Check Inside For:
Vinyl records go for another spin in the music industry, page 9.
OPINION Special Mardi Gras crossword puzzle, page 16.
TIGERS AT BAT SEC coaches predict Tigers to repeat as champs, page 5.
THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 91
WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Jindal: No new cuts for higher education By Xerxes A. Wilson Senior Staff Writer
AFTER the PARTY
Lent allows Christians to refocus after holiday
JAMES WEST / The Daily Reveille
[Top] Michael Richard, history senior, distributes ashes Wednesday at Christ the King Church. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season for Catholics. [Bottom] Rev. Than Vu meets with churchgoers after mass Wednesday.
On Ash Wednesday, many have to plan meals better, so it Christians trade their beads and makes me slow down,” he said. Mardi Gras bellies for religious “It’s easy to watch too much TV to sacrificing and where you don’t By Mary Walker Baus fasting in honor have much time of the season of to read. It does Contributing Writer Lent. become a sacri“The purpose [of Lent] is for fice whenever March Madness and spiritual renewal,” said Rev. Matt LSU baseball are on TV.” Lorrain, parochial vicar of Christ People giving up food or bevthe King Parish and Catholic Cen- erages are common sacrifices, Lorter. “It’s the preparation for Easter, rain said. He said he saw many stubut it also serves as an annual re- dents give up Facebook last year. treat to allow Catholics to redediThis year, Joshua Nezianya, cate themselves to the practice of international studies sophomore, is their faith.” giving up MySpace. He said he is Lorrain said he’s sacrificed Episcopalian, but he practices Lent television and fast food for Lent because he likes the challenge. during the last 20 years. LENT, see page 19 “By not having fast food, I
The University received a boost last week as Gov. Bobby Jindal announced that his fiscal budget for the year included no new cuts for higher education. This is the first step in navigating the state’s billion-dollar budget shortfall for the next year, but the University still may see program cuts and reformations during the coming months. The University has absorbed $43 million in cuts during the last two years. Chancellor Michael Martin said this was the best possible outcome in this stage in the allocating process. But higher education isn’t out of danger yet. The governor’s budget will ultimately have to pass in the legislature, likely after amendments. “There is a long, long distance between whatever the governor says he prefers and what comes out the end of the legislature,” Martin said. Last year the governor proposed $219 million cuts to education. After passing through the legislature, the budget was edited to include substantially fewer cuts to higher education. Martin said he wants to see both zero additional cuts proposed in the BUDGET, see page 19
CRIME
Man impersonates LSU police officer in Student Union By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
An unidentified man who claimed to be an LSU Police Department officer and robbed a student on campus remains at large, and police are asking for help in identifying the suspect by releasing pictures of the man in a broadcast e-mail Wednesday. The suspect approached people at the Student Union on Jan. 30 and claimed to be an out-of-uniform LSU police officer, according to the broadcast e-mail. The suspect asked the victims
for identification and instructed them to remain in their vehicle. He then walked away with the victims’ driver’s licenses. The incident was reported the same day, said Kevin Scott, LSUPD spokesman. Police waited to notify the University community until it had conducted an investigation. “We didn’t want to send anything out preemptively,” Scott said. “We wanted to wait until our leads were exhausted.” The incident was not classified as an emergency because there was no imminent threat or weapon involved, Scott said.
“[The suspect] could have very well done it again, but we had patrol officers respond, canvas the campus and try to locate the person, but we came up empty,” Scott said. All LSUPD officers carry an official identification card, which students should ask to see if approached by an out-of-uniform officer, Scott said. “We’ve exhausted all of our leads,” Scott said. “We’re trying to get the community to help us.” photo courtesy of LSUPD
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
A man suspected of impersonating an LSU police officer walks around the Student Union on Jan. 30. LSUPD is asking the students to be on the lookout for the man.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Colombian woman thought dead, moves arm at funeral home
New Jersey man tells police he tossed his baby off bridge
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A Colombian woman declared dead of a heart attack moved one of her arms just as an undertaker was about to embalm her, doctors said Wednesday. Noelia Serna, 45, was rushed to a hospital in the city of Cali, where she was in critical condition in an intensive care unit Wednesday, said hospital director Luis Fernando Rendon.
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (AP) — A man who snatched his infant daughter from the arms of her maternal grandmother while the child’s mother was in court getting a restraining order against him told police he threw the baby off a bridge and into a frigid New Jersey river Tuesday, prompting a massive search beneath a busy parkway. Search teams, including boats, dogs and helicopters, were still scouring the area beneath the Garden State Parkway’s Driscoll Bridge in Central New Jersey late Wednesday for any signs of 3-month-old Zara Malani-lin Abdur in what Acting New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow called, “an example of a horrific case of domestic violence.” Authorities say the girl’s father, 21-year-old Shamsiddi AbdurRaheem of Galloway Township, allegedly forced his way into the
Embattled Afghan Taliban fighters rely on women, children as shields MARJAH, Afghanistan (AP) — Taliban fighters holding out in Marjah are increasingly using civilians as human shields, firing from compounds where U.S. and Afghan forces can clearly see women and children on rooftops or in windows, Afghan and U.S. troops said Wednesday.
grandmother’s East Orange apartment around 4 p.m. Tuesday, striking her in the face, choking her, and forcibly taking the baby, wrapped in a blanket and a pink and gray onesie, before fleeing in his vehicle. The 60-year-old grandmother, who police declined to identify, chased after Abdur-Raheem and was struck when she tried to stop him by throwing herself in the path of his van. Embracing history: man sets world hugging record in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A 51-year-old Ohio man has embraced the Valentine’s Day spirit faster than anyone before, giving 7,777 hugs in 24 hours for a new world record. Jeff Ondash, who sought the squeezes under the costumed alter ego Teddy McHuggin, broke the record Saturday night outside the Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Ondash says he hoped to become the world’s hugging champion to raise money for the American Heart Association during American Heart month.
PAGE 2
STATE/LOCAL
Dog ‘hitches ride’ in New Mexico, meets owner in Louisiana
Man wanted for attempted armed robbery found in box in closet
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The dogs in New Orleans’ Carnival pet parade included a pooch that hitched a ride 1,200 miles from Taos, New Mexico, to the city where his 26-year-old master had hitchhiked weeks earlier. Stephan Soleas came to New Orleans for a few weeks of visits and music. He said his 6-year-old Labrador mix, Charlie, went missing days after he left. Charlie was found by a couple vacationing in Taos. The couple saw a collarless dog and tried to find its owner, but the veterinarian didn’t have a microchip scanner. The couple gave up their airline tickets, rented a car and made the 3-day drive back to New Orleans with the dog. Incidentally, they also named the dog Charlie. Soleas and Charlie were reunited 10 days later — Feb. 5 — when Magazine Street Animal Clinic coowner Teresa Gernon checked a microchip in the white dog’s neck.
SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Shreveport police say a man accused of brandishing a box-cutter in an attempted holdup was found inside a box, in his bedroom closet. Cpl. Bill Goodin, a police spokesman, says 34-year-old Ronnie Bishop was arrested late Tuesday and booked into the Caddo Parish jail on one count of attempted armed robbery. Pickled pork lips plant burns in unexplained afterhours fire
MONTPELIER, La. (AP) — State fire investigators spent Wednesday at a Louisiana plant that sold pickled pigs’ lips by the gallon through grocery and convenience stores around the Southeast. Arson unit supervisor Donald Carter said they don’t yet know what started the fire. It broke out Monday, when Farm Fresh Foods Suppliers in St. Helena Parish was closed.
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Mr. and Miss Imani Pageant February 18, 2010 LSU Student Union Ballroom, 7:00PM Gamma Beta Phi Society Charity Event All Style & Fashion Model Selections February 22, 2010. 7-9. Cotillion Ballroom Please bring a 4x6 photo For information contact Meiosha Sutton @ msutto5@lsu.edu DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Isiaha at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
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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
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
PAGE 3
PHILANTHROPY
LSU football team participates in BuddyBall program Superstarz compete against Tigers By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Tiger football players usually play teams like the Florida Gators and Alabama Tide, but this weekend they had a different matchup. People with disabilities from group homes across Louisiana took on the Tigers in the indoor football practice facility Saturday as part of the BuddyBall program. BuddyBall allows people with autism, Down syndrome, paralysis and other disabilities to participate in sports with some of the state’s best athletes. The team is called Superstarz because the game shows what makes each person special. Gayla Guidry, director of the Buddy Sports and Arts Program, said the program provides opportunities for people with “abilities”
SARA SICONA / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore quarterback Russell Shepard lines up for a play with the Superstarz. Ten LSU football players participated in the BuddyBall program.
