Olympic Medal Count
U.S. Germany Norway
GOLD
TOTAL
7 7 6
25 21 14
OVERCOME
ENTERTAINMENT Check out the Reveille’s five Winter Olympic events to watch, page 6.
Lady Tigers fall to Vols in Tennessee, 70-61.
THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
How much do you Put Out?
Volume 114, Issue 94
Calculate your energy usage:
(watts X hours of daily use X days a year appliance is used) / 1,000 = KWh per year
Desk lamp (60 watt bulb) 6 hours/ day $6.92/ year
KWh per year X $0.08 = appliance cost/ year
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
FINANCES
New credit card rules enacted Feb. 22 By Mary Walker Baus
Clock radio 24 hours/ day $4.61/ year
DVD player 2 hours/ day $0.77/ year
changes many students pledged to make this month. Nineteen on-campus dormitories and apartments are participating in the campuswide energy reduction competition sponsored by the College of Engineering. The month-long competition began Monday
The major changes of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 will impact the relationship between credit card companies and American consumers. The new regulations went into effect Monday and require credit card companies to give more notice on interest rate and fee increases, more time for consumers to make payments and more information about debt on monthly statements. “For too long, credit card companies have had free rein to employ deceptive, unfair tactics that hit responsible consumers with unreasonable costs,” President Obama said in a Feb. 22 White House news release. “These new rules don’t absolve consumers of their obligation to pay their bills, but they finally level the playing field so that every family and small business using a credit card has the information they need to make responsible financial decisions.” Emily Burris, coordinator of the Student Financial Management Center, said the new changes promote financial literacy and debt protection for consumers. Under the new regulations,
ENERGY, see page 16
CREDIT, see page 16
Microwave 1 hour/ day $14.40/ year Laptop 12 hours/ day $11.52/ year
27” TV 4 hours/ day $8.68/ year
Mini fridge 24 hours/ day $46.08/ year
photo by MELANIE SCOTT; illustration by ELLEN ZIELINSKI / The Daily Reveille
Calculations provided based on: -an $0.08/ kilowatt hour rate (average cost for residential electricity in La. during October 2009, according to the US Energy Information Administration) -235 days (total number students may live in RHA facilities during the 2009-10 academic year) -lowest given typical wattage use according to the US Department of Energy’s Web site, excluding the 5 cubic-foot mini fridge, which was assumed to use 100 watts.
Students encouraged to unplug to save energy By Sabrina Trahan Contributing Writer
For University students participating in the second annual UNPLUG competition, less is more. Unplugging unused electronic appliances, turning laptops on sleep mode and taking shorter showers are among a list of
Contributing Writer
ENVIRONMENT
Flood warning issued affecting BR
Major water damage not expected for area By Jacob Most Contributing Writer
The National Weather Service extended a flood warning affecting Baton Rouge until Thursday for the Mississippi River at Red River Landing. The river was at 34.3 feet in Baton Rouge at 7 a.m. Monday, according to the NWS. Flood stage is 35 feet, and the
levee top is 49 feet, said Phil Grigsby, NWS forecaster. The river was above flood-stage for most of last week, according to NWS. The flooding has been minor and has only affected river islands and should not cause major damage to residential areas, Grigsby said. Flooding typically puts stress on the levees, and city engineers are taking steps to mitigate problems that might be associated with floods, said Jim Ferguson, city-parish drainage engineer. “The river has gone above its normal height four or five times in the last few
years,” Ferguson said. Areas affected by floods include River Road, where the ditches on the side of the road fill with water, and the Brightside and River Bend areas where water comes up through the asphalt, Ferguson said. City engineers monitor the levees three times a week when the river rises above flood-stage in an attempt to be proactive, he said. High river levels have been caused by excessive rains affecting the eastern RAINS, see page 16
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
The river, pictured Friday, at the River Road levees by the Vet School has risen to the flood stages, according to the NWS.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Mexico captures key cocaine trafficking operator of Sinaloa cartel
Man pleads guilty to dismemberment death of his girlfriend
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Federal police have captured a man described as a key operator of the powerful Sinaloa cartel who served briefly in the U.S. army before taking on the trafficking of 2 tons of cocaine a month into the United States.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man has admitted to a charge that he bludgeoned his girlfriend to death with a hammer before dismembering her and scattering her body parts around the apartment complex where they lived. Fifty-one-year-old Robert Knight of Columbus pleaded guilty to murder Monday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. It’s the same day his trial was set to begin. He faces 15 years to life in prison when sentenced March 3.
