The Daily Reveille — April 22, 2009

SNAPSHOT

lsureveille com Log on to see RAs get pies thrown at their faces.

WORK AT TDR

Testing for the summer, fall semesters on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Holliday Forum.

GETTING READY

Tigers win against Southeastern, prepare for Pontiff Classic, page 7.

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Volume 113, Issue 130

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lombardi hints at need-based TOPS System leaders present budgets to committee

By Kyle Bove Chief Staff Writer

EMMETT BROWN / The Daily Reveille

LSU System President John Lombardi speaks before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday at the State Capitol.

LSU System President John Lombardi hinted at amending the TOPS scholarship as a way to avoid “privatizing” higher education in the face of large-scale budget cuts at Tuesday’s House Appropriations Committee hearing.

By avoiding privatization caused by higher fees and tuition, higher education will be available to all qualified students, not just those who can afford it, Lombardi said.

“We have to create need-based financial aid programs that are capable of making sure that even as we are forced to raise various kinds of fees and tuition, we have a mechanism to make sure nobody’s excluded from higher education by virtue of their inability to pay,” Lombardi told House Speaker Pro Tempore Karen Peterson, D-New

Orleans. “In Louisiana, because our tuition and fees have been so low, we’ve focused almost entirely on merit-type financial aid.”

Peterson then asked, “Is this a request to amend TOPS?” “I don’t think I want to get in that much trouble today,” Lombardi said. “I want you to propose that it’s a good idea — better you than me. But however we do it, if we’re going to privatize public higher education, we must have very sophisticated and very TOPS, see page 4

ACADEMICS

Faculty Senate endorses ‘W’ policy

By Ryan Buxton Contributing Writer photos by AMANDA HARB / The Daily Reveille

IN A GREEN

WORLD

Earth Day celebrated in BR, on campus 4th Annual LSU Earth Day Hosted by ECO from noon to 4:30 p.m. on the Parade Ground •Featuring live music •The winners of the UNPLUG: Res Life Energy Competition •Campus Sustainability will showcase its progress

lsureveille.com Log on to see a slideshow and a video from Louisiana Earth Day.

Opinion ................... 12 Classifieds ............... 14

Broadcasts

Index

W, see page 4

Sports ...................... 7

The Crush Children learn how to crush cornmeal with a stone and how to drill holes using Native American tools Sunday at the annual Louisiana Earth Day.

People gather in downtown Baton Rouge on Sunday for Louisiana Earth Day.

The Hawk Bret Martin Jr., first-year veterinary student, showcases a Harris Hawk in downtown Baton Rouge.

By Mary Walker Baus Contributing Writer

As University students prepare to celebrate Earth Day, Matt Moerschbaecher has uncovered surprising information about Louisiana’s carbon footprint.

“The highest amount of industrial greenhouse gas emissions in the nation are coming out of Louisiana,” Moerschbaecher said. “At the same time, the highest amount of industrial greenhouse gas emissions in Louisiana are coming out of East Baton Rouge Parish.”

The Tools Children are shown how to make Native American tools during Louisiana Earth Day.

GREEN, see page 5

7:20 a.m.

8:20 a.m.

Noon 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

Weather

The University’s strict withdrawal policy dictates exactly when students are allowed to exercise their choices to leave classes without any effect on their GPAs. But with a new endorsement from the Faculty Senate, a Student Government proposal to change that policy is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Meghan Hanna, chairwoman of the SG Athletics, Academics and Administration Committee, presented the resolution to the Faculty Senate at its April 13 meeting. After discussing the proposal, the Faculty Senate decided to formally endorse the new policy, which would make the distribution of W’s more flexible.

Currently, University students are allowed three W’s during their first 29 credit hours. After that, they are allowed one W for approximately every 30 hours. SG’s proposal is a “3-2-1 tier system,” allowing three W’s over the freshman and sophomore years, two over junior and senior years and one for the remaining time it takes a student to graduate.

According to the policy proposal, withdrawal appeals increase

TODAY SUNNY

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THURSDAY SUNNY

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Nation & World

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WORLD NEWS

on the web

LSUREVEILLE.COM

Ahmadinejad retracts Holocaust denial

TUESDAY’S POLL RESULTS

Do you approve of the job Colorado Robertson did in office?

Somali pirates free Philippine tanker, 23 crew members

68 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE POLL.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

Do you plan to participate in the University’s Earth Day festivities?

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A torturous wait by the families of 23 captive Filipinos ended on Tuesday as Somali pirates freed a chemical tanker after holding the crew for more than five months in the Gulf of Aden. Catherine Borretta broke into tears after receiving a mobile phone message that her husband Rodell — a second mate on the Philippine ship MT Stolt Strength — was released with the others. “I’m so overjoyed, so overwhelmed,” Borretta said, adding she’ll welcome Rodell with his favorite pork dish and a small party at home.

GO TO LSUREVEILLE.COM TO CAST YOUR VOTE

GENEVA (AP) — A day after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad caused an uproar with a speech attacking Israel at a U.N. conference on racism, the U.N. said Tuesday that Ahmadinejad had actually dropped language from the speech that described the Holocaust as “ambiguous and dubious.” The U.N. and the Iranian Mission in Geneva didn’t comment on why the change was made. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he met with the Iranian president before his speech Monday and reminded him the U.N. had adopted resolutions “to revoke the equation of Zionism with racism and to reaffirm the historical facts of the Holocaust.”

NATION, STATE AND CITY BRIEFS

Obama urges citizens to undertake service

TODAy

Wednesday, april 22, 2009 bcm dinner & tnt worship Every Thursday night. Dinner (free) at 7:15pm.

TNT Worship Service at 8:00pm. The BCM is at the corner of Highland & Chimes. All LSU students invited! lsubcm.org “The Answer” Spring event April 24@8pm Greek Theater, LIVE MUSIC! Robing Ceremony Are you graduating in 2009?

Sign up for the Robing Ceremony and purchase a Kente Cloth at the African American cultural center for more information 578-1627 Zeta Phi Beta Spring 2009 Probate 7:20 pm at the LSU clocktower rain location Cotillion Ballroom Spanish film series: penelope cruz- from spain to hollywood Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Bacelona” Originial soundtrack in English Thursday, April 23, @ 6:30 pm Foreign Language Lab, Prescott 234 Pizza and soft drinks available www.spanishresourcescenter.lsu.edu

WASHINGTON (AP) — Calling on Americans to volunteer, President Barack Obama signed a $5.7 billion national service bill Tuesday that triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. “What this legislation does, then, is to help harness this patriotism and connect deeds to needs,” said Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago. “It creates opportunities to serve for students, seniors and everyone in between,” he said. “And it is just the beginning of a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to involve our greatest resource — our citizens — in the work of remaking this nation.”

CHARLES DHARAPAK / The Associated Press

President Obama (right) and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., discuss national service Tuesday in the Oval Office.

Queen keeps Tabasco in Pinnacle gets another delay in casino projects the royal pantry NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It seems Queen Elizabeth II has a taste for Tabasco. McIlhenny Co., which produces the fiery pepper sauce, has gone to great lengths to document the fact that its product is stocked in the Buckingham Palace pantry. The company’s efforts have earned it the ultimate royal seal of approval. McIlhenny will become one of a few U.S. companies to receive a Royal Warrant of Appointment, which distinguishes it as a supplier of goods or services to the queen for at least five years.

