewers.

Her next project is “The Canyons,” a film by Bret Easton Ellis

that also features porn star James Deen.

Lohan relocated to New York after work on the movie was complete, but her return to her childhood home has had its share of drama. She has been arrested twice, though not charged, for late-night incidents in which she has been accused of hitting a man with her car and striking a woman at a Manhattan nightclub.

Prosecutors decided last year that Lohan would not face criminal charges and wouldn’t elaborate on their decision about the Sept. 21 episode involving Jose Rodriguez, 34, of Jersey City, N.J. Police also had to be called to Lohan’s childhood home on Long Island after a report of a fight between her and her mother. An investigation revealed what authorities called “no criminality.”

Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at entertainment@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @TDR_entertain

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The Daily Reveille

Opinion

page 12

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Cost of Fun

Overpriced goods could get more expensive with new tax plan BWALLY’S WORLD

BEN WALLACE Columnist Gov. Bobby Jindal unveiled some details of his proposed tax plan last week that, if passed, would arguably hurt college students more than anyone else.

Common purchases such as movie tickets, hair cuts and car washes would cost more because they would fall under a broader state sales tax base that includes more service-based purchases than it currently does.

Most rational consumers know that buying most products costs more than the advertised price because of taxes. But when people see an $8 movie ticket or car wash, they’re used to paying said amount for the service.

If Jindal’s plan passes, that would all change.

And it gets worse.

Currently, Baton Rouge has a combined state and local sales tax of 9 percent, meaning a TV selling for $499 would actually cost $544.

Under the proposed plan, the state’s portion of the sales tax would rise to 5.88 percent, up from 4 percent today — making the combined rate in Baton Rouge 10.88 percent.

Now the TV costs $10 more.

Granted, $10 seems like chump change that hardly anyone would care about when buying a sweet new Smart TV that can talk to you and probably do the dishes, too.

But how about that new car post-graduation?

A nearly 20 percent rise in combined sales taxes means a seemingly reasonable $20,000 car would now cost about $2,200 in sales taxes alone, $400 more than it does today.

Well dang, now you can’t afford that TV. And for smokers who haven’t yet kicked the habit or who casually enjoy cigarettes as a buzzbooster while partying, the price of a pack of joes will go up, too.

The cigarette excise tax would increase about three fold from 36 cents a pack to $1.41, significantly raising already over-taxed and overpriced tobacco sticks.

Now that I have your attention, the big fuss about the proposed tax plan revolves around the many uncertainties posed by eliminating state income and corporate taxes. In theory, this would benefit many businesses while creating a major revenue shortfall Jindal hopes increased sales taxes and the abolishment of some corporate exemptions would make up for.

It’s certainly a gamble.

Even if it did work and the state didn’t lose money by doing away with about $2.7 billion in revenue, according to estimates from Jindal’s own proposal, doing fun things will cost you more.

And, and, and ... no more sweet, springtime tax refund check because estimated taxes weren’t removed from your paycheck in the first place.

Still, a refund check is as much of an emotional win as anything else, although many college students end up with a net positive because they don’t make enough money in the first place to pay income taxes.

Corporations stand to gain the most from this plan, which isn’t a

ARTHUR D. LAUCK / The Associated Press

Gov. Bobby Jindal gives an overview of some of his tax reform proposals Thursday during a meeting of the joint committee on ways and means.

bad thing. Big businesses saving big bucks on taxes should lead to more jobs, in theory.

Everyone likes more jobs.

Also, not having to pay income taxes seems pretty cool.

Everyone likes paying less taxes.

But for the whole plan to work, most people will need to pay additional taxes, not less.

Next time you get a haircut, or your nails done, ladies, think about

how much more it could cost you if the plan passes.

It’s more than just a few pennies.

Ben Wallace is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Tyler, Texas.

Contact Ben Wallace at bwallace@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @_benwallace

Pope balances reform with traditionalist policies RUN TO THE MILLS LANDON MILLS Columnist Habemus Papam: The Roman Catholic Church has a new Pope.

“A religious leader can be strong, and very firm, but without being aggressive,” Pope Francis states in his latest book “On Heaven and Earth.” “Whoever leads should be like those who serve.

When he stops serving he becomes a mere manager, a representative of an NGO.” Francis now represents 1.2 billion Roman Catholics across the globe, with massive power through his representational decisions and statements made in the past.

He offers a profound social conscience on many issues attacking the modern church.