Shiite family of eight killed in Iraq, some members beheaded BAGHDAD (AP) — Eight members of one Shiite family were killed south of Baghdad on Monday in the worst incident of a bloody day across Iraq that left at least 23 dead. The spate of attacks — and the fact that some of the family were beheaded — raised fears that insurgents are trying to re-ignite sectarian warfare at a time when the country is preparing for critical March elections. The March 7 election will determine who will oversee the country as the U.S. forces go home.
Space shuttle Endeavour ends mission in rare night landing CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Space shuttle Endeavour and its six astronauts closed out the last major construction mission at the International Space Station with a smooth landing in darkness that struck many as bittersweet.
Only one flight remains for Endeavour, the baby of the shuttle fleet. Overall, just four missions remain. “We’ll go into it with our heads held high,” launch director Mike Leinbach said early Monday, a few hours after Endeavour landed in Florida. “A little bit sad note, but a great ending to a great mission.” Three California condors die of lead poisioning in Arizona FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Tests show three rare California condors found dead in northern Arizona last month died because they ingested lead pellets while feeding on carrion. Condor recovery program officials said Monday that the deaths are the first from lead poisoning in three years among condors in Arizona and Utah. The Peregrine Fund recovered the bodies of a female condor, her year-old chick and a young male.
PAGE 2
STATE/LOCAL
Thief steals SUV with 2-year-old boy inside at convenience store
Adviser: Katrina victims didn’t get New York politicians’ charity funds
KENNER (AP) — Police are looking for a man who stole a Ford Explorer with a 2-year-old boy inside. The toddler was found unharmed after the thief abandoned the vehicle in New Orleans, Kenner police told The Times-Picayune. The theft happened late Sunday morning when the boy’s mother was pumping gas at a convenience store, officers said. The woman went into the convenience store because she was unable to complete the transaction at the pump. The baby, car keys and her purse were still in the vehicle, officers said. Witnesses said the suspect jumped into the SUV and drove out of the parking lot, striking a truck. Police said the vehicle was found later in New Orleans with the baby safe inside. The mother’s purse had been emptied.
NEW YORK (AP) — A former Louisiana Democratic official says Katrina victims “never got a dime” from a charity set up by two New York politicians. Louis Rainey served as an unpaid adviser for the project. He lost his own home in the hurricane and now lives in Dallas. New York state Sen. Malcolm Smith and Rep. Gregory Meeks, both Democrats, declined comment. State approves cultural districts, sales tax waved on original works (AP) — The state has approved midcity Baton Rouge and downtown Lafayette for cultural products districts. It’s a designation that seeks to promote arts development by waiving sales taxes on original works sold within the districts and providing tax credits for rehabilitating the districts’ historic buildings.
TODAY ON lsureveille com Log on to read the latest blog about women’s basketball.