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-16 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semiweekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual mail subscriptions are $115. 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-16 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

(AP) — With credit markets locked down and largely unavailable to finance new gambling projects, Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. on Tuesday received additional 150-day delays in timelines to build new riverboat casino projects in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. While Las Vegas-based Pinnacle is in much better shape in credit markets than many of its competitors, company officials told the Louisiana Gaming Control Board that interest rates are still high for the projects to work financially.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009

Campus Crime Briefs UNIVERSITY STUDENT ARRESTED FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED LSU Police Department officers arrested a University student April 14 at about 2:30 a.m. for driving while intoxicated and improper

lane usage.

Officers saw Kirsten Scallan, 20, of 11651 Cline Drive, Baker, speeding and driving on the center line on Nicholson Drive, according to LSUPD spokesman Capt. Russell Rogé. Officers stopped Scallan

after seeing her swerve off the road, he said.

At that time, officers arrested Scallan and transported her to LSUPD, Rogé said. She declined to use the Breathalyzer at that time, which is her right, he said.

The officers booked Scallan in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for a first-offense DWI and improper lane usage. The parish courts set her bond, Rogé said.

After an arrest, LSUPD sends a copy of the incident involving a student to the Dean of Students, who then decides whether to enforce any academic disciplinary actions, Rogé said.

SPEAKER

Prestigious scholar visits LSU La. reconstruction history discussed

By Lindsey Meaux Staff Writer

From the depths of enslavement in 19th century Africa to the struggle to bring civil rights to Louisiana as a black man in the 1860s, the journey of Edouard Tinchant’s family captivated about 100 attendees Tuesday afternoon.

“What we’re trying to do is find different ways of exploring the understanding of rights that different people develop,” said Rebecca J. Scott, Guggenheim scholar and most recent recipient of the University Medal. “If the bonds of slavery were removed, ... what remained? Did the bonds, once removed, reveal the presence of a person?”

Scott, the Charles Gibson Distinguished University professor of history and professor of law at University of Michigan, presented a talk titled “Freedom Papers” as part of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lectureship Series — a talk that paid homage to Louisiana’s colorful history.

“It’s a particular pleasure to be able to talk with people in Louisiana about the extraordinary richness of reconstruction history in the state,” Scott said. “The drama of the 1868 Louisiana Constitution and the extraordinary progressive and open-minded quality of that constitution is something that actually is there to be recaptured and appreciated.”

The talk was based on Scott’s most recent book, “Degrees of Freedom.” The book has been honored with the Frederick Douglass Book Prize and the Williams Prize in Louisiana History.

Todd Pourciau, assistant vice chancellor of Research and Economic Development, commended Scott for her poise during her time at the University.

“It’s amazing. I’ve not seen her stumble once,” Pourciau said.

“She gathers information from people and then begins to talk to them about what they’re doing.”

Doris Carver, associate vice chancellor of Research and Economic Development, said speakers for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Lectureship Series are

selected after faculty members are asked for nominations. A University-wide selection committee selected Scott after her nomination.

The series is paid for by donations raised by Chancellor Michael Martin specifically to bring speakers to the University.

During the remainder of her time in town, Scott said she will continue her tour of the University — and make plans to return to the campus.

Contact Lindsey Meaux at lmeaux@lsureveille.com

KIM FOSTER / The Daily Reveille

Rebecca Scott, a Guggenheim scholar and University Medal recipient, spoke Tuesday at the Chancellor’s Lectureship Series in the Dalton J. Woods Auditorium.

PAGE 3

PAGE 4 TOPS, from page 1 powerful need-based financial aid programs that ensure access.”

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed state spending budget has higher education taking a $219 million cut in state funding for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The four public college system presidents presented their slashed 2009-10 budgets to members of the House Appropriations Committee, beginning a conversation that will carry into the Legislature’s session starting Monday.

Layoffs, furloughs, tuition increases, larger class sizes and a decrease in state economic development are just a few of the effects the budget reduction would have on each

W, from page 1 in older students. In spring 2008, freshmen accounted for 13 appeals while seniors appealed 63 times.

The number of allotted W’s remains the same. The question is when students are allowed to use them.

Hanna said she hopes this will be the year a new policy is implemented.

“If you look back through past SG campaigns, it seems that every year people seek more W’s,” Hanna said. “Every year research is done, but it is pushed aside.”

With the Faculty Senate’s endorsement, the resolution will now go to the vice provost and, upon further approval, to the provost.

If approved by Academic Affairs, University Registrar Robert

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of the four college systems and Louisiana itself, Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen said.

Lombardi said, with tuition and fees on the rise across the U.S., many universities have implemented more need-based financial aid programs.

“That’s the only way you’re going to ensure access for all of our citizens,” Lombardi said. “Otherwise you end up with an elitist form of public higher education, which is not our goal.”

Several Committee members told Clausen they were concerned about the number of students on TOPS scholarships that drop out of college rather than graduating, essentially wasting government money.

Clausen said the Board of Regents — Louisiana’s higher

education governing body — is analyzing scholarships at every level.

Clausen didn’t have statistics on the number of college dropouts on TOPS. Proposed Senate Bill 85, submitted by Sen. Butch Gautreaux, would put a cap on TOPS scholarships at a level that would cover tuition at every other state public college except LSU and the University of New Orleans.

The TOPS base award for LSU is worth $3,494 per academic year, but under the bill, the base award would be worth only $3,200.

Tuition is expected to increase by 5 percent at LSU, along with higher student fees. If the bill is approved by the Legislature, the change would mean an increase of more than $250 that wouldn’t be covered under

Doolos said the changes would probably be implemented in fall 2010.

Before the proposal is instated, it must be put into the 2010-11 catalog, which publishes next spring.

The current W policy was implemented in 2006 because students abused the course withdrawal privilege. “[Numerous W’s] can look very bad on a student’s record,” Doolos said. “If they are applying for professional school or a job, people may ask, ‘What kind of commitment does this student have to their work?’”

Another problem with W’s, according to Doolos, is students may wait until the last minute to decide to drop a class, preventing other students from scheduling it.

Doolos said the proposal, if passed, would be a positive change.

“It gives students more flexibility without allowing an additional number of W’s,” Doolos said.

The flexibility would be welcomed by students who feel the current policy is too rigid and does not properly distribute W’s over an academic career.

Morgan Gagliano, political science junior, said the high concentration of W’s for freshmen is not the best procedure.

“Freshmen are doing electives and feeling things out, while [the current policy] leaves things inflexible for upperclassmen,” Gagliano said.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

TOPS. The bill could help Louisiana cushion Jindal’s proposed cuts.

Jindal’s proposed budget has forced colleges to plan for the worst, exploring options like cutting workers, programs and, some say, national prominence.

“Everything is on the table today,” Clausen said. “We have nothing that can possibly be considered sacred under these circumstances.”

LSU A&M in Baton Rogue is expected to take a cut of about $40 million — or about 18 percent — in state funding under the Board of Regents’ allocation of Jindal’s cuts. The LSU System as a whole would be cut by about $102 million.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 “We recognize this reduction process is extremely serious,” Lombardi said. “This problem, which affects the entire state, also affects us directly and is not something which needs only a temporary solution.”

Legislators said they are considering tapping into the state’s “rainy day” fund and economic development funds to lessen some of the cuts.

Staff writer Adam Duvernay contributed to this report.

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 GREEN, from page 1 The Department of Oceanography and Costal Sciences doctoral student found this information from Purdue University’s The Vulcan Project, which measured carbon dioxide emissions in North America.

He will present this information and additional information about the University’s carbon footprint to the Campus Committee for Sustainability at a meeting Thursday.