to be included in sporting events and to promote a healthy integrated quality of life through exercise programs. “I don’t call them disabilities,” Guidry said. “They might learn a different way, but we all have great potential and possibility inside of us.” Guidry has two adopted
Campus Crime Briefs ALUMNA FORGES HEALTH CENTER PRESCRIPTION Alice Maria Figueroa, a 22-year-old former University student of 8625 Polk Road in Abbeville, La., was arrested Feb. 11 for possession of schedule II and IV narcotics. Her arrest was related to a November 2009 incident that resulted in the arrest of her father, Juan Figueroa, for forging a prescription by a doctor at the Student Health Center, said Jason Bettencourtt, LSUPD spokesman. When LSUPD searched the Figueroas’ residence Dec. 4, Alice Figueroa was in possession of drugs. She was not arrested because a minor at the house needed her care, Bettencourtt said. Figueroa was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department on Feb. 10 as a fugitive from Vermilion Parish, where the crime occurred, and transferred to LSUPD on Feb. 11. She was booked in Vermilion Parish Prison. DRIVER HITS TREE, FAILS SOBRIETY TEST, GETS DWI A 23-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested Feb. 12 for DWI and careless operation of a vehicle after his vehicle hit a tree at 1 a.m. The driver, John Daniel Stephens of 1401 Milton St. in Monroe, had poor balance and alcohol on his breath, Bettencourtt said. Stephens showed signs of intoxication during a field sobriety test and was arrested, Bettencourtt said. He had a .251 BAC. Stephens was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
STUDENT HAS INDECENT BEHAVIOR WITH MINOR LSUPD arrested 18-year-old University student Brandon Robert Weller on Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. for allegations of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computeraided solicitation of a minor. The Louisiana attorney general had an arrest warrant for Weller, a resident of Louise Garig Hall, Bettencourtt said. LSUPD removed Weller from his class in Himes Hall, and he was interviewed and consented to a search of his computer. Weller was booked in EBR Parish Prison. BLAZING AT THE BAPTIST STUDENT CENTER A 28-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested Feb. 12 for simple possession of marijuana. Wendal G. Dillon of 15217 Forest Oaks St. in Prairieville was seen discarding cigar tobacco from his car window during a check of the Baptist Student Center parking lot at 11:30 p.m, Bettencourtt said. Dillon had a partially rolled marijuana cigarette on his lap. He was in possession of 2.6 grams of marijuana and was issued a misdemeanor summons and released, Bettencourtt said. DRUNK DRIVER CHANGES LANES ILLEGALLY A 22-year-old University student was arrested for DWI and improper lane usage Feb. 13 shortly after midnight. Officers saw a silver Volvo crossing the double yellow line
children of her own on the Superstarz team. Her daughter, Rhonda Guidry, has a cheerleading outfit for each team they play and cheered for her fiancé during the game. The Superstarz took turns playing against 10 Tiger football players. Guidry said the goal of the game is to make sure everyone as it passed through the Highland-Dalrymple intersection. The driver, Elizabeth Williams of 520 Burgin Ave., was swaying and had alcohol on her breath, Bettencourtt said. Williams showed signs of intoxication during field sobriety tests, Bettencourtt said. She was arrested and refused a chemical test. Williams was booked in EBR Parish Prison, and her vehicle was towed. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT LEADS TO DWI ARREST Phillip Michael Sander, an 18-year-old University student, was arrested Feb. 13 at 6:10 p.m. for DWI and reckless operation. Bettencourtt said witnesses saw Sander driving on River Road before a collision with another car, which flipped his vehicle. Sander submitted to a field sobriety test and showed signs of intoxication. Sander reported no injuries but was transported to Baton Rouge General Medical Center because of the accident’s severity, Bettencourtt said. EMS responded to a complaint of arm and back pain by a passenger in the second vehicle.
gets a shot at winning. “The game is not over until everyone that wants to play gets a touchdown,” Guidry said. The 87 participants range from 18 months old to 64 years old. Some are paralyzed in wheelchairs, hooked to breathing machines or in diapers. If a participant couldn’t run to the end zone, players put a ball in their hand and sometimes pushed his or her wheelchair in for a touchdown. The game also had a referee throwing fake flags. LSU players fell to let BuddyBall players make it to the end zone. “The LSU guys helped with playing,” Guidry said. “They laid down and let the rambunctious ones jump on them.” BuddyBall volunteer Mary Stuhlman has helped with many of the program’s games. She said her favorite part is seeing the participants’ smiles and laughter. “[Volunteering] started as part of the job, but it’s more out of Sander was issued a summons and not booked because he was at the hospital.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
love,” Stuhlman said. Tiger football players said they got a lot out of the experience, too. Defensive back Craig Loston said he loved playing BuddyBall. “Just watching them run around and enjoy themselves ... it doesn’t get much better than this,” Loston said. The game had special significance to running back Drayton Calhoun because his mother taught children with disabilities like the BuddyBall participants. The Superstarz will play against the New Orleans Saints in March and against the Dallas Cowboys next year.
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
PAGE 4
THE DAILY REVEILLE
EDUCATION
Cockroach promotes literacy T-shirt company’s mascot visits campus By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
Literature became reality Wednesday as a giant German cockroach leapt out of the pages of a Franz Kafka story and onto the University’s campus. Brian Crabtree, owner of upstart T-shirt company Kafka Cotton, visited campus Wednesday as company mascot Gregor, a literacy-promoting cockroach. The mascot is a character from Kafka’s story “The Metamorphosis,” in which a man transforms overnight into a monstrous vermin.
Wisconsin-based Kafka Cotton, which opened in November 2009, creates T-shirts inspired by classic novels like Catch-22 and Moby Dick and donates 5 percent of the profits to organizations promoting literacy. Crabtree said the company has raised about $100 for literacy during the last three months, but has not yet settled on a partner organization. Voting will take place soon on the company’s Web site, and the public will choose what organization the donations will go to, Crabtree said. Crabtree said the idea for a Kafka-themed company came first — the cockroach mascot followed. “Originally we were just looking for a logo that would really stand out, and a cockroach was the first idea,” Crabtree said. “Then we thought about bringing that not only
online but into real life.” He found a cockroach costume and had the idea to become Gregor and visit college campuses. Crabtree said becoming a roach was hard at first, but has gotten easier. “At first it was a little difficult to get out there and do it, but you just get into character and pull it off,” he said. “People look at you out of their peripheral vision, and when you go up and say hi, they open up.” Crabtree scoured the Quad, chatting with students and taking photos with them. He took all the students’ names and will tag the photos on Facebook. Crabtree said he hopes meeting Gregor will encourage students to visit his Web site and order a shirt. “We’re a T-shirt company, so we need to sell some shirts to stay alive,” he said. Industrial engineering senior Alejandro Pinto met Gregor when the cockroach woke Pinto from a nap in the Quad. “A cockroach waking me up — that’s a first,” Pinto said. Al Grifa, creative writing graduate student, said she liked Gregor but thought other people may not know the character. “I liked the cockroach, but not everyone knows Kafka,” she said. “At first I thought he was promoting an exterminator.” Creative writing graduate student Brit Estep said a more recognizable character might be more effective. “I hate to say it, but maybe a character from Twilight [would be more recognizable],” she said.
JORDAN LaFRANCE/ The Daily Reveille
Kafka Cotton owner Brian Crabtree, dressed as Gregor the giant cockroach, speaks to industrial engineering senior Alejandro Pinto on Wednesday in the Quad.
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate eliminates Trial Court Advisors analyze Jindal’s budget By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
The Student Government Senate voted Wednesday to eliminate SG’s Trial Court as a part of constitutional revisions. The Trial Court was part of SG’s judicial branch and could deem SG actions as constitutional or not. When the trial judge makes a decision, the plaintiff can appeal the decision to the University Court. In last week’s Senate meeting, Basic Sciences Senator Ben Clark proposed eliminating the Trial Court to get rid of the appeal process, because most decisions were appealed to the University Court regardless of decision. Sean Horridge, SG University Court chief justice, spoke on behalf of the judicial branch, urging the Senate to not eliminate the Trial Court. “I feel like the Trial Court is there for a reason, and it definitely needs to stay,” Horridge said. “One
of the things brought up is the Trial Court decisions are all appealed to the University Court.” Horridge was trial judge last year, and he said he heard five cases, none of which were appealed. “The purpose of a Trial Court is it’s consistent with every governing body or branch in the country,” Horridge said. “Why someone should have a right to appeal is what this comes down to.” Drew Prestridge, College of Arts and Sciences senator, urged senators to vote to put Trial Court back into the constitution. “If there was not a Trial Court and a decision went straight to University Court, they couldn’t appeal, and University Court would have the final say-so,” Prestridge said. “While some people may not think it’s necessary, I think it’s critical to keep the Trial Court.” Andy Palermo, University Center for Advising & Counseling senator, spoke on behalf of eliminating the Trial Court and making the University Court the primary judicial decision-maker. “I would much rather have a panel of nine decide my case than a panel of one,” Palermo said.
The court’s elimination was one of about 30 amendments by University Center for Freshman Year Senator Aaron Caffarel to the SG constitution, all of which were passed by a two-thirds vote. The Senate also voted to appoint six economic advisers to SG to assist SG Chief Economic Adviser Greg Upton. About 12 students applied for the positions, all of whom were very qualified, Upton said. “The first thing I looked for is people with a strong quantitative background and someone who is academically accomplished,” Upton said. Upton said they are dividing Gov. Bobby Jindal’s budget into different parts to fully analyze and provide an understandable approach for students. Senate also voted to appoint Chloe Chetta as SG assistant director of organizational outreach.
Log on to lsureveille.com to read the SG Blog. Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
AND THE SIGN SAID ...
JORDAN LaFRANCE / The Daily Reveille
The Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation attached tags to bikes chained outside Graham Hall warn students to move them before they are impounded. There is a $25 impound fee and a $12 ticket to pay if a bike is impounded.