Alex Freyre, Executive Director of the Buenos Aires AIDS Foundation, tweeted, “Maybe the fact that the Vatican has chosen a pope from a country where gay marriage is allowed is a sign that they get it?”

A famous picture circulating is of Francis kissing the feet of AIDS victims. But I wouldn’t mistake kindness for weakness like Freyre did.

As cardinal in Argentina, Francis took a bold stand against homosexual marriage and free contraception in his home state.

“The identity, and the survival of the family: father, mother, and children,” was in question in spite of some reformists within the church and their wishes to see same-sex marriage and adoption condoned by the Catholic Church, he argued.

So how is he a progressive?

He provides advancement and non-conformist ideas in his

The Daily Reveille Editorial Board

Andrea Gallo Emily Herrington Bryan Stewart Kirsten Romaguera Clayton Crockett Chris Grillot

Editor in Chief Managing Editor Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production News Editor Opinion Editor

methods and decision-making. You can be a progressive without being liberal, despite some modern dictionaries’ inclusion of liberals into their definition.

Francis’ handling of pedophilia in the priesthood is a good indicator.

“If a priest is a pedophile, he is so before he becomes a priest. But when this happens you must never look away. You cannot be in a position of power and use it to destroy the life of another person,” Francis wrote. Regarding simply moving the priest to another parish, “that is stupid, because the priest continues to carry the problem in his backpack,” Francis argued.

It’s too easy. If a priest is pedophile, you sack him and try him, and do not cover it up.

The pope’s own past is not without blemish, however.

In Argentina, there have been accusations of his involvement and allowance of arrests regarding

fellow priests by the government.

These are accusations he wishes to resolve and dispel by meeting with officials like President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner on Monday.

Francis’ more traditional policies on issues such as abortion are unlikely to change, as he has called pro-choice advocates propagators of a “culture of death.” Some may be surprised to find his stance on contraception to be out of alignment with the Catholic Church in the past. Taking a pragmatic approach to the prevention of spreading disease, condoms for example, should be allowed among married couples, he said The new pope also recognizes globalization and its influence. In his book, he claims globalization has a near imperialistic agenda when it tries to make everything uniform and threatens culture. His experience with the corruption of Argentina’s government probably

Editorial Policies & Procedures

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University.

The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

plays a role into his perception of global and state policy.

“Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities,” Francis wrote.

His admiration of some socialist-atheists who helped bring social justice to Argentina is also noteworthy because of his belief in interfaith dialogue.

Overall, Pope Francis shows humility and grace when appropriate, harsh words for those who need it and perspective on a global scene.

Landon Mills is a 21-year-old international studies senior from Sunshine, La.

Contact Landon Mills at lmills@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @landondeanmills

Quote of the Day “We don’t pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes.”

Leona Helmsley American businesswoman July. 4, 1920 — Aug. 20, 2007

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Opinion

page 13

Dear John, Here are some suggestions for SG WHAT’S THE BUZZ? THE PICKUP PERSPECTIVE

JOHN PARKER FORD Columnist

We’ve just come to the end of what was an unfortunately routine LSU Student Government presidential election cycle, and John Woodard came out on top.

Congratulations, Woodard. And to T Graham S. Howell, you did an excellent job in the past two days of staying humble and respecting the process.

That’s rare in a leader, and you should stay involved at a high level with the University’s future, regardless of if it’s in SG. I’ve been fortunate to see SG from three perspectives — involved with SG, uninvolved with SG and as a media member — in my time at LSU, and my opinion of it has changed little.

And so…

Dear John, Welcome to the highest level of LSU Student Government.

As I’m sure you already know and will definitely come to see, it has a lot of problems.

No matter how much time you spend vetting your executive staff, some of them will quit. Others who should, won’t.

You’ll find barriers from above you — advisers, administrators, maybe even the governor’s office.

You’re also inheriting an image problem.

It’s more of a situation, as the entire student body hasn’t generally respected SG in a long time, if ever.

There might be a little part of

MORGAN SEARLES / The Daily Reveille

John Woodard of Unite LSU celebrates March 13 during the Student Government election results.

you that will want to blame the recent election board/University Court mess for this problem. Don’t.

SG’s problem has more to do with how the organization has always presented itself to students and the media than it does with any recent events.

I’ve got some suggestions for you.

As I mentioned, you will have some members of SG who aren’t doing their jobs. That’s true, and there will be a lot of them.