University officials and student organizations are trying to increase student awareness about reducing their carbon footprints.

“Be conscious of the amount of energy you use,” said Denise Scribner, Campus Sustainability manager.

Scribner said students can decrease their impact on the environment by readjusting simple daily tasks such as taking shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, unplugging electronics when not in use and buying locally grown food.

University students will have the opportunity to calculate their own carbon footprints at today’s fourth annual LSU Earth Day celebration hosted by the Environmental Conservation Organization from noon to 4:30 p.m. on the Parade Ground.

The celebration will feature musical performances, a rock wall, the Student Organization Fair and other eco-friendly activities such as recycled art and paper making, tree planting and fair trade and composting education. ECO will also announce the results from the 2009 UNPLUG: Res Life Energy Competition.

“It’s important [for Earth Day] to be recognized everywhere,” said Jor-

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Scribner said the three main dan Bantuelle, co-president of ECO and biology senior. “It’s important to goals for Campus Sustainability are raise awareness about environmen- biodiesel expansion, campus-wide composting and tal issues. It’s an classroom utilizaeducational thing. tion.

Not enough people She said biodknow enough about iesel expansion inenvironmental isvolves converting sues.” vegetable oil into Scribner said biodiesel fuel to use educating students in LSU equipment. on environmental Biodiesel fuel burns issues first will be cleaner and comes beneficial because at no added cost students will teach Matt Moerschbaecher the communities oceanography and coastal sciences to LSU. Campuswide composting outside of LSU. doctoral student involves taking “[Earth Day] raises the level of awareness and the waste from the dining halls and shows how committed to sustain- converting it into landscaping soil, ability we are at [LSU],” Scribner Scribner said. Classroom utilization said. “We raise awareness here with will use less buildings for after-hours students, and students bring that out classes and will use less heating and ventilation. into the surrounding community.”

Besides the Earth Day festivals, Despite the early date, the Baton Rouge community held a great pres- LSU has also participated in national ence in downtown Baton Rouge on eco-friendly competitions like RecySunday. They celebrated Earth Day cleMania.

“It was fun to compete, but it at the 20th anniversary of the Louisiana Earth Day festival organized was also a good source of data to see

by Louisiana Earth Day, Inc., a com- where we stand compared to other munity coalition of more than 300 schools,” said Andres Harris, Recycling and Solid Waste manager. volunteers.

“Earth Day is important because “We’re doing well.”

LSU had the second highest cuit reminds us of our own responsibilities to maintain a clean, safe, healthy mulative recyclable pounds per perenvironment,” said Brenda Nixon, son among SEC schools, according Louisiana Earth Day president. “It to the RecycleMania results.

“We recycle an average of 100 reminds us to take care of the little tons a month,” Harris said. things.”

Despite LSU’s recycling success LSU was well represented at Louisiana Earth Day with booths within the Southeastern Conference, for the Student Wetland Society, Harris said there’s always room for the conservation biology class and improvement.

“Students need to pay attention Campus Sustainability.

‘The highest amount of industrial greenhouse gas emissions ... are coming out of Louisiana.’

‘‘

when they are throwing away stuff,” Harris said. “They need to be aware that the recycling bins are nearby.

That way, we can have less impact on the environment. Earth Day provides an opportunity for the community to be more conscious.”

Showing LSU’s new commitment to a greener campus, students voted in the latest SG election to spend $5,000 of their own fees to purchase more recycling bins on campus.

“This year’s theme [for LSU Earth Day] is Green Generation,”

PAGE 5 Scribner said in an e-mail. “This generation is the most environmentally aware, and this is the time to make a change, to educate and to give back to the community. Through active participation, students will impact their college campus, surrounding communities and ultimately their country toward a sustainable future.”

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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Sports

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009

PAGE 7

More Than a Game

Nicholas Pontiff heads into final Pontiff Classic named for late brother Wally The Pontiff name and “No. Louisiana-Lafayette coming off a 31 Always” are two things Tiger 6-5 victory against Southeastern faithful associate with LSU base- Louisiana on Tuesday night in Alex Box Stadium. ball.

LSU got only seven hits in For LSU senior outfielder Nicholas Pontiff, it means more the game, including home runs by junior outfielders Blake Dean than just sports.

“I just think of all the good and Ryan Schimpf, while Southeastern pounded memories I had out 16 hits. But with Wally,” PonBy Andy Schwehm the Tigers turned tiff said. “I think Sports Contributor three double plays about play wresting with him, going out to the in the game to help their cause.

“The kids played great on park and hitting baseballs with him and him pitching to me. I just defense,” said LSU coach Paul remember all the fun times with Mainieri. “[Freshman shortstop] Austin Nola was absolutely trehim.”

That “No. 31 Always” sig- mendous [Tuesday], just as I had nifies the name and number of envisioned him being.”

Though, Nick may not have former LSU third baseman Wally Pontiff Jr., the stats that Wally put up in his ‘... if you Nick’s older three years as a Tiger — Wally brother, who hit .344 with 20 home runs and love it played for the 149 RBIs, and Nick has hit .252 and you Tigers from with 5 homers and 37 RBI — but keep the 1 9 9 9 - 2 0 0 2 . former LSU hitting coach Turtle Wally passed Thomas said the two have more passion away on July in common on the diamond than alive, good 24, 2002, be- meets the eye.

“They want that LSU team of heart things will cause abnormalities, to win,” said Thomas, who now work out.’ just after the is a head coach at Florida InterWally Pontiff Sr. end of his ju- national. “They’re not worried Nicholas Pontiff’s father nior season as about individual statistics. They don’t care about getting individa Tiger.

Now it is Nick who is carry- ual credit. They just want their ing on his dream of playing LSU team to win.”

Wally Pontiff Sr., Nick’s dad, baseball.

“Growing up, the major said their desire to win dates back leaguers weren’t my heroes,” Nick to when the boys would take batsaid. “The LSU baseball players ting practice in a cage in their side were my heroes, and watching the yard when Wally was nine and way Wally made such an impact Nick was four.

“All I wanted them to know here, it was always my goal to come here to play ever since he was if you love it and you keep the passion alive, good things will stepped foot on campus.

The Tigers head into to- work out,” Wally Sr. said. “But night’s Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic matchup at Zephyr Field against PONTIFF, see page 10

FOOTBALL

Ticket renewals remain steady

By Amy Brittain Contributing Writer

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

Senior outfielder Nicholas Pontiff (right) talks with former LSU player Ronnie Rantz (left) on Tuesday night during the Tigers’ 6-5 win over Southeastern La. University.

LSU athletic officials breathed a collective sigh of relief after analyzing ticket renewals for the 2009 football season.

The March 31 deadline for renewing season tickets prompted some anxiety about the program’s ability to withstand an economic recession while emerging from a disappointing 8-5 season.

After an impressive bowl win and significant staffing changes, fans had several months to make pledges to the Tiger Athletic Foundation or contribute to the Tradition Fund for the right to renew seats.

The data is in, and the Athletic Department and TAF apparently escaped the so-called “judgment day” with no signs of trouble.

Renewal rates hovered just above 99 percent for TAF-controlled seating, which includes suites, club seats, East Upper Deck seats and 12 percent of the lower bowl and West Upper Deck seating.

A 96 percent renewal rate was recorded for the approximate 45,000 Tiger Stadium tickets not controlled by TAF. Senior Associate Athletic Director Herb Vincent said though the rate was 99 percent last season, the 96 percent is onpar with typical rates after non-national championship seasons. The figure does not include tickets for students or visiting fans.