Today in sports: women’s basketball at 7 p.m. in the PMAC THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Playing
Sports
PAGE 5
for a Cause
MARK SALTZ / The Associated Press
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
[LEFT] LSU coach Van Chancellor yells directions during the LSU home game against Tennessee on Jan. 24. [RIGHT] LSU senior guard Allison Hightower (23) is blocked as Ole Miss senior guard LaKendra Phillips (3) moves in front of her in a triple overtime loss Feb. 7 against the Rebels.
Lady Tigers to host ‘scrappy’ Vanderbilt tonight, LSU to donate $1 per student in attendance By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
Momentum has been a factor the LSU women’s basketball team has battled on both ends of the court throughout the season. The Lady Tigers have gained momentum the past two games, allowing 81 combined points in Southeastern Conference blowout wins against Florida and Auburn after surrendering 151 in
overtime losses against Georgia and Ole Miss. No. 23 LSU (17-7, 6-6) has a chance to keep that energy rolling tonight at 7 p.m. in the PMAC against No. 20 Vanderbilt (18-7, 7-5). LSU will donate $1 to Baton Rouge area cancer research for each student that attends the game, which is being publicized as the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association “Pink Zone Game.” LSU senior guard Allison Hightower and coach Van Chancellor both described Vanderbilt as a “scrap-
BASEBALL
py team,” whose matchup zone defense will present a tough task for the LSU offense. “Vanderbilt plays the best matchup zone in the whole country,” Chancellor said. “They just give you fits. I’m trying everything I can to find a way to score.” Hightower said Vanderbilt’s defense resembles a man-to-man attack. “We’ve just been working on our man plays LADY TIGERS, see page 14
MEN’S BASKETBALL
SEC coaches anticipating Tigers lose to no. 24 the Tigers as season champs Vanderbilt in 11th loss By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri spent the early part of this week hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with Saints coach Sean Payton. It was perhaps one of the last chances the coach will have to
party, because he knows it’s now time to get to business. “I was hired to be the baseball coach here, and that’s what we do,” Mainieri said. “It’s time to start another season.” Mainieri, associate head coach David Grewe and a host of players spoke Wednesday afternoon in the team’s annual media
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri talks to media during the annual media day.
day.
The coaches spoke from the fifth floor of the LSU Athletic Administration building, while the players spoke from inside Alex Box Stadium. One of the hot topics of the day was LSU’s defense of its national title. The Tigers won their sixth national title last summer by defeating Texas in the final round of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. And if the Tigers stay healthy, they could have a chance at meeting others’ expectations for 2010. LSU was picked Wednesday to repeat as Southeastern Conference champions by the conference’s coaches. LSU won the SEC regular-season and tournament championships in 2009 in addition to the national title. BASEBALL, see page 15
By Chris Branch
Sports Writer
This loss was different. On the stat sheet, the LSU men’s basketball team’s 77-69 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday will register as the Tigers’ 11th consecutive loss. Look closer. Unlike its last two contests, both thrashings at the hands of Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively, LSU (9-16, 0-11) kept up with the No. 24 Commodores (19-5, 8-2) for the entire game. The Tigers even led at halftime. “I thought that we played well against a good team today but came up short,” LSU senior forward Tasmin Mitchell said in a news release. “We fought hard on the road today.” Mitchell led the Tigers with 20 points, junior guard Bo Spencer scored 18 points and sophomore forward Storm Warren contributed 12 in the losing effort.
The star du jour was Commodore sophomore forward Lance Goulbourne, who fired in 18 points to lead Vanderbilt’s balanced attack. Senior guard Jermaine Beal scored 17 points, sophomore guard Jefferey Taylor logged 15 points and junior center A.J. Ogilvy notched 12 points in the win. After heading to the locker room with a 29-28 lead, LSU fell behind quickly. The Commodores used a 13-4 run to snatch the lead and push it to eight points. But LSU managed to close the gap. Mitchell and Spencer, along with surprise contributions from freshman forward Dennis Harris and sophomore forward Garrett Green, helped the Tigers tie the game at 59 with 4:03 to play. The smell of a first conference win briefly wafted through the nostrils of fans and players. It was not to be. Behind Goulbourne, the ComMEN’S BASKETBALL, see page 14
PAGE 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, February 18, 2010
BASEBALL
Pitchers try to replace Coleman
Two All-American players return in ’10 By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
Most baseball teams would have a tall order in replacing a pitcher like former LSU standout Louis Coleman. Coleman started 16 games, earned 14 wins, pitched two complete games and had a 2.93 ERA in his final season at LSU. He might not be “replaced” per se, but the Tigers look to be well on their way to picking up the slack. “We were the only team last year who had three All-American players,” said LSU associate head coach David Grewe. “It’s pretty exciting to have two of those back. Louis Coleman is going to be a huge miss, but having Anthony Ranaudo and Matty Ott leading your pitching staff is a key.” Ranaudo, a junior right hander, will be the Friday night starter for the Tigers, and Ott — a sophomore who earned 16 saves last season — will reassume the closer role. “Our pitching staff is going to be solid, if not spectacular at times,” said LSU head coach Paul Mainieri. “Any time you start a staff with Anthony Ranaudo and
Matty Ott, you’re going to have a pretty good pitching staff. What we need to do is fill in the holes.” Ranaudo will be joined on the weekend rotation by junior Austin Ross, who will start Saturday, and sophomore Joey Bourgeois, who will get the nod on Sunday. Ross started 17 games last season and maintained a 5.18 ERA while going 6-8. “I’m just looking to be more consistent this year and still go out and give us a chance to win,” Ross said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a 7-6 ball game or we go out and beat someone 1-0, you have to do whatever it takes to win.” Bourgeois is a junior college transfer from LSU-Eunice. He compiled a 12-2 record at LSU-E and was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 39th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Coaches told Bourgeois before fall practices started he would have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. “Coming out working before the season, it was one of my goals to be a weekend starter,” Bourgeois said. “I figured I would work hard everyday, and I finally accomplished my goal.” The Tigers have figured out their weekend starting rotation, but questions still remain for relief duty and midweek starters.
Grewe said all pitchers are available this weekend and could be called upon in any situation to pitch. He said the next month will be crucial for the team’s development before Southeastern Conference play starts. The pitching staff has been working on pitches and trying new pitch sequences to confuse batters in specific situations. “In my first season as the pitching coach here we were making it through virtually the entire year pitching off of our fastball and attacking hitters,” Grewe said. “That’s what coach [Mainieri] wants and that’s the philosophy we’re going to always have, but we were able to have such a great amount of success in the SEC tournament because we were able to change pitch sequences and change the way our pitchers set up hitters.” The change seems to be working for some. Ranaudo said he feels more confident in his pitches than he did last year when he won 12 games and had a 3.04 ERA. “The changeup is a true third pitch now,” Ranaudo said. “It’s something I can throw with 100 percent confidence, and I don’t know if I could say that last year.” Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
J. J. ALCANTARA/ The Daily Reveille
LSU junior pitcher Anthony Ranaudo throws Feb. 17 in practice in Alex Box Stadium.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 7
SOFTBALL
Tigers dominate Warhawks after three losses in tournament ULM entered game with no losses By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor
The LSU softball team demonstrated Wednesday night at Tiger Park that strength of schedule is more important than a record. Louisiana-Monroe entered Baton Rouge undefeated against a three-loss LSU team. But after facing then-No. 19 North Carolina, then-No. 21 DePaul and Texas last weekend, No. 19 LSU (3-3) proved to be too much for the Warhawks (3-1) as LSU won, 6-1. Sophomore left fielder Ashley Langoni launched a two-run home run to left center field to put the Tigers on the board at 2-0 in the
second inning. “I’m more comfortable at the plate, and when you are more confident, you play better,” Langoni said. Senior center fielder Rachel Mitchell increased the lead to 4-0 in the third inning with a single to center field, scoring senior designated player Kirsten Shortridge and junior third baseman Jessica Mouse. LSU coach Yvette Girouard said Shortridge didn’t play center field because her shoulder was bothering her the morning of the game. “She was good enough to hit,” Girouard said. “Throwing might have been a little bit of a problem.” Girouard said she doesn’t think the shoulder problem will be a lingering injury for Shortridge. “I think she just slept wrong,”
Girouard said. The Tigers thought they struck out Warhawks freshman first baseman Elise West to end the fourth inning, but the pitch was called a ball. Momentum seemed to be turning ULM’s way when she brought in a run with an infield single later in the at-bat. The momentum was short lived. LSU quashed any thoughts of a comeback in the bottom half of the inning when Shortridge smacked an RBI base hit to center field, and junior right fielder Ashley Applegate followed with an RBI double to extend the Tiger lead, 6-1. LSU freshman pitcher Rachele Fico (2-2) tossed five innings, giving up one unearned run and striking out a career-high seven batters to earn the win. “I saw her changeup working,”
Girouard said. “I saw her rise ball finally jumping. She’s not nervous. I thought she had a great outing.” It was Fico’s first opportunity to pitch at home as a Tiger. “Tiger Park has an incredible atmosphere, and it was just an amazing feeling to be able to play in our stadium for the first time,” Fico said. The Tigers made it to the championship game last weekend at the Texas Invitational where they fell to Texas, 2-1. The Longhorns beat LSU by the same score earlier in the tournament. LSU made it to the championship game after overcoming a 3-2 deficit against then-No. 19 North Carolina to win the game, 6-3. The Tar Heels had previously taken the tournament opener against LSU, 1-0. The Tigers notched a victory
against then-No. 21 DePaul, 4-1, following the opener. Shortridge hit .368 and Mitchell hit .313 during the weekend, but the team as a whole hit only .230. “I saw a lot of positives, but I’m not happy that we left so many people on and that we couldn’t score runs,” Girouard said. The pitching was stellar throughout the tournament. All three of the Tigers’ losses were low-scoring games decided by one run. Sophomore pitcher Brittany Mack posted an 0.88 ERA at the tournament, and Shortridge and Fico had ERAs under 2.00.
