Check the search for the best beer in our Malt Madness Online poll and a comprehensive For: SG election page.
STEPPING UP
WHERE THE GOLD AT? See page 5.
Quarterbacks and wide receivers show skills at spring practice, pages 7 and 8.
THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Volume 114, Issue 110
Student’s death ruled suicide
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
LAW SCHOOL
Students present case in state court By Mandy Francois Contributing Writer
past two or three years,” Rau said. “He was a very good student, very interested in physics and friendly person.” Joel Tohline, physics professor and
Months of hard work by four third-year law students paid off Tuesday when they presented their case, State v. Castillo, to the Louisiana Supreme Court. Vincent Castillo was denied his right to counsel by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The students of the LSU Law Clinic, assisted by professor Paul Baier, presented the reasons Castillo should be appointed counsel for his misdemeanor traffic violations, including a suspended license and speeding. Nicholas Graphia, Miesha Beverly, Loren Shanklin and Jonathan Brown have researched the case since winter break. “We missed our Christmas break because we were so busy working,” said Shanklin. “I think we easily put in over 150 hours of work all together.” Michael Rocks, a representative from the Jefferson Parish Indigent Defender Board, spoke first. He gave reasons the 5th Circuit Court’s decision denying Castillo counsel should be reversed. Graphia was appointed the oral advocate for the hearing. The clerk put 20 minutes on the clock for him and Baier to speak.
DEATH, see page 15
CASE, see page 15
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
Flowers dedicated to former graduate student Sarvnipun Chawla sit outside the Life Sciences Building on Tuesday. The unsigned note reading, “Rest in peace. My heart is with you,” was left near where Chawla jumped to his death Monday.
BR Crisis Intervention Center provides options By Sarah Eddington Staff Writer
One day after a graduate student fell from the top of the Life Sciences building, his death was declared a suicide. The East Baton Rouge Parish coroner ruled Sarvnipun Chawla’s death a suicide Tuesday afternoon, said Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSU Police Department spokesperson. He said the police department couldn’t substantiate the claim with physical evidence. Facility Services wouldn’t comment regarding why the door to the roof was unlocked, and the dean of the College of Basic Sciences
wasn’t available for questions by print time. The Daily Reveille found sixth-floor entrances to the roof locked Tuesday afternoon. Chancellor Michael Martin addressed the incident Monday in a University e-mail. “I would like to extend my condolences to Sarvnipun’s family, friends and co-workers, as well as to the entire LSU community,” Martin wrote in the e-mail. The Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center held a support meeting on campus Tuesday night at the International Cultural Center. Jenny Stewart, assistant director of student advocacy and accountability, said the meeting was open to all affected faculty, students and staff to provide coping mechanisms. A. Ravi P. Rau, physics professor, taught one of Chawla’s physics classes and said he knew Chawla for years. “We’ve had quite a few interactions in the
SUICIDE STATS: • Reported U.S. suicides per year: 30,000.* • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.* • Those with suicidal thoughts should call the B.R. Crisis Intervention Center hotline at 225-924-5781. *from the National Center for Health Statistics
SG ELECTIONS
Hudson, Borel oppose class gift, support tuition hike Editor’s note: This story is the second in a four-part series on the Student Government campaigns. The candidates will be presented alphabetically by last name. By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Student Government election day is less than a week away, and campaigns haven’t slowed. Presidential candidate J Hudson and vice presidential candidate Dani Borel are kicking their “StudentsFIRST” campaign into high gear with just four school days left before voting. Debates and intense campaigns have
forced students to compare the candidates’ views side by side. Hudson said he agrees with a tuition increase as long as it protects the academic core. “When I walk with my diploma, I’m going to want that thing to mean something,” Hudson said. “The only way to do that is to keep funding up.” Many of the candidates support the 2010 Class Gift Project, which will add a $30 mandatory fee to graduating seniors’ fee bills to have an engraved brick on the sidewalk around the Parade Ground. Hudson said he and Borel do not support the project because it adds an unnecessary fee that doesn’t protect the academic
core. “When we’re talking about massive budget cuts and not having enough classes or professors to attend for us to get our degree in four years, then this is not necessarily a fee that J and I support,” Borel said. Hudson is SG director of external affairs on this year’s administration, and SG President Stuart Watkins said he’s valued the working relationship he’s had with Hudson. “He really worked tirelessly on legislation that took place downtown that related to higher education and LSU,” Watkins said. “Basically, J was our guy that researched all the different bills that took place downtown CAMPAIGN, see page 15
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
Student Government presidential candidate J Hudson lays “StudentsFIRST” buttons on a table Monday during a campaign ticket meeting in Coates Hall.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
New HIV infections increasing among gays, drug users, prostitutes
Homeland Security chief puts brakes on virtual fence funds
NEW YORK (AP) Ñ New HIV infections are increasing among homosexuals, drug users and prostitutes who donÕ t seek help because of laws that criminalize these practices, the head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday. Michel Sidibe, the head of UNAIDS, said Ò it is unacceptableÓ that 85 countries still have laws criminalizing adult same sex relations.
PHOENIX (AP) Ñ Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Tuesday that she will freeze funds for expanding the virtual fence that originally was supposed to monitor most of the 2,000-mile southern U.S. border by 2011 but now covers only a portion of ArizonaÕ s boundary with Mexico. The virtual fence is a network of cameras, ground sensors and radars designed to let a small number of dispatchers watch the border on a computer monitor, zoom in with cameras to see people crossing, and decide whether to send Border Patrol.
Afghan government held secret peace talks with Taliban No. 2 KABUL (AP) Ñ The Afghan government was holding secret talks with the TalibanÕ s No. 2 when he was captured in Pakistan, and the arrest infuriated President Hamid Karzai, according to one of KarzaiÕ s advisers. The detention of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has raised new questions about whether the U.S. is willing to back peace discussions with leaders who harbored the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 attacks.
Ivy League’s Cornell University responds to 3 gorge deaths ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) Ñ Cornell University, an Ivy League school known for its spectacular gorges and haunted by a reputation for suicides, took the extraordinary step of posting lookouts on bridges and going door-to-door to check on students
after three undergrads plunged to their deaths in the past month. The move by university officials comes after an Ò especially painful weekÓ marred by two of the deaths. ItÕ s not clear if all three were suicides; university spokeswoman Claudia Wheatley said Tuesday one case was ruled a suicide and the other two were under investigation. Grill ripped from Tenn. man’s teeth in jail, inmate left in serious pain NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Ñ When a Tennessee jailer ripped the gold grill from a new inmateÕ s teeth two days before Thanksgiving last year, it left the 31-year-old man in excruciating pain and left taxpayers on the hook for nearly $100,000 in damages. Anthony McCoy spat out blood and teeth in a trash can and was in agony for more than a week after Davidson County SheriffÕ s Lt. Tanya Mayhew reached into his mouth and yanked out the grill, along with the cement attached to his teeth, said his lawyer, David Raybin.
STATE/LOCAL
Health secretary says budget troubles could grow worse
Journalists describe run-ins with New Orleans police officials
(AP) — A looming midyear deficit will worsen budget troubles in the state health department and could disrupt proposals for balancing the departmentÕ s budget next year, Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine told lawmakers Tuesday. The grim news, delivered to the House Appropriations Committee, could mean deeper cuts to the stateÕ s Medicaid program for the poor, elderly and disabled, which already was slated to lose $300 million next year in Gov. Bobby JindalÕ s 2010-11 budget recommendations. The Department of Health and Hospitals has a $40 million state fund shortfall already in the current budget year that ends June 30, and Levine has identified several pools of money that could cover the gap. But economists said an unexpected drop in state revenue will force new cuts across nearly all state agencies in the remaining three months of the fiscal year.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ Several journalists described run-ins with New Orleans police Tuesday as they testified about allegations that officers routinely arrest or threaten people who film them. Greg Griffith and Noah Learned sued in December 2007, claiming police violated their constitutional rights when they were arrested at a parade that year.
@ lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports
TODAY
Weather 67 45
Show time 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! 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 17, 2010 “The Real World”: Battle of the Sexes 7:13 in UREC Rms 1-3 Refreshments will be served BSU General Body Meeting Wednesday, March 17, 2010 @ 5:30 in Atchafalaya Room Delta Sigma Theta presents” The Surreal Life of a Delta” March 17, 2010 “The Real World”: Battle of the Sexes 7:13 in UREC Rms 1-3 Refreshments will be served
BSU Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, and other Student Orgs Presents “Hardball with S.G.” Thursday, March 18th, 2010 7pm-9pm in Dodson Audiotium Come learn about the SG presidential candidates before casting your vote 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
Lawmakers threaten to overturn $15 La. license price hike (AP) Ñ Battered by criticism in their districts, lawmakers Tuesday questioned the legality of a $15 hike in the cost of a Louisiana driverÕ s license, threatened to overturn it and called it inappropriate in the current tight economy. A new or renewed basic license now costs $36.50 for four years, up from $21.50, under the price hike ordered by the Louisiana State Police last week.
TODAY ON lsureveille.com
Log on to read the music blog about Citizen Cope’s Varsity show.
Keep up to date at facebook.com/lsureveille.
PHOTO BLOG: Sailing Away Question of the Week: What do you think is the “Breakfast of Champions”?
Read the latest updates about the ABC show “Lost” on the blog at lsureveille.com.
A BUG’S LIFE
P.M. Showers
THURSDAY Campus Housing Contract Renewal (All Residents) Open to ALL residents on campus to reserve a space in ECA/WCA and have the option to invite one person to join them.
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68 45 SATURDAY 72 41
FRIDAY 71 51 SUNDAY 61 37
SARA SICONA / The Daily Reveille
Delta Sigma Theta presents “The Surreal Life of a Delta” March 18, 2010 @ 7:00 in Dodson Hall DST News Watch: “hardball with SG Debate” Open Mic Poetry Night Friday, March 19, 2010 @ 6:00pm African American Cultural Center 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
Log on to lsureveille.com to see pictures of bugs around campus.
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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THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
Campus Crime Briefs Five students arrested in parking lot for possesion of marijuana Five University students were arrested March 14 at about 1 a.m. for possession of marijuana. The students include Daniel Montenegro, 18, of 37302 Commerce Lane in Prairieville; Christopher White, 18, of 22 Hudson Ave. in Green Island, N.Y.; Mar-
cio Cunha, 19, of 536 Acadian Hall; Daniel Mahony, 19, of 4000 Lake Beau Pre Blvd. in Baton Rouge; and Tynan DeMoss, 19, of 4821 Carousel Court in Anchorage, Alaska. An LSU Police Department officer saw a truck parked near construction equipment in the Vet School parking lot near Skip Bertman Drive and River Road, said Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSUPD
spokesperson. An officer found the five students inside. Tabor said the officer saw smoke and smelled marijuana when the driver rolled down the window. A search of the vehicle yielded a plastic bag containing 1.1 grams of marijuana and a blunt weighing 1.2 grams, Tabor said. All five suspects were given misdemeanor summonses and released. Man arrested in connection to thefts of copper tubing Christopher Powell, a 20-year-old unaffiliated with the University, was arrested March 13 in connection with a string of on-campus copper theft incidents.
LSUPD responded to a call at approximately 10:54 p.m. from an employee at the 459 Commons who saw a suspicious person near the vacant West Laville residence hall, Tabor said. The officers entered the building and found Powell, who was attempting to flee to his vehicle with remnants of copper tubing that had been removed from the walls and a saw, Tabor said. Powell gave a full confession when questioned and admitted to his and another maleÕ s participation in the copper thefts, Tabor said. He was charged with seven counts of simple burglary, five counts of criminal damage to property and one count of resisting an officer. He was booked in East Baton
PAGE 3
Rouge Parish Prison. Suspect identified in Tiger Card theft, investigating ongoing LSUPD sent out a broadcast e-mail Tuesday asking the University community for help identifying a man who used a stolen Tiger Card at the UREC Student Recreation Complex and other local retailers. Tabor said LSUPD received a call from a person who said he or she could identify the suspect based on the picture included in the e-mail, but the investigation is ongoing. No arrest has yet been made. Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Candidates discuss class gifts, reaching out to students FLC, Sigma Chi host debates By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Student Government Elections are less than a week away, and all eight presidential and vice presidential candidates participated in back-to-back debates Tuesday night. The Freshman Leadership Council debate was at 7 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the LSU Student Union, and the Greek debate was at 8:30 p.m. in the Sigma Chi fraternity house on campus. Brooksie Bonvillain and Chris Sellers represented the Ò Leading the WayÓ campaign. J Hudson and Dani Borel represented the Ò StudentsFIRSTÓ campaign. Theo Williams and Millena Williams represented the Ò Geauxing the DistanceÓ campaign, and Bryan Wooldridge and John Craig represented the Ò Two Kings of LSUÓ campaign. The candidates discussed questions from the audience and the moderator in both debates. TRANSPARENCY Theo Williams said SG needs more transparency, and students need to be more involved in decisions on what gets cut in each department. Bonvillain said a major concern is streamlining the current SG administrative positions. Ò I feel like some of the departments could be more concise, and that way students know exactly who to contact and that way we can be more transparent,Ó Bonvillain said. OTHER BRANCHES Borel and Hudson have worked collectively in all three branches of SG, and Hudson said that experience would help them if elected. Ò With those three experiences, weÕ re going to be able to combine all three branches,Ó Hudson said. Ò I think [a divide] couldÕ ve been decreased if we had better communication.Ó
ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille
[Left to right] SG presidential and vice presidential candidates Brooksie Bonvillain, Chris Sellers, J Hudson, Dani Borel, Theo Williams, John Craig and Bryan Wooldridge participate in the FLC debate Tuesday in the Cotillion Ballroom.
