Major or Minor
Martin: Current allegations will have no impact on head coach Les Miles, page 5.
CRIME Woman who stabbed herself arrested, page 3.
THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Volume 114, Issue 69
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Dealing with Disabilities
30 diabetic students have been treated at SHC this past year By Kyle Bove Senior Staff Writer
While some students are busy checking Facebook profiles during class, chemical engineering sophomore Claire Ganey checks something much more important — her blood sugar. Ganey discovered she had Type 1 diabetes during a Thanksgiving break from school when she was 8 years old. “It’s like the invisible disease,” she said. “You don’t look sick, but in reality you are. It’s one of those things you have to learn to live with the rest of your life.” Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, according to the
American Diabetes Association. Those who have the disease can’t produce insulin — a hormone needed to convert sugar, starch and other substances into energy necessary for daily life. Ganey said she takes two insulin shots a day to keep her blood sugar down, along with separate insulin shots after each time she eats. “It’s all about management and control,” Ganey said. Treats like raisins, juice boxes and sugary candy are permanent staples in her purse for times when her blood sugar is too low. “I kind of look like a mom with all the snacks — or Willy Wonka with all the candy,” she said. Ganey said she felt self-conscious about giving herself insulin shots in her arm, leg or stomach and pricking her finger to check her blood sugar in public when she was younger, DIABETES, see page 15
graphic by CAITLYN CONDON / The Daily Reveille
966 students registered at Office of Disabitity Services By Mary Walker Baus Staff Writer
MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille
Claire Ganey, chemical engineering sophomore, sits in a classroom in Hodges Hall to take her blood sugar Wednesday afternoon. Ganey discovered she had Type 1 diabetes when she was 8 years old.
Kacee Jones spent her elementary, middle school and high school years thinking she was “stupid” and destined to fail her schoolwork. “I would stay up until 2 a.m. learning vocabulary words and still fail them the next day,” she said. “It’s traumatizing when you’re young.” The English senior said she didn’t understand how studying more than other students could result in worse grades. But finally in her junior year of high school, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Social Services diagnosed her with dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. “I was on the verge of dropping out of school,” Jones said. “My parents got the school and the state to find my learning disability. Things changed from there. I realized I wasn’t stupid. [In college,] I’ve been able to
keep a GPA over a 3.0.” Jones said her dyslexia affects her reading, writing and speaking skills. “I think in motion,” she said. “Abstract words [like wind, love and fear] are difficult. I have to put something into wind, like a leaf blowing, to make it happen and give it motion.” The National Center for Learning Disabilities defines learning disabilities as “a group of disorders that can impact many areas of learning, including reading, writing, spelling, math, listening and oral expression.” Benjamin Cornwell, Disability Services associate director, said students registered with the Office of Disability Services with learning disabilities are classified by DSMIV-TR, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders. “There are a lot of different definitions of learning disabilities,” Cornwell said. “Someone may have high IQ but have a slow processing speed or a low reading comprehension rate.” Cornwell said the ODS requires a psycho-education evaluation to determine what DISABILITIES, see page 15
CAMPUS
Enchanted Forest finds roots deep in University history No plans to renovate exist By Lindsey Meaux Contributing Writer
From celebrated beginnings in the University’s original vision and an elusive home of the Baton Rouge hippie movement to its present wonder, the Enchanted Forest
is deeply rooted in the University’s history. The Enchanted Forest, the lowlying expanse of greenery between the Greek Theater, Pentagon dorms and the Kirby Smith parking lot, is often used by commuters for its makeshift dirt pathway. Mississippi River floods created the decline of the Enchanted Forest, said Associate Director of Landscape Architecture Van Cox. Early University landscape archi-
tects contrived the presence of the shady live oaks and cypress trees in the forest, or Sunken Garden as it was once known. A rectangular reflecting pool spanned the length of the forest in its early days, Cox said. The “lagoons,” or reflecting pools, were designed by James F. Broussard and were completed in 1932 under the Works Progress Administration, according to Sept. 30, 1954, reports by The Daily Reveille.
The project transformed a formerly snake-, frog- and mosquito-infested “quagmire” into reflecting pools. A statue of Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer who was the first to cross the Mississippi River, stood at the head of the reflecting pool to symbolize the “spirt of progress in education,” according to The Daily Reveille reports. Construction on the Greek Theater finished in 1929, according to the University’s Building
Information Guide. The Sunken Garden was constructed with the theater overlooking it, and the pair provided a picturesque scene for pageants, rallies, convocation ceremonies and religious services. Additionally, ROTC cadets threw officers into the reflecting pools after the final parade of each year, according to the Building Information Guide. FOREST, see page 19
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Defiant Iran vows to enrich uranium even more
Ohio charity workers find marijuana in donated jug
VIENNA (AP) — In a defiant speech, Iran’s president declared Wednesday that his country will enrich uranium to a much higher level — a fresh rejection of an international plan to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. Experts said that could put Tehran on the road to making the material needed to arm a warhead within months.
MARIETTA, Ohio (AP) — Police said whoever donated a water jug to a charity in southeast Ohio probably didn’t mean to be so generous. The jug contained about $1,500 worth of marijuana. Police said workers at a local Goodwill Industries site recently found four bags of marijuana when they looked inside a water jug left outside by an anonymous donor. They turned the two-gallon metal jug and the pound or so of marijuana over to police on Friday.
Argentine leaders throw chairs, punches in public BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine lawmakers pushed, punched and threw chairs at each other during a raucous session to choose the president of a northern province’s lower house. At least 10 legislators were slightly injured during the chaotic scuffle in Chaco, 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) north of the capital, Buenos Aires.
Marine officer could face demotion in Iraq deaths CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) — A Marine officer suspected of not investigating the deaths of 24 Iraqi men, women and children is being accused of not visiting the scene for 24 hours and submitting incomplete and inaccurate reports to his superiors.
Lt. Col. Paul Atterbury, a government attorney, also told a military panel that Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani resisted an investigation even after leaders in Haditha, Iraq, met with Marines and alleged war crimes. New York state lawmakers reject gay marriage bill ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers rejected a bill Wednesday that would have made their state the sixth to allow gay marriage, stunning advocates who weathered a similar decision by Maine voters just last month. The New York measure needed 32 votes to pass and failed by a widerthan-expected margin, falling eight votes short in a 24-38 decision by the state Senate. The Assembly had earlier approved the bill, and Gov. David Paterson, perhaps the bill’s strongest advocate, had pledged to sign it. After the vote, Paterson called Wednesday one of his saddest days in 20 years of public service.
STATE/LOCAL
State retirement systems’ debt grows to nearly $17 billion
Saints v. Patriots 2nd mostwatched cable telecast
(AP) — The state’s public retirement system debt has grown to nearly $17 billion, increasing $4.8 billion during the past year amid the national recession, according to information provided to the House and Senate retirement committees. The committees, which met Tuesday, are considering possible changes to the pension programs to curb costs. At the end of June, the four public retirement systems — for state employees, teachers, school employees and state police — carried a combined debt of $16.8 billion, up from $12 billion a year earlier. That’s the gap between what money they have and what they need to cover the cost of benefits for everyone in the systems when they retire. Much of the debt, called the unfunded accrued liability, is decades old, from past decisions to skip state payments to the systems.
BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints’ win over the New England Patriots was the second-most-watched cable telecast of all time. The Saints’ 38-17 win to improve to 11-0 on “Monday Night Football” on ESPN was seen by 21.4 million viewers, second only to the 21.8 million for the PackersVikings game Oct. 5.
TODAY ON
lsureveille com
GET READY FOR FINALS WITH GENESIS TUTORING-FREE Monday- Thursday, 5pm-9pm 578-4339 Office of Multicultural Affairs 326A Student Union DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Andrew at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
Streamlining panel backs voucher proposal (AP) — The state streamlining commission is recommending that Louisiana embark on a statewide voucher program that would give out tax breaks for sending children from failing public schools to private schools. The commission agreed without objection Tuesday to propose the idea to Gov. Bobby Jindal and lawmakers, who have previously defeated other statewide voucher proposals.
Find The Daily Reveille on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lsureveille.
Follow The Daily Reveille on Twitter: @TDR_news, @TDR_sports and @lsureveille.
Weather 57 40
TODAY
ONGOING IN NOVEMBER
PAGE 2
Log on to lsureveille. com to read football and sports blogs.
YOU’RE TURNING VIOLET, VIOLET!
Partly Cloudy
FRIDAY 53 33 SUNDAY 60 48
SATURDAY 52 35 MONDAY 68 53
KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT / The Daily Reveille
Log on to lsureveille.com to see objects around campus in all shades of purple and violet.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.
THE DAILY REVEILLE B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803
NICHOLAS PERSAC Editor JERIT ROSER Managing Editor, Content GERRI SAX Managing Editor, External Media ELLEN ZIELINSKI Managing Editor, Production J.J ALCANTARA Production Editor LESLIE PRESNALL News Editor ROBERT STEWART Sports Editor CASEY GISCLAIR Deputy Sports Editor MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Opinion Editor MEGAN WILLIAMS Photo Editor JAMES HARALSON Reveille Radio Director LAUREN ROBERTS Advertising Sales Manager
Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
Campus Crime Briefs WOMAN WHO STABBED SELF ARRESTED NOV. 25 A 47-year-old woman who claimed she was stabbed by a man on campus Nov. 14 and later confessed to fabricating the story about the incident was arrested Nov. 25 for terrorizing and criminal mischief, said LSUPD Spokesman Sgt. Blake Tabor. Dale Noel, of 2912 Caroljack Dr., Baton Rouge, was taken to the hospital Saturday after she claimed
she was stabbed by a Middle Eastern man following an argument when she denied him entry into the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. where Noel works as a security guard. After additional interviews, Noel revealed the wounds were self-inflicted. LSUPD officers arrested her at her house Nov. 25, Tabor said. Noel was later booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR THEFT A 19-year-old Facilities Services employee was arrested Nov. 24 at about 4:30 p.m. for stealing about $200 from a University student’s purse. The victim told officers she left a room in the band hall for about 10 minutes on Nov. 17, and when she returned the money was gone, Tabor said. LSUPD’s investigation led officers to question Facility Services workers who were working in the Band Hall that night, Tabor said. When officers questioned Tevin Mays, of 6421 Osborne Ave., Baton Rouge, he admitted to stealing the money. Mays was issued a misdemeanor summons and released. Tabor said Mays will most likely have to pay back the student through
PAGE 3
restitution.
eral athletic items like eye patches, elbow sleeves and a roll of gauze, MAN ARRESTED AFTER Tabor said. The items belonged to BEING THROWN OUT OF the LSU football coaching staff. TIGER STADIUM TWICE It appeared Roy had sneaked A 26-year-old man unaffiliated into one of the locker rooms and with the University stolen the items, was arrested during Tabor said. the Arkansas footDuring their ball game Nov. 28 investigation, offiat about 9 p.m. after Log on to see a map of cers found several he was kicked out of where crime happened locker doors to Tiger Stadium. on campus this week. have been forced LSUPD officers open. were notified after The items were reBaton Rouge Police Department turned to the coaches and Roy was officers and LSU game marshals arrested for simple burglary. He escorted Robert Roy II, of 104 Tur- was booked into Parish Prison. tle Creek Dr., out of Tiger Stadium. Tabor said Roy appeared to have bulges in his clothes. When officers asked Roy to Contact The Daily Reveille’s news empty his pockets and clothes, they staff at news@lsureveille.com found a cellphone, wallet and gen-
lsureveille.com
TRANSPORTATION
Easy Streets II projected to promote cycling, bike safety Three concepts proposed in plan By Kristin M’lissa Rowlett Contributing Writer
The next phase of Easy Streets, known as the Walker Plan, could make the University safer for bikers and pedestrians as early as next semester. Easy Streets I concentrated on reducing automobile traffic throughout the University, and Easy Streets II will focus on bike and pedestrian safety, said Jason Soileau, assistant
director of facility development. The first phase reduced traffic on roads through campus between 30 percent and 62 percent compared with data from 2004, according to Gary Graham, director parking, traffic and transportation. A consequence of car traffic reduction was an increase of bike usage, Soileau said. “Bike use exploded,” Soileau said. “[The next phase] is an effort to separate bikes and pedestrians.” Traffic engineers of Walker Parking Consultants conducted the Walker Plan and are working on the next installment of Easy Streets for more than a year, Graham said.