The renewal rates were generally considered a best-case scenario given the uncertainty leading up to the deadline.

“I was expecting a little bit TICKETS, see page 11

TIGERS IN THE DRAFT: A FIVE-PART SERIES

Johnson ready for upcoming draft

By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Former LSU fullback Quinn Johnson lines up before the snap on Nov. 8 during the Tigers’ 27-21 loss to Alabama.

The last two years of the NFL draft have shown fullbacks can make a difference at the next level — which could spell high hopes for former LSU fullback Quinn Johnson.

Tailback/fullback Jacob Hester likely rings a bell with Tiger fans.

He was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.

Fullbacks Owen Schmitt and Peyton Hillis were also drafted in 2008, and Le’Ron McClain and Brian Leonard were drafted in 2007.

Each has started an NFL game Log on to and has seen hear the significant playTigers ing time, despite talk not being draftabout the ed in the first draft. two rounds. In 2008, McClain, a fourth-round pick, rushed for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But the 6-foot-1, 246-pound

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Analyst: fullback’s pros outweigh cons

Johnson is more of the prototypical bruiser fullback who clears the path for the running back.

Johnson had 14 carries for 28 yards and three touchdowns to go along with two receptions for 33 yards his senior season at LSU. But the most impressive statistic of the season may be his 72 knockdown blocks in 2008, ahead of All-American left guard Herman Johnson’s 64 knockdowns, according to CBSsports.com.

“You got LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson, what do you want in front of him? You don’t want a guy who can catch,” said NFL draft JOHNSON, see page 11

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

SOFTBALL

Tigers face McNeese State for second time this season Mitchell could be game-time decision

By David Helman Sports Writer

LSU’s softball team is running out of time.

The Tigers (27-13-1) have just two Southeastern Conference series remaining after being swept by Florida last weekend, and tonight’s game against McNeese State (2325) is LSU’s final nonconference game before postseason play begins.

“It’s onward and forward,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard.

“This is the stretch run, and we’ve got to piecemeal this together to get us to the postseason.”

The No. 19 Tigers failed to cross home plate in three games against the No. 1 Gators, but history says they’ll have an easier time against the Cowboys.

LSU is 8-0 in midweek,

PONTIFF, from page 7

it’s not about winning. It’s about developing your skills and having a good time and enjoying the people you are with.”

Thomas also said both boys have the great ability to hit in the clutch.

nonconference games this season and has outscored its opposition by a combined score of 44-9. The Tigers met McNeese State earlier in the season, opening the new Tiger Park with a 6-0 shutout win.

The Cowboys are just 6-6 in the month of April but sit tied for second place in the Southland Conference.

“We need to be ready to play,” Girouard said. “We only beat Nicholls State 2-1, and I’m sure we’re going to pack the park in Lake Charles.”

LSU is 8-0 against McNeese State this decade, but the Tigers will be playing against more than just the Cowboys.

Injuries continue to plague the Tigers’ lineup as junior outfielder Rachel Mitchell is a game-time decision with an ankle injury.

Mitchell twisted her ankle several weeks ago, and Girouard said she aggravated it again Tuesday morning while walking to class.

The Tigers’ pitching staff continues to deal with a season of

bumps and bruises.

LSU junior pitcher Cody Trahan is still battling an offseason back injury, and freshman pitcher Brittany Mack injured her forearm during conference play.

“We need to rest Cody and Brittany Mack for the weekend,” Girouard said. “[Junior outfielder] Kirsten Shortridge jammed her finger over the weekend or else we probably would’ve pitched her against Florida.”

Trahan said the injuries to herself and senior pitcher Dani Hofer have forced the pitching staff into early maturity.

“We’re all just going to have to just do our part,” she said.

“Brittany Mack has done a great job coming in as a freshman. She didn’t even expect to have to play this year ... But there’s no choice at this point. We have to step it up and do our best.”

LSU sophomore pitcher Casey Faile will get the start against McNeese, while Shortridge may see time as a relief pitcher.

Last season on April 26, Nick hit a pinch hit, two-run homer against South Carolina in the seventh inning to tie the game at 9, a game which the Tigers eventually went on to win in 11 innings, 11-10.

The New Orleans native said that hit has stuck with him for the

past year, and he uses it as motivation for when he comes off the bench.

“I know I’m not the greatest player on the team, so if it’s coming off the bench and providing a hit when the team needs me or staying on the bench and providing words of wisdom or providing

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

Left fielder Jazz Jackson (left) comes up to field the ball that got past short stop Juliana Santos (right) on Sunday during the Tigers’ 12-0 loss to Florida.

Faile gave up seven hits and six runs in three innings of work Sunday against Florida.

“It takes a lot out of you when you have all those hits, especially when we played so well Saturday,” Faile said. “We need to bounce

back from Florida, but we know that we have each others’ backs in any situation.”

positive feedback to young guys, I think that’s the role of a good bench player,” Nick said.

This will be Nick’s final classic as a Tiger and his father’s last with a son wearing the purple in gold, but Wally Sr. doesn’t see the end as bittersweet.

“I’m graduating after nine

years,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful run, but ... we’ve been blessed. We lost a son, but we gained a community.”

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 TICKETS, from page 7

of a dip ... not a great deal,” said Maj. General Ron Richard, CEO of TAF. “I’m somewhat surprised that the renewal rate was so high.”

Athletic Director Joe Alleva said in January he anticipated the renewals would show the recession’s impact. He expressed his “sincere thanks” Tuesday for the LSU fans’ high renewal rate.

“We have the best fans in America, and they continue to support the Tigers even in these very tough economic times,” Alleva said.

Richard and Alleva will soon

JOHNSON, from page 7

analyst Mike Detillier. “You want a guy who can block for him.”

Johnson won a state a championship at class 2A West St. John with former LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson, who has enjoyed going through the draft process with Johnson.

“Hopefully, we get picked up by the same NFL team and win a championship there, too,” Jackson said.

Laury Dupont, Johnson’s high school football coach, said Johnson would rather run people over than score touchdowns.

“He was very unselfish,” Dupont said. “Didn’t care to run the football as much. He loved blocking.”

Johnson still managed to rush for 800 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior in high school.

“Sometimes we’d go mano-amano, man against man, and Quinn was just a man,” Dupont said. “He gained three or four yards every time we actually gave it to him.”

Johnson was originally tackling running backs before making the switch to the offensive side of the ball.

“He played fullback and linebacker for us. [Nick] Saban recruited him as a linebacker,” Dupont said.

“When Les Miles recruited him from Oklahoma State at the time, they recruited him as a fullback. That was his cup of tea.”

Johnson’s smash-mouth style and stellar play at fullback has Detillier predicting Johnson to go in the fourth or early fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

“He’s a very impressive young guy,” Detillier said. “With the right team, right spot, he’s going to have a nice career in the NFL.” Former LSU center Brett Helms loved seeing Johnson take on linebackers.

“As offensive linemen, you love to see that,” said Helms. “[It] motivates us whenever he hits anybody.”

Johnson only recorded 16 reps on the 225-pound bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine — a number surpassed by running backs and

‘‘

THE DAILY REVEILLE

‘We have the best fans in America, and they continue to support the Tigers ...’

Joe Alleva

LSU athletic director

have the chance to personally thank Tiger fans for opening their pocketbooks.

The LSU Tiger Tour, scheduled to launch April 29 in Alexandria, provides a chance for LSU coaches and prominent officials to cornerbacks alike — but that didn’t discourage Detillier, who thought Johnson’s play at the 2009 Senior Bowl helped his cause tremendously.

