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We d ne s d ay, Ja nu a r y 16 , 2 019
transportation TRANSFORMATION LSU Master Plan includes transportation improvements like bikeshare and park and ride system, pg. 2
NEWS
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Res Life finishes renovating Evangeline Hall, to begin construction on Highland and Louise Garig halls.
SPORTS
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“It’s impossible to have any bitter feelings about White’s decision considering the type of person he is.”
ENTERTAINMENT
p ag e 13
Main Squeeze Juice Co. brings fast, fresh food options to the Baton Rouge area.
OPINION
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“There is only so much baby-proofing a University should do to save students from themselves.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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L SU Re ve i l le.co m
COVER STORY
New LSU transportation initiatives aim to improve congestion on campus
B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803 Newsroom (225) 578-4811
BY SHERIDAN WALL @slwall7 Students frustrated with parking and transportation around campus may soon have more options thanks to the University’s proposed transportation and mobility initiatives. “The Mobility and Transportation Implementation Plan is to provide improved, sustainable and safer mobility options that are more convenient, affordable, reliable, accessible and allow the campus to continue to grow in terms of student enrollment, according to Roger Husser Jr., the assistant vice president of planning and design & construction. These mobility and transportation initiatives were developed in conjunction with the 2017 Master Plan and the University’s plan to increase enrollment, said Executive Director of Facility and Property Oversight Tammy Millican. While the University’s Master Plan spans the next 10 to 20 years, the University hopes to implement these mobility options within the next five years, Husser said. “In getting all those key stakeholders together to work on the Master Plan, we discovered there were plans to increase enrollment and, eventually, there may be additional buildings on campus,” Millican said. “So, in order to accommodate this growth, we’re going to have to have a transportation system that will do so, as well.” Some of the University’s transportation initiatives are modeled after other universities like Auburn University, Clemson University, Texas A&M University and the University of Central Florida, which Husser said are way ahead of the game in terms of mobility options. These initiatives include a bike share, which will launch this spring in conjunction with a citywide bike share program. This bike share program will include the University’s campus, downtown Baton Rouge and Southern University’s campus, Millican said. The bike share on LSU’s campus will begin with 100 pedal-assisted bikes in 10 locations throughout campus with the option to expand if necessary, Millican said. The University is also hoping to expand the corridor of streets to accommodate additional bike lanes and other transportation options in a “complete streets” approach, said Director of Campus Planning Greg LaCour. The University is also in the process of creating a travel demand manager position who would provide information about transportation options to the campus community and examine additional transportation options to bring to campus. One of the more long-term possibilities is the introduction of micro-transit and a park and ride system on campus, LaCour said. The micro-transit vehicles are eight-per-
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Editor in Chief NATALIE ANDERSON Managing Editor EVAN SAACKS Digital Editor HA-VY NGUYEN News Editor HAILEY AUGLAIR Deputy News Editor LUKE JEANFREAU Sports Editor KENNEDI LANDRY Entertainment Editor WHITNEY HICKS Opinion Editor HANNAH KLEINPETER Production Editor LYNNE BUNCH Co-Photo Editor ALYSSA BERRY Co-Photo Editor CHRISTA MORAN courtesy of LSU
son electric carts that would be requested through a mobile app and operated by student workers. These vehicles would transport students around campus and to remote parking lots, which the University will call “Park and Geaux.” The University is also considering scooter share, a location for on-demand services like Lyft and Uber on campus, improved transit from remote parking areas and improved transit from off campus into campus. The University’s goal is to incorporate all of these transportation initiatives into one mobile app for students, faculty and staff to easily access. The University is also including improved ADA accessibility as part of the Mobility and Transportation Implementation Plan, according to Husser. “That’s something that we constantly work on, but we were sure to make it one of the things we’ve focused on as part of creating this implementation plan, as well,” Millican said. The University plans to remove about 5,000 parking spaces as they increase transportation options and move parking lots from the campus’ core to the outskirts, according to the 2017 Master Plan. The University will host two town hall meetings open to all stu-
In order to accommodate growth, we’re going to have to have a transportation system that will do so, as well. TAMMY MILLICAN
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.
Executive Director of Facility and Property Oversight dents, faculty and staff to discuss these initiatives on Jan. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Atchafalaya Room in the LSU Student Union and on Jan. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. “We’re planning around their needs and their challenges as they travel to and around campus, so we really need to know what those challenges and what those needs are so we can create an implementation plan that works for them,” Millican said. These meetings will consist of a brief presentation followed by an opportunity for students to give feedback about the proposed transportation and mobility initiatives and other transportation challenges, Millican said. The University will also launch a transportation survey on Jan. 22,
Students who complete the survey will be entered into a random drawing for prizes, one of which is a bike that will be displayed in the Union for the duration of the survey, Millican said. Representatives from Facility Services will also be at the LSU Student Government meeting on Jan. 23, Millican said. A representative from SG, along with other members of the faculty and staff, sits on the committee assembled to develop these transportation initiatives. “We trust the students’ input, and the faculty and staff, as well,” Husser said. “We do the best we can as professional planners to make plans for things like this, but many times some of the best data comes from those who live it everyday, primarily the students and faculty and staff.”
ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Reveille is published weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
NEWS BY THE BOOK
page 3
FACULTY
LSU professor helps improve pavement longevity BY SOPHIE LIBERTO @LibertoSophie
low-income, first-generation students,” Miranda Campbell said. SG vice president Rachel Campbell echoed her support for the program. She said she knows students who have dropped classes because they could not afford the required textbooks. SG leaders are considering funding options for the proposed new library. Miranda Campbell said that Duke University benefits from donors, and it is possible that LSU could fund the
University mechanical engineering professor Guoqiang Li and his team worked for the past eight years to create an asphalt sealant that prevents water from seeping into the asphalt, increasing its longevity. The earth’s soft soil with its lack of support is one of the reasons why streets crack. The other reason is precipitation, which is what Li’s research is trying to solve. His sealant stops the water from penetrating into the pavement because when water penetrates it, cracks become unsealable. Li majored in civil engineering and taught nine years in pavement and design, but now teaches mechanical engineering. “We have already sent humans to the moon, but we just cannot solve the problem under our feet,” Li said. The problem is that the pavement suffers from its thermal properties, Li said. In summer, all the materials expand, but in the winter all the materials contract. When trying to seal cracks in pavement, a material that behaves
see LIBRARIES, page 6
see ASPHALT, page 6
courtesy of the Reveille Archives
Student Government leaders considering a new library at LSU BY KARLI CARPENTER @karlicarpenter_ LSU Student Government president Stewart Lockett and Assistant Director of Academic Affairs Miranda Campbell visited North Carolina State University and Duke University in December to get recommendations for a new library at LSU that will include cost-cutting academic programs and possibly be funded by increasing student fees. Both NC State’s James B. Hunt Jr. Library and Duke’s David M. Rubenstein Rare Book
and Manuscript Library have textbook-lending programs, which Miranda Campbell hopes to bring to LSU. NC State’s program includes every book for every class. Students can scan textbooks and create a PDF. Miranda Campbell said she plans to work with the Student Senate this semester to get funding for this program. Next semester, she wants to focus on reaching out to professors to find out what courses require textbooks. “It wouldn’t include access codes, but it would still cut costs for students, especially
STUDENT LIFE
LSU Agribusiness club provides professional development BY BRITTNEY FORBES @itsbritforbes For students planning to pursue a career in agriculture and want to meet others with the same interests, the Agribusiness club could help you grow professionally and socially. The Department of Agriculture and Department of Agricultural Economics established the Agribusiness club in 1937 for agricultural business students to come together. The Agribusiness club currently has about 25 members devoted to being leaders to help contribute to society by preparing for a career in agriculture. The club’s objective is for
members to be involved in numerous activities that not only help them grow as students but also provide them with the resources to develop professional networking skills. The club accomplishes this through conventions, expos, internship opportunities and field trips, where members are given the opportunity to meet business-related professionals. Agricultural Business sophomore Colt Hardee, president of the Agribusiness club, said club members network with agricultural employers around the U.S. “It gives us more of a handson knowledge of our industry and our curriculum,” Hardee said. “I would say we are a hybrid between a professional and
social organization.” The club goes on various field trips and tours to listen to guest speakers as they share their experience in the agricultural business industry. Club members develop their knowledge of the grain industry each year through the organization Grain Elevator and Processing Society at a national conference in New Orleans every year. The club members try to help the other members with anything from tutoring to moral support. “My personal goal for the organization is to make [members] competitive for the job-force, as they enter it upon graduation,”
see AG BUSINESS, page 6
SALVATORE CAMARDA / The Daily Reveille
The Agribusiness club holds their first meeting on Jan. 15, in Martin D. Woodin hall.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 4 STUDENT LIFE
Dairy Science club seeking members passionate about agriculture dent of the Dairy Science club, oversees the club and works with new members. Uzee does similar things to For students interested in agriculture and the dairy in- Williams, taking care of things dustry, the Dairy Science Club such as their annual banquet, which includes working with may be the place for you. Prior to being known as the the student side and industry Dairy Science Club, it was the side. “Each year we actually recCream and Cow Club. The organization was formed in 1923 ognize industry people, [by as an educational and social having] a ‘Dairyman’ of the opportunity for students in- year, which is our recognition terested in animal and dairy of a dairy producer or dairy science, according to animal processor’s achievements in the past year sciences sophin the state of omore Nick L o u i s i a n a ,” Uzee, the first “We try to give kids the Uzee said. vice president Animal of the Dairy opportunity to see the sciences seScience Club. animals and what goes nior and soBiology senior Gabrielle on in the dairy industry in cial chair of the Dairy G o n z a le z Louisiana.” Science Club serves as secCasey Anretary of Dairy LUKE WILLIAMS derson is in Science club, President of Dairy Science Club charge of where her planning soduties include cial events, organizing Farm Day each year. Farm such as field trips, crawfish Day is an event the club hosts boils or going to corn mazes to bring together Baton Rouge for club members. The club has about 40 memstudents in first to fourth grade, teaching them about bers, which is double what “farm-to-table” and interacting they had the previous year. “We don’t really have a goal with various farm animals. “It’s just a fun and education- size,” Williams said. “Some al day for the kids,” Gonzalez years we may have a small said. “We give them LSU Dairy club, and right now we have a Store ice cream at the end of larger club. We don’t have a set enrollment goal.” the day.” Club bi-weekly meetings are Mechanical engineering senior Luke Williams, the presi- are every other Wednesday.