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Cars pass through the Easy Streets booth on S. Stadium Drive near Tiger Stadium Monday afternoon. The Walker Plan proposes three concepts for Easy Streets II.
The plan outlines three different scenarios to enhance bike use and pedestrian safety on campus. The first proposal of the plan suggests converting the core interior roads on campus to one-way streets, Soileau said. Dalrymple Drive at Highland Road to South Campus Drive at Highland Road would be converted to one-way streets with two-directional bike lanes, Graham said. Campus would lose 33 core parking spots in this model, and oneway streets would affect the efficiency of the Campus Transit system, Graham said. The second proposal abandons the one-way street concept and uses share the road arrows — or sharrows — to allow cars and cyclists to share the road, Graham said. This plan would cause campus to lose 116 core parking spots, Graham said. The third plan combines the first two and would have dedicated bike lanes, sharrow lanes and designated parking areas to make up for lost parking, Graham said. Walker Parking Consultants presented a revised proposal Dec. 1, and LSU’s Campus Multi Modal Transportation Management Team did not vote for the current scenarios, Soileau said. CMMTMT asked for the Walker Parking Consultants to clarify minor adjustments, such as lost parking, for
a final report, Graham said. “It will be up to the committee to decide if they want to accept any or all of it,” Graham said. Graham said the report should be finalized by the end of the semester. Construction will start in 2010. “It will probably be a low-cost implementation with some signs and painting,” Soileau said. “We try to target site construction in terms of streets when minimal students are here. We would not do any construction that would impact students or bus routes.” Jerrica Crosby, English senior, said bikers traveling through campus are an inconvenience for pedestrians. “I can’t count how many times I’ve nearly gotten run over by bikes on the sidewalk or in the Quad,” she said. Alexander Mckey, general studies senior, said these plans could
reduce the amount of pedestrians hit by bicycles. “It could also eliminate the amount of people on bikes getting hit by cars,” Crosby said.
Contact Kristen M’lissa Rowlett at krowlett@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 4
ECONOMY
Thursday, December 3, 2009
AGRICULTURE
State Dems stand by Sugar prices and demand stimulus package increase; profit remains same CBO report shows positive outcome
By Nate Monroe Contributing Writer
Louisiana Democrats were quick to blast out a news release Tuesday morning touting the positive results of a Congressional Budget Office analysis on the stimulus package. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the stimulus package, was an approximately $787 billion package of various measures designed to help stabilize the sinking U.S. economy. The effectiveness of the stimulus has been debated throughout the year, with Republicans pointing to the current national unemployment rate — 10.2 percent — and claiming the stimulus did nothing to address or mitigate one of its primary focuses. With polling numbers falling for President Obama’s performance on the economy, Republicans see fertile ground to criticize Democrats for supporting the stimulus — particularly in red states, like Louisiana. “It’s long past time for Charlie Melancon to explain his support for Obama’s wasteful spending,” said Roger Villere, chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party, in a Nov. 17 news release. “Voters in Louisiana aren’t looking for another Obama Yes Man in the U.S. Senate.” Rep. Charlie Melancon, DNapoleonville, is challenging Sen. David Vitter’s seat in the 2010 Senate elections. Melancon voted for the stimulus package. Democrats got a boost from the Congressional Budget Office on Monday when the agency released a positive report on the effects the stimulus has had on the economy. The report found the stimulus has employed an additional 600,000 to 1.6 million people in 2009, and the gross domestic product grew by 1.2 to 3.2 percent higher than it would have if Obama had not signed the stimulus into law. The CBO report cautioned that limitations in measures of employment mean their estimates might be higher or lower than actual numbers, but the ranges they presented “are intended to reflect the uncertainty of such estimates and to encompass the most economists’ views on the effects of the fiscal stimulus.” The CBO is an arm of the federal legislative branch, a nonpartisan organization tasked with evaluating legislation for Congress. CBO analyses are often cited by both parties, and the organization is required to analyze the performance of the stimulus package. The results bolster Democrats’ arguments that the economy would be worse off without the legislation and the full effects of the stimulus are just starting to show. “While we still have work to do to get our economy back on track, it is clear that the Recovery Act has kept us from falling off a cliff,” said Chris Whittington, chairman of the
Louisiana Democratic Party. “This new report offers indisputable proof that the Economic Recovery Act is working.” Kevin Franck, spokesperson for the Louisiana Democratic Party, said Republican criticism for supporting the stimulus is a “distraction.” “We’re not interested in debating national issues,” Franck said. “We’re interested in debating what’s best for Louisiana.” Franck reinforced the contention that the “stimulus is working” and defended supporting the bill, citing Gov. Bobby Jindal. If Louisiana Republicans are against the stimulus, Franck said, “Gov. Jindal is going to have to explain why he’s been traveling around Louisiana the past few months with giant checks” made available through the stimulus package.
Contact Nate Monroe at nmonroe@lsureveille.com
Increase is first in three decades By Olga Kourilova Contributing Writer
Sugar prices have increased for the first time in almost three decades. Prices were stable or declining for more than 20 years, and the last time prices increased this much was in 1976, said Donal Day, Audubon Sugar Institute professor. Raw sugar in Louisiana historically sold for 20 cents per pound, and that number has increased to more than 33 cents, Day said. “The sugar market is not local,” he said. “It’s global.” Increased demand from India and China coupled with a smaller Indian crop — the second biggest producer of sugar after Brazil — acted to raise prices 10 to 15 cents per pound for raw and refined sugar,
Day said. Brazil, which produces mostly sugar by-products such as bio-ethanol, will probably switch to refined sugar production to balance the demand, he said. When sugar prices drop, Brazil will be able to easily switch back, Day said. But the price jump will probably be temporary, he said. “I suspect this is a one-year runup because of unusual circumstances around the world,” he said. Next year, farmers will plant more sugar and prices will stabilize, Day said. Lousiana farmers did not anticipate the increase, he said. However, Louisiana farmers will not see higher profits because much of the 2009 crop was already pre-sold, said Alfred Guidry, LSU AgCenter county agent in St. Martin
Parish. Any increase in price won’t be reflected in income until next year, he said. Individual consumers probably won’t notice the increase because it’s so small, Guidry said. The United States produces 80 percent of the sugar demanded in the country, Guidry said. As a nation, the price increases may prove to be more significant. Worldwide sugar consumption for 2009-2010 is expected to increase 4 percent from 2008-2009, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Global Analysis. If increased demand is not met with increased supply, prices may continue to rise, Day said. Contact Olga Kourilova at okourilova@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE Thursday, December 3, 2009
FOOTBALL
Violations’ severity remains unknown
Sports
Gimme a Break
PAGE 5
By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
Many questions remain unanswered about the possible violations involving the football team that surfaced Monday, including the degree of the violation. Bo Bahnsen, LSU senior associate athletic director of compliance and planning, said more work needs to be completed before anyone can speak about the severity of the violation. “We don’t have any indications at this point,” Bahnsen said. “Once we finalize all our reports and get it to the conference, we’ll determine at that point where we go with it.” Chancellor Michael Martin said in a statement released late Tuesday that he has “full faith and confidence in the athletic department” to find any violations that may have happened and put the issue to bed. “LSU has handled this matter with the appropriate urgency and attention to detail that is indicative of our commitment to running an athletic program that not only succeeds in competition but does so with the highest level of integrity,” Martin said. Martin also said in the statement that the current allegations will have no impact on head coach Les Miles’ job. “[Miles] has been highly cooperative in this matter and from the earliest stage has actively participated in the process of resolving this situation,” Martin said. VIOLATIONS, see page 14
GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior guard Bo Spencer tries to lay up the ball against ULL senior defenders Willie Lago (12) and Colby Batiste Tuesday night in the PMAC.
Tigers anticipate down time after disappointing games against Conn., Ariz., ULL By Chris Branch Sports Contributor
As strange as it may sound, the LSU basketball team is looking forward to final exams. Academics aside, the players need it. Coming off two humbling losses in Madison Square Garden and a shaky-at-best 66-58 win against Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday, they need it — badly. “I don’t think we played great basketball [against UL-Lafayette],” said senior forward
Tasmin Mitchell. “I think we just have to get better, go to practice, come back with a sense of urgency and play with more intensity.” Junior guard Bo Spencer agreed. “We have about a week and a half off [from competition],” Spencer said. “We have to come back hard at practice.” Things looked somewhat encouraging after a 3-0 start that saw surprisingly impressive performances from sophomore Storm Warren and redshirt freshman Dennis Harris. New York proved to be a rude awakening, in which LSU coach Trent Johnson said his
team “got exposed.” The Tigers were trounced by a more athletic and energetic No. 13 Connecticut team, 81-55, then turned around and were battered in the second half by a lesser Arizona State team. The Tigers lost, 71-52. Johnson said the players are not looking forward to working the Tigers’ kinks out in practice during the break. “They’re not, but I am,” Johnson said. “They would rather work their way through it in games, but we have to get this thing cleaned BREAK, see page 14
SOCCER
Goalkeeper Mo Isom suffers injuries in car wreck Recovery expected in time for spring By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor
GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore goalie Mo Isom lunges for the ball during a shootout against Texas A&M on Nov. 15 at the LSU Soccer Complex. LSU lost, 4-2.