“Maybe he didn’t bench press as much as some would have thought,” Detillier said. “But when you look at what he did at the Senior Bowl, he was one of the more impressive football players there.”

Johnson finished the game with three receptions for 27 yards to go along with a rushing touchdown.

tour Louisiana and other Southern states while mingling with fans and seeking financial contributions.

Richard said asking for money is always a sensitive subject.

“People will just have to be a little more discreet in their decision making, in how they want to spend their disposable income,” he said.

“So far, people that enjoy football have in fact indicated through the renewal process that it was something that was very high on their list.”

Tour ticket prices vary by city but generally run from $50 to $100 a piece. Richard said Chancellor Michael Martin will speak about

PAGE 11

the Forever LSU campaign while LSU coaches will focus on their respective sports.

But when it comes to addressing the economic cloud causing much concern, Richard plans to take the reins.

“Probably I will be the only one to say, ‘Thank you so very much for

what y’all can do. These times are not the best in the world,’” Richard said. “Renewals are up, and people are honoring their pledges. That’s all we can ask for.”

Contact Amy Brittain at abrittain@lsureveille.com

“As a former linebacker, I kind of really thought that maybe he just wasn’t proficient as a receiver,” Detillier said. “But he impressed me the way he caught the football [at the Senior Bowl].”

Detillier has Johnson as his No. 2 fullback for the 2009 NFL Draft behind Syracuse fullback Tony Fiammetta.

Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com

PLUCKERS WING BAR Trivia at 8. $4 34 oz Mother Plucker Mugs.

If you don’t like our wings, we’ll give you the bird.

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS Team Trivia and Karaoke 5-10pm: $5 Domestic Pitchers, $6 Abita Pitchers

9-10:30pm IronMan 12:00-1:30pm Hellboy II- The Golden Army 3:00-3:30pm The Manship Show 7-9:00pm The Dark Knight

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

OUR VIEW

WEDNEsday, APRIL 22, 2009

TOPS is the least of higher ed. problems facing state

Discourse on the proposed cuts to higher education in Louisiana picked up steam Tuesday as higher education officials, including LSU System President John Lombardi, addressed the House Appropriations Committee.

At the day-long hearing, Lombardi said budget cuts to higher education call for a more need-based financial program since tuition and fees almost certainly will rise.

Lombardi is essentially saying it

might be time for TOPS to change.

“In Louisiana, because our tuition and fees have been so low, we’ve focused almost entirely on merit-type financial aid,” Lombardi said at the hearing.

We do not believe TOPS — one of the sole reasons why students remain in Louisiana for higher education — should be tinkered with at this point.

Is TOPS a merit-based scholarship program? It certainly is. Do we

need to find new ways to innovate need-based scholarship programs?

Absolutely. But changing the foundation and mission of TOPS is not the answer.

It’s good to see Lombardi trying to think creatively to weather this budget-cut crisis. But one of the main goals of TOPS is to corral the best Louisiana students and keep them in the state. The thought is those students have much to offer to the state and its overall well-being.

If TOPS shifts its focus, students who have done well in high school and scored high on standardized testing will scatter to higher education institutions in other states — if the price is right.

This University is so attractive because of its affordability and prestige. Raising tuition and fees will happen and is part of the culture of higher education. Look at other universities — the University of Georgia’s tuition is $3,015 a semester;

the University of Texas’ tuition is $4,477 per semester. None of these figures account for additional student fees.

LSU’s tuition is $1,613 per semester.

Times are tough — that’s an understatement.

But keep it simple.

Leave TOPS alone.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Obese officer’s firing justified, not discriminatory

We, as a nation, are getting fat.

This fact is becoming harder to avoid, as 64.5 percent of Americans are overweight, according to the American Obesity Association.

As America’s waistline expands, so do the number of ethical dilemmas regarding the overweight.

The increased number of overweight workers is leading employers to face questions about when it is appropriate to fire an obese person.

The answer, as usual, is complicated. If people are able to fulfill their job requirements, they should not lose their jobs – this includes the obese. If a person is fired for no reason other than their weight, discrimination is the only word that accurately describes their firing.

If, however, a person’s weight interferes with their ability to perform, then there is nothing discriminatory about letting them go.

The argument about weightbased discrimination recently came to a head with the reinstatement of Bellevue, Neb., police officer and traffic cop Christopher Parent.

Parent was fired in 2007 after he performed badly enough in a combat shooting exercise to elicit complaints from his fellow officers.

These complaints resulted in an internal investigation, after which Parent was fired because of his inability to display a “high level of physical, mental, and emotional conditioning,” according to the Omaha World Herald. Parent is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs more than 300 pounds.

The officer’s firing created quite a stir when a video of the damning performance test was released to and aired on Omaha television news network KETV. The video shows Parent struggling — and at one point failing — to rise from a kneeling position.

Despite the embarrassingly low level of fitness, Capt. Herb Evers of the Bellevue Police Department pointed out that Parent’s exercise was dangerous.

The captain noted the officer’s gun “was all over the place” as he struggled to get to his feet. Last March, however, The Nebraska Court of Appeals ruled to reinstate Parent.

The Court argued the obese Matthew officer fulfilled Albright the “only objecColumnist tive requirement posed” in the Department’s Wellness Conditioning Manual.

The city argued the policy is outdated – it has since been removed from the regulations.

“Parent’s termination was reversed on a policy technicality,” said Michael Polk, the city’s attorney.

“This reversal is much like when criminal convictions are overturned on legal technicalities. It is ironic that an individual sworn to uphold the law uses a policy technicality to continue to ignore his personal physical condition, like a criminal using a loophole in the law to escape punishment.”

If the department does not appeal to the Supreme Court, Parent could be back patrolling the streets in a few months.

The Court’s decision is not only wrong, but dangerous for both the Bellevue citizens and Parent himself.

The recording of Parent’s performance should be all the evidence required to keep him out of the field.

It’s obvious the department’s issues with him are more than prejudice or discrimination based on his weight –

if the officer has to struggle simply to get to his feet, does he have any hope of catching a fleeing criminal?

And, more urgently, it isn’t safe for Parent or those around him that even simple maneuvers require him to wave his arms — and his gun — around wildly. If Parent were being fired simply for being a little pudgy, the Court’s decision would be understandable.

But Parent is definitely not able to pursue his job – or anyone else – properly, and thus his firing is justified.

Matthew Albright is a 20-year-old political communications sophomore from Baton Rouge.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

BURNS AFTER READING

‘South Park’ breaks social barriers, gay fish’s ego

Breaking social barriers is nothing new for Comedy Central’s hit sitcom South Park. But on April 8, the show might just have accomplished the impossible in less than 22 minutes: humbling rapper Kanye West.

In a blog post issued after the episode aired on April 8, West acknowledged that the episode portraying him as a gay fish probably made a valid point.

“SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT’S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK!” West wrote. “I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. IT’S COOL TO TALK SHIT WHEN YOU’RE RAPPING BUT NOT IN REAL LIFE. I JUST WANNA BE A DOPER PERSON WHICH STARTS WITH ME NOT ALWAYS TELLING PEOPLE HOW

DOPE I THINK I AM. I NEED TO JUST GET PAST MYSELF. DROP THE BRAVADO AND JUST MAKE DOPE PRODUCT.” Later in the post, West reluctantly got down on his knees and swallowed his gay fish pride.