BY BRITTNEY FORBES @itsbritforbes
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
LSU mechanical engineering senior Luke Williams, animal science junior Nick Uzee, biology senior Gabrielle Gonzalez and animal science senior Casey Anderson sit in front of Middleton Library on Jan. 14. During meetings they sometimes have educational events for members, like milk and other dairy product taste testings. In the fall, many members volunteer to sell ice cream in the LSU AgCenter Dairy Store on football game days since it helps the organization to attend national conferences during the summer. The club tries to visit LSU’s Dairy Farm in Franklinton once a year.
“Sometimes we try to do other educational events mainly incorporating the dairy industry into stuff they wouldn’t necessarily see in the classroom,” Williams said. “We try to give kids the opportunity to see the animals and what goes on in the dairy industry in Louisiana.” “Burger Bash” is a welcome social for returning students and new students to the University, where the Dairy Sci-
ence Club can recruit new members. “Our goal as a club is to promote the dairy industry within the state of Louisiana,” Williams said. “We’re always looking for new members who share the idea that they want to learn more and better their education on the dairy industry and agriculture in general.” Starting Wednesday, the Dairy Science Club will have bi-weekly meetings at 7 p.m.
RESDIENTIAL LIFE
Horseshoe parking lot closed until dorm renovations complete sociated with the University who were affected by the 2016 floods. The renovations LSU Residential Life com- began in 2017. pleted construction of Evange“I think it is exciting that we line Hall in the Horseshoe and can take a historical building hopes to move residents like Evangeline and maintain living in Highland and Louise that historical character while Garig Hall after Martin Luther modernizing the inside of it,” King, Jr. Weekend. said Catherine David, Associate The parking lot in the Horse- Director of Communications and shoe is Development of “I think it is Residential Life. closed and will remain exciting that we can Before renoclosed for the take a historical build- vation, Evangeconst r uc tion line Hall was like Evangeline the Science Resiof Highland ing and Louise and maintain that his- dential College. Garig Hall. torical character while While under The side- modernizing the inside renovation, stuwalks will dents in the of it,” remain open Science ResiCATHERINE DAVID through condential College strution. Resi- Associate Director of Communications lived in Highand Development of detial Life has land and LouResidential Life placed restriise Garig halls. tions on conSome of those struction time students will be the first and volume of construction. residents of the renovated Evangeline Hall closed Spring Evangeline Hall. 2015 with plans to be renovat“The College of Science ed during the 2015-16 school does a lot inside [the hall],” year. Residential Life didn’t get David said. “I think it will the money required for con- be even more popular because struction, so they held the now it does have the additional construction over. However, it benefit of having a renovated briefly opened to house stu- building.” dents, staff and others asPhysics freshman Court BY SOPHIE LIBERTO @LibertoSophie
CHRISTA MORAN / The Reveille
The Horseshoe Community parking lot is closed for construction on Jan. 7 on Highland Road. Fuller said he wanted to live in the Horseshoe because of the Science Residential College. He said the rooms in Highland Hall aren’t as nice as other
residence halls and the showers are cold. “I was looking forward to being back in Evangeline for the spring,” Fuller
said. “That was the payoff for me. I was OK with staying in Highland for the semester if I could be in Evangeline for a semester.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 5
TECHNOLOGY
LSU students 3D-print math tools for elementary students BY BAILEY CHAUVIN @BaileyChauvin The University’s Introduction to Engineering class learned how to use 3D software and printing techniques to create learning tools they used to teach math to Highland Elementary students. The class, taught by biological and agricultural engineering instructor Nicholas Totaro and biological and agricultural engineering professor Todd Monroe, was designated as a service-learning class by the Center for Community Engagement, Learning and Leadership, a unit of Academic Affairs, for the first time last fall. Totaro first contacted Highland Elementary and learned the math target areas for kindergarten through third grade. The target areas were then shared with his students. Totaro’s students visited Highland Elementary in October to meet with the elementary students, evaluate the resources available to the students and to get input from the students for the projects. Totaro said involving the elementary students in the design process was a crucial part of determining what motivated them. “You’re not just asking who your target audience is when you’re doing a service-learning
courtesy of CASEY MULLER
LSU biological engineering students teach Highland Elementary students math using their 3D printed tools. project,” Totaro said. “You’re getting the community to give input for what you’re making.” The three sections each focused on a different elementary grade level, and University students were organized into teams of four for the project: use 3D software and 3D printing to create a game or learning tool for the students at Highland Elementary. During the first visit, Totaro’s students learned that the Highland Elementary students were interested in learning but
needed more tactile ways of learning. “Hearing the children’s ideas and what they like allowed me to see how eager they are to learn,” said biological engineering freshman Katelynn Ross. “Being able to have an impact on them in their learning process is a great privilege.” Totaro’s students had one month to design a learning tool using 3D modeling software. Their designs were then 3D printed in the Chevron Center for
Engineering Education. Many of the “Introduction to Engineering” students considered the design process their favorite part of the class. “The coolest thing was waiting for so long to get the design printed and then finally having it in your hand,” said biological engineering freshman Amber Munch. Totaro was inspired to restructure the course by biological and agricultural engineering professor Marybeth Lima, who teaches
biology in engineering and incorporated service-learning into the curriculum by applying the concepts of engineering safety standards to playground design. In “Biology in Engineering,” students also volunteer with Volunteers in Public Schools and tutor elementary students in reading or math for at least 30 minutes per week. The “Introduction to Engineering” also partnered with VIPS, but Totaro’s students participated in a service project rather than volunteering on a weekly basis. Totaro’s students returned to Highland Elementary to use the 3D tools they created to teach the elementary students in November. The University students enjoyed seeing the effects their learning tools had on the elementary students “After we played our games with the same group of students we had met the first time, we could see an improvement,” said biological engineering freshman Angelica Nguyen. Most of the learning tools created by the “Introduction to Engineering” students were donated to VIPS. Totaro plans on partnering with more local elementary schools for future sections of “Introduction to Engineering.”
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An LSU class learned how to use 3D software and printing techniques to create learning tools.
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Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 6 LIBRARIES, from page 3 construction of the library through donations. Another option is to increase student fees. SG got funding for the UREC, the University’s recreation center, by raising student fees. “If we can raise student money for a gym, I think we can do that for something that will directly impact academics on campus,” said Rachel Campbell. Lockett said SG is trying to be conscious with student fees, and he hopes the library can be funded by other means. If SG asks for a fee increase for the library, it will try to eliminate unnecessary fees elsewhere. “Students can very well say, ‘No, we’re done with the fee increases, period,’ and we have to accept that,” Lockett said. Before any funding measures are taken, it must first be approved by SG members, the Board of Supervisors and the student body. Students will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not their fees will increase to fund the library. “Ultimately, you have to look at it as an investment to the academic future of this institution,” Miranda Campbell said. “We have to put that at the heart of everything we’re doing.” Community engagement and networking is something Lockett wants the proposed new library to encourage. NC State has a virtual interaction room that businesses can use to hold galas or present new products. Lockett said this was a great example of something a new LSU library could have to foster engagement. “Academics goes beyond
ASPHALT, from page 3 in the opposite way is necessary. In the summer, the sealant would need to shrink, and in the winter, it would need to expand. About 10 years ago, Li started studying shape-memory polymers. Shape-memory polymers
just the classroom — that’s academia, that’s networking, that’s education as a whole,” Lockett said. Miranda Campbell was impressed by the number of collaborative spaces in Hunt Library. She said that it included areas for artistic expression, music and video game simulation. Lockett felt the same about Duke’s Rubenstein Library and said that although it was a traditional library, it did have an impressive collaborative space. An entire floor is dedicated to group projects. It is soundproof and has an abundance of whiteboards for students to use. Such collaborative spaces are a must for a new library at LSU. Not only will students benefit from it, but it would be a great place to show prospective students as they tour campus, Miranda Campbell said. Miranda Campbell cited the setup of NC State’s library as something a new library at LSU could include. Only one part of the library has books, and much of the rest is composed of open-seating areas. “The idea is that they want to hold 20 percent of their student population in that library at one time,” Miranda Campbell said. “It’s massive.” Lockett compared Hunt Library’s size to LSU’s Patrick F. Taylor Hall. The SG leaders favored the idea of having an expansive library, and repeatedly emphasized the importance of it being inclusive and easily accessible to all students, rather than only being devoted to the students from one academic college. Lockett and Miranda Campbell stressed the need for a behave opposite to conventional physics and, with that, realized that shape-memory polymers were a good material to solve the problem with pavement. He received grants from the Transportation Research Board and Louisiana Research Board to study shape-memory polymers.
