IT’S BRACKET TIME
Do you have a thirst for winning? Check online or today’s edition of The Daily Reveille for an NCAA bracket. Fill it out, turn it in to B39 Hodges Hall by Wednesday and cross your fingers. If your predictions are correct, you could win a vitaminwater prize pack. Still thirsty? If you love beer, vote in our Malt Madness poll, starting today at lsureveille.com.
THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 109
University grad student falls off building, dies By Adam Duvernay News Editor
A University graduate student fell from the roof of the Life Sciences building Monday morning and sustained serious injuries that led to his death. Sarvnipun Chawla, a 27-year-old graduate student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was discovered in critical condition on the concrete in front of the west side of the building at about 10:30 a.m. A number of witnesses provided Chawla with first aid before emergency services rushed him to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for further treatment, where he died at about 11:15 a.m., said Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSU Police Department spokesperSarvnipun son. Chawla LSUPD is still trying to deterformer LSU mine why Chawla fell, Tabor said. graduate student “It was either a freak accident or he was trying to harm himself,” Tabor said. Chawla was still breathing and conscious when EMS arrived, Tabor said. LSUPD conducted an investigation on the roof following the event and found no evidence to suggest foul play or suicide. Tabor said detectives found Chawla’s personal items on the roof — his book bag, wallet, cell phone and shoes. “Every indication we have at this point shows he must have taken those things out before he fell,” Tabor said. Tabor said there are a number of reasons he could have put his possessions aside before he fell, but said they would only be speculation. Chancellor Michael Martin extended his condolences to Chawla’s family and friends in a broadcast email and asked students keep him in their thoughts and prayers. “LSU Police and University officials are still
WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ambitious Development
New North Gate businesses must prove unique to survive in difficult area By Sabrina Trahan Contributing Writer
New businesses will soon be built in the North Gate area, but they may not survive the community’s demand for uniqueness and lack of business outside of campus. Developments including a CVS pharmacy, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Pita Pit, PJ’s Coffee and Shanghai Tokyo Restaurant are expected to be completed by the fall. Clarke Cadzow, board member of the North Gate Merchants Association and owner of Highland Coffees, said the new developments will enhance the community depending on their uniqueness. “The North Gate area is relatively isolated, and people are only willing to work hard to get to your store if what you offer is unique and of exceptional quality,” Cadzow said. “An interesting mix of quality businesses that complements the ones we already have will help the area the most.” The new developments will cost approximately $2.7 million and will take up the space next to Smoothie King and the vacant two-building shopping center on West State Street. The developments will also include a 209-space parking lot intended for shoppers. Business owners are unsure of how they will police parking, Cadzow said. The property is about 70 percent leased, according
INCIDENT, see page 19
PROPERTY, see page 19
MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille graphic by STEPHANIE GIGLIO / The Daily Reveille
A fence surrounds a sign Monday in an area being developed near the North Gates.
SG ELECTIONS
‘Leading the Way’ campaign plans to protect academic core Editor’s note: This story is the first in a four-part series on the Student Government campaigns. The candidates will be presented alphabetically by last name. By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
JAMES WEST / The Daily Reveille
Student Government vice presidential candidate Chris Sellers speaks Sunday with members of the Leading the Way campaign in the Art and Design Building.
Student Government presidential candidate Brooksie Bonvillain and vice presidential candidate Chris Sellers are “Leading the Way” into
their second week of campaigning. Debates start Tuesday, and students are examining what each candidate supports and how well they represent the students. Bonvillain said she is against raising tuition for any students. “But as hard as we will try to keep tuition at its current costs, it may not be possible,” Bonvillain said. She said she would support creating a fluctuating fee based on current enrollment and the budget
deficit at the time. The fee would not be permanent. “We’re committed to protecting the academic core at the University,” Sellers said. “We do need to make sure LSU remains the flagship institution.” SG Speaker of the Senate Tyler Martin said he supports the “Leading the Way” ticket because he said its initiatives are the most tangible, and INITIATIVES, see page 19
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Nation & World
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Irish Catholic leader won’t quit despite abuse coverup
LA marijuana advocates fail in bid for ballot measure
DUBLIN (AP) Ñ IrelandÕ s senior Roman Catholic, Cardinal Sean Brady, said Monday he would not resign despite admitting he helped the church collect evidence against a child-molesting priest Ñ and never told police about the crimes. Brady said he interviewed two children about the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Rev. Brendan Smyth.
LOS ANGELES (AP) Ñ Medical marijuana advocates have failed to gather enough signatures for a ballot measure challenging a new Los Angeles law that will shut hundreds of pot dispensaries. Lead organizer Dan Halbert said Monday his coalition had gathered about 15,000 voter signatures. The group needed more than 27,400 by Monday to put the measure on a ballot. HalbertÕ s dispensary, the Rainforest Collective, is one of hundreds that would have to close under the new ordinance.
Thai protesters vow to spill own blood for symbolic sacrifice BANGKOK (AP) Ñ Protest leaders vowed Monday to collect blood from tens of thousands of anti-government activists and splash it onto the Thai government headquarters in a symbolic sacrifice to press their demands for new elections. As many as 100,000 Ò Red ShirtÓ protesters converged Sunday on Bangkok to demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva agree to dissolve parliament by midday Monday.
Man who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter sentenced LOS ANGELES (AP) Ñ An insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison. Michael Barrett pleaded guilty in December to interstate stalking
after prosecutors accused him of shooting the videos through hotel peepholes in three cities. He was sentenced Monday in a federal court in Los Angeles after he made a tearful apology. Barrett of suburban Chicago agreed to a 27-month prison sentence after pleading guilty. Andrews called him a sexual predator. Arkansas woman whose three children drowned to change plea LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Ñ Prosecutors say theyÕ ve reached a plea agreement with an Arkansas woman who drove into a lake during a nighttime thunderstorm, killing her three young sons. Amber Turley, of Conway County, is due in court Tuesday for a change of plea hearing. Prosecutor Tom Tatum said Monday that his office reached a tentative plea deal with Turley. He declined to disclose the terms. The public defender office, which represents Turley, did not respond to a phone message seeking comment.
STATE/LOCAL
Lawsuit claims poilce harassed journalists, bystanders
La. family: Drywall-tainted home needs overhaul
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ New Orleans police officers have engaged in a pattern of unlawfully arresting or harassing journalists and bystanders who tape or photograph them in public, a lawyer for two men suing the city told a federal jury Monday. A lawsuit, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, claims police officers violated the constitutional rights of plaintiffs Greg Griffith and Noah Learned, who were arrested at a 2007 Carnival parade. The plaintiffs cite 11 other incidents since 2005 in which people were arrested or allegedly threatened while videotaping, photographing or merely observing police officers. The list of potential plaintiffsÕ witnesses includes Times-Picayune city editor Gordon Russell and Associated Press Television News producer Rich Matthews.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ Plaintiffs in what could be a precedent-setting court battle over the damage done by Chinese drywall told a judge Monday that a Louisiana home tainted by the sulfur-emitting substance would need a complete overhaul. However, the defendant, a Chinese wallboard company, said simply removing the drywall and making selective repairs would suffice. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon heard the arguments about the defective Chinese-made drywall, which was imported en masse during the housing boom and after devastating hurricanes in 2005.
@ lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports
TODAY
Weather 66 47
Campus Housing Contract Renewal (Apartment Residents) Current apartment residents can reserve Their same room in their apartment! Showtime at the Cotillion Auditions WCA Activity Center, 7pm ALL TALENT WELCOME! Black Student Union Presents Game Night! Wednesday, March 17, 7-10pm Following this month’s committee meeting @ 5:30 Come out and enjoy your favorite Board games! Make sure you bring a friend!