Sophomore goalkeeper Mo Isom was injured in a car wreck while she was in her home state of Georgia for Thanksgiving break. “It was a scary accident, but she should be fine long-term and probably should recover enough in time for spring soccer,” said LSU coach Brian Lee. Isom’s car was totaled, but she was able to crawl out of the
car without sustaining careerthreatening injuries. She was released from the hospital Nov. 25. Lee said a deer ran in front her car, and she tried to avoid it but lost control of the vehicle. An update posted on Isom’s Facebook page described her having a fractured bone in her neck, lung contusions and cracked ribs, but the LSU trainers are still evaluating her. The update also stated her car flipped and hit a tree. It is not clear who posted the update on Isom’s Facebook page. “She’s just getting back, so she’s in the process of seeing our doctors,” Lee said. “She’s pretty beat and bruised for sure.”
Isom has shined as one of the young stars of the soccer team. In just two years, she has already set the record for most shutouts by an LSU goalkeeper. The exact timetable for Isom’s return is still up in the air. “You never want that to happen, and certainly from a playing perspective she’s got plenty of time to heal up and rest before we’re getting back to full throttle,” Lee said.
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
PAGE 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009
FOOTBALL
Bowlers wait for decisions on opponents, destinations Crimson Tide, Fl. Gators go for title By Amos Morale Sports Contributor
Vanderbilt (2-10, 0-8) and Mississippi State (5-7, 3-5) are the only Southeastern Conference football teams staying home this postseason. For the rest of the SEC, this week will be when postseason destinations are decided. The SEC’s bowl-eligible teams await the results of various conference championship games to see whom and where they will play. No. 1 Florida (12-0, 8-0) and No. 2 Alabama (12-0, 8-0) meet in the Georgia Dome on Saturday to decide which team will take home the SEC championship and a trip to the BCS national title game. Both teams have undefeated records, and both coaches are seeking their third SEC title. “To finally get our goal was very simple, to get to Atlanta,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said in the SEC
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / The Associated Press
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, right, fights back tears after embracing coach Urban Meyer during the introduction of seniors before playing Florida State Saturday.
Football Championship Game media teleconference. “Now we’ve got to go and play a very good team.” The Crimson Tide’s Heisman Trophy candidate, sophomore running back Mark Ingram, went down with an injury in Alabama’s victory against Auburn last Saturday, but Alabama coach Nick Saban said the running back should be ready for the championship game. “I think he’ll be fine,” Saban
said. “We don’t think he has a significant problem. I think those things are a little bit painful, especially when you first get them. And it was late in the game when it happened, and he just never really had an opportunity to go back in.” The loser of the SEC title game is projected to play in the Sugar Bowl. CBSsports.com projects either No. 5 Cincinnati or No. 4 TCU to fill the other spot depending on the
outcome of the contest between Cincinnati and No. 15 Pittsburgh, where the Big East title is on the line. Saban said he hasn’t thought about the possibility of not playing a conference title game and having this game simply be the national title game. “It’s not the way it is,” Saban said. “So we kind of need to play this game, and I’m sure they feel the same way about it, to have an opportunity to go on to the next step.” There will be an SEC representative in the Papajohns.com Bowl, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the AT&T Cotton Bowl, the Capital One Bowl, the Outback Bowl, the Chickfil-A Bowl, the Independence Bowl and the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, thanks to the SEC’s bowl tieins. Ole Miss has reportedly accepted a bid to play in the Cotton Bowl and will face Oklahoma State on Jan. 2 in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. CBSsports.com projects Arkansas (7-5, 3-5) to make the journey to Memphis, Tenn., to face the Conference USA champion in the
Liberty Bowl. The Razorbacks are coming off of a 33-30 overtime loss against LSU. East Carolina (8-4, 7-1 C-USA) faces No. 21 Houston (10-2, 6-2 C-USA) for the conference title Saturday. CBSsports.com currently has Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl squaring off against Air Force. East Carolina is projected to play in the Liberty Bowl. Tennessee (7-5, 4-4) is projected to play the ACC’s second choice in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. The ACC champion receives an automatic bid to the Orange Bowl. No. 10 Georgia Tech (10-2, 7-1 ACC) meets Clemson (8-4, 6-2 ACC) for the ACC title Saturday. Auburn (7-5, 3-5) is projected to tackle the Big Ten’s third-ranked team, Wisconsin, in the Outback Bowl. South Carolina is projected to matchup with South Florida in the Papajohns.com bowl. LSU is expected to play in the Capital One Bowl on Jan.1 at noon. Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com
UREC
All-campus championships end fall intramurals Spring registration begins Monday By Jonathan Schexnayder Sports Contributor
With University students going through dead week and finals approaching, University Recreation is also in a slow period. League championships for flag football and sand volleyball took place before Thanksgiving break. In the flag football all-campus championships, ACACIA beat Loose Cannons, 27-24. “It was actually a really good game,” said Todd Smith, UREC graduate assistant for leagues and tournaments. “They ended up scoring in the last minute of play. It was a good back-and-forth game.” Loose Cannons won the men’s open division with a 33-18 victory against Skadoosh to reach the allcampus round. ACACIA took the Fraternity
division by defeating Sigma Nu “A,” 32-7. “They really kind of grown and developed as a team over the season,” Smith said of Loose Cannons. Smith said ACACIA plans on participating in the American Collegiate Intramural Sports Flag Football National Championships on Dec. 28-31 at the University of New Orleans. “Any team can go to that if they want, but we provide for the winner,” Smith said. Crossfire beat Zeta Tau Alpha, 33-14, to win the women’s division. In the co-rec division, That’s What She Said defeated BCM Monsters, 12-6, for the championship.
Matt Boyer, UREC assistant director for leagues and tournaments, said Crossfire and That’s What She Said are also interested in representing LSU at national tournament in New Orleans. In co-rec sand volleyball, Blue Barracudas claimed the division championship with a two sets to one win against Four Play. In the soccer all-campus championship, Kappa Sigma beat Whatchuknowaboutit, 2-0. Whatchuknowaboutit got there by taking the men’s division with a 2-0 victory against Niupy FC. Kappa Sigma took the Fraternity league with a 1-0 win against ACACIA. Spring sport registration will begin Monday and end Jan. 20.
The first session sports in the spring are basketball, 4-on-4 flag football and 7-on-7 soccer, in addition to team tennis, table tennis, dodgeball and racquetball. “It’s kind of thrown our schedule in a bind,” Boyer said of the quick registration turnaround. “We’ve got to start sooner.” Boyer said flag football was extended from a two-week tournament to a spring league. Dodgeball was added to the list of leagues after originally not being scheduled. Boyer said anticipated spring schedules will be posted tomorrow on the UREC Web site. All leagues will guarantee four games – three regular season games
and one playoff game. Interested participants must be a full-time student or UREC member. Smith said registration forms can be turned at the front desk at the complex. Captain’s meetings are tentatively set for Jan. 21. “The Rec. is open during [winter] break,” Smith said. “They can come and drop off registration during the break.” Smith said the complex will be open during the break for those who want to use it, as long as weather permits.
Contact Jonathan Schexnayder at jschexnayder@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009
FOOTBALL
Fans divided between Iowa, Penn State in LSU bowl projections Miles anticipates possible 10th win By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer
LSU football coach Les Miles is a man of many great phrases. When asked shortly after LSU’s overtime victory against Arkansas who he would like to play in a bowl game and where he would like to play, Miles wasn’t hesitant with his specific answer. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity for the 10th
Katelyn Leonard
victory at a bowl game of our team’s liking,” he said. “Any opponent. Any great, warm environment. Any area within the sound of my voice this football team will look forward to playing the best opponent we can get.” But now that the question is more of whom the Tigers will play rather than where the Tigers will play, students are fairly split but more loquacious than Miles. Many bowl projections put LSU against either Iowa or Penn State in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on New Year’s Day. The bowl normally puts the Big Ten’s second best team
‘We’re going to step up our game to whoever we play. It will be a challenge either way.’
kinesiology sophomore
against the Southeastern Conference’s second-best team. Because the SEC will likely put two teams in BCS games, LSU is left as the recipient of the bid for the Capital One Bowl. If Iowa receives a BCS atlarge selection, LSU would likely see the Nittany Lions and coach Joe Paterno for the first time since a 16-9 loss in the 1974 Orange Bowl. “I would rather see Penn State because it’s two big-name programs facing off with one another,” said Paul Fontenot, mass BOWL, see page 14
Paul Fontenot
‘I would rather see Penn State because it’s two big-name programs facing off with one another.’
mass communication sophomore
CLUB SPORTS
Equestrian team prepares for good showing at nationals Riders to compete against 25 schools By Katherine Terrell Sports Contributor
The LSU equestrian team has been practicing this semester with one goal in mind: qualify for and compete well at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s national competition. The equestrian team is a club sport consisting of 21 riders whose experience on horseback ranges from life-long to almost none. The members practice every week at Ravenwood Stables, located 20 minutes outside campus. The team’s vice president, plant and soil systems senior Emily Taylor, said the goal is to not only make it to nationals but also have a good showing. Taylor said the team went to nationals in Los Angeles two years ago but didn’t place in any events. The size of the classes, height of jumps and caliber of horses were much different than what they were used to seeing. “We were a little overwhelmed,” Taylor said. “It was very intimidating.” Taylor said she thinks the team can compete well at nationals now that they’ve been there before.
“There’s no doubt in my mind we should be top tier,” Taylor said. “I think this year is going to be a good year for us.” Taylor said the club holds tryouts every August and tries to take as many people as possible, but they are limited by the number of horses available. The number of riders is usually around 20 because the team uses horses privately boarded at Ravenwood.
Taylor said finding and retaining dedicated members who can ride well is sometimes a struggle. Members must put up their own money for lessons and travel. “We want to take the people who seem the most committed, but we want people with skills,” Taylor said. “As a sports club, it’s great for people to get out there RIDING, see page 14
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Entertainment
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
A Southern Christmas Cajun French and Creoles celebrate unique tradition, heritage during Christmas season
By Jake Clapp
PAGE 9
HOLIDAY
Holden to kick off Festival of Lights By Emily Slack Entertainment Writer
Entertainment Writer
Will Dunckelman is proud of his heritage. Dunckelman, who is of Cajun French descent, loves the distinct background of his Cajun family, especially the Christmas traditions he grew up with and still practices. Dunckelman, political science sophomore, was born and raised in Houma in a strong Cajun and Catholic community. He remembers all his family’s special customs. “There are some very unique traditions in the Cajun community,” said Dunckelman, who founded a Facebook group for the Association for the Advancement of Cajun-Americans. “There are things I remember doing as a small child that I still do today and will definitely do with my own family.” Christmas is historically an important time of the year for family, food and festivities for Cajuns and Creoles, said Steve Fullen, executive director at BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation. Cajuns are the descendants of French-speaking settlers who migrated from Nova Scotia. Creoles are the descendants of French, Spanish and African immigrants who settled in Louisiana. While Cajun French and Creoles are different groups, many of their traditions are similar. “A lot of what we know about Christmas is distinctly English,” Fullen said. “But the Creole community has historically had very different traditions, many of which have carried over to today.” Fullen said a traditional Creole Christmas centers on the family and includes deep Catholic traditions, such as midnight mass, bonfires, a meal of wild game and fowl, sweets and fireworks. “Christmas is extremely important to the Creole community, largely because of its Catholic CAJUN, see page 12
photos courtesy of STEVE FULLEN
[Above left] The parlor of BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation is decorated as it would have appeared for Christmas in the 1800s. [Above] Actors reenact a traditional Creole dance last Christmas at BREC’s Magnolia Mound Plantation. Many Cajun French and Creoles continue historical holiday traditions.