But you’ll also have some members who are.

Find those people, focus on what they’re doing, empower them to keep doing it and, most importantly — at least in terms of your image problem — let the public know what is done and why it’s important.

SG has never had good external communications, and you need to fix

that if you want the organization to be respected.

Programs such as Chats with the Chancellor are great. They’re important, they’re topical and they should continue.

But most students don’t care about them.

Focus on things students do care about. Few people have ever heard of the Programming, Support and Initiatives Fund Committee.

PSIF is a pot of money SG and its appointees dole out to student organizations for events.

PSIF is the most direct link SG can have to the students it represents — if they know about it.

Also, you should have someone working with The Daily Reveille consistently.

Welcoming the SG beat reporter to your meetings is fine and dandy, but nobody is going to be impressed

with what is discussed there.

Instead, you should have someone who maintains a real relationship with the SG reporter at all times.

This person should go out of his or her way to meet with The Reveille and let it know what SG does.

Things like hosting community service programs and passing Senate bills that directly fund students who are doing great things and representing LSU abroad should be discussed each week, not only with The Reveille, but with Tiger TV and KLSU, as well.

Also, don’t underestimate your potential influence.

You’re an elected official who represents roughly 30,000 people.

Talk to The Advocate and our local broadcast stations.

There’s no reason you and your — no offense, John — better-spoken vice president, Taylor Parks, can’t be on one of those early morning talk shows telling the Greater Baton Rouge community what LSU and its students are doing.

With that said, your focus should be on LSU Student Media.

These outlets are primarily concerned with what you are: advocates for the well being of Louisiana State University and its students.

Lastly, I challenge you to do something every SG president always says they’re going to do but rarely does.

Work with your election opponent. In the debate, T Graham seemed to be fairly knowledgeable about the state legislature, and he put in a lot of work with elected officials on the House and Senate committees that will be most influential in future budget cut situations.

If he’s willing, you should help him put that work to good use.

Do you agree with the UCourt’s decision to overturn SG presidential candidate John Woodard’s disqualification?

Yes No 53% 47% Total votes: 209

Participate in today’s poll at lsureveille.com.

Good luck, John, and get a lot of sleep this summer.

You’ll need it.

John Parker Ford is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Alexandria.

Contact John Parker Ford at jford@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @JohnParkerFord

How many times will Unite defeat Impact in one election?

THE TRADITIONALIST CHRIS ORTTE Columnist It would have been nice to finally have a resolution and move past our own little election season, but apparently the fat lady hasn’t sung.

In politics, and just about anything else, a 20 percent margin of victory is a blowout. The final score of Unite carrying 59.8 percent of the vote to Impact’s 40.2 percent set a new record in Student Government elections.

Considering those results, it is only more embarrassing to contest them. Why draw more attention to yourself? It is clear the student body would rather have John Woodard as its president.

Are you that selfish to throw the reputation of all Student Government under the bus, just so you can assume a position you did not earn?

You cannot lead a community

that does not support you.

Philosophers, world leaders and political greats alike have always agreed with the notion that if a leader loses popular support, he has lost the ability to lead.

This election complaint, and now subsequent appeal, could not be more a perfect example of poor sportsmanship.

To try and overturn an election by filing a complaint on what was essentially a clerical error — a 30-minute tardiness — is bush league. Our problematic election board was able, by the best of its ability, to justly rule on the tardiness as acceptable. On Monday evening, Impact unsuccessfully tried to appeal that ruling.

On the day of election results being announced, the election board poorly reviewed the “discrepancies” on banners that disqualified John Woodard and his election-sweeping ticket. The quoted prices did reveal the banners were bought at a cheaper price, but the election board did not take into consideration other prominent factors that deemed the banners

were bought at a fair price.

A fatal mistake for Impact.

Anyway, I am not so certain the absence of those banners would have helped T Graham S. Howell’s campaign enough to swing the 20 percent margin in his favor. By the looks of it, Woodard could have run with push cards alone and won.

Perhaps the Unite campaign did find a loophole. Some may call that cheating the system, but others would just call it intelligent.

But how in the first place could it have been discerned that Howell rightfully deserved the presidency, when it only took three votes by an appointed election board to overturn the whole election?

After attending Sunday night’s hearing, I realized the amount of personal bias on the election board was comical. The only real discrepancy in this situation was Trey White admitting his personal opinion on the matter, which contrasted what he thought was right.