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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
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
150 YEARS
PAGE 3
BR COMMUNITY
Sesquicentennial history displayed Baton Rouge ranks University archives 54 out of 185 in create exhibit overall well-being By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
The last 150 years of University history are on display at Hill Memorial Library. “Campus Chronicle: 150 Years of LSU,” a new exhibit, which opened in the library Monday, contains documents and images from Hill’s archives which tell the story of the University’s history. “For the sesquicentennial, we’re focusing on LSU history, and it’s a really rich history,” said Elaine Smyth, head of special collections. “It really shows the striving the University has made to be a first class institution, and that has been our ambition all along for 150 years.” Librarians set out to choose records from the archives highlighting various parts of the University’s history rather than focusing on only one thread, said Exhibitions Coordinator Leah Wood Jewett. “Sometimes when people think of a University history, you might think of a one-dimensional idea of a history of a school,” Jewett said. “But we wanted to get into all the different topics.” The exhibit covers topics including student life, athletics, politics and the University’s military traditions. “The challenge really is picking out things that will both be very characteristic [of the exhibit] but also individually interesting enough to draw people’s attention,” Smyth
Residents have optimistic outlook By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
University historian Barry Cowan points to a “Campus Chronicle” photograph taken in 1860 of the University’s first faculty members appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
said.
University historian Barry Cowan said he spent the last four months piecing together the exhibit, which is made up almost exclusively of items from the University archives. Cowan, who has worked in the archives for 12 years, said he wanted to approach the exhibit from the student perspective. “I like to look at it from the student aspect,” Cowan said. “I was a student at LSU, and it was always a special time for me.” The University began with a military focus, Cowan said. There were only male students from 1860 to 1906, and the ROTC was mandatory until 1969. Jewett said the exhibit shows how student life was different in the University’s early days. “If you think life is hard now, look at these guys who had to wear wool uniforms, had one hour of
recreation time and weren’t allowed to gossip,” she said. The University began to transition from its strong military character in the 1960s. The student body became politically charged and held large-scale protest events against the Vietnam War, Cowan said. Jewett said an encompassing exhibit like this one also serves to make people aware of the resources available at Hill Memorial Library. “The difference of putting things on display at a special collections library versus a museum is when an exhibit is down, you can go into our reading room and request these items and handle them,” Jewett said. “It’s really an advertisement for what you can see.” The exhibit runs at Hill Memorial through May 29. Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
Baton Rouge residents felt more positive about their lives than 184 other US cities in 2009, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The index ranked 185 cities using the categories of life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behavior, work environment and basic access. The survey polled more than 350,000 Americans in 2009. Baton Rouge ranked No. 54 in overall well-being, including first in the “life evaluation” category. Healthways described the life evaluation category as how people feel about their present lives and how they view themselves in the future. “As an out-of-state student, I definitely think Louisiana culture is more optimistic,” said Renee Smith, English literature senior and Missouri native. Baton Rouge ranked No. 47 in emotional health and placed No. 87 in physical health. To measure emotional health, participants were polled on whether they smiled or laughed, were treated with respect or were worried, angry
or stressed the day before. Participants answered questions relating to sick days, daily energy and physical pain to rank physical health. Baton Rouge was No. 162 in the healthy behavior category, which evaluated habits like healthy eating, smoking and exercising. “I studied abroad in Barcelona, and my roommates were much more enthusiastic about exercising than people here,” said Trent Hermann political science freshman. But some think the area is more active. “We had the best weather in weeks last weekend, and tons of people were outside enjoying it,” said Paul Rogers, construction management freshman. Baton Rouge placed No. 123 in work environment, which measures factors like job satisfaction and trust within the workplace. “I think lots of people love to hate their jobs,” Hermann said. “They like to talk about how much they dislike it.” New Orleans ranked No. 138 overall, and Shreveport ranked No. 177 overall. The survey also evaluated each state using the index. Louisiana placed No. 41 in overall well-being. Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
TECHNOLOGY
‘Electronic newspaper’ introduced Creator is Pulitzer Prize winner By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elliot Jaspin introduced an “electronic newspaper” he’s creating while he spoke during a lecture in the Manship School of Mass Communication on Monday. His device, a small, touchscreen tablet computer in development stages, would give newspaper subscribers easy access to information. The touchscreen model allows the user to see pages in PDF style and scroll side to side through pages. Users can also click on pictures, watch videos and access coupons for stores working with the newspaper. The device follows Jaspin’s three musts for the future of newspapers — reinventing the printing press as a digital device, returning to cheap, portable access and exploiting the advantages of digital information.