Craig suggested having a Ò sweet-ass keg partyÓ to bring the three SG branches together, and said to remain open-minded. GRADUATE WALK Theo Williams said having projects like the graduate walk is good, but now is the wrong time to add a $30 fee to studentsÕ fee bill. Ò ItÕ s a great idea, but the timing is wrong,Ó Theo Williams said. Ò I think itÕ s not fair to do it to the students right now.Ó Hudson agreed with Theo Williams, adding that the fee addition should have gone before a student vote. Ò I would just say: student input on every fee we have,Ó Hudson
said. Bonvillain and Sellers support the graduate walk and the $30 fee. Ò The Class Gift Committee strived to take this to a vote of the students,Ó Bonvillain said. Ò ItÕ s never an opportune time to add a fee to the fee bill, but I think itÕ s a great project to better our University.Ó
VICE PRESIDENTÕ S ROLE Millena Williams said she sees herself playing a big role in SG if elected. Ò IÕ m really excited about the opportunity to get to work for Theo next year and to work with you guys,Ó Millena Williams said. Ò IÕ ve never committed to anything and not given my everything to it.Ó
Borel commented on current SG Vice President Martina ScheuermannÕ s increasing role in SG. Ò It was really breathtaking the amount of time I saw Martina all over campus this year,Ó Borel said. Ò I would want to be as approachable as Martina is. I want to show my face.Ó Sellers and Bonvillain agreed experience is a key factor in their campaign. Ò I feel my years of experience in SG is going to help me,Ó Sellers said. Ò Together I feel BrooksieÕ s personality and my personality really complement one another.Ó Craig commented on the complimentary nature of his own ticket. Ò Our running together is no joke,Ó Craig said. Ò IÕ m a little prettier than he is and a little more outgoing.Ó Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 4
TECHNOLOGY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
HEALTH
Students not getting amount of sleep advised Many altering cycles Americans Many with stimulants use phones for news By Sarah Eddington Staff Writer
By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer
News is available in a variety of forms, but a March survey by the Pew Research Center found 26 percent of Americans are accessing news on their phones. This Ò on the goÓ access is most commonly used to check news such as weather, current events and sports scores, according to the survey. Ò I use my phone to check Google, sports scores and weather,Ó said Ryan Seiter, marketing sophomore. Mary Mayronne, nursing freshman, said she prefers to use her phone just to make calls and send text messages. The survey ‘I don’t found 92 perfilter my cent of Americans use mulnews. I like tiple sources, seeing including naand local everything.’ tional TV, the Internet and newspapers Ryan Seiter to access news. marketing Forty-six sophomore percent said they used four to six sources on a typical day. The Internet ranked third behind local television news and national television news as the most popular source for news. The survey said Americans find their news based on foraging and opportunism, meaning they check for news when the feeling strikes or when they have the time. Ò I check throughout the day just to see whatÕ s happening,Ó Seiter said. News is also becoming more personalized. Twenty-eight percent of surveyed Americans said they customize some news Web sites to filter in news that interests them. Maddie Windstein, kinesiology sophomore, said she prefers to see entertainment and sports news. “I don’t filter my news,” Seiter said. Ò I like seeing everything.Ó Thirty-seven percent of Internet users participate in the news through Web sites like Twitter and Facebook. Eight in 10 said they also share articles through e-mail. Priscilla Parker, math junior, said her friends send her e-mails and Facebook posts with news that interests them. Many Americans find it easy to access news, but 70 percent of surveyed Americans said the quantity of news from multiple sources is overwhelming. Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
College students are getting two fewer hours of sleep than recommended by the National Sleep Foundation, and a recent study shows many students are using substances to combat their natural sleep-wake cycles. The study, published last month in the Journal of Adolescent Health, asked 1,000 undergraduates to document the quantity and quality of their sleep every morning and if they used drugs and alcohol to alter their sleep patterns for one week. Researchers found 60 percent of students use stimulants and 18 percent use medication or alcohol to fight their natural sleep-wake cycle and to balance schoolwork, jobs and social lives. Kathryn Jacobs, philosophy sophomore, said she drinks coffee to wake up in the morning and to stay awake at night for studying. Elizabeth Reames, nutrition professor, said common stimulants such as coffee, tea and diet sodas arenÕ t harmful in moderation. Ò ItÕ s the caffeine that gives you the energy,Ó Reames said. Ò Caffeine can actually be an ergogenic aid used to enhance performance.Ó But Reames said other caffeine stimulants like non-diet sodas and energy drinks are high in sugar and calories. Ò They may give you a quick burst of energy, but the energy rise may be followed by a drop,Ó Reames said. Reames said too much caffeine can raise blood pressure and make people feel jittery and nervous. Ò So if you stayed awake all
night drinking caffeine and go ning system for students to orgatake an exam feeling jittery and nize their time and activities for irritable, you wonÕ t be operating the entire week, including time at 100 percent,Ó Reames said. spent at work and school and Reames said alcohol should sleeping and exercising. not be used as a sleep aid because Ò Sleep is a necessary asitÕ s a depressant. pect of life and essential for our Ò It wonÕ t be a relaxed, nor- health,Ó Roche said. mal sleep,Ó she said. Ò You wonÕ t Roche said sleep loss can wake up feeling refreshed.Ó lead to poor concentration, moodReames said using artificial iness, irritability and impatience. means to offset the natural sleepMichael Brown, chemistry wake cycle isnÕ t a healthy choice. senior, said sleep isnÕ t always an Ò You are not following the option. natural inclination of your body,Ó Ò When it comes down to she said. Ò And crunch time and some of the sleep I have to choose aids may become between sleep and habitual, where studying all night, your body will alIÕ ll pull an allmost need it to go nighter,Ó he said. to sleep.Ó Ò I can sleep when Reames said IÕ m dead.Ó maintaining a Roche said regular daily pulling all-nightElizabeth Reames routine with a ers is never a good nutrition professor healthy diet and idea because it afexercise can help fects a studentÕ s to instill regular sleep habits. performance the next day. Lahna Roche, assistant direcÒ Sleep rejuvenates the body tor for the Center for Academic and the mind,Ó she said. Ò It reSuccess, said students should in- processes the dayÕ s events and corporate sleep into schedules to what’s been studied is solidified ensure they get the recommended into memory.Ó nine hours. Roche recommends students CAS offers a weekly plan- plan out study sessions, with
‘‘
‘[Stimulants] may give you a quick burst of energy, but the ... rise may be followed by a drop.’
50-minute study intervals and 10-minute breaks in between. Roche said people who have trouble sleeping at night should try to make their rooms dark, quiet places and avoid using their beds for purposes other than sleeping. Ò When you do things like watching TV or doing your homework in bed, it becomes an active place,Ó she said. Roche said it is also helpful to exercise, limit naps and avoid eating and drinking large amounts before bedtime.
Contact Sarah Eddington at seddington@lsureveille.com
Revelry
THE DAILY REVEILLE Today’s KLSU Specialty Shows: Beat Street (Trip Hop) 9 p.m.-11 p.m.; Underground Sounds (Underground Hip-Hop) 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
photo courtesy of State Street Survivors
WEDNESDAY’S Q&A
with State Street Survivors
The State Street Survivors are bringing back raunchy rock ‘n’ roll to the local scene. Formed just more than a year ago, the band is steeped in the influence of classic and Southern rock, carrying on the tradition of heavy riffs and wild live shows. Vocalist Chris Melhado, drummer Ben Bryan, lead guitarist Stu Brezger and bass player Jarrett Gautreau recently sat down with entertainment writer Chris Abshire to discuss the band’s classic sound and their experience as a local band.
Q: How did the band Q: What has it been like as an upname come about? and-coming act near LSU? Bryan: “The best part about our
band name is that none of us have ever lived on State Street [in the North Gate area]. It just originated because one of our friends was really drunk one night and ended up on State Street somehow. He actually wandered into this total stranger’s house at like 4:30 in the morning. The guy just turned around and offered him a beer. He told me the story the next day, and it’s stuck with me. I just felt like the band name was reflective of that experience and also the kind of hospitality in Baton Rouge.”
Visit lsureveille. Bryan: “Well, the first thing we noticed is the com for a free relative lack of a music scene in this town. We’ve download of “El Camino” by State seen a lot of great bands.“ Street Survivors. Brezger: “There’s so much talent here.”
Bryan: “Playing before like 15 or 20 people — that’s terrible amid a town of 20,000 college students because there should be a better scene. As a band, we’ve been really lucky, and we have been able to get several headlining shows at places like North Gate Tavern and Bogie’s.”
Q: Who are some of your main influences and touchstones for your sound?
Brezger: “Definitely [Led] Zeppelin. I mean, we love a lot of music, but definitely some AC/DC and Aerosmith, too.” Bryan: “I’d say some stuff like Black Crowes, too.”