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Toddler among injured at block party shooting METAIRIE (AP) Ñ Three people, including an 11-month-old child, were injured, apparently after a shooting erupted at a block party in Metairie.
TODAY ON lsureveille.com
PHOTO BLOG: Birthday roses are red
See what the bloggers think about the women’s basketball tournament selection.
Keep up to date at facebook.com/lsureveille
How is the loss of Ranaudo affecting the baseball team? Check the baseball blog.
ALL TIED UP IN KNOTS
Mostly Cloudy
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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FRIDAY 70 51
SATURDAY 71 40
Sneak Peek: White Stripes Tour Documentary KLSU screening of “Under Great White Northern Lights” Wed, March 17th- Holiday Forum, Journalism Building 7pm- FREE-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC More info on 91.1 fm & www.klsuradio.fm Delta Sigma Theta presents “The Surreal Life of a Delta” March 15, 2010 in the Cotillion Ballroom Season Premier Kick off: Free Speech Alley 10-2p.m. “A Shot of Love”: Speed Dating at 7:13 Women in the Arts Gallery Thurs. March 17th- Sun March 28th Music and Dramatic Arts Studio Theater In conjunction with Swine Palace productions of Self-defense or Death of Some Salesman Open Mic Poetry Night Friday, March 19, 2010 @ 6:00pm African American Cultural Center Women’s Networking and Business Etiquette Dinner Thursday, March 25th 6:00pm @ the Faculty Club Registration Required: www.lsu.edu/wc Women’s History Month Keynote Address Dr. Jean Kilbourne “the Naked Truth-Advertisings Image of Women Espirit de Femme Awards Presentation Monday, March 29th, 6:00pm Holiday Forum for more information, visit www.lsu.edu/wc WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED? Celebrate LSU’s 150th Anniversary with the GUMBO Contact Leslie or Charles at (225)578-6090 Don’t let your organization be left out Deadline: FRIDAY., MARCH 19th DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Isaiah at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
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FACULTY SENATE
Revisions proposed to unexcused absence policy Current PS-22 called “unfair” By Jacob Most Contributing Writer
Student Government Director of Athletics Melissa Hart discussed revising the University’s excusedabsence policy at Monday’s Faculty Senate meeting so students would no longer be penalized for excused absences. “The current policy is unfair to the entire student body,” Hart said. “It doesn’t fully state what a valid reason for missing classes is or state what to do when students do have official excuses.” The proposed revision to PS-22, which states the University’s excused absence policy, will change the policy to make it clearer. SG is in full support of the resolution, Hart said. The revised policy would include a sentence requiring instructors to work with students who
have valid excuses so they retain ed questions from the final exam an “equal opportunity for success count as the exam they missed, in class and are not penalized for Newman said. having missed class with a valid Making final exams count reason.” double to make up for missed exThe current policy statement ams punishes students in many is purposely made ambiguous, said cases, said Stacia Haynie, vice proDaniel Marsh, SG trial court judge vost for Academic Affairs. who said he “Economics dewas speaking cided PS-22 is a fair only on behalf policy and would like of himself. to retain that policy,” “Because Newman said. PS-22 is so The proposed recomplicated, vision to PS-22 gives students don’t students involved in bother going classes where excuses through the apare not accepted as an Melissa Hart peal process,” option to still make Student Government Director Marsh said. up work, Marsh said. of Athletics “They just drop “Students who the class.” represent the University in great The economics department ways, such as members of the band has a no makeup exam policy in and athletic teams, are negatively 2000-level courses, said Bob New- affected by this policy, and that is man, chairman of the economics unfortunate,” Hart said. department. Students with an official exContact Jacob Most at cuse are allowed to make up course work they missed by having selectjmost@lsureveille.com
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‘The current [unexcused absence] policy is unfair to the entire student body.’
LEGISLATURE
Bill allows option for hourly tuition Students could see dramatic cost increases By Xerxes A. Wilson Senior Staff Writer
Full-time students could have to pay more tuition per credit hour next year. Louisiana House Bill 270 would give institutions the ability to raise tuition by the hour for full-time students if it passes. Tuition is currently capped at $1,729.25 for in-state undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more hours for the spring semester. Passage of this bill would allow institutions to raise tuition one-twelfth of the current tuition for each hour a student takes. The bill caps the ability to raise tuition rates at three hours. Students taking 15 hours or more at the University would pay the same tuition rates. This hypothetical raise comes after the Board of Supervisors approved a 5 percent tuition increase effective next semester. This increase applies to both tuition and required fees and equates to an increase of $220 per year using this year’s data from the Office of Budget and Planning. With the approved 5 percent increase added to this semester’s tuition, and considering the maximum raise per credit hour allowed by the bill, students would have to pay $151 more per credit hour taken in the fall. Using this formula students would pay $453 dollars for taking 15 hours in a semester. These figures will vary with the exact amount of tuition next
year. Robert Kuhn, associate vice chancellor of budget and planning, declined advocating for or against the bill but said it could lead to some increased revenues for the University. “If they are only looking at this cost, this could make them take fewer hours and longer time to graduate,” Kuhn said. “If they look at only cost with our current system, it’s actually a better deal to take as many hours per semester as possible.” Former University Chancellor James Wharton called the bill a “terrible idea” and said it would lead to fewer students graduating. Jason Droddy, assistant vice
chancellor of Legislative and External Affairs, said the University hasn’t discusses the bill recently, but would look into the concept. The average student takes more than 14 hours per semester, according to Office of Budget and Planning statistics. House Bill 270 is not the only possible tuition increase students could see next semester. The LA GRAD act, proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal, would give the University the authority to raise tuition by 10 percent if graduation goals are met. Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Faculty Senate president Kevin Cope speaks to the Senate on Monday at the Union Senate Chamber. The Senate will vote on provisions to the absence policy statement.