Jaspin said some newspapers spend around $30 million on production per year. Newspapers could purchase enough of the $285 tablets and give them away for free to all subscribes and still save $15 million. Jaspin said the next step is introducing the tablet to a group of subscribers of a certain paper. “I think the case for the electronic newspaper is compelling,” Jaspin said. “Subscribers might find it too clunky to carry around, but there’s no way of knowing until we run a test.” Mass communication sophomore Bryan Woods said he would subscribe to a newspaper and sign up for one if the plans to give the device for free continues. “It seems interesting with the pictures, video recordings and coupons,” Woods said. Jaspin said because of this high-speed access and ability to be constantly updated, newspapers’ future “has never been brighter.” “The technology that drives so much of our economy is going to give the newspaper industry a big wet kiss,” Jaspin said. Speaking to a room of mostly
mass communication students, Jaspin addressed the future of finding jobs if electronic newspapers become prominent. “This device, I would argue, is your job insurance,” Jaspin said. Mass communication freshman Natalie Hee said the idea of conserving the environment is a good benefit of electronic newspapers. “I think it’s a good shot at trying to save newspapers,” Hee said. “The idea of giving up [print] newspapers is extremely
MELLOW MUSHROOM Pint Night. FREE Pint Class w/ purchase of Draft @ Regular Price FRED’S Tonight: $2.50 Bud Light Lime & Wheat; $5 Jack Daniels doubles Wednesday: $2.50 Imports, $3 Doubles, & $2 Shots all night Thursday: 8-10 Ladies Night Every Night: $2 Shots 12-2 and $1 SoCo & Limes all night
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 3:00-3:30PM 4:30-5:00PM 5:30-6:00PM
Couples Retreat The Hurt Locker NewsBeat Live Sports Showtime Livve News Beat Repeat
7:00-8:30 PM 10:00-10:30PM 10:30-11:00PM 11:00-12:30AM
District 9 News Beat Repeat Sport Showtime Repeat Julie & Julia
PAGE 4
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
HEALTH
Great Rover Road Run to raise animal obesity awareness
Overweight pets presents health risks By Caitlin Watzke Special to The Daily Reveille
The School of Veterinary Medicine will host the 17th annual Great Rover Road Run on Sunday, March 6, in an effort to spread awareness about animal obesity. The event consists of a onemile “fun run” for dogs and their owners and a 5K through the University campus. Last year there were more than 300 participants raising $4,500 to benefit the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Kaitlynn Candies, second-year
courtesy of the LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Participants in the Great Rover Road Run compete in the one-mile run with their pets in attempt to increase aware of overweight animals.
vet student and co-chair of the run, said the school is hopeful it will raise more than last year’s run to fund scholarships, student activities
and projects that may be eliminated by budget cuts. Candies said animal obesity presents considerable risks to
animals, much like it does in humans — diabetes, arthritis and skin and heart disease. She said obesity deters pets from moving around and may shorten their life expectancy. Candies said in 1970 less than 5 percent of pets were overweight. That number has increased to more than 35 percent of adult pets and more than 50 percent of pets ages 7 and up. Vet School Public Relations Coordinator Ginger Guttner said the one-mile run also encourages pet owners to exercise. Following the run are canine competitions for best-dressed pet, highest jump and best trick, according to the school’s Web site. Candies said the most fascinating trick she saw last year was a “springy little dog that could jump
from a standing leap onto the top of the Vet School sign.” Second-year vet student Mark Buchert will co-chair the run with Candies. He said the event it is a way to give to the school. Candies said she runs the lakes and levee with her English springer spaniel, Louie. She said vet students volunteer and participate in the run. Buchert placed second overall in the one-mile run with a friend’s dog and fourth overall in the 5K last year. Participants may pre-register or register the day of the event on the school’s Web site. Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
CRIME
Students return to Ala. university after shooting Classes resume after Bishop opened fire By The Associated Press (AP) — There was no easing back into classes at the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Monday: Many students and teachers had to return to the building where three professors were gunned down more than a week ago. Classes resumed on the campus where authorities and witnesses say Amy Bishop, a biology professor bitter over being denied tenure, opened fire in a small conference room, killing three colleagues and wounding three others. Band members from nearby Oakwood University greeted the UAH students as they returned to campus, playing music and
BUTCH DILL / The Associated Press
Students and falculty return to class Monday at the University of Alabama for the first time since a campus shooting claimed the lives of three professors.