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PAGE 5
PaGe 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Wednesday, march 17, 2010
PaGe 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Wednesday, march 17, 2010
Sports
Wednesday, march 17, 2010
Today in sports: Baseball at 6:30 p.m. Women’s Tennis at 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Crusade against the Colonels
Sports Writer
Nicholls State came to Alex Box Stadium last season, handed the LSU baseball team a 3-1 loss and broke a 10-game losing streak between the two teams. LSU is trying to not let history repeat itself this season. The Tigers (13-2) will host the Colonels (11-4, 2-1) tonight in their final game before Southeastern Conference play. Ò Nicholls State is going to present a great challenge for us,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. Ò ItÕ s been well-chronicled that they came in here and beat us last year. We didnÕ t play very well that night, but thatÕ s not to take anything away from Nicholls State Ñ
they did. They played very well.Ó Eight Colonel pitchers combined to limit LSU to four hits in last year’s contest. Nicholls State used a different pitcher each inning beginning in the thrd and kept the Tigers scoreless in that span. Ò IÕ m not saying they snuck up on us last year by any means because we take all of our opponents as heavily as we do the SEC teams,” said LSU junior catcher Micah Gibbs. Ò We know theyÕ re going to come in swinging and pitching well.Ó This yearÕ s version of the Nicholls State team had won 11 straight games before suffering its fourth loss Sunday. The Colonels lost, 7-3, to Lamar to snap the team’s longest winning streak in 24 years. The Tigers, on the other hand, are fresh
Shepard ineligible to run for SG office Ticket intends to appeal decision By Staff Reports
off their first two losses of the season. LSU dropped two-of-three games to Kansas last weekend, and Gibbs said the game tonight is reminiscent of a situation from last season. Ò It reminds me a lot of last year when we played Illinois,Ó he said. Ò We lost two out of three on Friday and Sunday of the same weekend, and we had to come back for a midweek game before we started the SEC. We were able to do pretty well with that midweek win and then get a series win against Kentucky.Ó LSU will start sophomore pitcher Chris Matulis to try to get back on the winning track. STREAK, see page 11
CAMPAIGN, see page 11
ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore pitcher Chris Matulis pitches in an 8-1 win against Pepperdine on March 4, 2010, at Alex Box Stadium.
Tigers attempt to avenge last year’s loss in a game against Nicholls State By Johanathan Brooks
FOOTBALL
Sophomore Russell Shepard can no longer run for University Court, Student Government Commissioner of Elections Alexis Sarver said Tuesday. Shepard, a wide receiver on the football team, was on the Ò Geauxing the DistanceÓ campaign ticket, but Sarver said he has been disqualified for failing to attend one of two possible meetings all University Court candidates must attend. Candidates for University Court must attend one of those two meetings to still be eligible to run for office. The meetings took place March 9 at 1 p.m. and Monday at noon, and Sarver said Shepard missed both because of class. Candidates have the option to set up a separate meeting through the SG Commissioner of Elections if they provide an excuse within a valid time frame. Sarver said the deadline to provide an excuse for either meeting was March 9 by 4:30 p.m., but the deadline was not strictly enforced. She said the first time she talked to Shepard about the meetings was shortly after MondayÕ s meeting. Shepard would have been informed about the meetings during election filing from Feb. 22-24,
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior catcher Micah Gibbs (33) safely steals second in the bottom of the seventh inning during the Tigers’ 4-2 win Saturday against Kansas at Alex Box Stadium.
PaGe 7
FOOTBALL
Jefferson manages, leads offense during spring practice Shepard switches to wide receiver By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor
The quarterback position for the 2009 LSU football team was anything but flashy. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson controlled the reins for the Tiger offense as a sophomore last season and averaged the secondfewest passing yards per game in the Southeastern Conference at 178.5 yards per game. JeffersonÕ s 16 touchdown passes were the second fewest in the SEC, but the St. Rose
native took a more efficient approach to the offense last season, having the second-highest completion percentage (62.1 percent) and throwing the third-fewest interceptions (6). He started two games during his freshman season and 11 games during his sophomore season and has now entered spring practice as a junior more confident and experienced. Ò His maturity is taking leaps and bounds as far as taking command in the huddle,Ó said junior guard Josh Dworaczyk. Jefferson agreed heÕ s ready to be a veteran on LSU’s squad with a full season under his belt. Ò IÕ ve got to lead the team,Ó Jefferson said. Ò I have to take
control of the offense, manage the offense and make sure everything is up to par.Ó And up to par for past LSU teams has meant putting up big offensive numbers. The Tigers racked up huge offensive statistics during LSU’s recent national championship seasons in 2003 and 2007. The 2003 team averaged 33.9 points per game and 418.4 yards per game, while the 2007 team averaged 38.6 points per game and 454.4 yards per game. That’s a far cry from the 24.8 points per game and the 304.5 yards per game the Tigers averaged last season. QUARTERBACK, see page 11
MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson, center, hands the ball off to junior fullback Stevan Ridley during spring practice March 1, 2010, in the Indoor Practice Facility.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 8
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
FOOTBALL
Toliver, Shepard headline spring wide receiving corps
starts, and he scored the only offensive touchdown for the Tigers in the Saturday scrimmage. The former five-star recruit said not getting many touches last year didnÕ t bother him much. By Andy Schwehm Ò It was something I was used Sports Contributor to,Ó Randle said. Ò In high school, Wide receivers are known I wasnÕ t the big-time guy until my for their propensity to attract at- junior and senior year. I learned tention for activities that donÕ t in- from my freshman and sophomore year to be a team player and volve catching passes. Some are good Ñ touchdown do what I can.Ó Junior Deangelo Peterson celebrations Ñ and others are bad Ñ complaining about not getting and sophomore Chase Clement are expected to compete for time the ball enough. Two LSU receivers have tak- to replace former Tiger Richard en things to the extremities dur- Dickson at tight end. Dickson left LSU as one of the ing the last few tight ends weeks, catching ‘We still have some greatest in school history local headlines young guys that we with the records rather than passes. The bad came need to get involved for most receptions (89), yards in the form of senior wide receiver with the playbook and (945) and touchTerrence Toliver, understand the game.’ downs (10). Peterson who two weeks Jordan Jefferson shone last season ago got into an LSU junior quarterback as a replacement altercation in Tifor Dickson in the gerland and subsequently broke his left hand, middle of the season when Dickleaving him to have to fully par- son was out with an injury. He ticipate in a cast for the remainder caught five passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns last season. of spring practice. Toliver is expected to be the He had six catches for 42 yards teamÕ s No. 1 receiver, replacing Saturday. Clement, a defensive line former Tiger Brandon LaFell, one of the most prolific wide receivers convert, is expected to compete for time at tight end. He played on in LSU history. The good news came at the both defense and offense at E.D. beginning of the spring practice White High School in Thibodaux. season when sophomore Rus- He saw action in 12 games as a sell Shepard made headlines for backup defensive end last season. Ò I had a feeling [the move] changing from his quarterback position to wide receiver, a move was coming.Ó Clement said. Ò I Shepard requested coach Les did get recruited to play tight end, but I got switched to D-end when Miles make. Shepard played in 10 games I got here. Right now, IÕ m in the last season, taking part in 78 learning process behind everyone. plays, 15 of which were at re- I got to pick up a whole offense ceiver. He caught five passes for for spring, but I can adjust well 34 yards with a long reception of because I played in high school.Ó 13 yards. Ò I want to be one of the best,Ó Shepard said. Ò Toliver is our leadContact Andy Schwehm at er at the receiver position. IÕ m goaschwehm@lsureveille.com ing to follow him, but at the same time IÕ m going to push him as well as the other receivers to be the best.Ó Shepard caught three passes for 19 yards in the Tigers’ first scrimmage of the spring Saturday and added 35 yards on five rushes. With Toliver out, some younger players are left at the position junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson said will have to catch up. Ò We still have some young guys that we need to get involved with the playbook and understand the game of college football,Ó Jefferson said. Ò They are doing as much as they can to help me out, and IÕ m going to do as much as I can to help them out.Ó One of those young players is sophomore Rueben Randle. Randle came to LSU last season from Bastrop High School as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation, according to multiple rankings Web sites. He had 10 receptions for 146 yards last season with two touchdowns in 12 games with three