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AG BUSINESS, from page 3 Hardee said. In the 1980s, club members participated in a “Progressive Dinner,” where professors would cook for club members. “[Progressive Dinner] connected students more with their professors,” Hardee said. “I’m trying to get us back to some of those roots.” Greek organizations Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha were created to foster students’ love for agriculture and for those who want to remain loyal to their agricultural roots. The sorority and fraternity welcome members of any major and background. The Agribusiness club had its first meeting Tuesday. The club will announce its upcoming monthly meetings in the future. “[The club] serves as an opportunity for anybody in our major to get hands’ on leadership experience,” Hardee said. “It’s what we’re founded on and still do today.”
courtesy of LSU SG president STEWART LOCKETT
library that is centrally located on campus. Lockett said the optimal place for a new library would be in the area of the parking lot that is across from Tiger Stadium. This location would be more accommodating to students from all academic areas, Rachel
On what is now Engineering Lane at the University, he installed two pieces of sealant in 2011. Today, they are still working perfectly, according to Li. The materials needed a complex process of agitation. The material itself does not work opposite to conventional physics, so, as a result, humans need to agitate it before the installation. This sort of agitation is a form of mechanical deformation. Two postdoctorates on his team in 2011 spent their entire winter break trying to prepare the two pieces of material. Li found this process too complex. In 2012 and 2013, Li discovered a new material called a twoway memory shape polymer. This material does not need humans to agitate it while the regular polymers had to be. Naturally, it provides the agitation. He disclosed this idea to the University’s intellectual property office and submitted the first patent application in 2014, with a second application following in 2018. The intellectual property office at the University encouraged him to start a small business in 2016. Hosted in the Louisiana Business and Technology Center, the Louisiana Multi-functional Material Group helps develop two-
Campbell said. Rachel said she does not think it is SG’s role to decide what will happen to Middleton Library when a new one is created, but she acknowledged that it may become an area for green space where students can hang out and form a community on campus.
SALVATORE CAMARDA / The Reveille
LSU agriculture business sophomore Colt Hardee poses on Jan. 14, in Troy H. Middleton library.
CHRISTA MORAN / The Daily Reveille
LSU professor of mechanical engineering Guoqiang Li provides samplings of his work on Jan. 14, in Patrick F. Taylor Hall. way memory shape polymers. In 2016, Li received his first Small Business Research Initiative grant from the National Science Foundation, and last year, he received his second one, which they are currently working on. In December, Texas Transportation Institute tested the sealant in a way that simulated real use, and the material passed their
specification. During the spring, the Louisiana Research Center will test the pavement in an accelerated loading facility. Pavement usually takes 20 years to test but, there, it takes three months. They have also been offered the opportunity to test the sealant in Minnesota, which offers a cold alternative to the hot and humid climate of Louisiana.
SPORTS
page 7 OPINION
White’s LSU career fulfilled CAL’D UP CHRIS CALDARERA @caldarera11
Outside linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. also decided to return for his senior year after leading the team with five sacks. Divinity’s role changed once sophomore outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson tore his ACL in the season opener against Miami, forcing Divinity to become the team’s primary pass rusher. With Chaisson returning, Divinity can go back to his original role as LSU’s field linebacker, which is a more traditional linebacker position. On the backend of the defense, cornerback Kristian Fulton is coming back for his senior
The cheers echoed off of the dusty, wooden buildings that circled the town square. The villain had been slain and the cowboy was off in the distance riding toward the sinking sun. One might say it’s seemingly the theme of every western movie. The protagonists of these films float into a small town in the middle of nowhere for a short time, and they always save the day while winning the hearts of the townspeople along the way. This western fantasy became a reality when LSU linebacker Devin White announced that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. White may not be a cowboy in the traditional, Hollywood sense, but he is certainly considered a hero to many Tiger fans. His dominant career in the purple and gold culminated in first team All-American and AllSoutheastern Conference honor, and White became the first LSU player to earn the Butkus Award, given each year to the best linebacker in the country. Statistically, White will be remembered as one of the greatest, - if not the greatest, - linebacker in Tiger football history, but the
see DEFENSE, page 9
see DEVIN WHITE, page 9
ROLLING IN THE DEEP LSU’s 2019 season starts with promising returners, recruits
BY BRANDON ADAM @badam___ LSU isn’t reloading, nor are they rebuilding heading into 2019. Instead, the Tigers only lose five senior starters and three underclassmen off of this year’s team, while adding one of the nation’s most elite recruiting classes. Of the five seniors — safety John Battle, running back Nick Brossette, guard Garrett Brumfield, tight end Foster Moreau, and kicker Cole Tracy — Brossette and Moreau were the only ones to start more than 10 of LSU’s games. As for the juniors, linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Wil-
liams each started in 12 games, and nose tackle Ed Alexander started in six — games, most coming after junior nose tackle Breiden Fehoko suffered a biceps injury against Georgia. The lack of senior starters and bringing back all but three juniors results in LSU returning players who combined for 208 starts last season. That is an astronomical increase over the 151 returning starts from 2017, and the most for LSU since the 2016 team when they returned 196 starts from the 2015 team. For further comparison, the 2011 team brought back 188 starts from 2010. LSU began both the 2011 and
2016 seasons in the top five, which is close to where the Tigers will likely start the 2019 season. It is a strong sign in the right direction for LSU coach Ed Orgeron after the Tigers were riddled with questionable early departures of non-seniors in the later stages of the Les Miles - era. Some of more highly touted juniors who were considered risks to head to the NFL draft but returned were all on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Rashard Lawrence returns after posting 54 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. His tackles for a loss and sacks were both tied for second on the team.
VOLLEYBALL
LSU beach volleyball unveils new on-campus facility BY MATTISON ALLEN @mattisonlsu
LSU beach volleyball officially opened their brand new venue right next to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 14. After the announcement of the new courts in February 2018, the team has eagerly awaited the opening. The sand will finally be put to good use. LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Joe Alleva, with the help of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, came up with the idea to turn LSU’s old tennis courts into the new beach
volleyball facility. “We’ve had beach volleyball five years,” Alleva said. “When we moved our tennis facility down the road a little bit [across from Alex Box Stadium], we thought about what to do with this facility. It turned out to be, probably, the best beach volleyball venue in the country.” The old tennis courts were built in 1970 and were in desperate need of revitalization. This opened an opportunity for beach volleyball to finally have a home on campus for the first time. Despite not being on campus since
their start, LSU beach volleyball has finished as a top-eight team the past two seasons. The new facility is comprises six competition courts with 24inch deep sand, a state-of-the-art permeable subsurface drainage sand and an underground irrigation system to cool the sand in the Louisiana heat. “We’re honored to be here,” said head coach Russell Brock. “This gives us an opportunity to really begin to compete, to really begin to over-achieve in this sport. Now we’re finally ready to really start going. The five years
until this point has prepared us to be here, to really start to put in the work, to really become the program that LSU deserves.” Since 2014, the Tigers have been playing their matches at Mango’s Beach Club in Baton Rouge. Over the past two season alone, the Tigers have gone 20-1 at Mango’s. They have also appeared in the AVCA Top-10 for 24 consecutive weeks, beginning in 2017. Now that they’re in the heart of campus the Tigers plan to continue giving it their all and then some. “Our mindset moving forward
is we’re gonna earn it,” Brock said. “We’re gonna earn it every day when we’re out here training, every day when we’re competing. We’re gonna try to earn the ability to have something this amazing. It’s beautiful. We pinch ourselves every day. We anticipate continuing to work hard to make it better and better as we go along.” The facility also features LED lighting, a home locker room, a top-notch training room for medical attention and a team lounge for watching film or just hanging
see BEACH VOLLEYBALL, page 9
page 8
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
SWIMMING
Thompson sisters grow, learn on swimming and diving team BY ALEXANDRA COX @alexandracox123 For many student athletes, choosing a college can be one of the most difficult decisions of their young lives. For highly-recruited swimmer Brittany Thompson, it was one of the easiest decisions. Thompson, an Austin native, had a different recruiting process than most. Her older sister, Lauren, is also on the LSU swimming and diving team. Growing up swimming together, the
Thompson sisters decided they wanted a school that felt like home, and they found that serenity at LSU. Brittany said Austin is not only close, but also very similar to Baton Rouge, causing even their Texas A&M Aggie parents to completely and totally embrace Louisiana and its culture just as they have. “The moment I stepped on the LSU campus, I knew that it was the place for me,” Lauren said. “It was so welcoming and it just felt like home.”
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille
LSU freshman Brittany Thompson swims the 200-yard backstroke event during the Tigers’ victory in the LSU Natatorium on Jan. 12, 2019.
The sisters have a close-knit bond. While having sisters on the same team runs the risk of tearing each other apart due to competitiveness, it is the opposite for the Thompson duo. The Thompson sisters said they have an amazing ability to criticize each other, while praising and motivating each other like no one else can and wanted to continue to do the same in college, knowing that they could be great teammates to each other and the rest of the team. The two are said to have even shared the same swimming lane since they started swimming competitively. Brittany got to go behind the scenes as she would come to visit and watch Lauren during her early career for the Tigers. During Brittany’s many times visiting Baton Rouge, she knew LSU was the school for her and she made her committment before even taking her official visit. “My parents could always come to Baton Rouge to watch Lauren, so I decided I might as well come and see what LSU was all about while watching my sister swim,” Brittany said. While Lauren mainly swims the breaststroke and Brittany mainly swims backstroke, the two share common ground outside of the sport. Both Brittany and Lauren are marketing
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille
LSU senior Lauren Thompson swims the 200-yard breaststroke during the Tigers’ victory in the LSU Natatorium on Jan. 12, 2019. majors, and Brittany says it’s helpful to have an older sister who provides guidance not only in the Natatorium, but also in the classroom. Lauren helps Brittany with her classes and answers any questions that may come about during the semester, aiding in such a way that would make Brittany’s own personal counselor. “I go to Lauren for everything and she has really helped me out since starting school together,” Brittany said. “I am constantly
asking for help or questions, and it’s nice to be able to have that.” These two infectiously upbeat personalities hope that after their swimming careers are over they can follow in their parents’ footsteps of becoming pharmaceutical sales representatives. But before Brittany and Lauren can make those dreams a reality, they have one last season together, and they look forward to making the most of it. The Thompson sisters return to the Natatorium on Feb. 1.