The streets of downtown Baton Rouge will light up with a half million Christmas lights Friday night when Mayor-President Kip Holden helps kick off the Downtown Festival of Lights. The Festival is an annual Christmas celebration that features free, family-friendly activities like a skating rink and shopping at nearby businesses. The Downtown Development District, an organization that works to develop downtown Baton Rouge, is sponsoring the festival. “[The Louisiana Art and Science Museum] is participating because it’s a great way to give back to the community, and of course everyone loves Christmas,” said Elizabeth Tadie, director of marketing at LASM. Participating businesses include the LSU Museum of Art, the Old State Capitol, the Old Governor’s Mansion and other local businesses. Each business is donating a part of its proceeds to local charities. “Right now at the museum we have several Andy Warhol pieces in the gallery, so we made a Christmas tree out of 300 Campbell’s Soup cans that will later be donated to the Baton Rouge Area Food Bank,” said LeAnne Russo, FESTIVAL, see page 12
TECHNOLOGY
Blu-ray disc, player sales picking up holiday steam DVDs still dominating home video market By Alex White Entertainment Writer
The holiday season doesn’t come without plenty of cheer, eggnog and new technology to dazzle the consumer’s eye. The newest home video format, the high-definition Blu-ray disc, has become a big high-tech buy this holiday season. While the format made its debut on U.S. store shelves more than three years ago, prices have come down significantly from the first player’s $1,000 price tag. Prices have dropped low enough
for Walmart to offer a $78 Blu-ray week and only 14.3 percent of player during its Black Friday sale sales the previous week, said C.S. last week. Stowbridge, writer “I was going for The-Numbers. to get the Blu-ray ‘I bought regular DVDs com, a leading player Walmart movie data news [on Black Friday] Web site. had on Black Friday, but the line for “I bought because Blu-ray is still regular them was way too DVDs [on long,” said BrittaBlack Friday] betoo expensive.’ ny McCray, sports cause Blu-ray is Brittany McCray administration justill too expensive,” sports administration junior nior. “I was more McCray said. concerned about But, sales of getting my 42-inch TV instead.” the high-definition disc have started While more affordable this to pick up steam. Sales numbers holiday season, the Blu-ray disc from last weekend show Blu-ray lags far behind DVD sales, with sales were up 164 percent from the Blu-rays only accounting for 16.8 BLU-RAY, see page 12 percent of home video sales last
‘‘
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Best Buy employee Anthonise McMorris discusses the advantages of Blu-ray on Tuesday morning at Best Buy on Millerville Road in Baton Rouge.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 10
MUSIC
Former student Cohen Hartman manages independent label eastern Louisiana University in looks for talent — all bring their 2004 and is currently lead singer own expertise to the label. Ourso, who graduated from and guitarist for The Mysterious Southeastern with a degree in Stranger, a local indie rock band. “Cohen’s been working mass communication, said he plans to incorpowith our band By Ben Bourgeois rate video content The Mysterious Entertainment Writer into the label. Stranger, and I “I want to Eighteen months ago, former brought him into get someone on University student Cohen Hart- Shadow’s spacmaybe local acman decided to trade exams and es,” Ourso said. cess television,” projects for songwriting and pro- “Now, we actuhe said. “We’ll ally have a studucing. have a YouTube After spending a semester at dio and not just a channel where all the University as a general studies room to play in.” Jason Ourso our content will Phantom Parmajor in 2007, Hartman decided Phantom Party Records be archived, and to forego another semester and ty initially started label executive the show will be dedicate more time touring and with local bands an easy way to writing with his band, Cohen & Cohen & the Ghost, England in 1819 and Prom get everybody in. We want to give the Ghost. “We were already getting Date, the winner of Students on everyone some television expoabout 150 people at our shows,” Target’s 2009 Battle of the Bands sure.” Arbour, who is in charge of Hartman said. “I knew it was go- competition. The label has since added The merchandising and prints for the ing to be hard to balance school and touring and everything, so I Mysterious Stranger, Pollypry and label, said he is excited with how the label is progressing thanks to just dropped out to work on writ- Norcio in recent months. “We were the last band to everyone’s input. ing.” “I’m really amazed how it’s The band spent months get put on the label, and it’s been working out coming together — it’s no longer playing shows great so far,” Cohen and I working at a record around the state said Sam Clai- label,” he said. “Every band we in support of tor, bass player bring has a level of expertise on their debut refor Norcio and some aspect of the label. We all lease, “Paper a graphic de- work together and bring someMoon,” promptsign freshman thing different to the table.” ing Cohen to With six bands on the label at the Univerfocus on music sity. “Cohen’s and many of them with new reand producing helping us a leases in the works, Claitor said full time. lot with getting he thinks they have potential for “I’d see [our music] out serious success. these local bands “There are 6 bands on the lathere — he puts who would be it on Amazon. bel who are decently well-known really good and Cohen Hartman com and iTunes for original music in Baton Rouge, had potential,” and we play together and promote he said. “When Co-founder of Phantom Party Records for us.” H a r t m a n , one another,” he said. “We’re mixthey got to be who mostly ing fans — I feel like we can get a 24 or 25, they’d break up because they would all deals with recording and publish- music scene going.” ing the label’s music, said he and go in different directions.” Learning to play numerous his fellow Phantom Party execuContact Ben Bourgeois at instruments and working in a stu- tives — Ben Allen, the label phobbourgeois@lsureveille.com dio since he was a teenager, Hart- tographer, and Chase Parrish, who man took interest in forming an independent record label in Baton Rouge. After months of exchanging ideas with Cohen & the Ghost bass player and avid screen printer Derek Arbour, the pair formed Phantom Party Records in March 2009, Hartman said. “I’ve been a screen printer for three or four years now, before I had the slightest imagining of getting into a label,” said Arbour, a general studies senior at the University. “I met Cohen through making shirts for him and eventually joined the band, and ever since it’s been a natural progression to do merch[andise] for our friends.” Phantom Party had its beginnings in Walker, La., at Arbour’s screen printing shop Silky Screens. After a few months at the studio, the label moved its headquarters to Shadow Broadcast Services on Waco Avenue, Hartman said. Jason Ourso, a label executive at Phantom Party, works at Shadow and secured the space for the label, he said. Ourso graduated from South-
Six local bands represented
‘‘
‘Now, we actually have a studio and not just a room to play in.’
‘‘
‘I knew it was going to be hard to balance school and touring and everything, so I just
dropped out to work on writing.’
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 11
HOLIDAY
University students use winter break to travel, vacation Caribbean, Cancun popular destinations By Lindsay Nunez Entertainment Writer
Perry Como may claim there is no place like home for the holidays, but some University students beg to differ. With more than a month of winter vacation time, many students will take advantage of the break and venture to distant and exciting destinations. Lauren Berg, biology junior, and Claire Berg, accounting freshmen, will take a three-hour flight to Costa Rica during winter break with their family. The sisters will spend 11 days exploring the exotic country with guided excursions led by Tauck Tours. They will participate in canopy walks, zip-line riding, volcano explorations and take riverboat rides through the jungle. The Berg family departs for their trip Dec. 28. They said they didn’t mind being out of the country for New Year’s Eve, but they want to be home for their family’s Christmas celebration, Lauren Berg said. “There really is no place like home for the holidays,” said Tom Pollock, Regional Sales
Manager for the AAA travel agenOverall, travel has dropped 60 cy on Bluebonnet. “But technology percent since 2000, Pollock said. has opened more venues for travel- This is mainly because of rising ing and is allowing people separat- plane ticket prices and decreases ed by great distances to reconnect in money allotted for travel in peoand create new experiences in new ple’s personal budgets caused by places.” the recession. Like the Bergs, “Economic many holiday travconditions have elers will journey really dictated how to Mexico or othmuch people traver Caribbean hot el,” Pollock said. spots. The warm “Flights, cruises climate appeals to and tourism in vacationers who general — numseek to escape the bers are down.” winter chill, PolIn addition, lock said. reduced capacity Tom Pollock C a n c u n , regional sales manager, AAA travel on airplane flights Mexico, is one of and additional bagagency the most popular gage charges influabroad winter vacation destina- enced the dropped rate of travel by tions, Pollock said. During the holi- air, Pollock said. day season, hotels and resorts in the The number of passengers Caribbean compete with each other flying in the United States has deto provide travelers with the best creased 7.9 percent since 2008, and deals for their money. the number of airplane departures All-inclusive cruises have also has decreased by 9.3 percent, acbecome a popular option for holi- cording to the Research and Inday travelers. Cruises provide en- novative Technology Administratertainment for people of all ages, tion’s Bureau of Transportation making them particularly appealing Statistics. during the family-centered holiday Despite the overall drop, a 1.4 season, said Judy Nicholson, senior percent increase took place in autravel consultant for Malcolm Trav- tomobile travel since 2008, Pollock el & Cruise on Florida Boulevard. said. Walt Disney World is another “More people are beginning to popular vacation spot for Louisiana travel domestically,” said Nicholresidents, Nicholson said. son. “With airline ticket prices so
‘‘
‘There really is no place like home for the holidays, but technology has opened more venues for traveling.’
high, long car rides are starting to look more appealing.” Total travel and tourism related spending decreased by 4.5 percent in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. To find the best travel deals,
Pollock advised to thoroughly search online for competitive rates. Traveling on Christmas or New Year’s Day can also potentially decrease travel costs. If traveling by automobile, TRAVEL, see page 12
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 12
African Diaspora communities. Many of the traditions practraditions,” Fullen said. “In his- ticed in Creole and Cajun commutoric times, the holiday was im- nities in the past have carried over portant enough to completely shut through the generations, though down a working plantation, some- many have melded with Anglican traditions, Fullen thing that rarely said. ever happened. Several UniFor slaves, who versity students were raised Cathostill practice the lic, Christmas was same traditions important enough as their ancestors. to have time off, Bonfires can be and if it was that still be seen along important to them, the Mississippi it was even more River on Christso for the planter mas Day, lighting class.” the way for “Père BREC’s MagNoel,” and many nolia Mound PlanWill Dunckelman families still shoot tation, located at political science sophomore off fireworks. 2161 Nicholson For Matthew Lafleur, ChristDrive, was once a working FrenchCreole plantation and today hosts mas is always a time to get togethtours and exhibits of Creole life er with his family. “I think more than most famibetween 1800 and the 1830s. The plantation is decorated lies we have a strong sense of towith traditional Creole trimmings getherness,” the education graduand incorporates Christmas tradi- ate student said. “I’m not saying tions into its tour for the Christmas that everyone always gets along season. It has also opened an ex- with everyone else, but there is hibit exploring Christmas customs definitely a sense of duty when it and practices in Southern Louisi- comes to getting together during ana, especially those practiced by the holidays. I think that stems
CAJUN, from page 9
‘‘
‘We incorporated American traditions in, but these Cajun traditions are what stick out ... and it is traditions like these I want to preserve.’’