offering hugs. Meagan Warner, a student walking into the Shelby Center for Science and Technology, said she appreciated the support. “I have four classes in this building today, and it helps me feel at ease and that it’s safe to be
back on campus again,” she said. School administrators said the corner of the building where the slayings occurred remained off limits. In Massachusetts, meanwhile, a former district attorney who is now a congressman said
HEALTH
Raw milk debate continues Nutrients destroyed in pasteurization By Michael J. Crumb The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Debate about the health attributes and risks of raw milk is spilling into statehouses and courtrooms across the country as proponents of unpasteurized dairy products push to make them easier for consumers to buy. Supporters of the raw milk cause say pasteurization, the process of heating milk to destroy bacteria and extend shelf life, destroys important nutrients and enzymes. “We have new science today that shows raw milk contains ...
enzymes that kill pathogens and strengthens the immune system,” said Sally Fallon Morell, president of the Washington D.C.-based Weston A. Price Foundation, a nonprofit group pushing for increased access to raw milk. Enzymes and other nutrients are “greatly reduced in pasteurized milk,” she said. Public health officials disagree, saying raw milk carries an increased risk for bacterial contamination that can lead to illness and even death. More than 1,500 people became ill from drinking raw milk between 1993 and 2006, the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, 185 were hospitalized and two died. The CDC said not all foodborne illnesses are reported, meaning the
actual number is likely higher. Fallon Morell said there also have been illnesses and deaths related to pasteurized products and that linking illnesses to raw milk is not an accurate assessment of the nutritional benefits of drinking unpasteurized milk. The sale of raw milk is prohibited in 23 states, although seven of them let people get milk through socalled herdshare programs, in which customers can buy ownership in a cow in return for raw milk from the animal. Retail sales of raw milk is allowed in nine states and 19 allow the sale of raw milk from a farm directly to an individual. Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
Monday it was a shame Bishop did not receive a mental evaluation after fatally shooting her younger brother in the family’s kitchen in Braintree, Mass., in 1986. The killing was declared an accident and Bishop never faced charges. Details about that case have emerged in the wake of the Alabama slayings. U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, a former prosecutor who oversaw the district where it happened, said state police working for his office weren’t told that after Bishop shot her brother, she allegedly threatened two auto shop workers with the gun, demanding a car, or that she aimed the gun at police. Had he known that, Delahunt said, his office would likely have sought weapons charges against Bishop and would “undoubtedly” have asked a judge to order her to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He would not speculate on
whether that evaluation could have prevented the shootings in Alabama but said, “I think that opportunity was missed, and that to me is a profound tragedy in this case.” He said nothing contradicts the determination that the shooting was an accident. The Harvard-educated Bishop, 45, remains jailed in Huntsville, charged with capital murder and attempted murder in the Feb. 12 shooting. Police have not offered a motive, but colleagues say she had complained for months about being denied the job protections of tenure. Her attorney said she needs mental evaluations and is laying the groundwork for an insanity defense.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 5
CRIME
NYC terror suspect admits to plot, pleads guilty Zazi faces life sentence in prison By The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — A former airport shuttle driver accused of buying beauty supplies to make bombs for an attack on New York City subways pleaded guilty Monday, admitting he agreed to conduct an al-Qaida-led “martyrdom plan” because of U.S. involvement in his native Afghanistan. Najibullah Zazi told a judge the terror network recruited him to be a suicide bomber in New York, where he went to high school and once worked a coffee car just blocks from the World Trade Center site. “I would sacrifice myself to bring attention to what the U.S. military was doing to civilians in Afghanistan,” Zazi said in court. The Associated Press learned earlier this month that the jailed Zazi had recently volunteered information about the bomb plot in the first step toward a plea deal. His cooperation suggests prosecutors hope to expand the case and bring charges against other suspects in one of the most serious terrorism threats in the U.S. since Sept. 11, 2001. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the terror investigation is ongoing. Zazi, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiring to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support for a terrorist organization. He faces a life prison sentence without parole at a sentencing in June. Zazi said in court he went to Pakistan in 2008 to join the Taliban and fight against the U.S. military but was recruited by the terrorist network and went into a