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
FOOTBALL
NCAA grants DB Graff sixth year of eligibility By Staff Reports LSU defensive back Daniel Graff has been given a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, the LSU Athletic Department announced Wednesday in a news release. Graff has been at LSU for
three years after transferring in 2007. He played in all 13 of LSU’s games in 2009 and racked up seven total tackles. He has collected 18 total tackles in 26 career games at LSU. He has mainly served as a key contributor on special teams,
blocking a punt against Tulane in 2009 in the Tigers’ 42-0 win against the Green Wave. Graff began his athletic career in 2005 at Louisiana-Lafayette on a track scholarship. He returned home to Metairie shortly after arriving in Lafayette to help his fam-
ily after Hurricane Katrina. Graff then enrolled at the University of New Orleans in fall 2006 before transferring to LSU. Other recent LSU players to receive sixth years of eligibility from the NCAA include defensive linemen Kirston Pittman
and Charles Alexander. Pittman received a sixth year for the 2008 season, and Alexander’s sixth year came in 2009. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 8
GYMNASTICS
Tigers cruise past TWU, prepare for two-week road stint Jackson breaks LSU all-around record By Rob Landry Sports Contributor
The No. 11 LSU gymnastics team took care of business last Friday with style, defeating Texas Woman’s, 196.475-190.775, in front of 1,463 people in the PMAC. The Tigers’ score matched their season high and was achieved with senior Sabrina Franceschelli sitting out the vault and floor exercise with a leg injury. “We had some adversity we had to deal with,” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. “That really affected our lineup. But we had some breakthrough performances with some people.” One of those outstanding performances came from junior Sam Engle. Engle posted a career-high 9.95 on the uneven bars and captured her first career title on the apparatus. “Sam’s bar routine was phenomenal,” said senior Summer Hubbard. “That’s what we see every day in the gym. So we don’t expect anything less of her.” The Tigers as a team scored a season-high 49.325 on the uneven
bars. Besides Engle, LSU also had two gymnasts tie personal bests on the apparatus. Franceschelli and fellow senior Susan Jackson tied their season highs, posting a 9.825 and 9.925, respectively. LSU also set a season high on the balance beam with a 49.225 score. “I felt like we had some
performances that were better this week and got better scores,” Breaux said. “So a lot of things were much better.” On the floor exercise, senior Kayla Rogers tied a season high with a 9.900. Rogers also tied a season high on the vault with a 9.875. Hubbard also set her career high all-around score with a
39.125. Jackson claimed her fifth vault title of the year and her fourth balance beam title despite battling an illness. “I’ve been sick the past few days, and I wasn’t fully there,” Jackson said. “I’m proud of what I was able to do for being sick, though.” But Jackson’s biggest accomplishment was breaking an LSU record by winning the all-around title for the sixth consecutive meet. Jackson’s score of 39.525 won her the title and broke a tie with former LSU gymnast Sandra Smith, who won five consecutive all-around titles in 1980. “I just came in and did my job the past six weeks,” Jackson said. “I’m very happy to have set a new school record. It’s very exciting.”
Jackson was also named the Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Week on Monday. She also kept her ranking as the top gymnast in the country for the fifth consecutive week. She is also in the top 10 nationally in all four individual apparatuses, ranking second on the vault, fifth on the uneven bars, seventh on the balance beam and ninth on the floor exercise. The Tigers also improved their all-time record to 11-0 versus Texas Woman’s. LSU will now take to the road for two straight weeks to face No. 3 Arkansas on Feb 19 and five-time defending national champion No. 9 Georgia on Feb 26. Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com
thursday FEBRUARY 18 J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior Sam Engle flies Feb. 12 during her routine on the uneven bars in the Tigers’ win against Texas Woman’s in the PMAC. Engle won her first title on the apparatus.
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RAVE MOTION PICTURES February 19th - February 20th WWW.RAVEMOTIONPICTURES.COM Mall of Louisiana 15 Baton Rouge 16 I-10@ Mall of LA Exit 225-769-5176 I-12@ O’Neal 225-769-5176 **AVATAR 3D PG13 1:00, 4:15, 5:15, 7:45, 9:30 **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 1:00, 7:00 **THE BOOK OF ELI R 1:45, 4:45, 7:45, 10:30 **DEAR JOHN PG13 1:45, 4:45, 7:1, 7:45, 10:00, 10:30 **EDGE OF DARKNESS R 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 **FROM PARIS WITH LOVE R 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00 **LEGION R 4:30, 7:30, 10:00 **THE LOVELY BONES PG13 1:30PM ONLY **PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: LIGHTNING THIEF PG 1:00, 1:15, 4:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:45 ** SHERLOCK HOLMES PG13 1:15 ONLY **TOOTH FAIRY PG 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00 PG13 **VALENTINE’S DAY 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45 **WHEN IN ROME PG13 1:45, 4:45, 10:30 **THE WOLFMAN R 1:15, 2:00, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 7:15, 8:00, 10:00, 10:30
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 7:00-8:30 PM 11:00-12:30PM
**AVATAR 3D PG13 11:05, 2:50, 5:15, 6:50, 9:55 **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 5:05PM ONLY **THE BOOK OF ELI R 11:10, 2:10, 8:10, 11:05 **CRAZY HEART R 12:10, 4:15, 7:40, 10:45 **EDGE OF DARKNESS R 12:00, 4:10, 7:30, 10:40 **DEAR JOHN PG13 11:40, 2:40, 7:25, 10:20 **FROM PARIS WITH LOVE R 7:20, 10:05 **PERCY JACKSON &THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF PG 11:20, 12:20, 2:35, 4:00, 7:10, 10:25 **SHUTTER ISLAND R 11:15, 12:15, 2:45, 4:30, 6:45, 7:45, 10:00, 10:30, 11:15 **THE TOOTH FAIRY PG 11:35, 2:25, 5:00, 7:55, 10:50 **VALENTINE’S DAY PG13 11:00, 11:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3:45, 4:45, 7:00, 8:00, 10:15, 11:00 **WHEN IN ROME PG13 1:25, 2:00 , 4:35 **THE WOLFMAN R 11:30, 2:20, 5:10, 7:16, 8:15, 10:10, 11:10
A Perfect Getaway Julie & Julia Couples Retreat Inglorious Basterds
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CINEMA SPONSORS
Today’s KLSU 91.1 FM Specialty Shows: Greek Show 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.; I Want My KLSU! (80’s music) 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.; The Kitchen Sink (Experimental/Ambient) 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Entertainment
Hey, Mister DJ
Vinyl records seeing resurgence in popularity By Matthew Jacobs Entertainment Writer
Vinyl records are going for a spin again, as the once-universal music format makes a comeback across the recording industry. Record sales skyrocketed in 2008, with 2.1 million vinyl albums sold through November, according to Nielsen SoundScan, an information system that tracks music sales. And 2009 saw the highest number of record sales since 1991. In 2006 and 2007, vinyl record sales increased 14 percent as CD sales plummeted 35 percent, according to Nielsen. The Compact Disc Store on Jefferson Highway, a local music store and Baton Rouge staple since its opening in November 1984, has reported a spike in
sales in conjunction with the return of the classic record format. “Five years ago, we started noticing that people were wanting vinyl again,” said Brad Pope, co-owner of The Compact Disc Store. “At that time, only a few things were on vinyl. Now, almost everything gets a [vinyl] release.” Pope credits the return of vinyl records as a source of the increase in The Compact Disc Store’s daily profits. “We frequently have days where the vinyl sales make what would have otherwise been an abysmal day an OK day,” Pope said. “It’s not vinyl alone, but it certainly is making the difference.” As the recording industry sees music lovers nostalgically return to the days of ’60s and ’70s rock fads, technology RECORDS, see page 12
JORDAN LaFRANCE / The Daily Reveille
Sarah Wiseman, painting professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, searches through the inventory at The Compact Disc Store on Jefferson Highway. Record sales skyrocketed in 2008.