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
HEALTH
La. activist wins idea competition Concept promotes rare-disease cures By Sarah Eddington Staff Writer
There are currently 30 million people in the U.S. with rare diseases, and a Louisiana activist is doing her part to increase awareness. Catherine Calhoun, Louisiana activist, was one of the 10 winners of Change.orgÕ s secondannual Ideas for Change competition announced ‘My son on Monday. Change. is my org, a nainspiration. tional Web And this site for advofor social competition cates change, started gives me the Ideas for Change comhope.’ petition to Catherine support PresiCalhoun dent Barack Louisiana activist ObamaÕ s election. Maria Tchijov, Change.orgÕ s outreach director, said the competition was open to everyone, and the 10 winners were chosen by the general public. Ò The winners will have
their ideas featured on our blog, and our team will be presenting them to relevant members of the Obama administration,Ó she said. The team will help the winners launch a national grassroots campaign to advance their ideas, Tchijov said. Ò We hope to get their ideas on the forefront of discussion,Ó she said. CalhounÕ s idea focuses on the gathering of available resources on rare diseases to increase knowledge and encourage medical advancements. Ò A registry of registries for rare diseases is the first small step on the path to saving and improving millions and millions of lives,Ó Calhoun said. There are 7,000 known rare diseases Ñ those impacting fewer than 200,000 people Ñ and Calhoun said fewer than 300 of them currently have pharmaceutical treatments. Ò We need bigger awareness and community involvement,Ó Calhoun said. Ò If we had a huge place where all the information on rare diseases could be stored, we could make tons of progress and even cure some of them.Ó Calhoun quit her job as a lawyer three years ago when she found out her 7-year-old son had McCune-Albright Syndrome, a
‘‘
‘We need bigger awareness and community involvement.’ Catherine Calhoun Louisiana activist
rare genetic disease that affects the bones and skin pigmentation. Calhoun said sheÕ s been working since then for various health organizations to advocate rare-disease awareness. Ò There is very little known about a lot of these diseases,Ó she said. Ò A lot of times weÕ re just guessing, which is less than ideal.Ó CalhounÕ s idea involves forming a Ò Biobank,Ó where rare tissue samples can be stored, and creating a database of all available information, including case studies donated anonymously by patients with rare diseases. Ò My son is my inspiration,Ó Calhoun said. Ò And this competition gives me hope that this community can come together and make this idea into a reality.Ó Contact Sarah Eddington at seddington@lsureveille.com
LAW SCHOOL
Students face Supreme Court LSU Law Clinic will represent citizen By Mandy Francois Contributing Writer
Most students were using their Christmas break for rest and relaxation, but four third-year law students were hard at work researching their case, the state v. Castillo. Nicholas Graphia, Miesha Beverly, Loren Shanklin and Jonathan Brown ‘I tried to will test their in front keep track skills of the Louisiof the hours ana Supreme I put in ... Court tomorBut when row.Ò I tried I reached to keep track the hours I 85 hours, of put in,Ó said I stopped Graphia. Ò But counting.’ when I reached 85 hours, I Nicholas Graphia stopped countLSU law student ing.Ó Chief Justice Catherine Kimball signed an order allowing the LSU Law Clinic with the aid of professor Paul Baier to represent Vincent Castillo in his appeal. Castillo, unable to afford his own counsel, appealed to the court and was denied. The
students will argue for his right to counsel. He has been in and out of the court room for convictions on misdemeanor traffic violations, including a suspended license, expired license and speeding. He denied the assistance of the LSU Law Clinic claiming himself to be “the most prolific lawyer in Louisiana.Ó The clinic
was granted their motion to appear as Ò amicus curiaeÓ or as Ò friends of the court.Ó Graphia has been chosen to give the oral argument. He will have about 10 minutes to present the case. Contact Mandy Francois at mfrancois@lsureveille.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TuEsdAy, MArch 16, 2010
DINING
EDUCATION
University to offer digital media minor in fall semester Initiative will host promotional lectures By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer
MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille
LSU students enjoy sushi and pizza Monday in the Mini-Lair in the Student Union.
Mini-Lair opens in Student Union Facility is temporary dining alternative By Sumit Kumar Contributing Writer
The Student Union opened the UniversityÕ s newest dining addition, the Mini-Lair, on the second floor Monday. The Mini-Lair, located around the corner of the second floor north lobby, features popular grab-and-go items such as sandwiches and wraps, chips, salads, beverages and sushi. Papa JohnÕ s pizza is also available. Ò The dining services wanted to give students other options along with the two already in the ground floor,” said Shirley Plakidas, Union director. Ò ItÕ s quick, and everything is prepared.” The facility will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It accepts all forms of payment except credit cards. University patrons will be able to use the staircase connecting the ground floor north entrance and the second floor by the Information Center. The south end will remain inaccessible because of ongoing construction works. Addie Troxclair, English junior, said the Mini-Lair will be a convenient grab-and-go option for students on their way to classes. Ò The Tiger Lair was nice and big, and IÕ m glad they have this [Mini-Lair] in place,” Troxclair said. Plakidas said the opening of the Mini-Lair was delayed because of pending construction works at the main entrance of the Union and the general dŽ cor. The food is prepared in Highland Dining Kitchen and brought to the Union because the kitchen in the Union ground floor is not operational, said David Heidke, Director of Dining. A part of the Highland Dining space, which will be replaced by a parking garage, is still being used for dining support mechanism and storage.
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The Mini-Lair is a temporary facility and will be taken off once the Tiger Lair becomes operational. Ò We expect that the new Tiger Lair food court will open in August, so there wonÕ t be a need for MiniLair then,” Plakidas said. Jeri McCullough, Marketing Director of Dining, said the opening of the Mini-Lair will provide students with additional food and variety despite its inconspicuous location. The Tiger Lair is expected to be open to students this fall, Plakidas said. The Union art gallery, which was moved to Foster Hall, will reappear in the second floor in September. The barber shop will also be relocated to the southwest corner of the ground floor following completion of the construction. Contact Sumit Kumar at skumar@lsureveille.com
Students will soon be able to obtain an interdisciplinary minor in digital media through the UniversityÕ s Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research Initiative. A digital media minor will educate students in digital art such as video games, electronic music and animation, according to a University press release. To promote the new minor, the AVATAR initiative will host a series of lectures throughout the upcoming fall and spring semesters given by professionals in the digital media field. Daryl Holt, chief operating officer of EA Sports Tiburon Studios in Orlando, Fla., will speak at the first AVATAR lecture March 25. Holt will discuss his experiences in the video game industry and give advice to students interested in game development and design. The lecture will be held at 3 p.m. in the Atchafalaya Room of the Student Union and will be
followed by a reception at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. The developers of the AVATAR initiative will attend the lecture to provide more information about the minor, according to the release. Students will be able to declare and take classes for the minor beginning in the fall 2010 semester, according to the release. Students will choose between two tracks within the minor. One will feature an art-oriented curriculum through the College of Art and Design, and the other will focus on technology through the College of Engineering. Music, art, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, English and mass communication courses are all parts of the curriculum, according to the release. Students from each track will be required to work together on a capstone project as part of the minor.
The AVATAR initiative was approved in spring 2008. The initiative brings together faculty and researchers in multiple fields to develop a program in digital media. The University approved the academic program in fall 2009, according to the release.
Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
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Revelry TUESDAY’S 225
St. Patrick’s Day edition
2
THE DAILY REVEILLE
2
Irish-American contemporary classics to watch
The Departed (2006)
green things to wear (avoid getting pinched!)
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Green chucks $39.95
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Today’s KLSU Specialty Shows: 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. : Rusty Cage (Metal) 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. : Martian Mix (Mashups/ Mixtapes)
Forever 21 silk origami dress $29.80 Drink Specials
Emerald Isle martini Stoli
vanilla vodka, Créme de Menthe, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Godiva White Chocolate liqueur, cherry garnish
Roll in the Clover martini
Praline liqueur, Créme de Menthe, half and half, cherry garnish
Sunburned Irishman Malibu
rum, Bacardi rum, Midori melon liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, orange and cherry garnish
Pot O’ Gold shot
Goldschläger, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Butterscotch schnapps
MELLOW MUSHROOM Win $5,000 Cash! Enter Mellow Mushroom March Madness Challenge. Fill out a bracket @ www.mellowmayham.com Watch all 64 Games & $6 Pitchers throughout the tournament! FREDÕ S Tonight: $2.50 Bud Light Lime & Wheat; $ 5 Jack Daniels doubles Wednesday: $2.50 Imports, $3 Doubles, & $2 Shots all night Thursday: 8-10 Ladies Night Every Night: $2 Shots 12-2 and $1 SoCo & Limes all night!