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT FILE PHOTO / The Associated Press
Najibullah Zazi, center, is escorted off an NYPD helicopter by U.S. Marshals. Zazi admitted to a plot to bomb the New York City subways.
training camp in Warziristan, a region of Pakistan where al-Qaida is known to operate. Zazi said he received weapons training at the camp and later learned about explosives. Zazi also said in court that he had been in contact with an al-Qaida leader while in Pakistan but did not identify the person. “We were recruited by al-Qaida ... to go the United States in a martyrdom plan,” he said. The Pakistan Embassy in Washington declined to comment on Zazi’s case. Zazi admitted building homemade explosives with beauty supplies purchased in the Denver suburbs and cooked up in a
Colorado hotel room. He then drove the materials to New York just before the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. While entering the city, he was stopped by police for a routine traffic violation on the George Washington Bridge, which connects New Jersey and New York. Suspicious police
allowed him to go free but kept a close watch on his movements. Days later, authorities raided several Queens apartments, including a friend’s home where Zazi had stayed. Asked by federal Judge Raymond J. Dearie if he had been willing to be a suicide bomber, Zazi said, “Yes, your honor.” He said the terrorism plot was aimed at the city subway system but did not name a specific target. A law enforcement official familiar with the case told the AP that Zazi was spooked by the traffic stop and flushed the explosive materials down the toilet after arriving in New York. One of the people familiar with the investigation said that Zazi told prosecutors that he made roughly two pounds of a powerful and highly unstable explosive called triacetone triperoxide, or TATP. The same explosive was used by would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid in 2001 and the terrorists who carried out the London bombings in 2005 that killed 52 people. In those instances, TATP was not the main charge; it was the detonator. Experts have said the TATP in the Zazi case was probably going to be just the detonator. One of the people familiar with the Zazi case told the AP that Zazi decided to cooperate after being warned that his mother could face criminal immigration charges. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is in progress.
After Monday’s hearing, Zazi’s attorney, William Stampur, would only say: “The plea speaks for itself.” The 10-page plea agreement is sealed. Others charged in the terror case include Zazi’s father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, who was accused this month of trying to get rid of chemicals and other evidence. After initially demanding that he be jailed in Brooklyn without bail, prosecutors agreed to a deal on Feb. 17 releasing him on $50,000 bond and allowing him to return to his home in suburban Denver. By contrast, bond for a Queens imam charged with lying to the FBI about phone contact with Zazi when Zazi was in New York was set at $1.5 million. A friend of Zazi’s, New York cab driver Zarein Ahmedzay, was jailed without bail on a similar lying charge. Authorities say Ahmedzay and another former high school classmate of Zazi’s, Adis Medunjanin, traveled to Pakistan with Zazi in 2008. Medunjanin has pleaded not guilty to charges he conspired to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and remains jailed. Officials earlier confirmed reports week that Zazi’s uncle had been arraigned on a felony count in secret — a sign that he also could be cooperating.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 6
Revelry Tuesday’s 225
2
Celebrity Birthdays
2
Kristin Davis, 45
Dakota Fanning, 16
“Sex and the City”
“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” The Associated Press
Theater Events to See
American Ballet Theatre
5
Today’s KLSU Specialty Shows: 9 pm - 11 pm : Rusty Cage (Metal) 11 pm - 1 am : Martian Mix (Mashups/ Mixtapes) Tuesday, february 23, 2010
3 Redneck Tenors - Broadway Bound
Feb. 28 B.R. River Center Theater Tickets: $29, $24
Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Manship Theatre Tickets: $45, $55
Winter Olympic Events to Watch
ROBERT F. BUKATY/ The Associated Press
American Jason Smith delivers the stone against Great Britain on Sunday in a men’s curling at the Vancouver Olympics.