PAGE 9
SHOWS
F.A.M.E.
mixes arts, fashion, music By Elizabeth Clausen Entertainment Writer
It’s not every day fashion shows, modern art, contemporary ballet and well-known DJs come to Baton Rouge, but this weekend they’ll all be together under one roof. Saturday night is the first F.A.M.E. night in a series of weekly events to be held at Varsity Theatre by production company “WildFlower Presents.” F.A.M.E. stands for “Fashion. Arts. Music. Entertainment.” “You’ve got all of these elements to make an event that ‘[F.A.M.E. you don’t is] just see in Baton giving Rouge very often,” said people a Danny Breaux, more owner of “WildFlower interesting Presents” and thing to do F.A.M.E. night event coordi- than go out and drink.’ nator. The fash- Danny Breaux ion show will owner, “WildFlower kick off the Presents” F.A.M.E. series and feature four local boutiques. Aristocracy, Stella Boutique, Loft 3H and Hemline will showcase the latest fashions with contributors from the University fashion and design school. The models in the show are all from Baton Rouge, and hair and makeup will be by Eutopia Salon. ARTS, see page 12
HEALTH
Drinking games may play role in binge drinking Bars risk fines by allowing beer pong By Elizabeth Clausen Entertainment Writer
Drinking games are portrayed as essential parts of the college experience, but playing them in bars can be a risky venture. Louisiana authorities have been cracking down on bars allowing on-site games, claiming they promote binge drinking. The National Institute of
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism games are violating Law 55 Secdefines binge tion 305 of the Alcodrinking as hol Damages Law. consuming five “Certain places or more drinks are pushing them for men or four because they are or more drinks looking for a way to for women in replace the business the span of two lost because of the hours. economy by offering Bartenders prizes,” Painter said. Conner Adamek are legally proPenalties inhibited from Bogie’s Bar entertainment manager clude hefty fines — serving drunk $500 for the first ofcustomers, and the state Office fense, $1,500 for the second and of Alcohol and Tobacco Control up to $2,500 for the third. Commissioner Murphy Painter said bars promoting drinking BARS, see page 12
‘‘
‘I don’t condone underage drinking, but you want to create a fun environment.’
graphic by SARAH LISOTTA / The Daily Reveille
PAGE 10
THE DAILY REVEILLE
FOOD
Cake decorating gaining popularity from TV shows Some businesses offer dessert classes By Elizabeth Clausen Entertainment Writer
Televisions across the nation are covered in fondant and buttercream frosting. Shows like Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” and TLC’s “Cake Boss” and “Ultimate Cake Off” are capitalizing on America’s sugary obsession, and Bravo will add “Top Chef: Just Desserts” to its lineup later this year. The popular shows feature seemingly impossibly elaborate confections, such as a life-size NASCAR car on “Cake Boss” or a rendering of Yankee Stadium on “Ace of Cakes.” On campus, students are inspired and entertained by the many decorating shows. Brittany Foster, political science sophomore, said cake decorating shows like “Cake Boss” and “Ace of Cakes” are her favorite. “I just like to see the interesting things they can do, like build robots and race cars,” she said. “I think people are attracted to seeing
something done that they can’t do themselves.” Some students are inspired to try decorating. Sara Akey, University alumna, decorated her first fondant cake for a friend’s birthday after getting hooked on “Ace of Cakes.” “I just taught myself after watching stuff on TV,” she said. But she said would be interested in taking a class to refine her skills. Despite Akey’s feelings on classes, several Baton Rouge businesses said their decorating classes are very popular R.J. Scaffin, manager of Tiger Central LLC, said the classes offered at his cake-supply store are always packed. “I get people from a lot of different places that come here,” he said. “We use word of mouth and don’t actually put out any flyers.” Scaffin said his store offers eight four-week classes with three levels of difficulty, and no prior experience is required to sign up. He plans to offer a fondant class as well. Jerry Harper, manager of Party Time on Bluebonnet Boulevard, said his store’s cake-decorating classes have always been popular, but interest has increased in the last few
Thursday, February 18, 2010
PINK LADIES
years. “We have to turn people away,” Harper said. Like Tiger Central, Party Time offers basic, intermediate and advanced classes, including fondant and figure-piping classes. The store also has a wide selection of specialty classes for other desserts like cupcakes, brownies, cookies and candy. No cake-decorating classes are currently scheduled, but leisure classes at the Student Union will offer them next semester. Leisure classes on cookies and candy are currently available. Inspired by her favorite TV show, Akey plans to move to New Orleans and work in a bakery. “It takes patience, but it’s rewarding because of people’s reactions when I’m done,” she said. “It’s just really fun ... and you get to eat the scraps.” Follow Elizabeth Clausen on Twitter @ TDR_eclausen.
Log on to lsureveille.com to see photos of cakes Akey has decorated. Contact Elizabeth Clausen at eclausen@lsureveille.com
ERIN ARLEDGE/ The Daily Reveille
Two revelers celebrate Mardi Gras at the Spanish Town parade in downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday afternoon. Spanish Town is known for its flamboyant costumes and floats. Log on to lsureveille.com to see more photos from the parade.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 11
HOLIDAYS
Students celebrate Vietnamese, Chinese New Years By Kieu Tran Entertainment Writer
When Anthony Pham was younger, he was taught about the etiquette of Vietnamese New Year, particularly the art of “hustling money.” Each year, elders give younger family members money inside red envelopes, representing prosperity and luck for the New Year — an interaction referred to as “li xi,” according to Pham, biological sciences sophomore. One year, Pham said he received mere chunk change because he didn’t say the expected New Year phrases to the elders. Pham’s parents told him to say “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” and “phát tài” to ensure more red envelopes and more money, Pham said. He never made that mistake again. Now, the external vice president of the Vietnamese Student Organization said he realizes the Vietnamese New Year, Tet, has more important traditions. “My mom doesn’t cook at all during Vietnamese New Year
Chinese and Vietnamese New Year events:
• Feb. 19: Traditional lion dance and exhibition of Chinese culture at noon in Free Speech Alley sponsored by CSSA. •Feb. 20: Traditional Chinese dinner at 6 p.m. in the International Cultural Center. CSSA student performance, including dancing, music and door prizes at 7 p.m. in the Cox Communications Building. •Feb. 19-21: Vietnamese Versai Tet Fair starts at 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fair is located at the Mary Queen of Vietnam Church in New Orleans.
because it’s considered bad luck — she has to cook the night before,” Pham said. “Also, we can’t clean up the house, and the first person to walk in the house has to be the good child and the good person in the family.” The Vietnamese and Chinese New Years fell on Feb. 14 this year. And with the New Year, Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day during the same week, Pham and his friends split time with other holidays. “A lot of my friends didn’t really do anything throughout Mardi Gras because they spent time with their families for New Year and some celebrated Valentine’s,” Pham said. Some Vietnamese students had quiet New Years. Christina Tran,
international business freshman, decided not to celebrate Tet. “I didn’t really do anything this year. I usually burn fake money for my dad because he passed away,” Tran said. “In other years, I would visit my family, get li xi and clean up before the New Year starts.” University Chinese students also practice the red envelope tradition and see the New Year as a time to celebrate with family, said Pei Pei Han, anthropology graduate student. “For the normal family, on New Year’s Day, we gather to have a traditional family dinner and watch the performances on the national Chinese TV station. We also have fireworks,” said Han, president of the Chinese Student and Scholars
FASHION
Alexander McQueen’s death by hanging believed suicide By The Associated Press LONDON (AP) — A bereaved Alexander McQueen left a note, then hanged himself in his apartment on the eve of his mother’s funeral, a coroner’s inquest said Wednesday, giving the cause of the fashion designer’s death as asphyxiation and hanging. The inquest has yet to formally deliver a ruling of suicide, but police said there were no suspicious circumstances. Coroner’s official Lynda Martindill told the inquest at Westminster Coroner’s Court that the body of 40-year-old McQueen was found in an armoire at his London apartment on Thursday. In the dispassionate language of the inquest, she referred to him as “a single man, a fashion designer.” Days before he died, McQueen had left several messages on the social networking site Twitter revealing his grief at his mother’s recent death. Police detective inspector Paul Armstrong told the inquest there were no suspicious circumstances. He gave the note found at the scene to coroner Paul Knapman but did not disclose its contents. After a five-minute hearing, the coroner adjourned the inquest until April 28. Full details of the autopsy also will be available in a few months. McQueen’s family, who are now free to hold the designer’s funeral, issued a statement through their lawyers appealing to the media to respect their privacy following their “grievous double loss.” They have not released details of the funeral.