Nutty Irishman shot
Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico, Créme de Menthe
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
9-10:30 AM Love Happens 12-1:30 PM Saw IV 3:00-3:30PM Newsbeat Live 4:30-5:00PM Sports Showtime Live 5:30-6:00PM Newsbeat Repeat
7:00-8:30 PM Paranormal Activity 10:00-10:30pm NewsBeat Repeat 10:30-11:00 Sports Showtime 11:00-11:30PM Your Source 12:00-12:30AM
Sports Showtime
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
TuEsdAy, MArch 16, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
Sports
PAGE 9
Pro tential Former Tigers have final performance in front of NFL scouts at Pro Day
on football and reach my highest limit in football.” Jones said he has heard Eighteen members of projections that have him LSU’s 2009 senior class had selected between the first and one more chance to impress the third rounds of the draft. NFL scouts Monday at Pro Day. “I don’t see myself as a Players participated in third-round guy,” Jones said. three hours of drills with several “I put on a good show for the goals in mind, from firmly es- scouts today. They told me I did tablishing themselves as viable better.” professional athletes to proving Former LSU wide receiver their versatility on the football Brandon LaFell failed to imfield. press many observers with his Former LSU tight end time in the 40-yard dash at the Richard Dickson called Pro Day combine, as he ran a time of “a reassurance thing.” 4.60 seconds. LaFell said he “Ninety percent of it is what strained his hamstring, which [scouts] see on film,” Dickson inhibited him from exerting all said. “Basically you come out his effort Monday. here and reassure what you did “I didn’t better my [40on film by running your routes yard dash] time a whole lot toand catching the ball and know- day, but I wanted to show the ing the questions they ask.” coaches I could push through,” Former LSU safety Chad said LaFell, who completed the Jones completed just nine reps drill in 4.57 seconds. “I pushed of the bench press at the NFL through and ran all my routes. Scouting Combine You’re going to be from Feb. 24-March banged up at the end 2. Jones added to that of the season and not number Monday, finhave that extra step, ishing with 11 reps. so it goes back to the Jones said scouts fundamentals of techLog on have asked him how to see a nique.” leaving for the NFL video of the Former LSU ofafter his junior season sports staff fensive tackle Ciron will affect his perfor- competing Black said NFL teams mance on the profes- at Pro Day have been evaluating sional level. him at offensive line events. “The big question positions besides tackwas how ready I am to le at the combine and play in the NFL with only one Pro Day. full year at safety,” Jones said. “You want to get in where “I said I had experience playing you fit in,” Black said. “Some in different positions. It shows me being committed ... to focus PRO, see page 14
By Rachel Whittaker
lsureveille.com
Chief Sports Writer
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
[Top] Wide receiver Brandon LaFell runs the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds Monday at Pro Day. [Bottom] Linebacker Jacob Cutrera tries to impress scouts with bench press reps.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU nabs No. 7 seed in NCAA tourney Lady Tigers will face Hartford in N.C. By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor
LSU junior guard Katherine Graham predicted the fate of the Lady Tiger basketball team before anyone else in Tiger Stadium’s Lawton Room on Monday night. Graham whispered LSU’s future to freshman guard Adrienne Webb while the rest of LSU’s players waited nervously. “Once they called the teams right before us, I told Webb, ‘We’re going at seven,’” Graham said. Graham’s prediction came true as LSU was unveiled as a No. 7 seed pitted against 10th-seeded Hartford in Durham, N.C., in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The No. 21 Lady Tigers will face No. 25 Hartford on Saturday at 11:06 a.m. in LSU’s 12th-straight NCAA tournament appearance. LSU coach Van Chancellor expected a slightly higher seed, but he said he was satisfied with his third trip to the NCAA tournament with LSU. “I didn’t have us going to Durham,” Chancellor said. “I thought we were going to be in at a six [seed]. We better be ready to play.” Hartford posted a 27-4 overall and 16-0 record in the America East Conference and won its fourth DURHAM, see page 15
BASEBALL
Mahtook moves to fifth in batting order Dean responsible for win over Kansas By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
Mikie Mahtook knows how to get results, and now his work at the plate is being rewarded. The LSU sophomore right fielder started the season as the No. 7 batter in the lineup and moved to No. 5 in the lineup Sunday. “Coach told me [Sunday] that I was going to hit in the five hole,” he said. “He told me to keep the same approach that I’ve been using all year and not try to be someone I’m not.” He said the switch didn’t affect him
much as he went 2-for-4 with two RBIs of the order right away,” Mainieri said. in the 8-4 loss against Kansas. “Really, he doesn’t have that much exMahtook climbed in perience as a baseball the order because LSU player, and I just didn’t coach Paul Mainieri said want to put him right in he wasn’t pleased with the middle of the order the offensive output of where, if he got off to a sophomore second baseslow start, the emotion man Tyler Hanover. might start working “Tyler just hasn’t against him.” been doing it consistently Mahtook is No. 5 enough,” he said. “I was on the LSU roster in worried about Mahtook batting average for the in that spot right at the season. Paul Mainieri beginning of the year He is batting .380 LSU baseball coach because Mikie is a very on the season with 19 emotional kid.” hits in 50 at-bats. But Mainieri said Sunday felt like Mahtook is also No. 5 on the team the right time to move Mahtook up. with 14 RBIs and is tied for the team lead “I didn’t want to put so much pressure on him by putting him in the middle MAHTOOK, see page 15
‘‘
‘I didn’t want to put so much pressure on [Mahtook] by putting him in the middle of the order right away.’
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore outfielder Mikie Mahtook (8) runs in to the dugout after an at-bat during LSU’s 25-8 win against Centenary on Feb. 20.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 10
TUESDAY, MARC
Bracket
brought to you by The
First Round
Second Round
Sweet 16
Elite Eight
Final Four
1 Kansas
Nati Champ
16 Lehigh 8 UNLV 9 Northern
Iowa
5 Michigan
St.
12 New
Mexico St.
4 Maryland 13 Houston
MIDWEST
6 Tennessee 11 San
Diego St.
3 Georgetown 14 Ohio 7 Oklahoma 10 Georgia 2 Ohio
St.
Tech
St.
Indianapolis April 3
15 UCSB
Natio Cham
1 Syracuse
Score
16 Vermont 8 Gonzaga 9 Florida
St.
5 Butler 12 UTEP 4 Vanderbilt 13 Murray
St.
6 Xavier
WEST
3 Pittsburgh
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14 Oakland
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11 Minnesota
7 BYU
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10 Florida 2 Kansas 15 North
St. Texas
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Final Four
Elite Eight
Sweet 16
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First Round Kentucky 1 E. Tennessee St. 16 Texas 8 Wake Forest 9 Temple 5 Cornell 12
EAST
Wisconsin 4 Wofford 13 Marquette 6 Washington 11 New Mexico 3 Montana 14 Clemson 7 Missouri 10
Indianapolis April 3
West Virginia 2 Morgan St. 15
Duke 1 Ark. Pine Bluff/Winthrop 16
California 8 Louisville 9 Texas A&M 5 Utah St. 12
SOUTH
, for a chance to win vitaminwater REVIVE to SURVIVE ater! Top five student picks will win the bonanza. ges Hall by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17.