GYMNASTICS
Senior leadership drives gymnastics after slow start to season BY KENNEDI LANDRY @landryyy14 The LSU gymnastics team has not lost a regular season dual meet or a Southeastern Conference meet since a 197.525-196.800 loss to Georgia on Feb. 13, 2016 — the first season this year’s seniors were on the team. The Tigers have gotten off to an uncharacteristically slow start in 2019 and have yet to score a 197 —, something coach D-D Breaux sees as a benchmark for her team. For a team that rarely loses, sophomore all-arounder Sarah Edwards sophomore calls the first regular season loss of her college career humbling “This isn’t going to be a set back for us,” Edwards said. “[The Auburn loss] is going to propel us to a better place. We’re not trying to peak right now. D-D always says this isn’t our time to peak. We’re on an upward journey.” Edwards said that though the senior class has never dealt with a loss so early in the season, they have been the main source of encouragement both during the meet and following the loss to Auburn. During the meet, after each event, seniors like Sarah Finnegan and Lexie Priessman would encourage and motivate their teammates and get everybody on the same page.
“A lot of our seniors have sent uplifting and inspirational messages,” Edwards said. “Same with the coaches, — they’ve been very uplifting in a positive way. You can’t win everything and sometimes things don’t go your way, but when you’re faced with adversity, it’s what you do after that.” Breaux said that although things haven’t gone exactly as planned in the first couple of weeks, little about LSU’s training or practices have changed. The Tigers are still working to be more consistent throughout, — an issue that Breaux said carried over from last season. But LSU’s main problems are coming in execution, senior allarounder Sarah Finnegan said. Little mistakes — sticking the landings, holding hand stands, stopping feet shuffles — add up. Something Breaux is changing, considering the issues LSU has faced, is that she and the coaching staff will take a more individualized approach to training. She said it’s a unique situation that she hasn’t had to face in recent years, but tailoring the coaching to each individual athlete will help in the long run. Being patient with the development of such an underclassmen-heavy team is going to be key for the Tigers as they rely on the more solid gymnasts. “We do intrasquads and we score ourselves,” Finnegan said.
CALEB BOURQUE / The Reveille
LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux supports her athletes during the Tigers’ 197.225-196.700 victory over Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in the PMAC. “We know where we’re at, where we can be and we know how to get there. It’s just a matter of putting it all together when it really matters.” Finnegan said that the loss isn’t going to take them down. It isn’t something that LSU can’t bounce back from, but the team must focus on themselves individually and not worry about the competition on the opposite side of the
floor if they want to hold up in the SEC. “Going into this week, we really want to focus on each other and improving those little mistakes that we have been giving away these last two meets,” Finnegan said. “We know that its a tough SEC competition, but we’re just going to focus on ourselves.” LSU’s schedule only gets
tougher from here — the Tigers face No. 3 Florida on Jan. 18 — but the Tigers are confident in their ability to turn the ship around. “We have the same goals, the same intentions and the same mindset [as we had before the loss],” Edwards said. “We want a national championship. We’re not letting this get us distracted from our main focus.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 BEACH VOLLEYBALL, from 7 new scoreboards make it easy for fans to keep up the whole game. The team has also already started using the sound system during practice. “It’s been a great project and it’s a great enhancement to the campus,” Alleva said. “I hope students come out, they’re right here. I hope they come out and watch. It should be a great venue.” The Tigers will be able to open
page 9 their new venue to fans on Feb. 16 for a Purple vs Gold scrimmage game. The Tigers will then host their first competition on March 15 for the LSU Beach Volleyball Stadium Duel. “I think we’ll have even more fans now that we’re on campus,” said senior Ashley Allmer. “A lot of people don’t know where Mango’s is, or don’t wanna drive. It’s so convenient so I feel like our fan base will really pick up. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
DEFENSE, from page 7 season, even after receiving a second round draft grade, according to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman. Fulton, who had to sit out a year due to a controversial suspension handed down by the NCAA, injured his ankle against Arkansas late in the season, but should be ready to go for spring practice. Fulton had 10 passes defended and one interception in 2018. Offensively, the biggest losses were Brossette and Moreau, who was LSU’s lone tight end for the
CB Kristian Fulton - 10* Kelvin Joseph Mannie Netherly
FS Jacoby Stevens - 4 Todd Harris - 1 Eric Monroe
Nickel Kary Vincent - 7 Field Michael Divinity - 11 Ray Thorton - 2 DE
Rashard Lawrence - 13
Neil Farrell Nelson Jenkins Joseph Evans
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille
The LSU beach volleyball facility opens to the public for the first time on Monday, Jan. 14.
DEVIN WHITE, from page 7 love he garners from LSU fans goes beyond his performance on the football field. The fact that White loved the University was always evident, and he chose to play in the Fiesta Bowl despite the popular trend of skipping these games that are considered meaningless, - and occasionally detrimental, - to a player’s future in professional football. When it was time to announce his decision to enter the draft, White did so in a classy and uplifting fashion in a video on his Twitter account. No one should ever resent a player for making a personal decision like foregoing a senior year to earn money, and it’s impossible to have any bitter feelings about White’s decision considering the type of person he is and the effort that he gave each time he stepped on the gridiron. But, was the day saved? Did White save the townspeople from the clutches of the villain? Here, the situation is a little more complicated. The Tigers never defeated Alabama while White was here, and the team certainly didn’t win a national championship. However, the weight of such demanding goals should never fall on the shoulders of one player. Instead, fans should look at what LSU accomplished as a team and appreciate White’s role in the success. The Tigers finished the
2018 campaign with double-digit wins and a victory in a New Year’s Six bowl game despite so many believing LSU would finish with at least five losses this year. While it would be great to see what the Tigers could accomplish with one more year of White at the linebacker position, he is by no means leaving his defense out in the lurk. Cornerback Kristian Fulton, linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. and defensive linemen Breiden Fehoko and Rashard Lawrence all announced their intentions to return to LSU for their senior seasons. The return of these players plus the development of players like Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen, as well as the return of outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson from an injury bodes well for another dominant Tiger defense in 2019. Given the expectations of a program on a seeming decline, the day has been won. The Tigers have finished the season as No. 6 in the AP poll, and the foundation to finally slay Alabama and the rest of the villains that fill LSU’s schedule has been laid. The sun has found its home in the western sky of White’s career, but he can rest assured knowing that, as he rides toward the next chapter of his life on his trusty steed Daisy Mae, the townspeople of Baton Rouge and the people of the state of Louisiana will still be cheering for him when he returns.
majority of the season. LSU has rebuilt its stable of running backs by adding five-star recruit John Emery and another top-10 running back in Tyrion Davis. Tight ends Jamal Pettigrew and Thaddeus Moss are both expected to be healthy after missing all of 2018 with injuries. Quarterback Joe Burrow doesn’t lose a single contributor at wide receiver from last season, which is a stark contrast to what LSU had coming into the year when there were no receivers with more than 20 catches in their career. Now, LSU has five, including wide
SS Grant Delpit - 13 Marcel Brooks Cam Lewis
Rover Patrick Queen - 4 Donte Starks Damone Clark
NT Breiden Fehoko - 8 Tyler Shelvin Siaki Ika Dominic Livingston
receiver Justin Jefferson who caught 54 passes for 875 yards and six touchdowns. Overall, LSU returns eight starters on offense, seven starters on defense plus Chaisson, and all core special teams player with the exception of Tracy. The plethora of talent coming back is going to bolstered by a recruiting class that should be ranked No. 3 in the country by the February signing date, and one that is expected to be LSU’s best since the 2009 class finished No. 1, according to 247sports.com.