In Britain, inquests are held whenever someone dies violently or in unexplained circumstances. McQueen’s death has cast a shadow over London Fashion
Week, which opens on Friday.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainent staff at entertainment@lsureveille.com
Association. While the Chinese and Vietnamese New Years officially passed, several Baton Rouge events celebrating the Asian cultures and New Year have yet to take place. The CSSA will host several events in the coming days. On Feb. 19, CSSA will hold a traditional lion dance and exhibition of Chinese culture, including a fashion show and a tae chi illustration. The event will take place at noon in Free Speech Alley. On Feb. 20, CSSA will hold a traditional Chinese dinner and student performance at 6 p.m. in the International Cultural Center. Students will dance, play musical
instruments and perform Chinese plays. Both events are open to LSU students and are free. Many Vietnamese students will be traveling to New Orleans this weekend to attend the Tet fair at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church. The fair will incorporate the Vietnamese culture and traditions, including Asian cuisine and musical performances by famous Vietnamese singers. There will be a traditional Vietnamese dress fashion show and games with prize awards. Contact Kieu Tran at ktran@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 12 RECORDS, from page 9
junkies are taking advantage of the opportunity to pick up another top-of-the-line gadget. Two turntable production companies set up shop at the Consumer Electronics Show in January to display fresh models of formerly outdated record players, according to a Jan. 13 article by the Los Angeles Times. Former turntable giants Crosley and ION Audio have been able to rebuild their businesses thanks to the resurgence in popularity of vinyl-record players. ION is capitalizing on its ability to combine the returning fad with digital music — the ION Profile turntable includes an iPod dock, which allows music to be transferred directly from a record to an iPod or other portable music device. Brian Domingue, Compact Disc Store employee and music lover, attributes aesthetics and consumerism as additional pushes for the return of the vinyl record. “Records are more of a piece of art,” Domingue said. “CDs are cheap throwaways. All the labels that tricked everyone into getting rid of their records and buying CDs are pressing records and tricking people into buying records again.” And the generation jumpstarting most modern trends is credited with being the target audience shopping for vinyl records. The youth demographic is most prominently absorbing the movement, Domingue said. “I don’t think the people who are buying records now can recall a time [everyone] bought records,” Domingue said. “It’s like nostalgia for an age that never existed.” Antique stores are benefiting from the movement as well. Kerry Beary, an employee at Aladdin’s Lamp on Government Street who specializes in vintage vinyl records, said the store’s record collection is a significant pull for 18 to 40-year-olds. “People are inheriting their parents’ record collections and
ARTS, from page 9
Marc Fresh will showcase his artwork while DJ Triz-A will perform a video set, mixing songs and videos on the big screen. Cangelosi Dance Project, a Baton Rouge dance company, will perform during the show. Breaux said he hopes to use F.A.M.E. nights to promote local artists and expose people to different forms of art in a low-key, fun environment. The show is 18 and older, and tickets can be purchased online, at Chimes Restaurant or at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show begins at 11 p.m. “There’s a lot of talent that I’m bringing in from out of town that hasn’t been here before,” Breaux said. “We’re just giving people a more interesting thing to do than go out and drink.” Contact Elizabeth Clausen at eclausen@lsureveille.com
looking to update,” Beary said. “A lot of people are sick of the bad sound quality with digital music.” The movement is not lost on University students. Christopher Leh, international studies junior, worked in a vinyl record show in his hometown outside Chicago for four years. Like many young record collectors, Leh ascribes his fascination with the musical technology to his parents’ influence. “When I was growing up, my parents had boxes upon boxes of records,” Leh said. “Now, about 90 percent of my records, I’ve bought.” Even national chains are picking up on the trend, with Best Buy, Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble introducing vinyl record selections to their stores. But local music stores like The Compact Disc Store and Aladdin’s Lamp aren’t placing much stock in such companies jumping on the bandwagon. “It blew my mind that Best Buy sells records,” Domingue said. “But I don’t think a person is going to be in Best Buy and buy records. No one goes, ‘Oh, I need some records. I’ll go to Best Buy.” But nostalgia has made its splash, as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” all earned spots on Best Buy’s current top10 vinyl best sellers, according to Best Buy’s Web site. Pope said the vinyl record movement is a reemerging trend that appears to be one that will stick around in the closets of music lovers across the country as record sales continue to amplify. “When we first opened, [The Compact Disc Store] didn’t sell anything but CDs,” Pope said. “The only real departure from that has been new and secondhand vinyl, which has seen a resurgence of demand, and we’re happy to fulfill the need.”
Contact Matthew Jacobs at mjacobs@lsureveille.com
BARS, from page 9
The bar’s license is also subject to suspension for any offense, Painter said. Conner Adamek, entertainment manager at Bogie’s Bar, said drinking games are most popular among college freshmen who are generally under the legal drinking age. “We’re not allowed to play beer pong,” he said. “If it were legal, we still wouldn’t do it. We’re more of an older crowd.” Some local bars take risks and find ways around the rules despite restrictions on drinking games at bars, Adamek said. “Some places have these pool tables, and they just put a board on top for beer pong,” he said. Adam Rousel, manager at The Station Sports Bar & Grill, said his establishment does not have the facilities for drinking games but plenty of other local
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
bars allow them. He said drinking responsible drinking habits isn’t games encourage binge drinking, a bar’s responsibility. but they should be allowed in Fred’s Bar said they try to bars. avoid drinking games. “I see it in Tigerland and “Nowadays if you have a places like that — it’s mostly col- party and you bring a keg inlege kids,” Rousel said. “As long side, you could get suspended,” as they’ve got Adamek said. “I someone to drive don’t condone them home, it’s underage drinkOK.” ing, but you want Matt Robinto create a fun enson, construction vironment.” management juBut bars lurnior, said he reguing customers larly plays beer in with drinking pong in bars with games are still Murphy Painter his friends. breaking the law. “It saves La. Alcohol and Tobacco Control “Drinking is money because if a controlled comCommissioner you win, the other modity with seriteam has to pay for the beer,” he ous consequences,” Painter said. said. “You can drink for free.” “It’s not a game.” Robinson said he doesn’t blame drinking games for promoting binge drinking because customers go to bars to drink Contact Elizabeth Clausen at anyway. He said promoting eclausen@lsureveille.com
‘‘
‘Drinking is a controlled commodity with serious consequences. It’s not a game.’
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
REVEILLE Ranks
MUSIC MOVIES BOOKS TELEVISION
Crazy Heart
Peter Gabriel
Galactic
Jeff Bridges deservingly earns his fourth Oscar nomination for his remarkable portrayal of washed-up alcoholic country star Bad Blake. Bridges takes an average script and turns the film into a poignant character piece. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Blake’s lover, and despite looking unnecessarily rough throughout the entire film, Gyllenhaal breathes life into her otherwise breathless character. The most cinematic element of “Crazy Heart” is that, despite its predictable dramatization, the film never feels cliché.
Virgin Records
Anti, Inc.
Even without using original material, former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel is capable of breaking new ground. Gabriel proves this with “Scratch My Back” — a compilation of covers from everyone from David Bowie to Radiohead. Many of Gabriel’s versions provide a dark, introspective view — an approach which largely works for his progressive rock style. Gabriel morphs Neil Young’s piano ballad “Philadelphia” into a full-bodied arrangement featuring horns and strings.
Galactic’s seventh studio album, “Ya-Ka-May,” sounds like one big victory lap for New Orleans. The jazz-funk jam band from the Big Easy fuses every funky rhythm, party starter horn blast and mellow, jazzy vibe from all corners of the city’s musical history with inconsistent but often inspiring results. The combination of sounds creates thrilling anthems but also a few missteps with schizophrenic arrangements.
Log on to lsureveille.com to read the full review.
Log on to lsureveille.com to read the full review.
Scratch My Back
Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Ya-Ka-May
M. JACOBS
B. BOURGEOIS
C. ABSHIRE
Valentine’s Day
Various Artists
The Wolfman
[B] [B] [B+]
New Line Cinema
Even with a star-studded cast featuring Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway and almost every other British and American celebrity, “Valentine’s Day” is a mediocre romantic comedy that doesn’t live up to its potential. The multiple storylines consist of one cliché after another. There are a few genuinely funny moments, and anyone seeking a mindless, predictable date movie will leave feeling satisfied. But Taylor Swift’s awful acting aside, the movie is unmemorable and a far cry from the film it tries to imitate, 2003’s “Love Actually.”
E. CLAUSEN
We Are The World: 25 For Haiti
Universal
We Are the World Foundation
This remake by more than 80 pop stars lacks the singing talents in the original. Jamie Foxx is no substitute for Michael Jackson, though sister Janet Jackson can be heard on the track. Cheesy singers like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger, overshadow better artists like Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige. Haiti native Wyclef Jean provides passionate vocals, but this mix of artists doesn’t work.
Log on to lsureveille.com to read the full review.
L. COUMES
The remake of the 1941 Hollywood horror classic, “The Wolfman,” is a brooding drama which rises above most modern horror movies. While the majority of the original plot is intact, one major change — moving the setting to rural Victorian England— lends the film an eerie and brooding feel. Benicio del Toro plays the lead character — werewolf – remarkably well, but Anthony Hopkins’ performance as his father, Sir John Talbot, is vapid and boring.
Log on to lsureveille.com to read the full review.
C. ABSHIRE
[D+] [C-] [B]
Editor’s Pick ALO
The four-man band ALO, short for Animal Liberation Orchestra, gained moderate popularity by touring with high-profile bands.
Brushfire Records
B+
These California-based groovsters bring the beach jams to their third release on Jack Johnson’s record label.
N. PERSAC
Man of the World
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PAGE 13
PAGE 14 LADY TIGERS, from page 5
and our man motion game,” Hightower said. “Vanderbilt likes to get loose balls and rebounds, and they hustle. We have to match the intensity they have and want it more than they do and be tougher than they are, especially on the glass.” Sophomore forward Swayze Black has started in LSU’s past two victories, a move Chancellor said gave the team a new fire. Black scored six points with one rebound and one steal against Auburn, and she finished with four points, two rebounds and two steals against Florida.
MEN’S BASKETBALL, from page 5
modores quashed any hopes the Tigers had of a win. Goulbourne’s two free throws with 22 seconds remaining gave Vanderbilt an eight-point lead to ice the win. “Obviously they caused some problems for us, but the contributions that we got from Dennis Harris and Garrett Green were pleasing,” LSU
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
“We just weren’t happy with our team, so we put in Swayze Black,” Chancellor said. “The team has done nothing but catch on. It’s been playing up a storm.” Black never started a college game before LSU’s road game at Florida on Feb. 11, but she said she values the opportunity to contribute during the Lady Tigers’ final stretch of games. “It’s been exciting and nerveracking at the same time,” Black said. “I’m getting more comfortable understanding what my role is on the floor, and I’m being able to do that — playing defense, rebounding, scoring when I can and getting people open.”