“EVERYTHING IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. AS LONG AS PEOPLE THINK I ACT LIKE A BITCH THIS TYPE OF S– WILL HAPPEN TO ME. I GOT A LONG ROAD AHEAD OF ME TO MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE I’M NOT ACTUALLY A HUGE DOUCHE BUT I’M UP FOR THE CHALLENGE.” For more than a decade, South Park’s iconoclastic style has cut down a slew of self-righteous celebrities.

Yet unlike so many sitcoms, the show has been able to maintain abnormally high ratings for more than 12 years.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone created South Park in 1997 and continue to

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board

KYLE WHITFIELD TYLER BATISTE GERRI SAX DANIEL LUMETTA MATTHEW ALBRIGHT TRAVIS ANDREWS ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Opinion Editor Columnist Columnist Columnist

write, voice, direct and animate.

An integral element for the show’s success can arguably be attributed to the writers’ abilities to fantastically mirror the rampant absurdity that characterizes our modern society.

Parker and Stone have successfully transformed many divisive topics into cinematic gold, Scott Burns Columnist spoofing everything from Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 presidential election, Terry Schiavo, Jesse Jackson, concentration camps of tolerance, scientology, as well as hoaxing characters to eat their own parents.

Though the show has infuriated many viewers, millions of avid fans who acquiesce to many of the

show’s political and social messages have tried to label the writers under today’s political standards. In 2001, the Atlantic’s Andrew Sullivan classified himself and other right-leaning fans of the show as “South Park Republicans.”

While the term Republican may not necessarily apply, Parker and Stone undoubtedly share many classically liberal viewpoints while displaying a harmonious loathing for far-left elitists. This extreme loathing was especially evident in their 2004 puppet film, “Team America,” which graphically insulted both Neocons and liberal elitists.

Stone, a registered Republican, claimed, “I hate Republicans, but I really ... hate liberals,” according to a 2006 New York Times report.

In a 2004 interview with In Focus magazine, Parker, a registered Libertarian, described his own

political sentiment: “We find just as many things to rip on the left as we do on the right. People on the far-left and the far-right are the same exact person to us.” Only a cartoon can accurately portray our world’s laughable insanity.

And that is precisely why South Park is so beloved among so many people, especially college students.

In the end, Parker and Stone have proved that nothing is too big or too powerful for a 22-minute cartoon to bring to its knees. Not even the self-proclaimed “God’s gift to music.” And that’s exactly how things ought to be.

Scott Burns is a 19-year-old political science and business sophomore from Baton Rouge.

Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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.

“Maybe nobody is meant to have this kind of power.”

Stan Marsh South Park character Dec. 1992 - present

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNEsday, APRIL 22, 2009

LOUISIANIMAL

Opinion

PAGE 13

Opinion staff looking for a few good men, women The Daily Reveille will be testing and accepting applications for the summer and fall semesters in the Journalism Building’s Holliday Forum on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Though applications will be accepted for many different positions, students should be aware opinion writers are not required to have any prior experience nor are positions limited to mass communication majors.

Every semester, we receive complaints about how poor our writing and coverage is — this is your opportunity to fix the problem yourself.

Applicants have never had a better chance of being hired than they do now. Historically, the application rate for summer and fall semesters

pales in comparison to the amount of spring applicants. Thus, fewer applicants translates into a greater chance of success.

Veteran writers are not given any advantages over new applicants.

Matt Albright, fall 2009 opinion editor, is not obligated to give anyone precedence based on tenure.

The most obvious criticism — to my understanding — of the opinion pages is a lack of diversity. But there appears to be no viable solution to combat the situation as there is a tremendous void in the amount of minority applicants each and every semester.

Students should be aware the most talented writers, based on applications and interviews, will

always get the job — but there are no inherent advantages or disadvantages based on outside factors including race, sex or religion, among others.

Every student who maintains a 2.0 grade point average is welcome to apply.

For those of you who are serious about applying, here’s a few quick tips on how to write a successful opinDaniel Lumetta ion piece: Don’t let Opinion Editor your writing come across as polite, apologetic, angry or deceptive. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Stay away from modest proposals — satire is acceptable, but don’t base your entire premise for a column on a joke or silliness.

Most opinion writers should not try to be funny all the time. It’s hard enough to be funny on demand, but it’s even harder to be funny on demand on paper. Few can do it, so don’t even try it unless you possess proven comedic ability.

Leave room for humility — this is what the opinion section most consistently lacks. Don’t be afraid to debate the most logical counterarguments, but don’t be afraid to be wrong.

The point of an opinion column is not to convert followers but to generate honest communal discussion.

There is a tendency for members of the mainstream media to abdicate themselves of responsibility for error. The omnipresent perception that admitting error — including bias and subjectivity — will lead to damaged credibility often boils over into perceived arrogance.

Applicants should make it a personal mission not to subject themselves to the same common mistakes.

Daniel Lumetta is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Metairie.

Contact Daniel Lumetta at dlumetta@lsureveille.com

COMMON CENTS

Pirates took action according to national interests After the recent failed hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, an unlikely drama consumed the national media — piracy.

Curious landlubbers have been treated to high drama on the high seas. With deadly efficiency, U.S. seals helped Capt. Phillips and his hearties hornswaggle Davy Jones’ locker and safely return to port. The survivors were draped in an American flag, and news outlets declared the event an “Easter Miracle.”

Unfortunately, understanding the cause of the uptick in piracy transforms the story from an all-American drama into just another intersection of violence and injustice.

Since 1991, Somalia has existed without an effective government. Despite interventions by foreign militaries — often funded by the U.S. government — the country has done surprisingly well for itself.

“On nearly all of 18 key

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

indicators that allow pre- and poststateless welfare comparisons, Somalis are better off under anarchy than they were under government,” economist Peter Leeson said in a case study.

Unfortunately, the Somali coastline — without the protection of either private ownership or a functioning government — became a dumping ground for hazardous material.

“European companies found it to be very cheap to get rid of the waste, costing as little as $2.50 a ton, where waste disposal costs in Europe are something like $250 a ton,” said Nick Nuttall of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) in a March 2005 UNEP report.

After the 2004 tsunami, the waste washed ashore and caused skin and respiratory infections, abdominal hemorrhaging and other symptoms of radiation sickness.

Meanwhile, in other sectors of

Somalia’s massive coastline, local fishermen were driven to starvation by overfishing from foreign boats.

Somali piracy was born of these injustices. Their volunteer coast guard acted in exactly the same way ours would if foreign boats had dumped nuclear waste into Lake Pontchartrain.

“We don’t consider ourselves sea bandits. We consider sea bandits those Daniel Morgan Columnist who illegally fish and dump in our seas,” pirate leader Sugule Ali said in an interview.

Somali piracy expert Peter Lehr summed up the situation in an October 2008 interview with the Chicago Tribune. “It’s almost like a resource swap, Somalis collect up to $100 million a year from pirate ransoms off

suggesting loss of logical reasoning and pancreatitis. This is of course an and common sense. Other effects of indirect effect due to the “munchies” chronic marijuana smokers include people get from smoking. As far as shrunken areas in the brain, the hip- the “correlation does not prove caupocampus and the amygdala, both sation” goes, that’s a load of crap. of which are directly associated with Ask anyone who’s been involved in memory. In fact, the hippocampus is multiple drug use what the first drug I just wanted to respond to a few one of the first areas of the brain to they tried was. Anyway, I just wantof the facts regarding marijuana pro- show damage in Alzheimer’s disease. ed to add some information to what I posed by the article in Monday’s pa- Anxiety and depression are also ef- thought was a slightly skewed article per. First, it is true that marijuana has fects of the drug, as well as hyper- of “facts.” not caused death due to an overdose. triglyceridemia, or high triglycerides But marijuana has been directly re- in the blood, which can lead to more Nicholas O’Connell lated to many deaths that are reported problems, including atherosclerosis Biochemistry Alumnus as “accidents.” This is because of the obvious effects marijuana has on your The Daily Reveille is hiring students for brain. The fact that marijuana has the summer and fall semesters. not been proven to cause long term brain problems and that marijuana is The testing and application session is Thursday, April 23 at not addictive is BS, to put it bluntly.