Purdue 4 Siena 13 Notre Dame 6 Old Dominion 11 Baylor 3 Sam Houston St. 14 Richmond 7 St. Mary’s 10 Villanova 2 Robert Morris 15
PAGE 12
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TuEsdAy, MArch 16, 2010
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Incoming recruiting class ranked No. 20 by Rivals.com White, Spencer will lead 2010-11 Tigers By Chris Branch Sports Writer
Looking ahead is finally appropriate, though fans have been doing so for weeks. The 2009-10 LSU menÕ s basketball team finally and mercifully ended its season Thursday with a 59-49 loss to Tennessee in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference tournament. Now the Tigers can move on. The team will take two weeks off and start offseason training March 29, LSU coach Trent Johnson said after the loss. Things seem to be heading in the right direction. Only senior forward Tasmin Mitchell is slated to leave, while redshirt junior forward Malcolm White will finally be able to play. White will join Johnson’s highly touted recruiting class, which includes four signees and one verbal commitment thus far. “It’s a pretty good class,” said Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer. “We have them ranked No. 20 in the country. It’s one of the better ones coming into the SEC. What stands out about the five-man class is that
it’s a versatile class.” Two four-star recruits, forward Matt Derenbecker and guard Andre Stringer, will highlight the class. Joining them are fellow signees guard Ralston Turner and forward Jalen Courtney, both three-star recruits. “They don’t have a big center, but you have everything else in the class,” Meyer said. “A couple of wings who can really shoot in Ralston Turner and Derenbecker, a really skilled, really high-IQ guy. Andre Stringer is a potential combo guard who can really score. And then Jalen Courtney will be a very serviceable combo forward as an athletic, energy-type player.” Dallas-area point guard K.C. Ross-Miller has verbally committed to Johnson and LSU but has not signed a letter of intent yet. “I haven’t heard anything to the contrary,” Meyer said. “He should sign.” Johnson’s efforts in recruiting players in the South have been impressive considering his lack of roots in the area. All five recruits in the class hail from the South, with Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas represented. Meyer said he isn’t shocked at Johnson’s recruiting prowess, but the class is a nice confidence
boost. “I wouldn’t say surprised,” Meyer said. “If he would have brought in a top-10 class, I would’ve been surprised, but this is a great start for him. It’s a good class, a solid and versatile class that’s No. 20 in the country. It’ll be interesting to see if he can keep that level of recruiting up and lock down the state of Louisiana.” Junior guard Bo Spencer will be the only senior on the roster. Forwards Garrett Green and Storm Warren fill out the junior class, while forward Eddie Ludwig and guard Aaron Dotson round out the sophomores. The team will certainly have a different identity. Gone are Mitchell’s 17 points and nine rebounds per game. Also gone are Mitchell’s intangibles. Johnson said Mitchell will be sorely missed, but he was impressed with the Tigers’ progress near the end of the season. “Again, this team’s gotten better,” Johnson said in his postgame press conference. “The end result hasn’t been what we all would like, but this team has gotten better. The key for us is spring and summer has to be very productive and that they don’t forget the hard lessons that they learned this year.” Johnson, along with Geor-
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior forward Tasmin Mitchell (1) tries to drive the baseline Feb. 20 during the Tigers’ 60-59 loss against Mississippi State in the PMAC.
gia’s Mark Fox and Alabama’s Anthony Grant, faces a stiff challenge in keeping a padlock on the border of their respective states. “I think it’s something to watch. It’s a big question for all the new coaches in the SEC — Mark Fox, Anthony Grant and Trent Johnson,” Meyer said. “I
think for all three of them the jury is still out to see how they can seal the borders of their state.”
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
BASEBALL
SEC play to start this weekend LSU to compete against Arkansas By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
Only the top eight Southeastern Conference baseball teams will earn a spot in the conference championship tournament in Hoover, Ala., in late May, but the road to a title starts now. SEC play starts this weekend for all 12 teams in the conference. LSU won the conference last season, and now teams are gunning for the crown again. SEC TEAM RANKINGS Five SEC teams, three from the Eastern division and two from the West, earned rankings in the latest Baseball America polls. No. 6 Florida (11-3) is the highest-ranked team and have kept the same ranking for the second week in a row, although the Gators have been ranked as high as No. 5 this season. The Gators lost their first home game this season Sunday when Charleston Southern junior pitcher Tyler Thornburg pitched a complete game. Thornburg struck out 11 batters while only giving up three runs in the 158 pitch outing. “It was a gutsy performance,” said Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan. “He didn’t fold the tent. That’s about as gutsy of a performance as I’ve seen in a long time.” No. 7 LSU (13-2) dropped five spots from No. 2 after losing two of three games to Kansas this weekend. No. 13 Arkansas (12-3) jumped one spot in this week’s rankings after going 5-1 last week. Sunday’s victory for the Razorbacks came in the 10th inning when freshman outfielder Matt Vinson hit his first career walkoff home run against WisconsinMilwaukee. “I’d never had a home run, single or anything to end a game,” Vinson said. “The crowd was great, but seeing my teammates waiting for me at home plate to celebrate was the best part.” No. 19 Vanderbilt (14-1) made the biggest jump of all teams in the rankings this week after entering last week at No. 24. The Commodores are currently riding a 10-game winning streak. The final SEC team in this week’s rankings is No. 22 Kentucky. The Wildcats stayed put with their ranking after a 4-1 week with games against Evansville and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. LEADING RECORDS Vanderbilt has the best nonconference record in the SEC, and it could possibly be attributed to its success on the mound and at the plate. The Commodores bat .352 as
MARK CRAMMER / The Associated Press
South Carolina’s Sam Dyson pitches against Clemson on March 6 at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. South Carolina won, 7-5.
a team and also have a team ERA of 2.15. They barely edge out Auburn, who has a team batting average of .350. Alabama has a .334 team batting average and rounds out the top three in the conference. Vanderbilt’s team ERA is .58 runs higher than Arkansas’ ERA, which has a 2.73 team average. Ole Miss rounds out the top three in that statistic with a 3.08 average. Individually, Vanderbilt has a batter who leads the conference in average. Junior catcher Curt Casali has amassed a .486 average in 37 at-bats with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs. Alabama sophomore outfielder Taylor Dugas is No. 2 in
the SEC with a .467 average. LSU senior first baseman Blake Dean is No. 3 in the conference with a .424 average. WEEKEND MATCHUPS Alabama will start SEC play this weekend by hosting Vanderbilt for a series, Georgia will host Auburn in their league opener, Missisippi State will travel to play Florida, Ole Miss will travel to Kentucky for their matchup and South Carolina will host Tennessee. LSU will open its conference schedule when it hosts Arkansas this weekend.
Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
FAMOUS AMOS
Shepard and Eugene switches good for LSU I — like most LSU Tiger fans — want to see Russell Shepard on the field. Good things had the chance of happening for LSU when he played last season. So I jumped with excitement when I heard the quarterback was switching to wide receiver — well, not really. But I do think this is a good move for both the sophomore and the team. Most of the position changes made this spring are good for the team, simply because they seem to be able to take advantage of the athletes’ best skills. Shepard is quick and agile and has shown the ability to make explosive plays out of the backfield. He should have no trouble coming out of the slot and getting separation from his defenders. He was most effective last season with the ball in his hands. His two touchdown runs came when he received a handoff. Imagine the offensive
possibilities with Shepard in the slot. Better yet, put yourself in the shoes of an opposing defensive coordinator. You already have to respect the run because of rising sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson. But now you Amos Morale have to account Sports Columnist for Shepard’s position on the field. God forbid the Tigers run a reverse for Shepard. Your players will freeze for a split second, which is about all the time Shepard needs to get to the second level. Even if Shepard just runs a normal route, his speed and ability to change directions can turn a 5-yard catch into a 30-yard gain. Possibly the second-best
Daily Reveille file photo
LSU offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale lines up to block MIssissippi State defensive lineman Sean Ferguson during the Tigers’ 30-26 victory Sept, 19, 2009, in Starkville, Miss.