Black said being in the starting lineup has been crucial to LSU’s momentum swing. “We’ve been getting a lot more accomplished,” Black said. “We’ve been playing a lot better on the offensive side, getting the shots we want and knocking them down. And we’re all staying together and helping each other.” Sophomore guard Destini Hughes also entered the starting lineup in place of junior point guard Latear Eason back on Feb. 7 against Ole Miss. Hughes has contributed 14 points, eight assists and three rebounds and has committed only three turnovers since then.
“When [Eason] got hurt, [Hughes] was just playing so well that I stayed with her,” Chancellor said. Freshman guard Adrienne Webb has also come off the bench to score double figures in each of LSU’s most recent wins. Webb scored 10 points in 17 minutes against Auburn and 13 points in 24 minutes at Florida. “Webb really knows how to finish plays,” Chancellor said. “When you win two games, you still have to get after them and get them to think they’ve got to get better.” Finishing plays and staying aggressive throughout games are
aspects the Lady Tigers have emphasized this season. Hightower said being successful in these areas is imperative down the stretch. “We definitely know when we don’t finish, it takes away from us and gives to them,” Hightower said. “We have to have a sense of urgency knowing those games we lost put us in a hard position in the SEC. Now we have to keep coming out, make sure we’re locked in and have the same mindset going onto the court.”
coach Trent Johnson said in a news release. “Hopefully we can take this experience and move forward.” Harris and Green, who have been ghosts this season, finally showed why some pinned high hopes on them heading into the season. Harris scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Green managed six points and six rebounds. The Tigers now head into Sat-
urday’s game against Mississippi State (18-8, 6-5) rested after getting Wednesday off and encouraged from the close loss in Memorial Gymnasium. “I think you have to give LSU a lot of credit,” said Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings in a news release. “They played with a lot of purpose in the tempo of the game. This wasn’t a case of us not being ready to play
or this being a letdown. LSU came out at the beginning better able to do what they needed to do.” The fact that this team, winless in conference plays with the only hopes of a postseason embodied in an improbable conference tournament run, still played hard earned them high compliments from Johnson. “I have good kids, and that’s the
tough part about it,” Johnson said. “They have been down 11 times, but they find a way to pick themselves back up, and I think that speaks volumes to their character.”
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 BASEBALL, from page 5
The coaches gave LSU five first-place votes and picked the Tigers to finish first in the SEC West as well. Florida received four firstplace votes, and Arkansas received three. Mainieri said although he recognizes his team as the defending champions, it has no effect on how he or his players approached the season. “Every season is an entity into its own,” he said. “One of my favorite things I say to my players is that the new season does not begin at the point that the last season ended.” Mainieri also announced his batting order for opening on Friday, when LSU hosts Centenary at Alex Box Stadium. Sophomore left fielder Trey Watkins will lead off, followed by sophomore shortstop Austin Nola and senior first baseman Blake Dean. Sophomore second baseman Tyler Hanover will bat cleanup after Dean, and junior catcher Micah Gibbs and junior center fielder Leon Landry will hit in the fifth and sixth spots, respectively. Sophomore right fielder Mikie Mahtook, senior designated hitter Matt Gaudet and redshirt freshman third baseman Wet Delatte will round out the last three spots in the lineup. The experience of being a national champion is new for Mainieri as he had never won one before. “This is the first season that I’ve ever had the experience of being the defending national champion,” Mainieri said. “I’m kind of looking forward to that, actually. I hope we can experience that in future years.” One of Mainieri’s biggest mentors is his father, Demie Mainieri. The elder Mainieri won one junior college national title in his 30 years of coaching and told his son to go out and enjoy the experience of being a national champion. Another big topic of conversation during media day was how LSU plans to replace the players it lost from last year’s squad. Five members of that national championship team were taken in the Major League Baseball FirstYear Player draft, and the younger Mainieri said he knows it will take a great team effort to replace them. “It’s impossible to replace those kinds of guys man for man,” he said. “What has to happen is the whole concept of synergy. We just have to be greater than the sum of the parts.” Mainieri said he likes the makeup of his team but feels it is lacking in terms of number of position players, mainly because of both NCAA regulations and injuries. Prior to last season, the NCAA placed a roster size limitation of 35 players on teams. LSU had to cut athletes to make this number last year. The Tigers have 34 players on this season’s roster. Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 15
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 16
OUR VIEW
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Jindal’s recommendations a nice thought, not a solution While most students were catching beads and reveling in Mardi Gras festivities, Governor Bobby Jindal released his proposed budget for 2011 last Friday. Impressively and importantly, the budget doesn’t include any cuts to higher education. This budget proposal shows Jindal has at least the pretense of caring that higher education doesn’t get completely gutted.
While the proposed budget is certainly welcome here on a campus that is already feeling the sting of budget cuts, it’s important this minor success not be blown out of proportion. First, Jindal’s budget is by no means law. The budget has to actually be implemented by the legislature, whose members are under no obligation to follow his reccomendation. Jindal’s recommendations
may make sense, but only if he and our representatvies spend the effort and political capital to make sure it actually gets implemented. They should do this swiftly and in an overwhelimg show of solidarity. Second, there should be no illusion that this proposal means an end to our budgetary woes. The budget for this year already inolves significant and painful funding cuts, and we have yet to
feel the real brunt of decreased funding. Finally, this budget is certainly a short term fix. It does nothing to rectify the major structural inequalities that lead to higher education and health care suffering wildly disproportionate cuts when the money gets tight. This is and will continue to be the primary issue in this matter, and it should be our elected officials’ primary concern when
AGE OF DELIGHTENMENT
ple who have Twitter accounts, and 12 of them are Reveille opinion columnists. The remainder of accounts I follow are not actual people — with the exception of Joel McHale, Lady Gaga and shitmydadsays. Twitter is rife with organizations looking to promote their products or Web sites. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I personally prefer Sara Boyd to join someColumnist one’s e-mail list if I give a crap about what they do. Celebrities are also very involved with Twitter. This is as much a marketing tool for a celebrity’s “brand” as it is for their actual persona. Celebrities have lots of followers, and their Tweets make major news. That’s fine too, but most celebrity Tweets consist of mundane details and uninteresting observations, and I can barely tolerate those from people I actually know. I have no reason to care about Tom Hanks getting his scooter license. 2. They are idiots. Take a look at trending topics at any given moment. As I write this, the topics include five people I’ve never heard of, two racist catchphrases, and some stuff about the Olympics. I see a bunch of Tweets from teenagers and bots when I click on the trending topics. Teenagers and bots are stu-
THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER GERRI SAX ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT
Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor
Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
PAOLO’S PUZZLE
Twitter: irrelevant, useless, lazy man’s Facebook isn’t cool Twitter is a useless, big, fat waste of my time. I created a Twitter account after all the CNN anchors kept talking about how important it was. I figured I’d see what the fuss was about because I’d heard absolutely zero other people talk about Twitter. After a while, I decided it was essentially a lazy man’s Facebook status update and deleted my account. Before it would let me leave, Twitter told me vehemently there was no going back and asked if I was sure I wanted to get rid of every single Tweet I’d ever Tweeted. Yes, Twitter, I said. I feel like I can part with those useless 140-character-or-less musings about coloring my hair at home, stuff my dog did and jokes only my boyfriend would get. Irony: I was told the very next day a Twitter account was required as part of my job as a Daily Reveille Opinion Columnist. The powers that be feel, as many old-school newsy types do, that Twitter is the future of news and the voice of the people. God help us all if that’s true. But I’m pretty sure it’s not. I’ve come up with a short list of reasons people use (and presumably like) Twitter. And none of those reasons really make it worth my while, or most people’s for that matter — especially when there are far better options (Facebook, e-mail, RSS feeds, etc.). People use Twitter because: 1. They have to. I know a total of 24 real peo-
the legislature convenes. This budget, while absolutely something to be applauded, can’t be made out to be a silver bullet, when it’s at best a few sandbags thrown on the gaping whole that is the state’s fiscal system.
pid, and no one cares about either of them. 3. They live in countries with criminally oppressive governments or are the victims of disastrous circumstances and have literally no other media outlet. See: Iran, China, Haiti. OK, you can use Twitter as a kind of international 911. I’ll give you that one. 4. They are “newsies.” News organizations <3 Twitter. They feature replies from their followers, and they report crap from Twitter alongside crap from the Associated Press. This constant, pathetic, failing attempt at relevancy is probably what keeps me from watching major news networks and reading major newspapers (well, that and monster bias). It’s also one reason why these forms of media are dying. Actual relevancy is a hard thing to achieve. It’s kind of like trying to be cool in high school. When you try too hard, it turns people off. Twitter does not make you cool, interesting or relevant. It makes you look like someone’s mom doing the Macarena at a wedding – hopelessly, embarrassingly out of touch. Sara Boyd is a 23-year-old general studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow her on Twitter @ TDR_sboyd. PAOLO ROY / The Daily Reveille
Contact Sara Boyd at sboyd@lsureveille.com
Crossword answers can be found on www.lsureveille.com
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 “The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer.”