6:30 p.m. in the Journalism Building’s Holliday Forum.

Studies show that chronic users experiencing withdrawal after just one day have higher levels of stress response Available positions include news, sports, opinion and entertainment (release of cortisol) which can cause writers, copy editors, designers, photographers, videographers, graphic a number of problems. Also affected designers and radio announcers and reporters. are the nerve cells in the brain that secrete Dopamine (similar to the afFor more information, call the newsroom at 578-4810 or fects of cocaine). Studies also show that chronic users have significantly visit B-16 Hodges Hall. lower IQ scores than non-users,

their coasts and the Europeans and Asians poach around $300 million a year in fish from Somali waters.”

As Somali singer K’naan put it, “If getting rid of the pirates only means the continuous rape of our coast by unmonitored western vessels, and the producing of a new cancerous generation, we would all fly our pirate flags high.”

That is not to say the pirates are the good guys.

Often, the victims of the hijackings are innocent bystanders. Somali rage may be justified, but there is no justice in taking innocent lives.

The Somalis sometimes cross the line between self-defense and thuggery, and, for that, they deserve condemnation.

But the high seas exist without clear property rights, so the line blurs. Unless decisions are made on moral principles, we can only expect to find national interests. Almost as a

rule, when it comes to foreign policy there are no good guys.

Somali pirates set sail for the same reason the CIA overthrew a democratic government in Iran, the U.S. Air Force killed hundreds of thousands of Cambodian civilians in the Vietnam War, and America invaded Iraq in 2003 — morally questionable national interests.

When an individual boat uses violence to pursue self-interest at sea, the sailors are called pirates.

But when a thousand boats set sail under a similar flag — national interests — we call them a navy.

Gar. Daniel Morgan is a 21-year-old economics junior from Baton Rouge.

Contact Daniel Morgan at dmorgan@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

Marijuana perks overstated, has adverse effects

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

HELP WANTED

PAGE 14

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY Got something to sell? Want to make an announcement? Need to find an apartment or roommate?

With the potential to reach over 33,000 LSU students, faculty and staff, there is no better way to advertise. Not only do we print twice a week, but there is no additional charge to place your classified ad on the world wide web at www.lsureveille.com. Just click “classifieds,” where your ad can be viewed on our website, that averages up to 65,000 unique visitors a week. For more information, please call (225) 578-6090.

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Deadline for ads is 12 noon two working days prior to the print publication date.

ADS MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE BY CHARGE ON OUR WEB SITE AT CLASSIFIEDS.LSUREVEILLE.COM.

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Apply in person to: C. B. Pennington, Jr. YMCA, 15550 Old Hammond Hwy. BR, LA 70810 or call Rachel @ 272-9622.

FASHION FORWARD CHILDREN to junior boutique in Towne Center featured in US Weekly, is looking for fun, outgoing, fashion oriented employees, available to start asap. Experience preferred. Please contact Carri at The Little House and Co. Excellent pay and flexible hours.

Must be able to work in the fall and spring.

Only serious indiviuals apply. 225.757.6730 or 225-454-8622 EARN EXTR A MONEY Students needed ASAP Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 DON’T MISS THIS OPPOR T U N I T Y! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer DO YOU S TRUGGLE with body image concerns (concerns about your body size and/ or shape)?Would you like to participate in a new treatment program for body image concerns’To qualify for screening, you must be:Female21-45 Years of ageNot experienced eating disorder symptoms in the past year.Call 225.763.0939 or 225.763.3004 225.763.2660 COUNTER CLERK part time, flexible hours, great for students Welsh’s Cleaners Bluebonnet location and Perkins Rd. at College Dr. location apply in person or call 225-921-6660 COMPUTER PERSON NEEDED -local internet sales company looking for P/T help. Should know photoshop, HTML, basic layout and excel. eBay, Electronics and SEO knowledge a plus.

10-15 hrs per week @ $8 per hr. Possible work

from home. Email resume to: transtech@eatel.net COLLEGE OF BASIC College of Basic Sciences has an opening for a student worker beginning May 11th. Applicants must premanently reside in the local area, be able to work 30-40 hours per week during summer/breaks and should not be a BASC major. Duties include assisting with Freshman Advising and Dean’s Office projects. Must be proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Submit resume by Friday, May 1st to: Martha A. Cedotal, Assistant Dean, 338 Choppin Hall AWESOME OPPOR T U N I T Y S UMM ER CAMP INSTRUCTORS NEEDED- Must be Outgoing, Hardworking, and Enthusiastic with children.

Please fax resume to (225) 706-1634 or email to info@exerfitbr.com.

ATTENTION S TUDENT S Earn Xtra $$$ part-time and valuable marketing experience for THE ADVOCATE... please send resume to bardenron@yahoo.com or call our office to schedule an interview now (225) 922-4297!!!

ATTENTION SCIENCE MAJORS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 C-K ASSOCIATES, LLC, has a part-time/20hrs a week, with potential advancement to fulltime, position available in the Aquatic Toxicity Testing Laboratory to conduct culturing of freshwater test species for use in acute and chronic aquatic toxicity test. Science Majors with aquaria experience a must. Duties include: adhere to NELAC regulations, perform marine and freshwater system maintenance, and assist in testing facility. Weekly work schedules are flexible to school commitments with a rotating weekend.

This position is a great opportunity for students to gain job experience in the environmental field. Qualified candidates may apply at www.cka.com or e-mail resume to www.hr@c-ka.com A/ EOE M/ F/ D/ V For more information about C-K Associates, LLC, visit our website at www.c-ka.com !BAR TENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127

FOR SALE PINK MINI FRIDGE in excellent cond. $75

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 Please e-mail sthom67@tigers.lsu.edu or call 504.559.4558 L S U R U N N I N G / W O R KOUT SHOES CUSTOM MADE NIKE LSU CASUAL SHOES NEW NEVER WORN-SIZE 13- PICTURES ON REQUEST— $65 skrsh@bellsouth.net 601.992.2243 ICCESSORIZE is looking for dependable and energetic sales associates at the Mall of La. Must be available to work weekends and/or some week day shifts. Please call Eddie @ 225.572.2127 FREE POOL TABLE Full-size slate w/o base.

You haul it. 225.205.1139 BMW 535I Classic 1986 BMW 535i, 156,000 original miles, steel grey, ABS rims, all power.

Runs very well. $2800.00 610.704.0335 3BD3BA L A K E B E A U P R E T O W N H O M E Beautiful, perfect location, well kept. avail in August. $201, 000 713.248.9107 3/3 CONDO AT L SU CAMPUS Gated: 3/3 1700SF $206,000 Almost New. The Gates At Brightside. 1.5 from campus. Income producing while your student lives free. 407-353-0564 Susan 2BR/2.5BA L AKE BEAU PRE Townhome.