position switch of the spring is senior Jai Eugene switching to safety. It’s well-documented that Eugene isn’t the best shutdown corner LSU has ever seen, but physically he has all the tools to be a capable safety. Eugene is fast, a good tackler and has experience in coverage. Moving him to safety allows him to use his speed to get to the ball and his tackling ability to end plays without giving him the liability of man-to-man coverage. He will also be able to help out when the scheme calls for a double team. I only see good things coming from this. LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis had a good track record of getting tremendous play from his safeties, like former Tennessee safety Eric Berry and former LSU safety Chad Jones. Eugene has the raw tools to play at the next level, and a good season at the safety position could be what puts the athlete who was once the No. 1 recruit out of
PRO, from page 9 teams liked me at right tackle, some at left guard or right guard. Being versatile is going to increase your stock. I’ve been training at right tackle because I’ve been playing left for so long, and at guard at the Senior Bowl, I was going against the best in the country.” Former LSU running back and return specialist Trindon Holliday said he also wanted to make
Louisiana into the NFL. As much as those two switches make sense, a few of the position switches are perplexing. LSU offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale is moving from the right side of the offensive line to the left side to fill the void left by departed lineman Ciron Black. Barksdale is one of the most experienced offensive linemen on the LSU roster, but moving Barksdale to the left side of the field won’t solve all of LSU’s offensive line woes. LSU was next to last in rushing behind its offensive line last season. Simply moving Barksdale to the other side of the field won’t help LSU open up running lanes any better. If anything, there will be an inexperienced Barksdale at left tackle and an inexperienced player at right tackle. Another perplexing move is senior defensive end Lazarius Levingston moving to defensive tackle in place of Al Woods. Levingston is
quicker than Woods but is moving into a position where size is slightly more important than quickness. Woods had a whole 42 pounds on Levingston, and he found it hard to be effective. Aside from the speed factor Levingston will have to, like Barksdale, learn the nuances of the position which will in some ways negate the experience he’s gained as a Tiger. The new positions should help the Tigers in many areas on the field, but there is always the chance these changes will backfire and end up hurting the team. Either way, we won’t know until the fall whether these moves were the right ones.
himself more marketable at Pro Day by proving to scouts he could be more than just a threat at punt returner. Holliday, at 5-feet-5-inches, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at the combine and did not run the drill Monday. “I’ve talked to most of the scouts from different teams who have asked if I can play wide receiver and not just specialist,” Holliday said. “I don’t think size really matters — speed offsets size. I
wanted to run, but my agent said I didn’t need to run anymore.” Other highlights from Pro Day included former LSU safety Danny McCray and defensive tackle Al Woods. Each recorded 23 reps on the bench press, and McCray ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds. Former LSU wide receiver Chris Mitchell led all players in the vertical jump when he cleared 37 1/2 inches. Woods jumped 37 inches at the combine, and former LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins followed closely with 36 1/2 inches Monday.
Amos Morale is a 22-year-old history senior from Houston. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_amosmorale3. Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 MAHTOOK, from page 9 with nine stolen bases on 11 attempts. DEAN HAS HOT WEEK AT PLATE Senior first baseman Blake Dean batted .643 last week in LSU’s four games. The Crestview, Fla., native
DURHAM, from page 9 regular-season conference title this season. The Hawks fell in their conference tournament final to Vermont, 55-50. “I like the fact that we’re playing Hartford,” Chancellor said. “Our athletes will give them a lot of problems.” Senior guard Allison Hightower said she is excited about her final postseason as a Lady Tiger. “I was nervous just to see our name pop up,” Hightower said. “I was excited.” Hightower averages 18.5 points and 32.3 minutes per game, both team highs. The Lady Tigers advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season with a 69-59 win against Green Bay at the PMAC. LSU went on to fall to eventual national runner-up Louisville, 62-52, in the second round. Sophomore forward LaSondra Barrett said the team always talks about maintaining LSU’s legacy as a great women’s basketball program. “You want to continue to carry that legacy,” Barrett said. “It was good to see that we made it again. We are very proud of our legacy.” Barrett, a second-team AllSEC player, adds 12.6 points per game and leads the team with 6.7 rebounds. Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Georgia also earned tournament berths out of the Southeastern Conference. “The SEC gets us prepared the closer we get to the NCAA tournament,” Hightower said. “It’s all about preparation.” The No. 1 seeds are Connecticut, Stanford, Nebraska and Tennessee. The winner of LSU-Hartford will play either Duke or Hampton in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Duke is a No. 2 seed playing in its hometown of Durham. The Lady Tigers have experienced a long layoff since their last game a week and a half ago. LSU’s last game was March 5 against Vanderbilt in the second round of the SEC tournament, where the Commodores handled the Lady Tigers, 63-61. The Lady Tigers had won five out of six games before entering the conference tournament. Chancellor said his team has been picking it up in practice because every game in the tournament will be a test. “We had the best practice to date in over six weeks,” Chancellor said. “You have to play good teams when you get [to the NCAA tournament].”
Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE had nine hits in 14 at-bats on the week and was singularly responsible for LSU’s lone win against Kansas. Dean had a two-RBI single in the fifth inning to tie Saturday’s game at 2-2. He hit a go-ahead two-run homer to give LSU a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning. “The best way to describe Blake Dean is that he performs
like a professional hitter,” Mainieri said in a news release. “He never panics, he’s always in control, and he came through in a big way for us today.” Dean was a one-man wrecking crew throughout the series. He batted .600 with one double, two home runs, five RBIs and scored three runs. Dean said he would have
preferred LSU to win despite doing well at the plate. “Can’t take anybody lightly,” he said. “We start SEC play next weekend, so hopefully it’s a wakeup call. We’ve got to pitch a little better, hit a little better and play better defense. Just prepare ourselves all around a little more.” Dean leads the team in
PAGE 15 average with a .424 mark for the season. He also has six doubles, four home runs, 22 RBIs and has scored 15 runs.
Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 16
OUR VIEW
TuEsdAy, MArch 16, 2010
Malt madness provides a different kind of competition The NCAA menÕ s basketball tournament starts tonight with the play-in game between Arkansas Pine Bluff and Winthrop, and The Daily Reveille is getting involved in the madness. This year readers can turn in completed brackets for a chance to win a yearÕ s supply of vitaminwater. To spice things up, we asked ourselves an important question: What goes well with basketball? Beer.