Peterson likely to start at tight end
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J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
Sophomore wide receiver Chris Tolliver, left, catches a ball during practice Monday, March 1, while LSU wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, right, watches in the Indoor Practice Facility.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 9
SOFTBALL
LSU’s winning streak on the line against Ole Miss Shortridge earns Player of the Week By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor
Success is often measured by championships and the number of team victories. The No. 14 LSU softball team has enjoyed plenty of success so far this season, earning three tournament championships and 16 consecutive victories. After all that success, the Tigers (21-4, 3-0) welcome Southeastern Conference rivals Ole Miss into Tiger Park tonight for a midweek doubleheader. LSU sits atop the SEC West and is the only SEC school still undefeated in conference play after the Tigers swept South Carolina last weekend in a three-game series Ñ 5-0, 9-0 and 10-0, respectively. Ò WÕ s are extremely important, and the fact that we took advantage and won all three is important for our confidence,” said senior center fielder Kirsten Shortridge. Ò We didnÕ t win 2-1 or 2-0, we annihilated what we needed to annihilate.” The Tigers have rolled past opponents during their 16game winning streak and have
Week honors after going 8-for- allowing only 15 earned runs in 11 from the plate, scoring seven 23 games. runs and stealing three bases last Senior pitcher Cody Trahan weekend against the Gamecocks. leads the pack with a leagueThe Keller, Texas, native is best 0.17 ERA. Freshman pitcher in the top 10 in the SEC in mul- Rachele Fico and sophomore tiple offensive statistics. pitcher Brittany Mack have reShe ranks No. 10 in bat- corded ERAs of 0.91 and 0.96, ting average (.420), No. 3 in hits respectively. (37), No. 5 in runs Ò Our pitchscored (25) and ing staffÕ s greatNo. 2 in stolen est strength is bases (23). we have so much Ò The lineup depth,” Fico said. is so strong right Ò We all complenow,” Shortridge ment each other said. Ò And if it really well bewasnÕ t for them, cause we bring Yvette Girouard then I wouldnÕ t be something differLSU softball coach where I was at.” ent to the table.” Ole Miss has The Tigers been led offensively by senior have pitched 10 shutouts this infielder Lauren Grill, who also season and have run-ruled opranks in the top 10 in the SEC in ponents in eight games. LSUÕ s many offensive categories. pitchers have also not given up The former first team All- more than four runs in a game, American ranks No. 3 with a .473 while LSUÕ s hitters have scored batting average, No. 1 with three five runs or more in 16 of the triples and is just below Short- teamÕ s 25 games. ridge at No. 4 with 35 hits. Ò It really gives the pitchers Ò SheÕ s been solid as a rock a whole different mindset, being for them for the last four years,” able to go out on the field knowGirouard said. Ò Everyone in the ing we have so much run supconference has respect for her.” port,” Fico said. Grill will face a Tiger pitching staff that owns the lowest ERA in the SEC (0.81). Contact Jarred LeBlanc at LSUÕ s three starting pitchers have dominated the circle, jleblanc@lsureveille.com
‘‘
‘Ole Miss is a very dangerous team.’
ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior Kirsten Shortridge winds up to pitch the ball Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Tigers’ 2-1 win against Houston in Tiger Park.
outscored them, 109-11. Ole Miss (16-10, 3-2) has had plenty of experience with ranked teams this season, playing No. 8 Arizona State, No. 11 Georgia Tech and No. 4 Florida. But the Rebels only managed a 1-4 record against their ranked opponents with their sole win being a 6-4 victory against the
Gators on Saturday. Ò Ole Miss is a very dangerous team,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. Ò IÕ m sure theyÕ re going to come in here with confidence after taking a game from Florida in Florida.” Shortridge has been hot for the Tigers and has earned USA Softball Collegiate Player of the
PAGE 10
THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Lady Tigers to host Tulane, Grambling in doubleheader LSU fell to Green Wave in 2004, 2005 By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor
LSU women’s tennis coach Tony Minnis knew he was in for a challenge when he started the season. The Lady Tigers (4-9, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) had four members lose their eligibility last year and currently start a sophomore and three freshmen in their lineup. LSU snapped an eight-match losing streak last Friday against Mississippi State but regressed in a 7-0 loss Sunday against Ole Miss, much to the disappointment of Minnis. LSU will have a chance to redeem itself today as it hosts Tulane (8-4, 0-2 Conference USA) at 3 p.m. immediately followed by Grambling State in a nonconference doubleheader at W. T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium. “We’ve been establishing
improvement over the course of 8-4 record, but the Green Wave the year, and I thought we took a are not in the same category as step back [against Ole Miss], so the competition the Lady Tigers hopefully we can re-establish that have faced during the last month. [today],Ó Minnis said. Seven of the last nine oppoThe Lady Tigers are in the nents LSU faced were ranked in midst of their most exhausting the top 50, so facing Tulane and time of the spring dual season. Grambling State is somewhat of TodayÕ s matches will mark the a relief to Minnis. fourth and fifth Ò W h e n times they have youÕ re playing the played in the last schedule where six days. youÕ re playing LSU assisas many ranked tant coach Lisa schools as we are, Jackson said the it makes it hard,Ó amount of matchhe said. Ò ItÕ s not es in such a short an excuse, but itÕ s Lisa Jackson period of time just a fact.” assistant coach, shouldnÕ t be an LSU leads LSU women’s tennis issue. the all-time seÒ TheyÕ re all ries against Tuin shape,Ó she said. Ò I totally ex- lane 28-4, but has lost each of its pect them to come out fiery and previous two matches with the ready to go against Tulane.Ó Green Wave in 2004 and 2005, Minnis voiced his frustration while LSU has swept its only two to his youngsters in a team meet- meetings with Grambling State, ing following the Ole Miss loss. 7-0, in 2008 and 2009. Ò ItÕ s unfortunate because you hate to learn lessons during the season, but ... I think they did Contact Sean Isabella at [Sunday],” he said. Tulane enters today with a sisabella@lsureveille.com
‘‘
‘I totally expect them to come out fiery and ready to go against Tulane.’
PGA
Woods to return for Masters By The Associated Press PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) Ñ Tiger Woods said Tuesday he will return to golf next month at the Masters, ending a four-month hiatus brought on by a sex scandal that shattered his image as the gold standard in sports. Ò The Masters is where I won my first major, and I view this tournament with great respect,Ó Woods said in a statement. Ò After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like IÕ m ready to start my season at Augusta.Ó The Masters begins April 8. The Associated Press first reported his plans to return at Augusta National last Thursday. Woods has not competed since Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters for his 82nd victory worldwide. Twelve days later, he crashed his car into a tree outside his Florida home, setting off shocking revelations that he had been cheating on his wife. “The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be,
even though it’s been a while since I last played,Ó Woods said. “I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy, and I am continuing my treatment,Ó he said. Ò Although IÕ m returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.Ó There had been reports he would play the Tavistock Cup exhibition next week in Orlando, followed by the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where he is the defending champion and a six-time winner.
“When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play,Ó Woods said. Already the major with the highest TV ratings, this Masters could be the biggest yet. The first two rounds are televised on ESPN, with CBS Sports on the weekend. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman Kaitlin Burns serves the ball Sunday during a doubles match against Ole Miss at W. T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium.