CB Derek Stingley Raydar Jones Mo Hampton Coredale Flott
ILB Jacob Phillips - 11 Micah Baskerville - 1
Kendall McCallum
Buck K’Lavon Chaisson - 1 Andre Anthony - 3 Travez Moore Jarrell Cherry Dantrieze Scott
DE Glen Logan - 10 Justin Thomas Davin Cotton
*Number of starts in 2018-19 season **only players signed or committed to LSU are included
CHRISTA MORAN/ The Reveille
LSU junior linebacker Devin White (40) blocks Miami offense during the Tigers’ game against Miami in the AdvoCare Classic on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Baton Rouge’s bright landmarks light up the night sky.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
baton rouge by night BY CHRISTA MORAN & ALYSSA BERRY
page 11
Wednesday, Janurary 16, 2019
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ACROSS 1 Cochlea’s place 4 Toboggans 9 Unit of farmland 13 Perishes 15 WWII hero __ Murphy 16 TV’s Donahue 17 Strike with the palm 18 Enjoyed a snow sport 19 Heavy volume 20 Popular pasta 22 Applied frosting 23 Regrets 24 PC alternative 26 Newspaper section 29 Nice 34 Tiny skin openings 35 Fine dishes 36 Newsman Dobbs 37 Highway 38 In the air 39 Shapeless mass 40 Put on an __; pretend 41 Do penance 42 Waterbirds 43 Seminary course 45 Killer 46 Curved edge 47 Enlarge a hole 48 “Jeremiah __ bullfrog…” 51 About to occur 56 Cast-__ skillet 57 __ in; prepares to take a close-up 58 Tidy 60 Conceited 61 Albert or Fisher 62 Hearts or Old Maid 63 Excessive publicity 64 Takes a break 65 Threw one’s hat in the ring DOWN 1 McMahon & Begley 2 Needs a doctor 3 Gather crops
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4 Girl Scout accessories 5 Namesakes of actor Perry 6 Correct text 7 Count calories 8 Residue under a liquid 9 Garrets 10 Gator’s cousin 11 Capital city in Europe 12 Open-__; alert 14 Shadowboxed 21 Courage; nerve 25 Motorists’ org. 26 “Jack __ could eat no fat…” 27 Boxer or beagle 28 Preach 29 Insincere 30 Classic board game 31 Narrow backstreet 32 Lasso’s end 33 Tater or yam 35 Drain problem 38 Spray perfume bottle
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ENTERTAINMENT
page 13
BLAST FROM THE PAST PHOTOS BY CHRISTA MORAN
The Market at Circa 1857 offers eccentric artwork, curated vintage pieces BY MASIE O’TOOLE @masieotoole The Market at Circa 1857 is bringing one-of-a-kind vintage and original pieces to the people of Baton Rouge. Circa 1857 is an artistic community boasting several unique businesses — The Market being one of them. The business is located on 1857 Government Street, directly in the heart of Baton Rouge, and the spirit of the city is apparent as soon as you step inside. At The Market, art is the main focus. Showcases of local artists
like Jade Brady and Gerry Wacker line the walls while vintage furniture and decorations sit below. It’s no surprise that the owner, Garrett Kemp, is an artist himself. Kemp began working at The Market in 2013 as he began his college career. As a studio arts major, he found Circa 1857 was a place to get hands on experience in the field. “I wanted to be involved in the arts,” Kemp said. “This was just the place to do it.” Along with the featured artists, he said he began to develop an interest in the antique and
vintage pieces the store carries. In 2016, an opportunity arose. The previous owner decided to sell the business, and Kemp, encouraged by his family, took the leap and bought the property. Since then, he has been curating an expansive collection of vintage pieces. Instead of limiting his choices to a certain era or style, he instead focuses on structure and lines, architectural accents and how an item can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The store carries pieces from as far back as the 1800s, all still in
see MARKET, page 16
FOOD AND DRINK
Main Squeeze Juice Co. opens new location in Baton Rouge BY PEYTON DAVIS @peytongdavis Main Squeeze Juice Co. brings another healthy eating option that is fast and on the go to Baton Rouge. The first Main Squeeze Juice Co. opened up in Lake Charles in 2016 and has been franchising since 2017. So far, the company has three locations in Louisiana alone, but four new locations are set to open in Metairie, Covington, New Orleans and Bossier City. Currently, there are 40 locations in development across the country. The New Orleans-based company has even partnered up with former Saints wide receiver Marques Colston to help grow the
brand and franchise even further. Will Nordstrom is the owner and operator of the Baton Rouge location at Ben Hur Road. Nordstrom says he has always had a passion for the area and loves the atmosphere and the people in the city. The menu features a variety of healthy food options, including cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies and handcrafted bowls. The smoothies come in fun flavors such as Protein Punch, Tropikale, PB&J and Plant Power. The names also give a hint to what the smoothie contains. For example, the Plant Power contains almond mylk, banana, spinach, almond butter and maca. Smoothies and juice aren’t the only options on the menu. Main
Squeeze Juice Co. also offers coffee, tea, wellness shots and cleanse programs. The cleanse programs include options such as the 5-day juice until dinner and other cleanses that vary in days. The 1-day cleanse, also known as “the 24-hour reset,” includes six cold-pressed juices to consume over the course of 24 hours. For first time visitors, Nordstrom recommends trying an acai bowl with a fresh pressed daily detox juice. “Our acai berries are the purest and freshest berries straight from the rainforest in Brazil,” Nordstrom said. If juices and bowls aren’t your thing, Main Squeeze Juice Co.
see MAIN SQUEEZE, page 16
courtesy of MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE CO.
Main Squeeze Juice Co. offers healthy food options such as smoothies, juice, tea and much more.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 14 MUSIC
Dead Poet creates fun atmosphere with live music, dance floor BY LIA SALIME @liasalime Dead Poet, the University area’s newest bar, is spicing up nightlife for students with their different take from the traditional college bar. The bar, located on East Boyd Drive, opened its doors in December. Local artist Ellen Ogden painted the murals that feature a wide variety of artists from Edgar Allan Poe to Tupac. The bar presents live entertainment every Wednesday. When asked why the name Dead Poet, bar manager Christian Grimaldo, a University alumnus, explained that there were many factors that went into the decision. “We wanted to tie it in to LSU in some way,” Grimaldo said. “We wanted to do something that drew it back to education. Dead Poet Society was one of the owner’s favorite books, and we used Dead Poet as a little tie in. A nod to education and literary themes.” Along with its name and locale, Dead Poet’s objective is to provide a different experience altogether from that offered by other businesses in the area. “Once you come inside, I think that’s the big difference. We put a lot of thought and care into the design and the functionality of
the place,” Grimaldo said. “We want to give the student a better experience than they’ve gotten used to with the offerings in Tigerland right now.” The bar is equipped with a large dance floor for customers to dance in, a stage for performers, sitting areas and Ogden’s lively murals. It has a wide selection of beers and cocktails, including margaritas from Velvet Cactus. “We definitely have places for you to chill out, have a drink and have a conversation, which is something I think that’s lacking in the area,” Grimaldo said. In addition to live music every Wednesday, customers can enjoy a unique selection of music from two house DJs who rotate every Friday and Saturday. The house playlist includes selections from staff, management and the owners. “We are focused on new music in and not play the same old like 80s rock tunes and nineties rap,” Grimaldo said. “We like all that stuff but it’s just not, it’s not gonna be the focus.” The bar’s address, 623 East Boyd Drive, has a history of seeing many businesses open and close. Some upperclassmen and alumni refer to it as cursed. Grimaldo, who was a student at the University from 2010-2016, wwitnessed
ALYSSA BERRY / The Reveille
Dead Poet sits on 623 E Boyd Drive, on Jan. 14, 2019. firsthand the demise of bars like Shady’s, Top’s, and The Bandit. As daunting as it may seem, Grimaldo says he’s not put off by it. “I’ve heard a lot of that, even from friends and family,” Grimaldo said. “One, I’m not very superstitious. And two, I think that everywhere else there just wanted to open a bar. They didn’t really put any time and effort into it the same way that we did.”
Unlike its local predecessors that wanted to fit in with the preexisting bar scene, Dead Poet aims to stand out. As of now, Dead Poet is only one of two venues that offer weekly live entertainment in the University area. With a team who has carefully constructed the space and paid attention to every detail, Dead Poet may defy the odds. “I mean, we thought of all
that whenever we came for this project, from the Jordan Jefferson incident in 2010 or 2011 to the surrounding businesses, all that stuff,” Grimaldo said. “But I think we’re a lot different than those other places. That’s been our main focus - is to stand out. We don’t want you to remember Shady’s when you walk in.” Dead Poet is open Wednesday to Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
FOOD AND DRINK
Yuzu brings diverse poke bowl options to White Star Market BY RICHARD HAYDEL @magnetodorito Yuzu, the recently-opened addition to Government Street’s White Star Market, aims to please poke and sushi lovers through a blend of traditional and experimental style. The restaurant opened its doors in December as one of White Star Market’s vendors taking the spot formerly occupied by Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar to give consumers an opportunity to experience diverse poke bowls around the Mid-City area. “We had got the opportunity just a couple months ago,” said Jordan Ramirez, the co-owner of Yuzu, said regarding the opening in White Star’s collection of outlets. “We thought this would be a good concept, it wasn’t in the market yet. You don’t really have many options in Mid-City so we thought it would be a natural fit.” Ramirez is one half of Yuzu’s ownership, with his associate Vu Le also serving as co-owner. In addition to Yuzu, they also own White Star’s other Orientalbased restaurant Chow Yum Phat – which resides only steps away. Once the window was open to install another booth in the market, Ramirez and Le couldn’t help but say yes. “We always thought it’d be a
good idea to do something like this in the market, but the opportunity never came up,” Ramirez said. “Once it came up they offered, asked if they wanted us to do it and we said, ‘sure.’.” In the middle of Baton Rouge’s poke restaurant boom – with establishments opening frequently all over the area– what separates Yuzu from the rest? The answer, according to Ramirez, is exciting and innovative twists to a conventional poke menu that consumers will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. “What we do at Yuzu is kind of like what we do with Chow Yum Phat,” Ramirez said. “It’s not so much traditional… Our sauces are things that we’ve played around with,” The sauces aren’t the only thing that the Yuzu staff finds creativity in. The restaurant offers the promise of in-house cooking with deviant twists, like pickled foods. “We offer pickled pork, pickled squash, different than your traditional poke,” Ramirez said. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Since its opening last year, Yuzu is rolling out a menu that will change to offer even more compelling reasons to dine. “We opened back in the beginning of December but we kind of had a few weeks to turn
SALVATORE CAMARDA / The Reveille
Yuzu is located in White Star Market and offers poke on Jan. 14 on Government St. around with moving Chow Yum Phat there and Yuzu here, so we opened with a very simple menu. “Ramirez said. “Now we are about to release our menu with poke burritos, cerviches… and then we will release our signature bowls. Even though there is no clear demographic that Yuzu caters to
in addition to White Star’s inviting unity, there is plenty to offer to the college community. “Throughout the fall students found out about White Star Market and we started seeing more and more,” Ramirez said. “I think it’s become more of a place for people to actually come out on weekends.”