Today marks the start of Ò Malt MadnessÓ on lsureveille. com Ñ a tournament of beers in which you can decide the champion. You can visit the Web site each day for the next two and a half weeks to vote for who will advance to the next round. Ò Malt Madness,Ó like the basketball tournament, is separated into four regions: Ò ales,Ó Ò lagers,Ó Ò pilsnersÓ and Ò others.Ó The Ò AlesÓ region will tip
things off today with eight firstround matchups, followed by the Ò PilsnersÓ Wednesday, the Ò OthersÓ Thursday and the Ò LagersÓ this weekend. The alesÕ and pilsnersÕ second-round matchups will play out with online voting Monday, March 22, followed by the lagersÕ and othersÕ second-round battles the next day. The Sweet 16 voting will be held Wednesday, March 24, and Thursday, March 25, and all four
Elite Eight matchups will be during the following weekend of March 26 through March 28. Your votes on Monday, March 29, will decide the two Final Four games, and the national championship voting will take place for two days (Tuesday, March 30, and Wednesday, March 31) just in time to announce the winning beer Thursday, April 1, in The Daily Reveille’s final print edition before Spring Break and the NCAA tournament champi-
onship game. While youÕ re watching your favorite team wipe the floor with the competition, stop to examine the subtle differences between the brews in which youÕ re indulging. Visit lsureveille.com each day and help your favorite beers fend off elimination and advance to glory. Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE
Columnist becomes seven-day convert of Islam
Islam has been given the least attention of all my religious studies. I felt unworthy and uninformed when I set out to compose a column on the second largest and fastest growing religion on Earth. So I did what any self-respecting heretic would do: I became that of which I was ignorant. Here are the recollections and reflections of a seven-day convert of Islam. I put aside my usual texts-intow Ñ mainly Christopher Hitchens and Bishop Spong Ñ and fetched my noble Quran. I tossed out my beloved boudin Ñ gyros were to be my new pork-free companions. A quick vacuuming of the rug and, voilˆ , weÕ re ready to prostrate toward Mecca and submit to Allah. But are these simple alterations the defining factors of all that is Islam? No. Not even close. I had to swallow some things not quite as succulent as hummus and shawarma for this venture. A renegade like me despises backassward thinking Ñ (of which I quite often see in Islam). Mainstream Islamic doctrine often seems to be the antithesis of my own. But letting go of bias and accepting the help of my newfound brothers and sisters led me to discover the beauty of a faith that has been repeatedly demonized and shunned by both the American media and pulpits throughout the land. Salat Ñ or prayer Ñ is one of the five pillars of Islam. Five a day, every day Ñ and that sunrise prayer sure does come early for an insomniac. But while stumbling through Arabic incantations and bowing down before Allah
didnÕ t do much to enlighten my Islamic ignorance, I had a revelation after my first litany. I exited a prayer room, which is little more than a closet in Prescott Hall, and I discovered a burka-bound beauty. I extended my hand as a greeting and was denied reciprocal shaking. I inquired from a Muslim brother after parting ways as to why this happened and soon discovered something that can only be learned Andrew robertson from experience. Columnist She was not the clichŽ Ò oppressedÓ woman of Islam. She had donned the modest outfit for personal religious reasons Ñ not including the fear of being beaten, beheaded or any other stereotypical nonsense that does not in fact rear its fundamentalist face everywhere the hijab and burka lurk. She was a freedom loving, God-seeking human just like myself, only with more clothing and a deeper convictions of what she called Ò GodÓ Ñ one of which was abstaining from touching a male stranger. The remainder of my days following the ProphetÕ s (PBUH) teachings included Quranic study (only in English, unfortunately), Friday prayer at the local mosque, fantastic lamb at Atcha Bakery and several brilliant conversations with my newly found companions of the faith. The remaining four pillars of the faith were somewhat irrelevant for my test drive Ñ itÕ s not the time for Hajj or Ramadan, my salary likely would put me on
THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER GERRI SAX ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT
Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor
the receiving end of zakat (charity) and I didnÕ t want to degrade the religion by taking and then renouncing the shahadah (statement of faith). Now I realize I have yet to mention jihad Ñ and thereÕ s a reason for this: ItÕ s never been that important to the Muslims IÕ ve encountered. Jihad is not just a holy war, despite what you may have been taught in your upbringing. ItÕ s more often than not an internal struggle and has little to do with flying planes into towers, donning explosive underwear or gunning down masses with a high pitched Ò Allah!Ó But how then does one account for the all-too-recent atrocities conducted by Muslims
in the name of Allah? We must admit for starters that while there are bad people who are Muslim, people are not inherently bad because theyÕ re Muslim. Rather than deeming an entire religion, ethnicity or country as evil, I will personally testify there are indeed good people who are Muslim in Tanzania, Israel, Egypt, Jordan and now Baton Rouge. These are the only places I can personally vouch for, but I will further speculate there are probably genuine and decent followers of Muhammad (PBUH) the world over. I wasnÕ t led to blow up or behead anything during my seven-day conversion, but rather to despise those who do so in the
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.
supposed name of a great faith. Fundamentalism rears its uglymalformed face in every faith, confusing its definition of god with God. There remains much I donÕ t agree with in Islamic doctrine and practice, but seven days was all it took to gain an appreciation and respect for an overdemonized religion of my fellow man. Salaam! Andrew Robertson is a 23-yearold religious studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_arobertson. Contact Andrew Robertson at arobertson@lsureveille.com
QuOTE OF ThE dAy Ò In journalism, there has always been a tension between getting it first and getting it right.”
Ellen Goodman American columnist April 11, 1941 — present
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
MURDA, HE WROTE
Opinion
PaGe 17
Sen. David Vitter owes constituency an apology ESPN outdoors writer Robert Montgomery wrote a piece last week in which he insinuated the Obama Administration was secretly planning to ban recreational fishing to satisfy the interests of radical environmentalists. Such a plan would be consistent with the narrative put forward that Barack Obama is a Socialist dictator, hell-bent on restricting the rights of blueblooded Americans. But it wasn’t consistent with the facts. The piece materially misrepresented the stated purpose of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, with the mission to better coordinate the conservation and management of the nation’s water resources. The group could ultimately make decisions about fishing — to the detriment of unsustainable commercial fishing practices — but the administration has made it clear it has no intention of banning sports fishing. The piece was predictably
picked up and passed along to extremist Web sites and commentators, making the run through Web sites like The Drudge Report, Glenn Beck’s show and the place where lunatic conspiracy theories go to fester — TheFoxNation. com (their headline: “Obama to ban sport fishing?”). The ESPN writer’s editor ended up writing an apology, explaining that the man’s piece was actually commentary and a poor one at that — lacking alternative points of view. The editor’s apology was aimed at controlling the “firestorm” created by the reckless piece. But anyone who read this drival should have had enough sense to question the writer. Not only was the article clearly slanted, but the basic assertion the Obama administration wants to ban recreational fishing should have been enough to cause pause. Not only would such a policy be illogical, it would be
political suicide. The assertion is instead little more than a rumor fueled by opportunistic spin doctors and, undoubtedly, worried commercial fishing operations whose interests are opposed to recreational fishers. One such Mark MacMurdo opportunistic Columnist spin doctor is our esteemed senator. Sen. David Vitter sent out an e-mail last week to supporters propagating the same misleading information, citing the deceptive ESPN article and planting the seeds of conspiracy. “This week I wrote President Obama a letter expressing my sincere concerns with his administration’s efforts to unilaterally exclude fishing in waters off Louisiana’s Coast,” Vitter wrote.
“This task force is working on a secret zoning plan that would give it a say over what activities get to happen on public lands and waters, and they would make these decisions without any public input.” Vitter’s job is to go to Washington and fight for the interests of the people of our state and nation. But based on the communications his office sends out, he seems more concerned with maintaining power — at whatever costs — by intentionally misleading people and instigating distrust of fellow Americans. I wouldn’t normally address the ESPN article because it clearly comes from the fringe. Politicos bring up these sorts of things. They are red herrings — pardon the pun — meant to distract public policy discussions for political gain. But it becomes an issue which must be addressed when an elected official puts forward
such blatant propaganda. Vitter’s actions are a disservice to the people of our state and frankly despicable. He should use his position to contribute positively to the pressing issues of the day — not playing to the fears of his constituency. These sorts of things can usually just be written off. The problem is that a large portion of people will never know the true story because they get their news in snippets from conversations at the tackle store, casual viewing of cable news and — unfortunately — their senator’s mailing list. Mark Macmurdo is a 23-yearold history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter@TDR_mmacmurdo.
Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com
DAMAGED GOODS
‘Tool Academy’ should recruit more annoying men The best show on television isn’t “Lost” or “The Office” or reruns of Ò The George Lopez Show” on Nick at Nite. The best show on television is “Tool Academy.” I’m not saying the first three are bad, but I never make myself watch them. Sundays at 9 p.m., I make myself stop everything to see what human trash this VH1 show can throw at me next. But, lately, “Tool Academy” has been slacking in the awesome department. The first season was genius because I had never seen Hulksized dudes cry, then throw mattresses across the room, then drink a Rockstar and repeat the process all over again. The second season had three Hulk-sized guys, which was cool because they threw appliances at each other. But this season is weak. A Southern guy who dances with glow sticks professionally? The guy who looks like a real-life “Dragon Ball-Z” character? The one trashy show I watch is getting stale in its third season. Either the characters are just too unbelievable or I’ve seen it all before. So I made a list of tool descriptions the show might seek out for its fourth season, if it ever happens. How about the vegan tool? He breaks down in the middle of the show because none of the other tools understand why he chooses only to eat pumpkin seed-crusted lentil patties. His girlfriends want
to have a normal dinner with him, but he’s off cheating with his girlfriend at vegan mixers. It would be like watching “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” as directed by Moby. What if VH1 included Matthew Sigur the anime-obColumnist sessed tool? He always makes fun of his girlfriend because she doesn’t have as good a figure as the chick from “Ghost in the Shell.” The girlfriend would be crying in an interview, “He always says he’s gonna break up with me because I don’t have cartoon breasts.” Another terrible tool to add would be the guy that only drinks Michelob Ultra. Of course, he would be more than 35 years old, making him the oldest contestant to appear on “Tool Academy.” He would still rock out with Dane Cook’s “Retaliation,” Polos, the frat strap and socks with sandals. He could be seen at your local bar, banging his head to the ‘80s cover band, downing Michelob Ultras. After trying to have a conversation with the Vegan and animewatching tools, he would get livid, throw up his arms and scream, “Ugh, I’m gonna need another Michelob Ultra to deal with you pansies!” Then, out of nowhere, the tool who only listens to Mod-
est Mouse would pop out of his room. He would be dressed in corduroy pants, a hat and have a quirky mustache. He carries his journal and fifth of Maker’s with him everywhere he goes. His conversations consist of: “Dude, I’m over this. I’mma go back to my hole and listen to ‘The Moon and Antarctica’ for another three hours,” and “Tell me when
this life is over,” and “Bukoksi was right. Modest Mouse knew that.” Maybe you’re right. This wouldn’t make for a good cast of “Tool Academy.” I’m not so sure myself. I’ll just take my pitch for grouping the most awkward characters ever and putting them in a room together and take it somewhere else.
It would still be better than reruns of Ò The George Lopez Show.” Matthew Sigur is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from West Monroe. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_msigur. Contact Matthew Sigur at msigur@lsureveille.com
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 INCIDENT, from page 1
investigating the circumstances,” he said. “Foul play is not suspected.” Kevin Carman, dean of the College of Basic Sciences, said he couldn’t think of a reason for Chawla to have been on the roof, which is usually locked. LSUPD did not find any witnesses who saw Chawla fall, but many students and University faculty saw him lying on the ground. “I didn’t see it, but I heard it,” said Brendan Soughen. “I heard it like a wet thud.” Joseph Bond, biological sciences and psychology senior, said he didn’t see the incident happen, but noticed Chawla’s body when he left the Life Sciences Building. Chawla wasn’t wearing shoes and seemed to have cut-up feet, Bond said. “When I saw he didn’t have shoes on, my first inclination was that he jumped,” Bond said. “I like to think the best, but that was sort of a red flag.” Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com
INITIATIVES, from page 1
they’d be able to lead the University best. “Looking at what the other candidates are proposing, I see a lot of the things are already happening,” Martin said. “They are going to do that and more. Their initiatives are very tangible and will have a big impact.” Martin has worked alongside Bonvillain in Senate meetings and with Sellers on the Committee of Finance. “She really understands the way Student Government runs outside of
PROPERTY, from page 1
to Philadelphia-based Campus Apartments, who purchased the property in 2007. “New businesses will be successful because they’re in walking distance from campus,” said Jonathan Bonck, mass communication sophomore and North Gate area resident. “I initially thought traffic and parking would be a mad-house, but the addition of new parking will help.”
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one individual piece or part,” Martin said. “Not only that, she seems very well grounded and a very clear thinker about how to go about things.” Martin said Sellers was always the “voice of reason when it came to spending money.” “He really thought through how money was going to be spent, which is a very attractive aspect to have,” Martin said. Samantha Navarra, mass communication senior, is in Kappa Delta sorority with Bonvillain and has worked with her since freshman year. “She’s the busiest person I know,” Navarra said. “Since we
started KD as freshmen, we were both in Freshman Leadership Council. You could tell she had a passion for Student Government.” SG President Stuart Watkins said next year’s administration will need to be resourceful in dealing with matters the University faces as a whole. “They need to continue asking administrators those hard questions, but also looking at ways in which they can really optimize getting things done with working with less,” Watkins said. Watkins expressed a need for the current candidates to form working
relationships now with upper-level administrators. “You can’t lose time trying to form these working relationships after you get elected,” Watkins said. “You only have one year to serve in this role, and you have to be very efficient with time management.” Watkins said he and Vice President Martina Scheuermann are not supporting any candidate, but will work with whomever the students vote into office.
CVS will be the closest pharmacy to the University, alleviating students’ need to drive farther to purchase everyday items. No pharmacy or grocery has existed in the community for years, and the North Gate Merchant Association is pleased to welcome CVS to the area, Cadzow said. Jessi Stryk, marketing freshman and business residential college resident, said the additions will benefit students living on campus.
“My roommate didn’t have a car first semester and had to ride her bike all the way to the CVS down Highland to get prescriptions,” Stryk said. The business has the potential to attract customers from downtown and Old South Baton Rouge, the area between the University and downtown, because there are no drugstores in these areas, Cadzow said. The North Gate Merchants Association seeks to bring in businesses unique enough to draw customers
from other areas. The North Gate area developed when the University moved its campus from downtown to its current location more than 80 years ago. The area, originally known as Tiger Town, saw an array of businesses on Highland Road and Chimes Street by the end of the 1920s. Grocery stores, drugstores, clothing retailers, hair salons, pool halls and bars served as some of the many venues that once existed in the area, Cadzow said. “More than 400 businesses have been located at the North Gates, serving generations of LSU students, faculty and staff,” Cadzow said. But many businesses that have recently called the North Gates home have experienced difficulty attracting customers from outside of campus. Storyville co-owner Elizabeth Harvey said parking is one of the area’s major problems. “These are old buildings that were built before everyone had cars,” Harvey said. “We border LSU’s campus, so it should be a walking-friendly area so students come between classes.” Many people’s perception of the North Gate area is negative, providing another obstacle for businesses. “Perception of the area has always been mixed,” Cadzow said. “The best way to avoid empty storefronts is for property owners to bring in the most appropriate tenants and to charge appropriate rents.” Empty land will be filled with attractive, new businesses and will probably change the way some people perceive the area, Cadzow said. Store owners work to create extraordinary businesses in order to survive in the difficult area. “Traditionally, chain stores have not had as much drawing power because they usually had other locations in town that were easier to get to,” Cadzow said. Blockbuster closed because of a combination of competition from alternative video rental options and other Blockbuster locations in Baton Rouge, Cadzow said. Other retailers have fared unsuccessfully in the area, including the Gap. Both Gap and Blockbuster experienced low sales when students left for the summer. Storyville has survived three years in the area, offering unique graphic T-shirt designs. Cadzow said his coffee shop, Highland Coffees, has flourished in the North Gate area for more than 20 years.
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
Contact Sabrina Trahan at strahan@lsureveille.com