FESTIVAL, from page 9
a manager of the LSU Museum of Art Museum Store. Russo said the gift store will host a trunk show featuring five artists. Russo expects about 1,000 customers to come through the store during the festival. “Since we’re right here [in the downtown area], there’s traffic that comes through, and people come from all over to see the Festival,” Russo said. “It’s a great way for our artists to get their work out there.” LASM will host a showing of its program, Holiday Music Magic, as well as a Christmas ornamentdecorating workshop for children. All the events are free when
BLU-RAY, from page 9
same week last year, — the bestselling week the format has seen in its history, accounting for $41 million in consumer spending. Total Blu-ray revenues are up 137 percent from this time last year as well, according to Home Media Magazine data. Purchasing a Blu-ray player to pair with an HDTV is high on the list this holiday season and in the future for consumers like McCray. “I have two HDTVs in my
TRAVEL, from page 11
Pollock said people should make sure the vehicle is in good mechanical shape. Also, try to avoid traveling in icy weather, Pollock said, or choose a driver with experience in such conditions. If flying, travelers should acquire boarding passes at least the day before the flight and arrive at the airport two hours early to ensure all flight information is correct, Nicholson said. According to RITA, 3.26 percent of flights are canceled per
from the Cajun culture – that although you may not always get along with your family members, it’s your responsibility to be there for them and respect them.” Dunckelman said one of the most important traditions in a Cajun French home was the crèche, or nativity scene. Dunckelman and his family gather every Christmas Eve at his grandfather’s house around the crèche and watch as the youngest member of the family lay the baby Jesus in the manger. Dunckelman and his family would then go to midnight mass in at a small Cajun church before returning home to open presents. “We incorporated American traditions in, but these Cajun traditions are what stick out,” Dunckelman said. “To me it’s integral I incorporate these traditions into the family I have one day. Cajun culture is definitely fading away, and it is traditions like these I want to preserve.”
Contact Jake Clapp at jclapp@lsureveille.com
patrons bring in a toy donation. “The Festival has been going Festival activities will include on for about ten years, and everythe live band After thing is free to the 8, caroling at the public,” said Gabe Old State Capitol ‘Participating in [the Vicknair, events and live nativand marketing coFestival] is a great ordinator for the ity scenes at local churches. Develway to give back to Downtown Kayla Brewer, opment District. Old State Capitol Vicknair said the community ...’ intern, said 4,000 the festival will Elizabeth Tadie visitors are extake place mostly director of marketing, LASM pected to visit the on Third Street, Capitol for the carand there will be oling and to see Santa in the Senate a Christmas decoration contest bechamber. tween the businesses and churches In addition to shopping, pa- in the downtown area. trons can also take part in the free ice skating rink inside the River Contact Emily Slack at Center or the six tons of snow proeslack@lsureveille.com vided outside.
‘‘
apartment, so it would make sense to [buy a Blu-ray player].” McCray said. The falling prices of HDTVs have been the driving force the increase in sales of Blu-ray players and discs, according to Bruce Leichtman, President of Leichtman Research, Inc. In 2006, HDTVs were found in one of six households, and now the ratio is 50 percent of households, according to Leichtman. Besides lower HDTV prices, money-saving deals and programs
have contributed to the consumer desire to switch to Blu-ray. Warner Brothers recently launched a program called DVD2BLU where consumers can send in old DVDs of some movies like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” and receive the Blu-ray disc of the movie for prices as low as $7.99.
year. Nicholson also advises people flying or cruising to purchase $30 travel insurance. There is a $150 minimum to reschedule a flight and a no-refund policy if a cruise is missed. “The holidays are an emotional time of year,” Pollock said. “So keep it simple. Don’t put yourself in a time constraint, and make sure to allow for time to really enjoy the holidays.” Student Government, Campus Transit and First Transit will provide transportation for students to
the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after finals week. Students will be picked up from the Agriculture Parking Lot by Parker Coliseum. Transportation costs $20 for the bus ride to the New Orleans Airport and $10 for the bus ride to Baton Rouge Airport.
Contact Alex White at awhite@lsureveille.com
Contact Lindsay Nunez at lnunez@lsureveille.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
thursday DECEMBER 3 Mellow Mushroom 2 for 1 Draft Live Music at 10pm Plucker’s Wing Bar Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Plucker’s Lemonades Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wednesday: Trivia at 8PM. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Plucker’s Lemonades Fred’s Bar Ladies Night 8-10 $2.50 Bud Select and Michelob Ultra Friday: Fred’s Facebook Fridays 8-10 $2 Shots 12-2 Bogie’s Thursday: Ladies Free Till 12’ $1 High Life till 10, $2 SoCo Shots and $4 Double Wells All Night.
• advertise your event and specials for as low as $5 a day! • RAVE MOTION PICTURES DECEMBER 4th-DECEMBER 6th WWW.RAVEMOTIONPICTURES.COM Baton Rouge 16 Mall of Louisiana 15 I-12@ O’Neal 225-769-5176 I-10@ Mall of LA Exit 225-769-5176 ** 2012 PG13 11:45, 3:40, 7:10, 10:35 **Archive Screening: East Anglia’s Steam Years 11:10, 12:05, 2:25, 4:25, 5;20, 7:55, 10:10, 10:50 **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 11:00, 1:00, 2:20, 3:55, 5:15, 7:15, 8:20, 10:15 **BROTHERS R 11:30, 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:30 **DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3D PG 11:50, 12:25, 2:10, 4:45, 7:35, 10:00 **EVERYBODY’S FINE PG13 11:15, 1:45, 4:30, 7:00, 9:45 **FANTASTIC MR. FOX PG 11:25, 1:40, 4:20, 7:05, 9:55 **NINJA ASSASSIN R 12:10, 4:15, 8:10, 10:40 OLD DOGS PG 11:20, 1:50, 2:45, 4:0, 5:25, 7:20, 8:25, 9:50, 10:45 **PLANET 51 PG 11:40, 2:05, 4:50, 7:40, 10:20 **PRECIOUS R 12:15, 4:10, 7:50, 10:25 **TRANSYLMANIA R 12:20, 2:50, 5:30, 8:30, 10:55 ** THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON 11:05, 1:30, 2:00, 5:10, 7:30, 8:15, 11:00 PG13
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 4:00-5:30 PM 8:00-9:30 PM
** 2012 PG13 12:30M 4:20, 8:20 **Archive Screening: East Anglia’s Steam Years 11:30, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15 **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 11:15, 12:5, 2:30, 7:00, 7:40, 10:30 **BROTHERS R 12:00, 4:15, 7:45, 10:45 **DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3D PG 11:05, 12:25, 2:05, 4:55, 7:35, 10:25 **EVERYBODY’S FINE PG13 11:45, 4:30, 7:30, 10:15 **FANTASTIC MR. FOX PG 11:20, 2:20, 5:05, 7:55, 10:40 ** NINJA ASSASSIN R 11:55, 4:45, 7:25, 10:20 OLD DOGS PG 11:25, 2:10, 4:00, 5:10, 7:10, 8:10, 9:50, 10:50 **PLANET 51 PG 12:40, 4:25, 7:20, 10:10 ** PRECIOUS R 12:10, 4:40, 7:50, 10:55 **THE ROAD R 11:00, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 11:00 **THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON 11:10, 2:25, 4:10, 6:50, 10:05, 11:05 PG13
The Ugly Truth Year One The Orphan Angels and Demons
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CINEMA SPONSORS
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Reveille Ranks
MUSIC MOVIES BOOKS TELEVISION
Old Dogs Everybody’s Fine The Twilight Films and Walt Disney Miramax Films Saga: New Moon Tapestry Pictures Summit Entertainment
American remakes of acclaimed foreign films don’t always capture what made them work in the first place — but most American remakes don’t have Robert DeNiro leading an all-star cast including Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale. Director Kirk Jones’ remake of the 1990 film ”Stanno Tutti Bene” follows the main character Frank’s road trip to reconnect with his grown kids and his discoveries of how much they’ve changed. “Everybody’s Fine” is certainly more bleak and serious than many of the films coming out this Christmas season, but DeNiro’s quiet performance is definitely moving.
The highly anticipated release of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” brought hordes of screaming tweens to the movies, but people with the faintest idea of what constitutes a good movie will be disappointed. It continues the story of Bella Swan and her love for vampire Edward Cullen — but with the added twist of werewolf Jacob Black. The acting surpasses “Twilight,” but it’s not exceptional. There are a few redeeming qualities, though. Have you heard about Taylor Lautner’s body in this? Hot. But vampire lovers will be disappointed by the stripper-glitter rendition of a vampire.
With a strong cast including John Travolta and Robin Williams, it’s easy to anticipate another hilarious film product of great actors. However, “Old Dogs” did not deliver. The film’s attempt at slapstick comedy produced humorous moments but for the most part, the jokes were generic and over done. Williams and Travolta tried too hard to be funny, which could be expected when the script gave them little room to work. Travolta’s daughter, Ella Bleau, is adorable and consistently upstages the comedy icons.
B. BOURGEOIS
C. VOGELS
L. NUNEZ
The Bravery
The Road
Westlife
[B+] [D] [C]
Stir in the Blood
2929 Productions
Island Records
Where We Are Syco/ Sony
After listening to The Bravery’s lead singer Sam Endicott’s lifeless and subtly creepy lyrics about loveless sexual encounters, one might wonder what direction the band is going. Mostly an indistinguishable mush of new-wave punk rock, “Stir the Blood” isn’t really going to stir much of anything — or anyone, for that matter. It’s certainly a departure from the band’s previous albums, which were mostly generic tracks about love and heartbreak. It seems The Bravery is frustrated with their usual schtick. If anything the songs are useful as background music for the dance floor.
Nuclear bombs, zombies, meteors, 2012 — there are a million and one ways the world can end and leave humans in a ravaged world to fend for themselves. Post-apocalyptic survival movies have been done time and time again. A family must learn to survive in a world destroyed and civilization gone. But no film has ever, or will ever, come close to the cold desolation and isolation in “The Road.” Based on the book of the same name, the film follows an unnamed father and son as they travel a road to the sea, years after an unknown population-destroying disaster. The film is a powerful display of human survival, marvelously acted and worth seeing.