WEdnEsdAy, mArch 17, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE QUARTERBACK, from page 7
CAMPAIGN, from page 7
Sarver said. Ò He had class, but I was not informed in the time that I was supposed to be informed,Ó Sarver said. Ò Had he told me in due time within the deadline, then I would have possibly set up something for him to have a makeup.Ó She said she was first informed around 11 a.m. Monday by someone from the Geauxing the Distance ticket that Shepard would not make MondayÕ s meeting. Ò He had a class at that time [of the meetings], and he had a pop quiz [March 15],Ó Sarver said. Ò Even the week before would have been fine. Five minutes before it is not enough time, and it isnÕ t fair to the other candidates.Ó Sarver said she has already disqualified other candidates running for college councils because they failed to attend mandatory meetings. Ò This isnÕ t the only case at all,Ó she said. Millena Williams, the SG vice presidential candidate on the Ò Geauxing the DistanceÓ ticket, said she didn’t have any definitive information on the issue, and the ticket will try to clear up the problem if possible. Ò WeÕ re not expecting any special treatment,Ó she said. Ò But it was a school interference, and if thereÕ s any way we can work around it, weÕ ll try to because heÕ s really excited to get involved Ñ as we would with anyone on our ticket.Ó Shepard was not available to comment Tuesday after LSUÕ s football practice.
STREAK, from page 7
Matulis (2-0) has started one game this season and has a 0.90 ERA Ñ the second best on the team behind junior pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. Matulis hasnÕ t seen action since LSUÕ s 8-1 win against Pepperdine nearly two weeks ago. Matulis threw more breaking balls in that game than he was accustomed to and developed some stiffness in his forearm as a result, Mainieri said. Ò I thought he was going to be good enough to go Wednesday in Shreveport,Ó Mainieri said. Ò I guess it was kind of fortunate we ended up getting the game canceled because the next day he told me that his forearm was still pretty tight.Ó Mainieri said he and his staff took the precautionary route and sat Matulis out for the Kansas series. Matulis said heÕ s glad to be able to go back out on the mound. Ò ItÕ s tough to be on the sidelines with a little injury and not be able to be out there and help your team,Ó he said. Ò My arm feels a lot better, so I should be definitely ready to go tomorrow.Ó The Colonels will start sophomore Ryan Cooper on the mound. Cooper (2-0) has a 1.06 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 17 innings of work. The Tigers will wear jerseys with green trim, lettering and a shamrock on the right sleeve to honor the St. PatrickÕ s Day holiday. LSUÕ s hats and batting helmets will also be green. Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Student Government presidential candidate Theo Williams, left, and LSU freshman wide receiver Russell Shepard hand out pushcards Monday in Free Speech Alley.
Williams first presented Shepard with the opportunity to get involved in SG. Williams said he and Shepard met last spring when Shepard enrolled early at the University, and the two had several discussions about SG. SG isnÕ t something unfamiliar to Shepard, who is known to most University students strictly as a star athlete. Shepard said on Thursday he has been involved in student government since his early teenage years, which carried over to his high school days at Cypress Ridge High School in Houston. Shepard had been juggling his class schedule, spring football and
campaigning on a day-to-day basis before missing MondayÕ s meeting. Ò HeÕ s coming to ticket meetings,Ó Williams said Sunday. Ò HeÕ s campaigning as much as he can in between classes. He’s definitely doing a good job.Ó University Court, which consists of nine members, is the judicial branch of SG. It handles any dispute that happens within SG from elections to impeachments to any appeals or suits that are filed. Sports contributor Sean Isabella contributed to this report. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
LSU coach Les Miles realizes the offense struggled last season and is making strides in the spring to improve JeffersonÕ s performance. Ò ThatÕ s a spot where we have to be better,Ó Miles said. Ò HeÕ s seeing the position better than he has, and I think heÕ ll give us much better quarterback play.Ó Jefferson was sacked 37 times last season for a loss of 255 yards. Miles said Jefferson needs to learn to throw the ball away in order to avoid sacks, which will shorten the field for the Tigers and open up the playbook for more rushing plays. Ò If he throws the ball away as much as he can, weÕ ll add to the rushing totals with not as many negative plays,Ó Miles said. JeffersonÕ s receiving corps will look a little different next season. Not only have former seniors Brandon LaFell, Chris Mitchell and R.J. Jackson moved on, but sophomore Russell Shepard has moved from the quarterback
PAGE 11 position to wide receiver. The triple-threat from Houston lined up as quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his freshman season. Junior quarterback Jarrett Lee said Shepard is capable of making huge plays at many positions, and ShepardÕ s move to wide receiver is a testament to his desire to help the team win. Ò HeÕ s a great athlete,Ó Lee said. Ò He just wants to help the team out any way he can.Ó Miles believes Jefferson can get Shepard, senior Terrence Toliver, sophomore Rueben Randle and the other receivers the ball and raise the production of the passing offense. Ò These next two years will be fun with him,Ó Miles said. Ò I think heÕ ll give us the type of quarterback play we need.Ó
Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 12
OUR VIEW
WEdnEsdAy, mArch 17, 2010
Monday’s student suicide calls for deep introspection Students and faculty across campus are still reeling from Sarvnipun ChawlaÕ s tragic, fatal fall from the roof of the Life Sciences building Monday morning. Now, after the coroner has ruled his death a suicide, itÕ s time to pause for some deep introspection. Suicide is a harsh reality for people everywhere. And itÕ s far more common than most people realize Ñ
more than 30,000 people commit suicide a year in the U.S., according the most recent statistics, making it the fourth most common cause of death for adults. ItÕ s important for people dealing with depression to know they arenÕ t alone. If you are struggling with thoughts of ending your life, youÕ re not weak, and youÕ re not a coward Ñ you just need a little help, like
everyone does from time to time. There are numerous resources available for students struggling under the weight of stress and anxiety. The Student Health Center offers mental health counseling, and students can call (225)924-5781 to reach the Crisis Intervention Center. ItÕ s absolutely essential that anyone considering suicide make use of these resources.