To close, he remained adamant on the possibility of choice that Yuzu, and White Star as a whole, advocate: “It’s good to bring friends and bring a group of people where you don’t have to settle on one type of food,” Ramirez said. “Everybody can try something they want or try something different.”
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 15
REV R ANKS AQUAMAN DC Universe
But the joy in this film lies in the suspension of reality or critical opinion. It seems as if the crew attempted to craft a film that didn’t care so much about award consideration and more on delivering an exciting experience to moviegoers.
Richard Haydel @magnetodorito
MORTAL ENGINES
Universal Pictures
The movie evokes little thought. The characters are living in a dystopian world that lacks originality. The premise of the futuristic dystopia everyone is so enamored with, myself included, is that it is unique and frightening because of its plausibility and believability.
Lia Salime @liasalime
ELLEN DEGENERES:RELATABLE Netflix After 15 years of not doing standup, DeGeneres needed to remind the audience who she is: an incredibly talented and passionate woman capable of great things, despite her past. She succeeds in this, but the whole purpose of a comedy special was lost in her self-praise.
Masie O’Toole @masieotoole
HOLMES & WATSON Columbia Pictures Corporation
While the film does have funny moments, much of the humor is crude and lazy, which is much below both actors. Much of the films humor stems from the dramatic irony between the beliefs of people concerning gender and medicine in the early 20th century and those held by people in the 21st century.
Barrow Clement @ClementBarrow
Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
‘You’ is good, but not great BY RACHEL MIPRO @remroc15
“You” was a compelling and terrifying story, but it wasn’t necessary or original. It’s the same old formula: pretty but vulnerable woman attracts a predator and gets increasingly hurt in psychologically scarring ways. It’s interesting and the actors are great, but this isn’t a story that needed to be retold. It’s one that is continually being drummed into our heads: strange men are bad, and any female who isn’t on guard is asking to be hurt. I don’t want to go on a rant here, but it just felt there were so many moments in the show where the writers could’ve changed up the victimized woman trope and just didn’t. There were barely any real plot twists, just a woman slowly walking into a trap. I really tried to like the show, but the whole thing was kind of disappointing. In the extremely creepy first season, Joe, the working class protagonist, fixates on and starts stalking a graduate student named Beck. He narrates the entire show, so the viewer never gets to hear Beck’s thoughts and motivations, just Joe’s descriptions and running commentary on her. He gets to control everything. There’s nothing extraordinary about Beck: she wants to write poetry, but her poetry is bad, her on-and-off boyfriend is a flaky cheater and her friends are unreliable rich snobs. She’s broke and the professor who’s supposed to be mentoring her sexually harasses her. When Joe swoops in, pretending to be this chivalrous prince, she’s really vulnerable. It’s terrifying how quickly and easily he’s able to invade and subtly manipulate her life. While some of her friends, like Peach, are suspicious, he mostly flies under the radar masquerading as this sensitive, book-loving guy. I did like that he was given a complex character and interesting backstory, but he was the only fleshed out character, the only one that wasn’t just a stereotype. Joe works as a bookstore manager, a smart guy who never went to college and someone who’s really nice to his neighbor’s kid. Joe is well-read and talented, but instead of trying to make his own life better, he spends all of his time obsessing over Beck’s life. In his mind, he’s this hero,
courtesy of NETFLIX
and he needs to make her understand this, to force her into this epic love story he’s created in his head. The plot advances quickly, with Beck falling in love with Joe, their relationship mirroring an idyllic rom-com. He’s a compelling character, almost convincing the viewer to be on his side, to view Beck as the unreasonable one. One of the things the show does really well is to examine the line between romance and horror, because other than his violent stalker side, he’s this great guy and you almost want to root for them staying together. After all, his first girlfriend Candace broke his heart, and he’s just looking for love. Joe justi-
fies everything through this; he was hurt first, so he gets to hurt everyone. “You” was really well written and interesting, with funny side characters, but it fell into the same tired old tropes. All of the female characters were either helpless, like Claudia, trapped in an abusive relationship, or spoiled and narcissistic, like Annika and Lynn. The show would’ve been so much better if the writers had actually made the female characters complex people, instead of just throwing in the same old stereotypes of most women being catty or unreliable or cheaters. I would’ve really loved to see the woman triumph for a change, to see Beck win the situation.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 16 MARKET, from page 13 top-notch condition. The antique market is still mostly dominated by an older demographic, but Kemp stressed the opportunity that vintage shopping presents to the younger crowd. “[You can] not break the bank,” he said. “But you can still get a good quality piece that’s interesting and different than what you’re going to get at Ikea.” Thanks to the younger generation’s growing focus on sustainability and quality, vintage shopping has experienced quite the boom. With the guidance of a young owner and staff, The Market is doing what it can to cater to this new audience and encourage
both an appreciation for antiques and art. Kemp is dedicated to keeping the antique store fun and fresh, despite the age of their products. In the next few months, the store will host several events guaranteed to prove that The Market is more than just a store. “I do just want a younger demographic to come in,” Kemp said. “It’s not just a sleepy, momand-pop antique shop.” On Valentine’s Day, Country Roads Magazine will be hosting a sit-down dinner at The Market with the theme, “Mid City is for Lovers.” Guests will enjoy a fourcourse meal, courtesy of Marcello’s of Baton Rouge, while taking in the surrounding artwork and antiques of Circa 1857.
Slightly further down the line, The Market will host its third annual Champarty. For a $5 cover fee, guests will be able to sip on unlimited champagne and enjoy local music, food and artisans while browsing the store’s collections. This event will take place Mar 29 at 6:30 p.m. Beyond events, The Market also recently added a section of the store dedicated to art supplies to encourage more local artists to visit and become involved. “We’re hoping to reach more and more artists and host individual art events and exhibitions for them.” Kemp added. Overall, The Market is a celebration of art, past and present, and what makes Baton Rouge unique.
CHRISTA MORAN / The Reveille
Circa 1857 offers antique, original pieces on Jan. 8 on Government Street.
MAIN SQUEEZE, from page 13 also offers frozen blended coffees and hot drinks. The cacao coffee isn’t just an energy booster, but it also helps with long term memory retention and increases attention and circulation. Main Squeeze Juice Co. also has job opportunities available for LSU students who are looking for employment opportunities. Nordstrom says that the store is always recruiting. Whether you are looking for work or just enjoy eating healthy food with natural ingredients, check out Main Squeeze Juice Co. on Ben Hur.
courtesy of MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE CO.
courtesy of MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE CO.
Main Squeeze Juice Co. offers healthy food options such as smoothies, juice, tea and much more.
OPINION
page 17
GOVERNMENT GRIDL CK Citizens should have final say to prevent future government shutdown DROP THE MIC DONALD FOUNTAIN @Official_DFound The current government shutdown is the longest in our nation’s history. Around 800,000 federal employees went home without a paycheck last week because our elected officials have failed us once again. Something needs to change. Instead of behaving like an immature child who plays the “blame game,” we need to offer a solution that would prevent government shutdowns from ever happening again. If our elected officials cannot agree on a solution, and in turn, cause a government shutdown, we the people should be allowed to vote on the issue. When a mother sees her children fighting, her first instinct is not to take a side. Her instinct is to stop the children from fighting. We need to stop being deadbeat parents and remind our children why fighting will not be tolerated. Children, after all, are a reflection of their parents. Although we did not give birth to the politicians in office, we did elect them to serve in their position. Citizens need to remind our politicians who they work for and whose best interests they are
supposed to represent. There are going to be citizens who claim they had no role in this government shutdown, but that isn’t exactly true. Nearly 60 percent of eligible voters from Louisiana and across the country voted in the 2016 presidential election, according to a report on electproject. org. The man who won this election spoke about how he would be proud to shut down the government if his agenda was not fulfilled. In the 2018 midterm elections, only about 20 percent of eligible voters voted. Whether you did or didn’t vote, your decision helped choose who represents us in Congress. Political party division has gone too far and now leaves a sour taste in many Americans’ mouths. The feeling got worse for me when I read an article published in The Washington Times titled, “George Washington’s views on political parties in America.” In this article by Dennis Jamison, he describes why Washington had valid concerns about political parties forming in America. “He (Washington) warned of the possibility fearing they (political parties) could distract the government from its required duty to the people and even lead to the eradication of the freedoms established by the founding,” Jamison said. I wonder how many federal em-
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
Jan. 12 marked 22 days of government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history. ployees still feel they have the freedom to earn a paycheck. The idea of having the American people vote on these types of issues should not be crazy. Why not fix a democratic problem with a democratic solution? One aspect of the Constitution that makes our country great is the system of checks and balances. Citizens’ role in this system needs to be revised. It took one terrorist
attack for the government to make stricter airline rules. It took the actions of a small number of undocumented immigrants for President Donald Trump to demand a border wall. One government shutdown should have been enough to make concrete change and prevent this from happening again. It’s obvious the country’s political system is broken, but it’s not beyond repair. The best
solution is for the people to take responsibility for our nation’s future and not delegate so much of it to someone else. Politicians need to know they have failed the people. As a gamer might say, “It’s time to pass the sticks.” Donald Fountain is a 21-yearold mass communication sophomore from Saint Francisville, Louisiana.