The Irish boy band that has become the world’s third-best selling pop band of all time, returns with “Where We Are.” The album, while bursting out of its seams with romantic ballads, lacks much distinctiveness musically and relies on massive amounts of production instead. But there is no denying the vocal talent these four Irishmen have, particularly the vocals of defacto leader Shane Filan. While the album will annoy many with its bland sound, “Where We Are” does feature a few somewhat enjoyable tracks like the title cut, “Shadows” and “The Difference.” A more impressive album is needed though before the band makes its planned trek to the States.
E. SLACK
J. CLAPP
A. WHITE
[C-] [A-] [C-]
PAGE 13
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 14 BOWL, from page 7
communication sophomore. But if the BCS gives Iowa’s potential bid to another school, LSU would likely face the Hawkeyes for the first time since a 2005 loss to them in the Capital One Bowl, which proved to be Nick Saban’s last game at the helm of the program. Some fans are simply apathetic. “As long as they win, I don’t care,” said Filmon Belay, engineering freshman. Katelyn Leonard, kinesiology sophomore, said she doesn’t think it will be Miles’ last game, but she added she doesn’t have a preference who LSU plays. “We’re going to step up our game to whoever we play,” Leonard said. “It will be a challenge either way.” Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
RIDING, from page 7
and ride horses, but it’s kind of expensive and people have trouble understanding that.” Taylor said Janet Talmadge, the owner of Ravenwood, allows some members pay for their lessons by cleaning stalls or feeding the horses. “We have a great relationship with Janet,” Taylor said. The team is a member of the IHSA and competes against 25 other schools in its zone. Under
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
up. We won, and believe me I’m happy, but I know what the big picture is.” The big picture Johnson referred to is LSU’s current 4-2 record. The Tigers’ next four opponents seem to be winnable games against Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls State and Rice, respectively. Then comes the hard part. Johnson and company travel to Seattle on Dec. 22 to face Washington State, then hop to Cincinnati to play Xavier. Utah comes to Baton Rouge on Jan. 2. The Utes pounded LSU, 91-61, last season in Baton Rouge. After what looks to be a tune-up against McNeese State, the SEC season begins. Some of the hangover from the Garden dragged into Tuesday’s game. Mitchell logged a seasonhigh 26 points, and Warren nabbed a season-high 16 boards — but the game was nothing to build on. Johnson was peeved at the lack
of energy shown Tuesday. Cajuns, but he was visibly hobbled “It’s just beyond me,” Johnson by the injury and shot just 4-of-13 said. “We’re home — we should be and had four turnovers. jumping up and down. I didn’t see “He’s got plenty of time to get any of that out off of it [his ankle], there tonight.” but he has to be disLSU has ciplined in his aponly managed proach,” Johnson said. to shoot a putrid “He turned the ankle, 38 percent from but I believe he was at the field and 63 the football game. If I percent from have a bad ankle, I’m the free throw at home. On ice.” line in its last Johnson isn’t three games. concerning himself Throw in Spentoo much with the Ticer’s injured gers’ maladies. He’s Tasmin Mitchell ankle, Garrett focused on working Green’s myriad with what is availLSU senior forward of injuries and able. Aaron Dotson’s “I just want [athrecovering knee, and the Tigers are letic trainer] Shawn [Eddy] to tell literally limping into the break. me who’s ready to go, and whoever Spencer’s ankle has the most shows up at practice will pass and people worried around LSU. The catch, and we’ll do things right,” junior injured it during the UConn Johnson said. game in New York and sat out Contact Chris Branch at against Arizona State. Spencer did play Tuesday against the Ragin’ cbranch@lsureveille.com
IHSA rules, all shows require the rider to draw a random horse and compete without warming up and with unfamiliar tack. This is also known as “catch riding.” It works by having the judges evaluate the difficulty level of horses, giving more difficult horses to the riders with the most experience. During competition, the judges grade riders based on how well they handle the horse, ignoring anything the horse does wrong that wasn’t the fault of the rider.
Learning how to ride a horse is a difficult task in itself. Catch riding adds a new level of challenge. “Learning how to be a good catch rider on an unfamiliar horse is much more difficult than learning how to put in a perfect round on a horse you have ridden many times before,” said coach Leaf Boswell, a graduate student working on a Ph.D. in biological sciences. “Catch riding is a way to even the playing field in competition. Boswell has her riders
BREAK, from page 5
‘‘
‘I think we just have to get better, go to practice, come back with a sense of urgency and play with more intensity.’
alternate the horses they ride in practice to prepare them for shows. “In a non-intercollegiate setting typically a rider always rides the same horse,” coach Leaf Boswell said. “In our practices I do my best to make them ride a different horse each time so they are always adapting to something new.” Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com
VIOLATIONS, from page 5
Bahnsen said the NCAA distinguishes between a major violation and a minor violation and levies punishments accordingly. “A major infraction is one in which the NCAA would take more severe actions with sanctions,” Bahnsen said. “It doesn’t mean that secondary violations collectively would not raise it to a level of a major violation. It’s hard to describe what is secondary and what is major. The intent is a big factor.” When asked whether violations regarding a coach and a player in the football program had emerged before, Bahnsen did not mention specifics, but he said they are not novel occurrences. “There are often a lot of these violations that occur that involve both player and coach,” he said. The LSU men’s basketball team was placed on probation for one year and allowed no initial grants in the 1987-1988 season after a violation involving improper recruiting entertainment and extra benefits, among other things. An assistant coach was also “reprimanded and restricted in his recruiting activities,” according to the Legislative Services Database. In 1998, another NCAA violation surfaced in which the men’s basketball team was placed on probation for three years and forced to reduce financial aid awards and official visits because of “impermissible recruiting.” The team also had to forfeit wins from the 1996-1997 season in which the involved student-athlete participated, the database said. Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009 DISABILITIES, from page 1
type of accommodations students with disabilities receive. “We get documentation, look at the scores, meet with the student, see the accommodations they’re requesting ... and help make sure they get those accommodations,” Cornwell said. Cornwell said the most common accommodations are priority registration, extended time on tests and class note taking. Other accommodations include a distractionreduced environment for testing, E-text, a reader, a scribe, recorded lectures, spell checker, consideration for spelling and the use of a computer. Jones said she goes to the ODS in Johnston Hall to take her tests. She said she is eligible for the notetaking accommodation, but she prefers taking her own notes. “I don’t want to be dependent on someone else for notes,” Jones said. “I’ve learned to cope and make it work for me.” Jones said she takes Vyvanse medication to control her ADHD symptoms. She said the medication helps her focus, but does not help her dyslexia. Cornwell said Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD are different types of learning disabilities. “ADD/ADHD is problem with attention, the ability to stay focused and concentrate,” he said. “A learning disability is more of an information processing problem.” As of October, 966 students are registered with the ODS. There are 154 University students with learning disabilities. Three hundred and eighty-five students have some type of attention deficit disorder, 22 students are deaf or hardof-hearing, 180 students have a psychological disorder and 225 students have some kind of physical or medical disability, including temporary conditions registered at the ODS. Cornwell said the ODS will register students anytime except for dead week and finals week, and by the end of finals this fall, the ODS will have proctored more than 2,000 exams. The Center for Academic Success also provides students
with learning and study strategies, tutorial sessions and supplemental instructions. “We are not counselors when it comes to specific accommodations, but we do work with [students] on strategies,” said Diane Mohler, learning strategies consultant in the Center for Academic Success. Mohler said the Center for Academic Success’ tutorial services covers biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Other subjects are covered online with SMARTHINKING, a free online tutoring service available on PAWS. Mohler said the study-strategies workshops, co-sponsored by Student Government, provide students with different learning strategies like “pre-viewing,” which allows students to let their brains see information in advance in a nonstressful environment, so that when they are in class, they see it more accurately. The Center for Academic Success’ Project COPE — Cognitive Outlook and Performance Evaluation — is a new program this semester to help students deal with stress from studies, which fills a need for students who experience more than the average amount of stress, Mohler said. When Jones transferred to the University, she studied studio art because she was more comfortable with drawing and painting. However, as she progressed, she developed a passion for reading and writing — the two subjects her disabilities hinder the most. “As I began reading more, it became a passion,” Jones said. “I had to start slow with children’s books, [and] now I read Jane Austen.” Jones plans to attend graduate school to get a master’s in education when she graduates. She said she wants to be an English teacher. “I don’t like calling it a disability,” Jones said. “I’m impaired in the sense of an academic way, but I’m able to succeed in ways some other people can’t or don’t understand.”
Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com
DIABETES, from page 1
but now she will even do it during class. And while she hasn’t had to miss a test or class at the University because of her diabetes, Ganey is registered with the Office of Disability Services, which gives her a letter of accommodation to give to professors. But Ganey said she checks her blood sugar about five times before each of her exams to make sure she’s ready to go. Ben Cornwell, director of LSU Disability Services, said 225 students at the University are registered as having a physical or medical disability, which can range from spinal cord injuries to epilepsy to diabetes. Cornwell said the University will work with diabetic students in dealing with things like absences
and scheduling courses around injection times. “A lot of diabetic students follow a rigid routine,” he said. After suffering two blood sugar-induced seizures — one of which sent her to the hospital with a minor concussion — Ganey said she understands the seriousness of diabetes. “That was really scary,” she said. “Before then, I didn’t realize [diabetes] could kill me. But when that happened, it was like, ‘I could just go to bed at night and not wake up.’” Julie Hupperich, associate director of the Student Health Center and registered dietician, said sleep is one of the hardest times to manage diabetes because it is such a long period of time to go without eating. About 30 students treated at the Student Health Center during the last year listed diabetes as a
PAGE 15 condition, Hupperich said. She said that number may seem smaller than expected because some students don’t seek treatment on campus. “Many college students who have diabetes have Type 1 which was diagnosed in childhood,” she said. “Therefore they have an established relationship with an endocrinologist off campus who manages their care.” She said while the Student Health Center doesn’t have an endocrinologist on staff, it is still a good resource for diabetic students because it offers free access to a dietician and physicians for students who pay the Student Health Center fee. All full-time students automatically pay the fee. Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 16
Thursday, December 3, 2009
MURDA, HE WROTE
StumbleUpon may save America from decline to illiteracy Earlier this month, the Nielsen Company released its quarterly statistics on television viewership in the U.S. The results? Americans are watching more TV than ever — more than four hours per day on average. And if Americans are watching more TV, you can guess what they are doing less of — reading. Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 spend just seven minutes per day reading for pleasure, according to a 2007 report by the National Endowment for the Arts. Now I’m not going to pass judgment on the people involved in the survey. This is America, damn it, and one of our God-given rights is to be unproductive with our disposable time. But that won’t stop me from feeling sorry for them. They clearly haven’t discovered how to waste their time effectively. They haven’t discovered StumbleUpon. StumbleUpon is the Pandora for
Termination of labor contracts an outrage School spirit is something that we Tigers take very seriously. Anyone will tell you that it’s an LSU staple to wear the gameday T-shirt or the purple and gold sweatshirt. What you may not know is that logo wear in your closet is likely one of thousands that a single worker in Honduras is paid the equivalent of $45 weekly to produce. Russell Athletics is one of the most recognized names in college logo active-wear. Until very recently, however, factories owned by Russell have gone unchecked in a slew of unfair work practices including, but not limited to, work days spanning well over 12 hours, unfair wages and punishing worker’s attempts at unionization. Last year, Russell shut down a Jerzees factory in Honduras that employed over 1,200 people in alleged retaliation to union activity. Known union organizers were also blacklisted, making any other employment in the area impossible. For nearly a year, these people had literally nowhere to go — that is, until last week. Because of increasing public pressure on Russell Athletics, the Jerzees factory in Honduras was reopened and the workers were rehired. Now, this may sound like a done deal. Like there’s nothing else that
the Internet. You install it on your Web browser, tell it which areas interest you and it starts recommending Web pages. You tell it whether you liked the site or not, and StumbleUpon begins profiling your interests to recommend better sites for you to visit. The result is an endless stream of relevant and interesting pages from around the Web. Depending on how you have your interests set, you will find that the sites you come across are genuinely attuned to your tastes. StumbleUpon sifts through the huge amount of information on the Internet to bring users quality and relevant information. Naturally, it can be pretty addicting. Instead of taking breaks from work to watch television, I’ve found myself Stumbling in short breaks. It has essentially been a substitute for my normal television viewing. Even though I substitute watching television with StumbleUpon, it’s you, a student in southern Louisiana, need to worry about. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the last decade, LSU has maintained a contract with the Worker’s Rights Consortium. The WRC is a third-party watchdog organization that, through the support of over 180 North American colleges, oversees company factories and ensures that basic worker’s rights are respected. Any university interested in membership can join with only a small fee (1 percent of its licensing profits or $50,000, whichever is less) and an annually renewed contract with the WRC. This year, LSU decided to terminate such a contract, one that it has upheld for 10 years. By this act, LSU is virtually washing its hands of any workplace abuses taking place in factories that turn out LSU merchandise. And that is where concerned students like you and me step in. School spirit means nothing if it completely ignores basic human rights such as a livable wage, decent working hours and conditions, and the freedom to unionize. It is up to us to let LSU know that we care where our clothes come from, and we have the power to make sure LSU maintains its contract with the WRC. That way we can be assured the LSU licensing department is doing everything in its power to support fair work practices in factories that churn out LSU apparel.