Gated, covered parking, alarm system, appliances incl, lots of ammenities. $192,000 985.447.5790 2BR/2.5BA ARLINGTON PL ANTATION Gated, on bus route, all appliances included. Please call 337-479-0252.

FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT 3/2ba house on lake in Nicholson Lakes sub all amenities avail may 1st 1500/ mo 225-933-3477 STUDIO $595.00/MNTH Quiet, Close to LSU, on Capital Heights Ave. Wash/Dry included.

Shared courtyard w/privacy fence. Call Steven 225.252.4481 ATTN SERIOUS S TUDENT S! Want quiet? Want space? Large 1 and 2 br apts in small complex within walking distance of LSU. No children or pets permitted. 1-br $500. 2-br $700. 7578175 or 924-1934. http//riverroadapartments.tripod.com FOR RENT NEW TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH CONDO; RENT IS $1,100.00 PER MONTH; 9 FT. CEILINGS, CERAMIC TILE FLOORING, ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDING WASHER/ DRYER IN UNIT; CONVENIENT TO CAMPUS, INTERSTATE AND SHOPPING 225.413.9800 FOR RENT 3br/2bth $350/mth 5 min to LSU 281.216.2532 S T O R E Y OUR S T U F F Student Special - Get 1st Month FREE. Climate Control of LA Self Storage.

3147 College Dr. just past the RR tracks. Enter thru College Creek Shopping Center. Various sizes, covered loading, video recorded surveillance and alarms, 24/7 access. 24/7 service with our Insomniac machine (rent a unit, make a payment, buy a lock) - very cool.

We Love Students.

We also have Budget Rent-a-Car and Rent-a-Truck.

225.927-8070 LOOKING FOR ROOMMATES 3 story condo off of brightside, need two male roommates for fall/spring semesters, $400/month. Call to set up an interview or walkthrough. 318.418.0191 CONDO FOR RENT 3BR/2BA Brightside Estates. Refrig washer and dryer. On LSU bus route. $1550 mo. Avail June 1 for summer semester 504.453.9414 SUMMER SUBLEASE $1120/ month 2B/2B Oakbrook Apt. Lease May 17-Aug. 2 Email Ashley amcmas1@lsu.edu WALK TO L SU! 2BR/1B Apt on Geranium.

Wood floors. W/D conn. $550 Avail now. Call 388-9858 or 978-1659.

WALK TO L SU 1 and 2 BR FLATS and TH, pool, laundry center. University View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. NO PETS. T I G E R M A N O R C O N D O M I N I U M S . U N I T S READY F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! W a l k t o c l a s s ! 3 0 0 0 J u l y S t . 2 2 5 - 3 4 6 5055. www.tigermanor.com

Location. Location. Location... Star t Living.

PRE-LEASING FOR SUMMER & FALL LSU Tigerland: Studio,1 & 2 Bdr. wood floors, pool, & laundry $465-$695 225-766-7224 3 BR. 3 br. 2ba. house for rent.

777 Hadley, Meadowbend Subd.

Avail. June 1st. $1200. mo. $500. deposit.

Call 985-688-2757 985.688.2757 1 BR ON BURBANK -FROM $475 www.lsubr.com for pictures/floorplan. 4065, 4243 Burbank. $300 deposit. No pets, not even visiting. Leave a message. 241-1649 CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERL AND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com 1-2 BED- APT S IN Tigerland, near LSU. $450550/month, hot water included, Call Wang 225.278.6622 or 225.278.6621

ROOMMATES $400 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED ROOMMATEWANTED TO SHARE HUGE-3BR-3BATH-HOUSE WITH MALE. EXCLUSIVE AREA-CONGRESSPERKINS. HIGHSPEED-NET-CABLE-ALARMWASHER-DRYER-LARGE-YARD-GATED. GREAT FOR ENTERTAINMENT-LSU.225.772.2506

PERSONALS SEXY MAN-BEAS T ON THE PROWL. Newly single bisexual Abercrombie model looking for love in all the wrong places. Must have love handles.

(504) 376-5525 LOOKING TO MEET WOMEN. I am a 6’0”, brown haired, brown eyed guy lookin for a petite girl to hang out with and have fun. If interested email cubsornone@hotmail.com LOOKING TO MEET COLLEGE GIRL S 6’3 brown-haired, blue-eyed male looking for girl to have fun and hang out with. Have to love music and getting a bit crazy at times. Email winn_tiger@hotmail.com HEY! You always seem to be walking to your car as I am walking to class. Last week you actually waved at me (I think it was at me!).

This has been going on for quite a few weeks, but we both get “surprised” looks on our faces every time we see each other.

Say “Hey!” next time we pass.

WEREWOLVES ARE HOTTER Cute and funny wolfboy sick of the vampires getting all the ladies. I’m warm AND cuddly. Shoot me a line at wolfmanlovin@yahoo.com Ahhwooo!!

LOOKING FOR MY MATCH to fill the little opening in the jumbeled sock drawer of my heart.

White female who is into snake charming, chainsaws & sealing envelopes with hot wax.

Seeking male companion with high ACT score, high cheekbones and high self esteem. No Weirdos PLEASE! allthegoodonesweretaken666@yahoo.com I FR AT HARD ALL DAY AND NIGHT One thing a frat cant get me is love. Unless Love is a passed out sorority chick, i’ll take that too BTW. Come frat hard with me (polo shirt included)...ffazio1@lsu.edu LOOKING TO SCORE?!?!

Fun, smart, cute blonde babe about to graduate... Looking for involved, soccer-playing male grad-student... Only wanting a quick fling before I move away in the Fall! Come play with me! anchorchelsea@gmail.com I NEED A FRECKLY REDHEAD GIRL I am in love with redheads and their freckles, and I just can’t seem to find any; it’s a problem! I have a great sense of humor, and I’m pretty intelligent and caring. So if there are any freckled redhead girls out there who like to meet a muscular Italian guy, email me at TheGoon6@hotmail.com D E N I M D A N D E S I R E S D ATE Looking for a girl who’s not scared of a little denim. I’ll be at Reggie’s in my jean jacket and dark denims on the stage, sippin on a cranberry vodka.

Love it or leave it baby 504.256.7534 L SU GUY Looking for love in all the wrong places. Finally decided to put this up here. I’m 22 going to graduate next May. I need a sweet girl who is content being herself. I like movies, going out to dinner, traveling, and of course LSU Football.

Tigerlovin22@gmail.com

PAGE 15 GIRL NEEDED FOR girl needed for laundry and creation of tasty ice cream treats hungrymandirtylaundry@yahoo.com SEEKING CHARITABLE, outdoor loving individual. Must love animals and the occasional hiking or camping trip. Drop me a message at HighpointingForAmerica.org I WANT TO BE YOUR DERIVATIVE so I can lie tangent to your curves. Nerdy ndn chick seeking an intelligent and attractive conversationalist. Ladies only, please—I’m tired of natural logs approaching the asymptote. sheenyinabottle@hotmail.com G I R L S JUS T WANT TO HAVE FUN 21 Y/O Male looking for new love. Tired of the old boyfriend.

Would go straight for Hillary Clinton. Call me if you want to talk about how hot Barack is, or if you want to meet up and “discuss” politics.

985.705.8629. I dont bite, hard...

SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open. I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME? 20y/ o Physics major looking for some fun. Text me for a good time. Lets change our potential energy into kinetic energy. 504-920-8767

MISCELLANEOUS HILIGHT SPECIAL Salon Chateau inc. is offering $20 off full Highlights with Faith Duncon call 225-7570303visit at www.salonchateauinc.com

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009