It was evident that the election board commissioner, Aimeé Simon,

had taken too much personal offense, as if she were defending a candidate.

The UCourt’s decision should have been made easy by the efforts of the Unite ticket’s counsel composed of Kristina Lagasse, Robbie Mahtook and Joe Gipson. From the beginning, they displayed a sharpness that would tell the rest of the tale, running circles around the election board.

The election board’s defense got more laughs than agreeing nods from the viewing gallery.

I understand Simon was pressed for time, and she tried her best. She never wanted to disqualify anyone.

However, all she did was prove the board wasn’t up to the task.

It has been well established that some change needs to be made in Student Government, and I think a glaring change should be made on the scrutiny over the selection of the election board and commissioner. If the board did its best, it was obvious its best wasn’t good enough for the job.

Another issue weighing on

many minds was the apparent conflict of interest and bias on the election board and the UCourt charged with hearing the case. Chief Justice Morgan Faulk and Howell’s friendship is publicly acknowledged — seemingly making it difficult for her to rule without bias. However, Faulk made a wise choice in abstaining from the vote.

I was impressed with the UCourt’s conduction of what could have easily become a Kangaroo Court.

I have to give it to Howell and Impact who are still going down aswinging — sticking to their initiative of making an impact at LSU. But why another appeal? How many times are you going to lose in one election?

Chris Ortte is 22-year-old political science senior from Lafayette.

Contact Chris Ortte at cortte@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @TDR_chrisortte

The Daily Reveille

page 14

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013 PAST, from page 1

him to press Gov. Bobby Jindal on his higher education policies and to fight for the appropriations our flagship university deserves, especially if a speech Alexander gave at last year’s California State University Fullerton President’s Symposium is anything to consider.

In this speech, Alexander decried many of the nation’s state governments and their higher education funding policies, though he actually praised Louisiana’s tax support for higher education and noted numerous national trends in state appropriations to higher education that have affected LSU in a big way.

“Federal student aid is unsustainable,” Alexander said. “If they keep putting more money into Pell Grants, states keep backing their money out. Tuition just goes up to negate the increase in student aid. … States are abandoning their commitments.”

LSU has faced similar difficulties in the ways of consistent budget cuts paired with increases in tuition.

Almost any administrator at LSU will tell you the dynamic between self-generated revenue (such as tuition) and state appropriations is a volatile one, as over the past five years or so, the ratio between the two has flipped entirely.

According to the University’s Operating General Fund Budget, state appropriations have dropped

The Daily Reveille from 54 percent of the overall oper- Alexander ’s speech at the CSUF ating budget to 31 percent since fis- symposium. cal year 2008-09. This means state “If the state would stop substiappropriations have decreased by tuting your tuition income for remore than 40 percent since 2008 — ductions in state appropriation, [we] all while the University’s operating can begin to climb out of the fiscal budget as a whole crisis or hole that ‘The habits of state has decreased by we’re in.” little more than 1 This quote is funding and the percent. from LSU Interim patterns of state Something Vice Chancellor must fill the hole and CFO Robert appropriations are a Kuhn, speaking left by cuts in appropriations, hence big part of the problem.’ on this past year’s the LA GRAD Act, mid-year budget F. King Alexander which allows unicut of $3.4 million.

LSU System presidential finalist versities that meet The Univerparticular benchsity needs someone marks in retention and graduation who can take a strong stand against rates to increase tuition. The prob- the governor’s office and the conlem, however, is that the more a uni- tinual budget cuts it gives us, and versity is allowed to raise tuition for perhaps Alexander’s experience in performing well, the more the state dealing with a Terminator will have seems to cut from its budget. him more willing to handle our And quotes from Alexander Rhodes scholar. would have you think the man has Either way, it doesn’t seem the been working here for years. In fact, man will be out of his element facit is at times difficult to tell Alexan- ing the tribulations of LSU. der’s quotes from those of our own administration.

Clayton Crockett is a 21-year-old “Our state funding formulas international studies senior from are unsustainable if we’re throw- Lafayette. ing money around like that and not rewarding the institutions that are doing the best for the public good.”

“The habits of state funding and the patterns of state apContact Clayton Crockett at propriations are a big part of the news@lsureveille.com; problem.”

Twitter: @TDR_news These quotes come from

page 15

page 16

The Daily Reveille

Tuesday, March 19, 2013