Editorial Board JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT
Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor
ERIC FREEMAN JR.
Columnist
MARK MACMURDO
Columnist
To be fair, television can also be an effective medium for communicating important ideas and making people think. There should certainly be a distinction between watching Charlie Rose interview Warren Buffet and witnessing the downward spiral of B-list celebrities. I’ve always been a proponent of using well-made documentaries to teach lessons. Film can often communicate a well-organized and engaging message that simply can’t be done on paper. Still, it’s hard to believe Americans are spending their four hours each day watching Ken Burns-quality programing. We shouldn’t get too down on ourselves though. Even though there have been a lot of doomsday prognostications about the decline of reading, we need to recognize that while traditional types of reading may be going out, there are also new opportunities to engage people and
make them think. Here’s a suggestion — What if we made elementary students stumble through PBS’s Web site everyday after recess? Such a policy would be fun, educational and would foster curiosity — a quality which needs to be instilled into all the little ones coming through the education system. In a world with DVR and video games, expecting everyone to have read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice is a bit optimistic. Instead we should be doing everything we can to increase reading — whatever the source — in our society. Mark Macmurdo is a 22-year-old history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.
Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
Joan Broussard biological sciences freshman
THE DAILY REVEILLE NICHOLAS PERSAC
not a fair trade. Stumbling isn’t just another form of entertainment — it makes me a better person. Although Stumbling will bring you across a wide range of mediums — including pictures and video — much of what you come across on the Web reMark Macmurdo quires reading. There is someColumnist thing to be said about engaging in “active” entertainment over just having sounds and images thrown at you. And it’s not like everything you come across has to be high-brow New Yorker articles. Even if you’re reading a blog about how to become a vampire to make all your Twilight friends jealous, your eyes passing over words will keep you mentally sharp.
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
QUOTE OF THE DAY “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” Robert Frost American poet March 26, 1874 — Jan. 29, 1963
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, December 3, 2009
AGE OF DELIGHTENMENT
Opinion
PAGE 17
Twilight saga isn’t ‘good’ but provides needed escape I’m going to tell you some secrets. I flunked out of school, worked really hard at some crappy jobs for a year, then begged my way back into LSU. Then my dad lost his job, and subsequently my parents had to leave the house where I grew up. This past spring, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, and by August, she was gone. That’s just the stuff I feel comfortable mentioning in a newspaper thousands of people read. Everyone deals with complicated things like that in their lives — for me, it just all kind of came at once. My problems aren’t any worse than anyone else’s, or much different, really. Neither is my coping method, for that matter. But it’s my biggest secret. I’m kind of a Twilighter. Before you go jumping to conclusions and crying “Poseur!”
or whatever you kids are saying nowadays, let me say one thing: You and the elitist horse you rode in on can go to hell. I majored in creative writing for quite some time. I’ve read great literature, and I know good writing. I love good writing. One day, I’d like to write some good writing. I know bad writing when I see it, too — and “Twilight is bad. I detect hints of racism, and the (semi-spoiler alert!) “grown men-wolves imprinting on baby girls” thing is creepy no matter how you justify it. I don’t like the glamorization of abstinence, and I think Edward comes off as a controlling asshole. The plots are frustrating, and the dialogue is horrible and sappy. The movies aren’t much better. I loved director Catherine Hardwicke’s “Thirteen,” but “Twilight” is silly at best. The cinematography
is nice, some of the casting is great (see: Charlie, Jessica) and there is one incredibly hot kiss, but other than that, there aren’t a whole lot of nice things I can say. “ N e w Moon” is worse. Better production values and a new director didn’t Sara Boyd help the franchise. It’s full Columnist of pointless, weird camera angles and even more aching, meaningful gazes – not to mention more bare-chested underage boys than I am comfortable with. But none of that stopped me from seeing “New Moon” during its opening weekend, nor did it stop me from loving every silly minute of it. Nor did it keep me from buying the special edition
“Twilight” DVD and watching it roughly four times a week for the first few months I had it. You might ask, “Sara, if it sucks so much, why do you keep coming back?” “Well, sugar,” I would probably say, “as beautiful and transcendent as something like ‘Lolita,’ or some Raymond Carver-style dirty realism may be, it’s still kind of a buzzkill. Those aren’t audiobooks I want to listen to while I fall asleep, or movies I want to watch when my boyfriend’s not home. But ‘Twilight’ is.” I’ve got enough sadness and difficulty in my life, and there are times when I just don’t want to read or watch perfect, realistic portrayals of human suffering and existential crises. “Twilight” is just stupid, and it’s so melodramatic it somehow makes my problems seem manageable.
There are times when I just can’t think about my personal problems any more, and those are the times I kick back with a hot, syrupy glass of “Twilight.” I know it makes me all kinds of lame, and I’m OK with that. It beats the hell out of being wound up and stressed out. There’s nothing wrong with taking a couple hours to unwind and get your bearings. Some people play sports, some people smoke pot and some people go shopping. I sneak into midnight showings of “New Moon.” Sara Boyd is a 22-year-old general studies junior from Baton Rouge. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_sboyd. Contact Sara Boyd at sboyd@lsureveille.com
PRESS X NOT TO DIE
Holiday shoppers have plenty of great gift options Those of you who were still on campus last week and read my column, your fears are put to rest — I did survive Black Friday. While I barely lived to tell the tale, I’ve seen some of the trends of what’s going to be popular this holiday season. So here’s some help with your fears of shopping for that tech or gadget lover with my official 2009 Holiday Buyer’s Guide. To kick things off, everyone wants to cherish those warm family moments forever — and a digital camera can help do just that. For those not looking to spend a lot of money, a Canon Powershot is a great gift idea. My favorites are the SD1200 or SD780. Both are small, compact cameras that take excellent photos to keep those memories forever. For camera aficionados interested in a little more advanced photography, consider giving them a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The Canon Rebel series is a great line of DSLR cameras for starters. For readers who like to travel but don’t like to carry numerous books with them, an e-reader would be a great gift. These little devices give the user the ability to have multiple books at their fingertips instantly. Now they can keep up with Sarah Palin’s new novel and even the “Twilight” series! The big item that seems to appear on everyone’s wish list is an iPod, and this year Apple does not disappoint with its iPod Nano. Not only does it play music, but the device has a built in FM tuner as well as a video camera. If you’re looking for a device that can do more than just play
music, the big three cell phone carriers have impressive smartphones for everyone. My favorites for Verizon include the Motorola Droid and the HTC Eris. Both smartphones run on Google’s operating system Android, which is fast and reliable. Also, with Android’s open source development, new apps can easily be added to the Adam Arinder still-growing Android app Columnist store. For those on Sprint, the HTC Hero and Palm Pre may be for you. Like the Eris, the Hero runs on Android OS, while the Pre has a smooth, easy-to-use touchscreen and can run multiple applications at once. Finally, for AT&T, there is the iPhone. If you want a smartphone on AT&T and don’t already have the “Jesus phone,” well, you must either really hate Apple or be a huge BlackBerry fan. Now, while browsing the Internet on your new smartphone may be fun, that screen can get small and tedious to maneuver sometimes. A perfect little gadget to help solve this problem is a netbook. These “baby computers” come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi to connect to a wireless network. Others have the capability to connect a carrier’s 3G network, giving you the ability to browse the Internet wherever you are (and can get a 3G signal). While netbooks can be great for browsing the Internet, their
game playing isn’t up to speed. But with the recent price drops to all three major video game consoles, hook that gamer buddy of yours up with a new Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii. But what’s a new, shiny console without some great games? Well, I can help you with that too. For those with only an Xbox 360, “Left 4 Dead 2” is great choice to bring friends together to survive the zombie apocalypse. If you have a PS3, “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves” definitely needs to be in your game library.