LSU should allow smoking, vaping in sanctioned areas LET ME BE FRANK
MICHAEL FRANK @bigmpfrank96 Marlboros, Juuls and Swisher Sweets — the University banned all of these products and more in August 2014 to curb student nicotine and tobacco use. Although the Center for Disease Control states that the number of adult American smokers decreased between 2005 to 2016, almost 38 million adults still smoked in 2016. Assuming the decreasing trend continued in the following years, this number is likely even smaller in 2019. Yet with the rising popularity of Juuls and other vape products, it’s doubtful that the 38 million is decreasing at such a rapid pace. With over 30,000 students enrolled at the University over, it’s statistically improbable for the University to have no students that smoke or vape, but that’s
only smokers in the student body. When adding faculty and staff, the number of smokers becomes even larger. Although the University put the ban into effect in 2014, it’s a rule that is rarely enforced. When walking through campus, one easily spots students and employees smoking, whether in the Quad, behind campus buildings or in parking lots. Since the University decides to simply look the other way when faced with these smokers, the tobacco ban questions the legitimacy of campus regulations. Students know they can get away with smoking on campus, so it’s only a matter of time before they test the limits of other University rules. I recommend an easy fix: oncampus designated smoking areas. These would circumvent such problems and stops otherwise rule-abiding students from violating campus regulations. I’m not advocating the use of tobacco or
nicotine products; rather, I’m advocating the freedom of students to take part in an activity that already exists in many of their daily schedules. Smoking causes bad breath, heart disease, reproductive failure and a veritable hit list of other health problems, but so does fast food, and the University hasn’t banned the Big Mac. In fact, the University endorses unhealthy eating habits by allowing such chains as McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A to take up residency in the LSU Student Union. This is a double standard, but it’s one the University won’t rectify anytime soon. The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living funds the campus anti-smoking program, and until the University gets money from a campaign for healthy eating, the double standard will continue. The website for Smoking Words — the University program started in 2001 to track and curb student
tobacco use — raises legitimate concerns about the ethics of using tobacco products. It’s an industry riddled with the exploitation of child labor, but the solution lies within the consumer, not the University. While ignorance is no excuse for funding morally bankrupt companies, the University should not ban an FDA-regulated product that many students use to get through their day. One student’s cup of coffee is another student’s smoke break. Since it’s the consumer’s responsibility to research the product he uses, it follows that the consumer should use that product in a responsible way. Consider the plight of an impulsive student skateboarder. Said student could use his skateboard to do a totally sick grind on the railings outside Lockett, or he could understand there’s an unspoken agreement between himself and the University that forbids him from
doing so. Just as the skateboarder should know not to perform tricks while riding to class, smokers should know not to smoke near nonsmokers. The current situation only leads to students undermining the authority of the University. This is where a partial University smoking ban comes into play. If the University bans smoking in all but a few, avoidable areas instead of the entire campus, then everyone wins. Students and staff won’t resort to breaking University regulations, and non-smokers can escape the miasma of harmful nicotine clouds. Of course, it is of utmost importance for the University to keep the student body safe, but there is only so much baby-proofing a University should do to save students from themselves. Michael Frank is a 22-year-old political science and English senior from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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LSU unsafe at night, should add more lighting around campus I SAID WHAT I SAID MAYA STEVENSON @colormemaya In the daylight, the University is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It has a unique energy that you can feel as soon as you step foot on campus. The unexplainable nature of the University makes students and passersby alike feel joyous. In the daylight, except being surrounded by hundreds of strangers, there is no reason to be intimidated. Nighttime, however, is a different story. The University is as terrifying as it is dark when classes end and the sun goes down. The darkness and eerie silence makes the hairs on your arm stand up, your heart thump loudly and may even make you break a sweat. This is partially due to the size of campus and the fact that being alone at night is scary in
itself. However, a large part of the intimidating nature of campus at nighttime is the lack of lighting. As cautious and careful as you may be, sometimes there’s just no getting out of being on campus at night. From evening classes to late-night tests in Himes Hall, sometimes you have no choice but to be on campus at night. The entirety of the University’s campus is not pitch black. For example, buildings on the more recently built side of campus are well-lit. Buildings like Patrick F. Taylor Hall, the Business Education Complex and the surrounding parking lots have an abundance of light poles. Places like the Quad, its surrounding halls, parking lots and dorms aren’t as fortunate. Walking through the Enchanted Forest at night, walking from Himes to your dorm and walking to the LSU Student Union once the sun sets are all intimidating experiences that many students could easily recount. Sure, there are
a few dim lamp posts along the roads, but they’re hardly assuring. It’s not just a lack of light. In some places, it’s complete absence of light. One of the worst examples of this on campus is the Quad. Walking in the Quad at night is an activity completed by relying on moonlight and the light coming out of Middleton. Seeing the number of crimes that occur on campus at night is disheartening. It’s also an addition to the fears our parents have stressed to us our entire lives. The 2017 Annual Security report stated that, “The University has seen a substantial increase in the number of reported cases of doCHRISTA MORAN / The Reveille mestic violence, dating violence and stalking.” The report also East Campus Drive winds through LSU campus on Monday, Jan. 14, stated that in 2016, the University 2019. received 20 reported instances of the terror it inspires. The Unistalking, double the number in versity should increase the 2014. lighting on campus and Maya Stevenson is a 19-yearCollege is scary enough improve the lights already old English and economics without the inability to walk present. Current and future sophomore from Baton Rouge, on campus at night because of students alike deserve safety. Louisiana.
Bike sharing program could reduce LSU carbon emissions LET ME BE FRANK MICHAEL FRANK @BigMpfrank96 It’s a sunny Louisiana day — hot, but not one of the gross days where you feel the need to change shirts between classes — and you want nothing more than to enjoy the sight of the University’s oak trees before spending another day inside. Well, that’s too bad because you need to find somewhere to park. If your class isn’t in Patrick F. Taylor or the Business Education Complex, then finding a spot that won’t warrant you a parking ticket is a near Herculean task. Parking is a universal issue for students at the University. But for the students who bike to class each day, parking is an afterthought. With hundreds of campus bike racks, The League of American Bicyclists granted the University a silver Bicycle Friendly University Award, making the University’s campus one of only 164 bicycle friendly colleges nationwide. However, it’s unlikely our campus deserves this accreditation, as the extent of dedicated bike lanes at the University is only one quarter of a mile on Field House Drive. By adding more bike lanes and focusing on bike accessibility, I’m confident the University could reach a plati-
num level BFU award. There are a number of reasons for the University to strive for excellence in the biking community, and chief among them is more student bikers means less student-caused carbon emissions. Louisiana is currently in a fight to save itself from losing a third of its coast — you know, the part of the coast acting as extra padding against those paranoia-inducing storms which spawn with unbelievable frequency during the hotter months. Many Louisianans are beginning to have a sinking feeling about their effect on the environment, so they may ask, “What can one person really do to help?” Well, commuting by bike rather than car reduces personal carbon output significantly. While the switch to cycling doesn’t come close to cutting the carbon emissions of the nation’s factories, it’s at least a start until Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk finds a way to make his cars affordable. In many cities, the switch from car to bike is easy and far less boring than the monotonous search for a gas pump that isn’t broken. With new bike sharing programs showing up across the U.S., such as Blue Bikes in New Orleans and Baton Rouge’s BikeShare program, society has the means to reduce auto emissions in a manner that doesn’t siphon cash from people’s pockets.
The way it works is quite simple. For example, Blue Bike users pay a monthly fee for one hour of ride time a day, charging $0.10 for each additional minute. This allows users to unlock a bike from one of the many bike racks stationed around the city. The University should implement a similar bike sharing program to streamline the way students get to class. Installing bike racks around heavily trafficked areas would allow students access to the entire campus in mere minutes, and the bike racks could operate like the UREC’s admission system — a simple Tiger Card swipe or face scan and you’ve got yourself a bike. If the student fails to return the borrowed bike to one of the designated spots in the allotted time, then the University can charge the student for additional minutes, much like how the University deals with overdue library books or campus parking tickets. Although the idea works in theory, problems arise when looking at the University’s ability to fund such a project. The process of installing a bike sharing system, paying for bicycle safety education and creating more bike paths seems like a daunting list of hoops to jump through. When looking at the situation further, it appears that the University and the student body benefit from these expenditures
THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES / The Reveille
Bike usage increases on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, on campus..
in the long run. For example, the University spending more money on bicycle safety education might help reduce Louisiana’s status as one of the worst states for bicyclists. Louisiana is currently ranked as the second worst state after Florida. Fixing the bicycle safety problem in Louisiana is similar to the carbon-emission problem. Each is only a part
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Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor Production Editor
The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
of a much larger problem, but we have to start somewhere. I believe making bicyclists safer and making bikes more accessible at the University is the start we’ve been searching for.
Michael Frank is a 22-yearold political science and English senior from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Quote of the Week “You have to be able to accept failure to get better.”