But, most importantly, students need to be alert for signs of depression. Take the time to listen if a friend or colleague starts pouring out his or her troubles to you. DonÕ t hesitate to call the CIC if youÕ re concerned someone you know is struggling to make it through the day. The pressures of school, work and life in general can be hard to bear. No one should feel alone, and
certainly no one should fall so deeply into depression that he takes his own life. Get help if youÕ re losing hope. And donÕ t hesitate to be that help yourself if you think you know someone who needs it. Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Lsureveille.com offers extensive SG campaign coverage
Most students can only daydream of being able to spend millions of dollars. But for one group of students, that reality is all in a yearÕ s work. Student Government exists solely Ò to serve the students at Louisiana State University,Ó and these elected representatives Ò control ... student and state funding to support student initiatives,Ó according to the groupÕ s Web site. ItÕ s your money theyÕ re doling out. Instead of trashing pushcards or ignoring candidates approaching you, take time to educate yourself on whom youÕ re electing this spring. The Daily Reveille is here to help you do just that Ñ today, we launched the 2010 Student
Government Election Coverage portion of our Web site, lsureveille. com, to more easily inform the student body of whatÕ s at stake during this election. On this part of lsureveille.com, Nicholas Persac you’ll find not Editor only all of the election stories from our print product, but also complete profiles of the presidential and vice presidential tickets. View each ticketÕ s pushcard, or watch our Ò On the IssueÓ videos, which show responses from each
Log on to lsureveille.com’s 2010 Student Government Election Coverage page to find: • “On the Issue” videos of executivebranch candidates discussing student-interest topics • Complete profiles of the presidential and vice presidential candidates, including each ticket’s pushcard
• Audio from Reveille Radio interviews with the candidates that aired on KLSU 91.1 FM • Answers from candidates for every position to our five-question survey • Links to ticket’s Web pages and other information
of the executive-branch candidates when members of The Daily Reveille asked questions about everything from tuition increases to the controversial class gift project. Furthermore, this election marks the first in which The Daily Reveille is providing coverage of every candidate for every position. Every college on campus has an individual president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and senators. These candidates are racing to be your voice and to represent the average student while tackling issues on the local college level. WeÕ ve invited every candidate for every position to answer a fivequestion survey about their intentions and plans for SG. Reading these answers on the 2010 Student Government Election page will help you learn more about the candidates representing your college and how the candidates will work to improve your daily life. Not every candidate has responded yet, but we will post answers as quickly as candidates reply. The main candidates also spoke live on KLSU 91.1 FM with reporter James Haralson last week, and audio from these interviews as well
as from other election-related radio pieces are all also on this election page. Such a large pool of candidates for many positions in SG can make election season overwhelming to the average student voter. WeÕ re here to give you the information you need to know to make informed decisions about whom will best represent your interests. The candidates run the gamut in backgrounds, policies and ideas, so make time to visit lsureveille. comÕ s 2010 Student Government
Election Coverage page to find out what candidates can do for you. Even if you may be apathetic about SG, itÕ s here to stay, theyÕ re spending your money, and, as their Web site says, Ò SG touches every part of student life on LSU campus, both in the spotlight and in the less known spaces where University policy is created.Ó
Contact Nicholas Persac at npersac@lsureveille.com
PAOLO’S PUZZLE
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
SG leaders offer condolences for student’s death As student leaders on this campus, it is our job to represent each individual student to our fullest potential. The tragedy that occurred Monday, March 15, 2010, has not gone unnoticed. We grieve the loss of one of our own Ñ a peer. There are not enough words to express our deepest
condolences to Sarvnipun ChawlaÕ s family, friends, co-workers and fellow students. This time ahead of us will be an uneasy one, but rest assured that the safety of the students is of our highest concerns. As information becomes available from LSUPD regarding this incident, you will be the first to be informed. The LSU Mental Health Service may be reached at (225)5788774. The clinicÕ s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This service is located on the corner of Infirmary Road and Chimes Street, inside of the LSU Student
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
Health Center. The Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center has a 24hour hotline for anyone in need of counseling. They may be reached at (225)924-5781. These are helpful options for students in grief, and students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources. As we grieve the loss of our peer, we ask all members of the LSU community to keep Sarvnipun and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Stuart Watkins, Student Body President, and Martina Scheuermann, Student Body Vice President
PAOLO ROY / The Daily Reveille
Log on to lsureveille.com to see the results of the St. Patrick’s Day puzzle.
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.
QUOTE OF ThE dAy Ò Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.Ó
Thomas A. Edison American inventor, businessman Feb. 11, 1847 - Oct. 18, 1931
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Wednesday, march 17, 2010
NIETZSCHE IS DEAD
Opinion
PaGe 13
Citizens must take political responsibility, action Politics is a game. ItÕ s an old and clichŽ d sentiment, but itÕ s true. This view is generally considered a negative, cynical result of a broken democratic process, but itÕ s important to realize political maneuvering is a necessary evil. In a perfect world, representatives would openly debate the practical implications of potential policy decisions, and whoever made the best argument would win. There’s unfortunately no concrete way to declare a winner in a debate, so the political process is set up as a way to actively decide which policies are enacted. And our system is set up to heavily favor the side the public supports Ñ at least in theory. That said, there comes a point when political swordplay becomes too central to the process. WeÕ ve officially crossed the point when legislation and policy are framed almost entirely in terms of who stands
to win instead of who has the best ideas. And our process is left standing on a dangerous cliff when legislators are more concerned with legislative acrobatics than the real ramifications of their decisions. If we arenÕ t there already, weÕ re certainly teetering on the edge. The health care debate is a perfect example. Yesterday’s headlines hinted House Democrats were going to attempt an unorthodox procedural coup and pass health care without even an up-or-down vote. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi claims Ò the rulesÓ allow for a vote on a measure declaring the bill has been Ò deemed past,Ó then voting only on the lesscontroversial parts of the bill. Confused? So are pundits, analysts and activists across the country. This controversial tactic is just the latest in a long line of arcane parlimentary procedure battles compounding the already-heavy fog of war surrounding the health care reform issue. For example, Democrats
have flirted with using reconciliation Ñ a practice that allows them to force a vote on the bill without risking a filibuster. The filibuster by itself is perfectly representative of abuses in the Matthew political system. albright The basic intent Opinion Editor of the filibuster is sound Ñ by forcibly slowing down debate, the Senate minority is allowed some power to stop hasty legislation by the majority. But the filibuster has become common practice, requiring 60 votes to get any major legislation passed. WhoÕ s to blame for all this? A large part of the problem obviously lies with legislators. But too often we forget the people in office are there because of larger public support, so the problems loom more
sinisterly than the representatives themselves. ItÕ s partially the mediaÕ s fault. Anyone whoÕ s taken a mass communication class knows political news gets covered in terms of maximum drama, resulting in Ò horse-raceÓ coverage. Winners and losers are emphasized instead of numbers and arguments. Political parties are measured by public opinion polls and protests rather than ideas. The competitive framing of politics is welldocumented by social scientists, and it is undoubtedly a large contributing factor in our political paralyzation. But the most culpable people in the poisoning of democracy are the citizens. Our representatives abuse power because we let them. They get away with tired arguments and childish debates while accomplishing little or nothing because they sit in their seats virtually unchallenged. Congress routinely has an incumbency rate in the 90 percent
range despite a job approval rating in the 20 percent range. If youÕ re disgusted by how Congress is working Ñ and chances are good that you are, unless every public opinion poll is wrong Ñ donÕ t just stew about it. Vote it. Politicians are never going to change if we donÕ t start throwing them out of office for their abuse of the democratic process. They’re going to keep dancing their intricate, obstructionist dances and playing their arcane procedural games. Meanwhile, those of us trying to do our jobs the old-fashioned way will be suffering as a result. Matthew Albright is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_malbright.
Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
BURNS AFTER READING
Beltway blowhards are the real American idiots America has a serious problem on her hands, in case you havenÕ t heard. Forget Al-Qaeda. Forget the deficit. Forget unemployment. The biggest threat facing our political system isnÕ t terrorism, global warming or H1N1 virus, according to the bloated heads in the Beltway Ñ itÕ s the widespread Ò stupidityÓ of its citizens. Slate writer Jacob Weisberg is leading the charge against the Ò childishly incoherentÓ public, with the argument Americans should stop blaming our benevolent politicians and instead blame todayÕ s problems on Ò the biggest culprit: the childishness, ignorance, and growing incoherence of the public at large.Ó Unsurprisingly, many other political pundits have also rushed to pin the blame on American citizens. This pathetic blame-game beautifully illustrates the jaw-dropping hypocrisy of our political intelligentsia. Why is it so hard to take these claims seriously? Because the same government these pundits praise is entirely responsible for Ò educatingÓ the vast majority of American children. Figuratively speaking, blaming todayÕ s woes on the American peopleÕ s incompetence is as illogical as cutting off a wide receiverÕ s hands and blaming him for dropping the game-winning pass or blaming a date-rape victim for not using protection. This mind-bending self-delusion would be funny if it wasnÕ t so tragic. One only needs to take a cursory glance at American history to see how far these self-righteous pundits
must have crammed their bloated heads up their lard-filled asses. Americans have been forced to finance government-subsidized Ò educationÓ for more than a century. And like so many other government “fixes,” the more taxpayer dollars our government has funneled toward Ò reform,Ó the more disappointing the results have been. “The UnitScott burnS ed States inColumnist creased public elementary and secondary education spending to $553 billion in 20062007, roughly 4.2 percent of gross domestic product,Ó according to the Department of Education. Ò In 2004-2005, an average of $9,266 was spent per pupil in American public schools. This means that a student entering first grade in 2004 could expect approximately $111,000 to be spent on his or her entire elementary and secondary education.Ó Ironically, this is roughly $25,000 more than putting a child through most private schools. In other words, taxpayers are paying top dollar for a low-grade education system that transforms fertile young minds into intellectually crippled dependents. Economist Thomas Sowell doesnÕ t see these results as coincidental. Ò Much of the stupidity we see today is induced by our educational system,Ó Sowell writes. Ò In a hightech age that has seen the creation of artificial intelligence by computers, we are also seeing the creation of
MISS-SKETCHED
LACYE BEAUREGARD / The Daily Reveille
artificial stupidity by people who call themselves educators.Ó Given the magnitude of todayÕ s problems, itÕ s important we ask how we wound up with such a terrible education system. Early American education was essentially a private activity. There were no compulsory attendance laws and no income taxes. Yet this system produced the most literate, independent-thinking generation in history without any centralized governance. Contrary to popular belief, government schooling wasnÕ t the result of popular demand or absolute necessity. Ò Before Massachusetts created America’s first compulsory
public-school system in 1852, literacy rates in the New England states were close to 97 percentÓ education policy analyst Joel Turtel notes. So why were public-school systems so politically desirable? To solve this riddle, we need to go back to the origins of public schooling Ñ 19th century Prussia Ñ where public schools were expressly designed to instill patriotic duty and condition children for public service. Those who know history might recall how this manufactured allegiance played out during the World War I. There’s no doubt we want to ensure every child has access to a quality education. But the best way
to help the next generation isn’t to pretend weÕ re giving them a real education by forcibly herding them into tiny, brain-distilling penitentiaries euphemistically called Ò public schools.Ó America doesnÕ t need to waste more money on fruitless reforms. We need to reform the way we think about public education entirely. Scott Burns is a 20-year-old economics junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_sburns. Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 DEATH, from page 1
Chawla’s former graduate adviser, said he worked under the same grant as Chawla. “I only interacted with him about once every month, but it’s certainly a surprise when something like this happens,” Tohline said. Tohline said Chawla was a kind individual and a bright scientist. PERSONAL TROUBLES Chawla showed signs of depression in the weeks leading up to his death, Rau said. “I knew he had been having personal difficulties at home,” Rau said. “He talked with me and his other colleagues about it.” He said he believed Chawla was seeking attention from the Student Health Center. Rau said Chawla’s distress was confined to his marital problems, which Rau believed to be a divorce. “His mother came in from
CAMPAIGN, from page 1
and made sure we had students down there to represent the University.” Hudson has recently worked on SG’s Coffee and Calls sessions, where SG officials encouraged students to call state representatives and advocate against budget cuts. “He’s been very instrumental in engaging students and informing
CASE, from page 1
Justice Jeannette T. Knoll questioned the reason the case was being heard. She said driving was a privilege and not a right. “Does this mean that every person who gets a ticket should get a lawyer to represent them?” Knoll asked. Graphia stressed the issue was not about Castillo’s suspended license, but about his indigency and the fact he was facing jail time because of it. Graphia went on to say anyone facing a jail sentence should be granted the right to counsel. Baier stressed the importance of
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India about three weeks ago because of what he was going through,” Rau said. “We knew he was in distress, but this was a complete surprise.”
to the AFSP. But it’s not uncommon for suicides to occur with seemingly no warning signs.
STATISTICS ON SUICIDE More than 30,000 suicides are reported each year in this country, according to the most recent numbers gathered in 2006 by the National Center for Health Statistics. Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Statistics show someone dies by suicide every 16 minutes, and an attempt is made every minute. There are four male suicides for every female suicide, according to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. But three times as many females as males attempt suicide. More than 60 percent of all people who commit suicide suffer from depression, and only one in three depressed people gets help, according
AT THE UNIVERSITY The University is no stranger to the reality of suicide. In July 2009, University alumnus and local attorney Gordon Pugh shot himself in the head near the levee by Skip Bertman Drive. University football player Naeshall Menard shot himself in the head in his car in 1998. During the spring break of 1969, then-Student Government President Art Ensminger killed himself alone in his apartment. Shirley Plakidas, Union director, was the Union’s program adviser at the time and said Ensminger’s death was a surprise. “He was a very outgoing person,” Plakidas said. “It was very unexpected.” Other universities have also
them about the budget crisis,” Watkins said. “The majority of his work spent has been with the challenges that LSU faces from a budgetary standpoint.” Hudson said working with former SG President Colorado Robertson is what inspired him to run for office. “He went out to students and talked to them and tried to get their
problems solved before he did anything in the office that day,” Hudson said. “We need to reestablish that.” Robertson said the most important challenge for next year’s president and vice president is getting students involved downtown and calling representatives. “I can tell you that J, [opposing presidential candidates] Theo [Williams] and Brooksie [Bonvillain] are
misdemeanor cases in changing laws when he took the floor. Castillo was not present in court. The law students expressed their optimism at the outcome of the case. “The opposing side used parts of our brief in conclusion,” Shanklin said. “There were two key points in our argument. I think we will win on one or the other.” Justice Greg Guidry, University alumnus, said he was proud to have students from the Law Clinic in court. Castillo has regularly appeared in court 45 times during the last decade and a half. He claims to be
“the most prolific lawyer in Louisiana” and denied representation from the LSU Law Clinic. The clinic was granted its motion to appear as “amicus curiae” or as “friends of the court.” He managed to get some convictions reversed without counsel, including his conviction for violating a Kenner ordinance prohibiting the raising of more than four domestic fowl in a residential district. Castillo allegedly had an estimated 200 pigeons, cockatiels and love birds on his property. Contact Mandy Francois at mfrancois@lsureveille.com
recently struggled with tragedies. A freshman student at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., died Monday after a fall from a six-story parking deck, according to The Atlanta JournalConstituion. And Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., has begun posting lookouts on campus bridges and going door-to-door to check on students after three undergraduates plunged to their deaths in the last month, according to the Associated Press. OPTIONS FOR HELP Annemieke Henson, staff member at the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, said it’s important for people experiencing thoughts of suicide to seek help. “If someone’s having thoughts of suicide, the most important thing is for them to reach out and to not try to deal with this alone,” Henson said. She said reaching out can be difficult because the person may feel all qualified candidates, and they all have a firm grasp on what Student Government means and how it impacts students on a daily basis,” Robertson said. “J was a person who understands the rules and how to play
PAGE 15 alone, so it’s important for the people around them to notice if there’s a problem. “It’s not just an individual thing,” she said. “It’s up to peers and colleagues as well.” Stressors like marital problems are common causes for suicidal thoughts, Henson said. “The most common causes are interpersonal and involve some sort of loss, like in a relationship,” she said. She said suicides generally take place in private places where the victim feels alone, but a victim may become so overwhelmed and “in the moment,” a public suicide may seem like the best solution. Students in distress should either utilize the Student Health Center or call the crisis hotline at 225-9245781, Henson said. Contact Sarah Eddington at seddington@lsureveille.com by them, but also how to get things done within those rules.” Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
Wednesday, march 17, 2010
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