Fantastic gameplay and story gives the player that box-office movie experience. A few must-haves for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 are “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” “Assassin’s Creed 2” and “Borderlands.” And finally for all you Wii owners out there, “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” is a fantastic trip back to the 1980s, returning Mario to his side-scrolling adventures. But this time, up to four players can play at the same time. There you have it — I hope
this guide will help calm your mind for that last minute shopping. Good luck to everyone through finals, be safe and have a Merry Christmas! Adam Arinder is a 20-year-old electrical engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Classifieds
PAGE 18
To place your ad: Visit www.lsureveille.com and click on classifieds
Announcements
Help Wanted ICCESSORIZE Energetic and dependable workers needed to work at a kiosk in the Mall of Louisiana. Call Eddie for more details. 225.572.2127 BARTENDERS & DOORMEN NEEDED Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s in downtown Baton Rouge has immediate openings for bartenders and doormen. High volume, experienced bartenders preferred, but will consider training motivated, energetic, warm personalities. Also - looking for part-time doormen. No experience required, but must be friendly and professional. Please apply in person at 214 Third Street between 4pm and 7pm Tuesday - Friday at the Balcony Bar. No phone calls please. PARRAIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Accepting applications for servers. Apply in person Mon-Fri between 2:00 and 5:00 225.381.9922 If you love young children and like to sing and play musical instruments, we have the perfect pt job for you. Approx. 4 hrs per week 225.766.1159 NOW HIRING!! Child Care Center near LSU hiring Afternoon Teachers for Spring Semester. 2:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 766-1159 VETERINARY CLINIC Seeking part time help. Apply Garden District Animal Hospital. 1302 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, 70806
SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com WWW.LOUIESCAFE.COM THE COUNTRY CLUB OF LOUISIANA P/T job available in Tennis Pro Shop W/Th 4-8; Sun 12-5. Call for more info. 504.439.3699 ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127 WE WANT YOU! *Hard Workers* *Awesome People Skills* *Looking for “real world” business experience* Work on campus for LSU Student Media! Sales experience a plus but not required. Apply in B39 Hodges Hall or send resumes to salesmanager@lsureveille. com
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours. Equal Opportunity Employer
SALES ASSOCIATE NEEDED for local gift and home interiors store/PT/apply in person at The Royal Standard 16016 Perkins Road or email at trs16016@ yahoo.com 225.751.0009
STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys.
FIREWORKS SALES after Christmas-Newyears eve 7.5015.00/ hr free meals must wrk Dec 31 225-366-2391
Cost: 35 cents per word a day Personals Free for students
Employment
For Sale LAPTOPS $199 AND up. Computers $99 and up. Repair desktops/laptops. Computer Exchange, 10120 Florida Blvd. 225.274.1400 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. GREAT GIFT IDEA Get him golf lessons! Trust us he needs them. Santa Maria Golf Academy 439-9600 HOUSE 4 SALE $132,500 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 7 min. from LSU located off Burbank on Pecan Tree Drive 225-803-537 GREAT INVESTMENT! For Sale, 2 BR 2 BA, house, 1,400 sf. 10 minutes from LSU. Nice yard, quiet neighborhood. Separate workshop. $124,900 225.302.5957
For Rent BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES 2 br 2.5 bath on S. Brightside View. $850-$900. $500 dep. All appliances plus w/d, pool. now/spring.southlandpropertiesinc.com. 225-955-6480 GREAT 1 BR APT. WALK TO LSU! 6 MO. OR 1 YR 7697757 / 266-8666 / 978-3123 APT, NEAR LSU, $500 per month, hot water included. Call Wang at 225-278-6621 225.278.6622 UPSCALE GATED LAKEBEAUPRE Townhouse. Workout Room. Pool. Roommate needed for Spring Semester 550.00/month plus utilities. 225.335.2181 HOUSE 3BR 2BA W/D fenced yard. In quiet nbrhd near Highland & Staring. $900/mo. Available 1/1. 225.769.9106 225.769.9106 ROOMATE NEEDED LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOMES 550/mo + util. 3br/3ba. Close to campus. Trey 337.349.0376 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor. com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERLAND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com LESS THAN A MILE SOUTH OF LSU 1-br $500, 2-br townhouse $700. Spacious, lots of closets, private patio or balcony, restricted parking, video surveillance security. Walk, cycle or catch the LSU bus to school, shopping, dining. On-site manager. No pets. 7578175, 924-1934. View and apply online at http// riverroadapartments.tripod.com.
Housing
Deadlines: 12 noon two school days prior to the print publication date
Merchandise
225.978.7400 1BR APARTMENT 175 Burgin Ave, $545$589rent/$400 deposit, located Highland and Lee. 225.252.3163 3BD/2BA HOME OFF BRIGHTSIDE @ 5037 AMBERLYNN DR $1550.00/ MONTH 5 MIN TO CAMPUS 225.276.0393 CAMELOT APTS. Large 1BR water & sewer pd. Swimming pool $465-$300 Deposit 766-3047 WALK TO LSU 2BR UNF stove, fridge, cent A/ C Washateria $550 Les Petites Apts 3313 Iowa St 225-927-5495 AM or 225-766-0579 PM WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 MALE ROOMMATE NEEDED Nicholson Lakes Sub Mostly Furnished 1BR 1 office/study 1BA for rent $500 mo split util 3 ways 504.430.6278 504.430.6278 5252 BRIGHTSIDE VIEW 3BR 2 BATH W/D $950 avail now/spring 955-6480southlandpropertiesinc.com
Roommate Wanted ROOMATE WANTED to share 4bedroom 4bathroom Brightside townhouse with 3 male seniors $400/mo includes utilities 985.502.9773 MALE ROOMMATE NEEDED Nicholson Lakes Sub Mostly Furnished 1 BR 1 office/ study 1 BA for rent $500.00 mo split util 3 ways. 504.430.6278 MALE ROOMMATE NEEDED 3BR/1BA House on College Dr. $500/mo including utilities. $400 security deposit 225-281-2535 ROOMATE(S) NEEDED Bedroom Avail. (1 or 2 roomates), furnished or unfurn. in 2Br/2B University View complex (E. Boyd x burbank), biking dist. to campus and on bus route, $550/ m plus electric (~$70 total) at least 6 mo. lease. eogden1, 225.205.9820 no texts. ROOMMATE NEEDED: Seeking graduate or serious student for 3BD/2B home in Beau Pre. $600/ mt. and all utilities included. Call 337 9625469 or 337 2802822. ROOMATE NEEDED Partially furnished garden district house, biking distance to LSU, 3bed/2bath. $550/mo. everything included! akilpa1@lsu.edu 903.746.0393 ROOM IN GOOD house. W&D, alarm, etc. No lease needed. $295 + shared utilities. $250 dep. 225.921.1209 FREE ROOM & BOARD Extra hand needed for everyday family tasks for an easy-going, yet, busy family. View more at: http:// batonrouge.craigslist.org/ hss/1487152625. html<---or--email--at--> r_edwards@cox.net(**for**more**information**) (JonesCreek-GeorgeOneal-Area)
Personals
3BR/2BA HOUSE 5MIN FROM CAMPUS in MeadowBend with office. 1150/ mo 1150dep. pet friendly 225.931.8107 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
GIVE ME A CHANCE Ms. LSU Colorguard, seventeen in, you are smart, funny, beautiful, and simply an amazing person.
Transportation
Getting to know you has been one of the best things that has happened to me. Everyday I wake up and wonder when I am going to get to see you next. Just the thought of you makes my whole world spin; you are my precious gem. Would you do me the honor of going out on a date with me? CUTE FASHION Major with an engineer’s mind looking for a nice, clean cut guy to hang out with. Let’s catch a movie or coffee sometime. fashionistadiaries61@yahoo.com SHE’S A KEEPER, ARE YOU? My lovely BFF needs a man that is sure to sweep her off her feet! If you possess one or more of the criteria below email gazin4devotion@gmail.com ASAP or FOREVER hold you peace. A. Handsome/cute/Attractive/good looking B. Hopeless Romantic C. Funny What Are You Waiting For???????? BIG FISH nice frat guy looking for a sweet girl to hang out with. Must be into wearing oversized shirts with fish on the back, running shorts with tights, and not brushing your hair. If you’re out there come find me, i’ll be at the lakes with my dog on Friday afternoon. Look for my boat shoes and khakis! fratboyneedslovin@gmail.com
TRY BAND KIDS, SO WORTH IT Mildly attractive band geek looking for a special lady. Communication Studies major who loves music, books, people and humor. Wants a girl that must like Tiger Band, tubas, enjoys hearing funny accents, LOVES Disney and watching Disney movies, and will tolerate crude humor, high-pitched giggles, and
Services
random bursts of off-pitch singing. contact: cougarboy15@gmail.com LET’S PLAY! Fit/very active male, 22. Looking for a Female to run around with! (running the lakes, tennis, basketball, etc) No need to be a super athlete, willing to teach, but must have a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and be comfortable getting a little sweaty. Email: ilikerunaroundmuch@gmail.com when you’re ready to play ARE YOU A REDHEAD GIRL? A guy looking for a cute / sexy redhead to spend time with. Email - NeedARedhead@live.com
FREAKISHLY TALL GUY WANTED : Well endowed 20 yr old is tired of wearing flats. Facial hair is awesome but not necessary. Must like football. Send a message to blueeyedsaintsfan@yahoo.com
Miscellaneous DON’T SETTLE FOR B’S Grad Schools & Employers Look at Transcripts. Visit www.mmwritingconsultants. com.
ADOPTION IS AN OPTION! Loving, secure family hoping to be blessed with a baby. Visit www.bradandjennaadoption.com OR call 225-305-5482
Thursday, December 3, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 19 FOREST, from page 1
FILLING IN THE HOLES The reflecting pool was filled in 1960, and the area was replaced with a formal garden, according to “Under Stately Oaks: A Pictorial History of LSU.” The reflecting pool became a “dump site for students and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.” Wrecking crews caved in the sides of the pool and punctured the bottom after dead leaves ruined its drainage system, according to the June 14, 1960, edition of The Daily Reveille. Additionally, the emptied pool “presented various dangers” to students. The wrecking crew “chopped up” the statue of de Soto and dropped its remains into the Mississippi River. A formal garden replaced the pool after its destruction. With entry blocked on most sides, the Sunken Garden became known as the Enchanted Forest in the ’70s when the hippie movement became increasingly popular at the University, Cox said. “They would go back there to have a little privacy and do whatever hippies do,” Cox said. “It was dark and secluded, just like everyone’s image of the enchanted forest.” NATURAL LANDSCAPE The embayment the Enchanted Forest lies in was created by the Mississippi River before the levees were constructed in the ’20s and ’30s, said landscape architecture Professor Buck Abbey. “That’s a natural erosion along the embankment,” Abbey said. “I suspect, during the flood stages before they had the levees over on the river, that [the Enchanted Forest] actually filled up with water.” The Enchanted Forest is the lowland compared to the land surrounding it. Because of drainage issues, each portion has its own naturally occurring plants, like lowlands defined by cypress trees — something the University’s landscape architects, who likely included early University landscape architect and arborist Steele Burden, would have considered. “[Burden] was actually trying to design this forest in keeping with the natural character of Louisiana,” Abbey said. “[He] would have understood that this whole space was sculpted by water.” FUTURE OF THE FOREST Ancient Greek theaters often cannot be used for their original purpose because they aren’t compliant with life safety codes, said Facility Development Assistant Director Jason Soileau. But the University’s Greek Theater is sometimes used for unofficial gatherings. No steps have been made toward securing funding for the renovation of the forest or the theater, and Soileau said only concepts have been “tossed around.” Included in the concepts were facilitating safe pedestrian access in the Enchanted Forest or eventually renovating the theater into an arboretum. Contact Lindsey Meaux at lmeaux@lsureveille.com
Thursday, December 3, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 20