Lebron James
Basketball player December 30, 1984 — present
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
page 19
Trump, Sanders’ populism signal country’s demise A MODERATE’S PROPOSAL PATRICK GAGEN @PattyGagen For decades, political leaders have unconditionally accepted the premise that technological advancement and globalization are not only economically beneficial, but also that the American people are primary beneficiaries. While the former is empirically true on a macroeconomic scale, the average working class American has reaped little to no reward from GDP growth. Free trade agreements, outsourcing, union dissolution, automation and tax cuts have instead allowed American corporations and executives to consolidate this wealth creation at the expense of American laborers. As a result of conducive policy, corporations have handsomely rewarded investors and executives with record profits, but average hourly wages, adjusted for inflation, have remained flat since 1978. At the same time, living expenses have spiked, and so despite working more hours, flat wages and higher living expenses have forced middle income Americans to take on debt to supplement their income. Even though the stock market is in its longest bull run in U.S. history and unemployment is its lowest since 1969, 40 percent of Americans could not cover a $400 emergency expense. Add in a taxpayer bailout of the financial sector, millions in executive bonuses amid mass layoffs and the American people see the political and economic power disparity between them and the establishment elite. Americans are rightfully upset in a society so rigged by an establishment elite. In retrospect, it’s clear why President Donald Trump won and former U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders resonated so well with voters. They posed themselves as an affront to the establishment, and they channeled voter vitriol toward
a rigged political system into a populist movement. I understand the angst and the frustration of the Trumpians and the Berniecrats. Maybe hurling obscenities and expressions of moral indignation are cathartic for populist voters, but at the end of the day it’s all just political posturing. Populist voters have subscribed to a self-destructive ideology of uncompromised radicalism — whereby grossly oversimplified policy is overshadowed by emotive feelings of injustice. These feelings of injustice, however, inadvertently put novice or unqualified government officials in positions of power. At best, this creates government paralysis and incompetency. At worst, this leads to outright corruption and tyranny, the likes of which we’re seeing play out today. Consider that Trump’s campaign promise to “drain the swamp” has not even remotely been kept. The Department of Defense is now run by a former Boeing executive, the Department of Health and Human Services is run by a former pharmaceutical lobbyist, the EPA is run by a former coal lobbyist and the Interior Department is run by a former NRA lobbyist. Seven former lobbyists have held positions at the HHS, 11 have held positions at the EPA, nine have held positions at the DOTDOT and 21 have held positions at the Energy, Labor and Commerce departments. In total, there are 164 former lobbyists serving in the Trump administration. The “swamp” has only gotten deeper. The Trump experiment in populism is a lesson, but the recent election of counterparts on the left makes me think that this country is a speeding toward a cliff. When radical ideologues grind the gears of government to a halt for an extended period of time, our country will sputter at a very important juncture in world history. We are dangerously close to abdicating our position at the head of the liberal international order created post-World War
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
Former U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ platform focused on income and wealth inequality. II to ensure global freedom and democracy. Our internal discord and political obstructionism cedes global influence to a spreading authoritarianism once contained to China and Russia but is now in countries such as Brazil and Poland. Populist policies are putting our Republic on a pathway to Roman destruction. The fact that an immigration policy involving building a physical wall on our southern border, which in spite of being so horrible that even Fox News host Chris Wallace has to call out its baseless justifications, is shutting down our government is deeply concerning. Moreover, considering that the newly elected democratic socialists, a counterpart to the tea party Republicans, ran on a platform to topple capitalism, which is as equally ridiculous as a physical wall on our southern border, may be signaling our country’s imminent demise. The neo-socialist platform is so left-wing that even conservative “boogeywoman” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Elizabeth Warren don’t support a socialist economic system whereby the government controls the
means for production. In fact, even the liberal utopias of the Nordic countries have free market economies. The scary reality is that these populists are taking positions of power within our government as they have been for a decade and seemingly for decades to come. These charlatans never miss a TV interview or a
Twitter spat, but so help us all when they turn sound bites into policy. My hope for this nation is that we put an end to the madness and restore some sense of normalcy. Patrick Gagen is a 21-year-old mass communication and finance senior from Suwanee, Georgia.
HOME 2019-20 Leasing Begins February 1, 2019
courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
There are 164 former lobbyists serving in the Trump administration.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
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LSU should provide safer dating platform for single students DROP THE MIC DONALD FOUNTAIN
@official_dfound One of the many things new students look forward to in college is dating. Students are eager to see if their soulmate is out there and not have their parents get in the way. However, eagerness can quickly turn to anxiety when universities do not prepare for this inevitability. The University should do the student body a favor by helping them navigate dating life in college. The University parades itself as the state’s “flagship institution.” It has been able to because of the resources it can provide students. The University has innovative minds that can create a cutting-edge dating service for the modern-day college student, but this need hasn’t been met because students are full of pride. Hardly anyone wants to admit talking to men or women is a struggle. However, it is hard to deny how pressing it is to find your mate. College relationships need to be more than hookups and one-night stands. It would be phenomenal to see the University show an interest in positively impacting students’ lives in this manner. If it serves as any comfort, the University would
not be the first to venture into this area. Academic institutions like Boston College have shown an interest in students’ romantic relationships. In an article published by the magazine “America,” philosophy professor Kerry Cronin discussed a project she gives her students every year called “The Dating Project.” “Too many students let their vulnerability or fears of rejections rule their decisions,” Cronin said. “Dating has become a lost social script.” Cronin said she began assigning the project in 2005 when she noticed her students lacked the social skills needed in daily living. It is crazy to think a University with more than 30,000 students wouldn’t have anyone with the same problems. Twenty-six percent of the University’s students are freshmen — the largest group on campus. Twenty-four percent of students that attend here are not from Louisiana. For most of these students, coming here is the most significant change in their life. This change can easily lead to social anxiety and rash decisions to be noticed. Dating is a way for students to ease their worries of beginning their college career alone. Unfortunately, good examples of how to safely meet people in 2019 are hard to find. On-
cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI / The Reveille
line dating services claim they are the safest and most effective option for college students, but research shows this may not be the case. In a survey conducted by ABODO, 91 percent of college students say they use a dating app, with 84.4 percent of those respondents using Tinder. However, only 4 percent preferred to use dating apps for meeting people. Not only are most of these services non-effective, but they also pose safety concerns. Twenty-seven percent of college students reported harassment while
using the app. The services that had the most harassment were Grindr, OkCupid , Bumble and Match.com. It is hard to believe these apps are the best options for college students, especially when it costs money to use its full potential. If so many students had to resort to online dating, the University is fully capable of creating a dating app just for students who go here. Most importantly, it would probably be free. It’s understandable to see how a college administrator talking to a 19-year-old about dating
could be awkward. However, the reality is students will look to someone for help. The University should be appalled that so many students rely on dating apps and Tigerland to meet someone when there is a better way. Parents should be concerned about their children possibly meeting up with a stranger and having their lives changed for the worse. The University should take action. Donald Fountain is a 21-yearold mass communication sophomore from Saint Francisville, Louisiana.
Louisiana’s petrochemical economy destined for collapse A MODERATE’S PROPOSAL PATRICK GAGEN @PattyGagen State politicians, having long been corrupted and deluded, have put Louisiana’s future in peril by creating an economy unsustainably codependent on the petrochemical industry. At the heart of the issue, however, is not self-serving politicians or oil companies. The issue is that Louisianans have accepted a foregone conclusion toward perpetual decline, choosing instead to play fiddle while Rome burns. It doesn’t matter that while state politicians tout the billions oil companies invest— the roads still erode. Politicians don’t even have to feign accountability because they can cut checks from the oil and gas industry so long as they secure federal funding for flood control and prevention projects. Louisianans have more pride in the “black and gold” than they do in the welfare of their state. But, I understand the defeatism. Even former governor and state senator Huey Long, who had spent his career railing against Standard Oil’s political influence, succumbed to the allure of oil money. Decades have passed, and much remains the same in Louisiana politics aside from Stan-
dard Oil rebranding into ExxonMobil and Chevron. Following the BP oil spill in 2010, former senator, current lobbyist and professor at the Manship School of Mass Communication John Breaux explained to the Washington Post that much like the auto industry supported politicians in Michigan, so too did the oil and gas industry support politicians Louisiana. How supportive? Well, in 2009 alone, Breaux’s lobbying firm received over $1 million between Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Plains Exploration and Production, an independent oil company. While Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves hasn’t cashed in as a lobbyist just yet, he’s certainly been loyal to the oil and gas industry to the tune of $194,850 in campaign contributions last year — the most of any industry. State politicians like Graves highlight the capital investment large petrochemical companies make, which fosters economic growth and job creation. However, these companies in turn receive ample tax exemptions siphoning off billions in state funding for public works, such as the severely underfunded public education system. To put the corporate tax exemptions into perspective: Louisiana’s largest private sector employer, ExxonMobil, pays less than a third of its total taxable
property on its Baton Rouge refinery. That’s a 67 percent property tax exemption, or $1.45 billion in lost tax revenue. State politicians argue that if those companies hadn’t received those tax exemptions then they would have left all together or not invested in the first place. That would be a valid argument, except that at a comparable ExxonMobil refinery in Beaumont, Texas, only 9 percent of the total taxable property is exempt. The glaring difference is ExxonMobil’s influence over state government in Louisiana. The oil and gas industry has exploited Louisiana and left it to waste. This state has so little to show for having an abundance of the most profitable resource in human history. BP’s recent discovery of over a billion barrels of offshore oil furthers the delusion of prosperity where only the few prosper and the rest fight over the crumbs from the corporate table. These tax exemptions partially explain how a state, which has enough natural resources to almost assuredly make it one of the wealthiest states in the country, can be dubbed the “worst state in the country” based upon an analysis of state health care, education, infrastructure, crime and other quality-of-life measures. At the time of the report, Louisiana ranked 47th in health care, 49th in education, 44th in
economy, 50th in opportunity, 44th in infrastructure, 48th in crime and corrections, 48th in fiscal stability and 42th in quality of life. While these rankings have improved since current Gov.
in reading test scores and 46th in dropout rates, it’s no wonder industries aside from the petrochemical won’t invest here. This only solidifies its monopoly in this state and pushes over half of LSU graduates to move else-
Courtesy of WIKIMEDIA
Louisiana’s largest private sector employer, ExxonMobil, pays less than a third of its total taxable property on its Baton Rouge refinery. John Bel Edwards took office— specifically in terms of healthcare and education—Louisiana still lags embarrassingly behind the rest of the country. With the second-worst public school system in the nation, where Louisiana students rank 51st in math test scores, 48th
where for work. The self-perpetuating petrochemical monopoly will soon roil this state more so than it has already. Patrick Gagen is a 21-year-old mass communication and finance senior from Suwanee, Georgia.