Henry Kissinger American political scientist and diplomat May 27, 1923 — present
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, February 18, 2010
THE GRUMBLING HIVE
Opinion
PAGE 17
Louisiana’s culture promotes drinking and driving
Amid the Mardi Gras music, horns, bands and drunken yells, the streets are flooded with people boozing their way from party to party. Shirts are lifted, beads thrown and mistakes are made. Floats pass on the street, as I watch otherwise responsible adults drink themselves into oblivion. I can’t help but consider the fact many of these people will be driving themselves home. It makes me thankful to own a large diesel truck. In 2008, Louisiana had the third highest rate of fatalities caused by alcohol-related accidents per vehicle miles of travel, according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Montana claimed the dishonorable distinction of first place. When my friend and I arrived in Louisiana 11 years ago from San Diego, we were pulled over by one of Lafayette’s finest. There
was no place to shove the open case of beer at our feet. I was sure our vehicle would be searched, even though (believe it or not) we hadn’t been drinking. To our surprise, the officer didn’t seem to notice the beer. It seemed to be an accepted component Nathan Shull of our vehicle. Columnist It just wouldn’t be right to drive without a beer nearby, would it? The shock quickly wore off as we discovered drive-through daiquiri shops as numerous as Starbucks are in Seattle. Drinking is an integral part of life in Louisiana — part of the culture. “Laissez les bon temp rouler,” they say. And they mean it. I have learned to love the people, the culture and the relaxed
attitude, but I have not learned to love the over-indulgence in alcohol. Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy a drink or two. But drinking seems to be the primary source of entertainment here. Gone are my days of hiking and mountain-biking in the Cascade Mountains — the nearest I get to the mountains these days is the blue Colorado Rockies on the side of a Coors Light can. But let’s return to the main subject — driving while drinking, which is a serious issue for the state of Louisiana. There were 11,773 traffic fatalities involving alcohol in the U.S. during 2008, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control. Even more disturbing is that 216 children 14 years old or younger died in an alcoholrelated traffic accident. Nearly half were “in the vehicle with the alcohol-impaired driver.” The NHTSA reports 338 of the 912 traffic-related fatalities in
2008 in Louisiana were a result of an accident involving a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. DUI laws need to be more severe. The maximum penalty for the first DUI offense is up to 6 months imprisonment, a $1,000 fine and a 90-day license suspension — which is insufficient deterrence. And it’s important to remember few offenders receive the maximum penalty. In recent years, there has been an increase in legal consequences and awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence. This has helped reduce alcohol-related fatalities. But Louisiana still has a lot of room to improve. Drive-through daiquiri shops are symbolic of Louisiana’s cultural acceptance of drinking and driving and should be shut down. As fun as they may be, they promote irresponsible and dangerous behavior. As students, it is important
for us to realize one irresponsible action during an evening of drinking can forever change your life — and, more importantly, the life of someone else. Getting home from a party in your own car is not worth the sacrifice of someone else’s life or future. If you don’t drive under the influence, I applaud you. But, don’t wait until a friend is personally affected by someone else’s irresponsibility before you stand up to those who do drink and drive. Too many lives have been wasted because of the “invincibility” of some and the silence of others. Nathan Shull is a 35-year-old finance junior from Seattle. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_nshull.
Contact Nathan Shull at nshull@lsureveille.com
PRESS X to not die
For a better online experience, don’t feed the ‘trolls’ There’s nothing I like more after a stressful day at work or class than plopping down on my couch and picking up my Xbox 360 controller. For the past few months, the game of choice for myself and most of my friends is Infinity Ward’s critically-acclaimed shooter, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.” I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something satisfyingly calming about getting online with my friends and working together to shoot everyone on the other team in the face all night long. That is, until someone complains how he’s tired or has a test the next day and drops out, leaving our party vacant for some random person around the world to fill. Now, for those who play video games online regularly, you know there are generally three types of people who fill this spot. There’s the guy who actually communicates and cooperates with the team and makes the game fun as intended. There’s the guy who doesn’t talk at all and just runs around and plays his own game. And finally, there’s the bratty, obnoxious 13-year-old kid who seems to know every racial, sexual slur in the book. Anonymity on the internet brings out some interesting characters, and usually it’s not for the better. It’s funny what happens to a person when you give them a screenname and a keyboard or microphone. Now, I won’t lie, I’ve done my fair share of trash talking over Xbox LIVE. When playing for long enough, my competitive spirit
takes over and I need to let the person know I just blew their head off. However, when I get teamed up with option number three from above, it sometimes makes my playing time so unenjoyable I have to set my Adam Arinder controller down and stop for the Columnist night because it ruined the experience for me. These same types of people plague internet forums and message boards on the net as well. People like this are commonly referred to as “trolls.” These trolls might not live under a bridge — their parents’ basement may be more accurate. For some strange reason, their sole purpose in life is getting online and stirring up as much ruckus as possible for other online travelers. This internet anonymity is what makes message boards such as “4chan” so avoidable to some, yet attractive to others. Most chat rooms or forums require the user to register with their email address and a screenname. Those who post on some, however, may do so without using any type of identity at all. This has caused some of the message boards on these Web sites to degenerate from civilized conversation to arguing over trivial things like grammar, personal attacks on complete strangers and words typed in all caps I can’t retype here without losing my position as a columnist.
It’d be great to be able to go online and have a pleasant trip surfing the web without having to run into these types of people. But that’s like saying it’d be great to live in a world where everyone lived at peace with each other, Al Gore wasn’t running around screaming about Manbearpig and Family Guy never existed to burden my TV. What I’m trying to say is it isn’t going to happen.
My only advice if, while browsing the net, you run into one of these people is this – don’t feed the trolls! They get off on this type of thing like some strange annoyance fetish. And while yes, sometimes it does seem fun to play along with their little game, arguing over the internet is just about as smart as shooting yourself in the leg at a night club.
Nobody wins and you just look like a fool in the process. Adam Arinder is a 20-year-old communication studies junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
MISS SKETCHED
LAYCE BEAUREGARD / The Daily Reveille
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Classifieds
PAGE 18
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE LENT, from page 1
Lorrain said some people also add activities to their schedules during Lent, such as volunteering or attending daily mass. Rev. Than Vu, Christ the King pastor, said he’s depriving himself of things he enjoys and giving the money he saves to the poor. Fasting is another big part of Lent. Lorrain said Catholics are required to fast by skipping one meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. He said some people fast the entire day. “Fridays are days of abstinence, and Catholics are required to abstain from eating meat,” he said. “Catholics are encouraged to expand fasting to other times of the year.” Many people abstain from meat with seafood, Lorrain said. Shantell Pearl, manager at Mike Anderson’s Seafood Restaurant on West Lee Drive, said the restaurant sees an increase in business throughout Lent, especially during lunchtime. Fasting goes back to Christian-
ity’s Jewish roots, Lorrain said. Jews don’t celebrate Lent, but they do make sacrifices during this time, said Moshe Cohen, Hillel at LSU director and mathematics graduate student, in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille. “The stoic nature of the holiday is similar in nature to Omer — the 50 days from the first night of Passover to Shavout — in the Jewish lunar calendar,” Cohen said. “During this time, people act and dress solemnly, and parties are not usually held.” Vu said about 55 percent of University students identify themselves as Catholic. But Vu said there is no accurate way to measure the number of Catholics because students don’t have to declare a religion. Lent is not only for Catholics, and many other Christians participate. “It’s primarily a Catholic observance,” Vu said. “Although churches that are closer to the Catholic church in theology and literature have it.” Vu said he’s heard of Orthodox Christians, Episcopalians and Methodists participating in Lent. Jay High, Chi Alpha Christian
PAGE 19 Fellowship adviser and Residential Life communications manager, said he is Protestant but still practices Lent and plans on giving up lunch to pray. High said Chi Alpha does not have a formalized Lent event, but some members practice and discuss it in group meetings. Vu rubbed ashes on the foreheads of the congregation at Christ the King at mass on Ash Wednesday. The ashes are made by burning the palm leaves blessed on Palm Sunday last year, Lorrain said. “The ashes represent a spirit of repentance,” he said. “They remind you of your mortality. You humble yourself before God, be sorry for your sins and recommit yourself to doing better and being more faithful to the Gospel.” Lent is about letting go of unhealthy practices that may have crept into your life, he said.
Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com
BUDGET, from page 1
legislative session and flexibility in setting tuition and fee levels. An increase in fees or tuition currently requires a two-thirds vote by the legislature. “If the hole doesn’t get any deeper and the governor and legislature would support us filling some of that in, that would be about as good an outcome as we could see realistically,” Martin said. Martin said the push for the state to focus on a performancebased formula for funding to distinguish the goals of the different size public institutions receiving funding statewide. He also indicated he would like to see the purchase of 100 acres on the south area of campus and renovation of the French House along with additional money for the deferred maintenance. Martin indicated the University administration will be proposing multiple academic and non-academic eliminations and reductions before the legislative session. “I believe we have to find a way to eliminate or reduce on the academic and non-academic programs to save between $12 and $15 million recurring,” Martin said. “Then I believe we have to get the legislature to give us, simultaneously, authority to raise $12 to $15 million so the $50 million hole can at least be half refilled.” He said proposing these cuts — likely to be implemented in August — will give the University the ability to grow in specific areas and to send the legislature a message. “We will need their help, and we intend to continue to be a great university and flagship University and should be funded as such,” Martin said. “But also we understand at this time for a variety of reasons we have to make hard choices ourselves.” Martin, administrators, deans, Student Government leaders, faculty and the Staff Senate agreed on criteria to decide the pre-session restructuring. Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
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