Feb. 23: Freestyle Skiing, Ladies’ Ski Cross Finals ------ 4:00 p.m. Feb. 24: Freestyle Skiing, Ladies’ Aerials Finals --------- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26: Curling, Women’s Gold Medal Game ------------ 3:00 p.m Feb. 27: Curling, Men’s Gold Medal Game ---------------- 3:00 p.m Feb. 27: Figure Skating, Exhibition Gala ------------------ 4:30 p.m.
Join Rob and Rob as they discuss the LSU baseball games.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Sports
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010
PAGE 7
BASEBALL
LSU takes No. 1 in polls after series win By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor
Dropping the Ball
WADE PAYNE / The Associated Press
Lady Tigers overpowered, fall to Tennessee, 70-61 By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
The LSU women’s basketball team scored 18 more points and had eight fewer turnovers in its second matchup of the season against Tennessee on Monday night. Those improvements were not enough to propel LSU to its fourth straight win, as the No. 5 Lady Volunteers (25-2, 13-1) clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference title with their 70-61 victory against the No. 23 Lady Tigers (18-8, 7-7). Tennessee sophomore center Kelley Cain was a one-woman wrecking crew for the 23 minutes she played before fouling out Monday, scoring 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting and seven rebounds to go with her 12 blocks, a new Tennessee record. LSU coach Van Chancellor said in a
postgame radio interview that the height of the Lady Volunteers proved to be too much for the Lady Tigers to handle. Cain stands at 6 feet, 6 inches, and sophomore forward Alyssia Brewer is 6 feet, 4 inches. “The difference in the game was their size,” Chancellor said in his postgame radio show. “We got Cain in foul trouble, but Brewer came off the bench for 18 [points]. It was too much and too strong for us inside.” Chancellor said he liked the effort the team showed in scoring points and taking care of the ball despite the loss. LSU committed 10 turnovers to Tennessee’s seven and shot 39 percent from the floor to 46 percent for Tennessee. “With their size, I thought if we scored 61 LOSS, see page 15
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[Above] LSU sophomore forward LaSondra Barrett, center, loses control of the ball Monday as she is defended by Tennessee sophomore forwards Shekinna Stricklen (40) and Alicia Manning (15) during LSU’s 70-61 loss in Knoxville, Tenn.
It took just one weekend for LSU to claim No. 1. The LSU baseball team has returned to the top spot in the polls for the first time since winning the College World Series last season. The Tigers (3-0) began the season No. 2 in the preseason polls behind Texas, who LSU beat to win the national championship last season. The Tigers’ three-game sweep of Centenary to start the season bumped them to No. 1 in the first regular-season Collegiate Baseball poll after Texas took just one of three games in its opening home‘I think stand against New Mexico. being “ We ’ r e ranked very pleased to receive this No. 1 is type of rec- certainly an ognition, and I think being inspiration ranked No. 1 is to our certainly an inplayers.’ spiration to our players,” said Paul Mainieri LSU coach LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri. “We definitely aspire to play at a level that allows to receive a top ranking.” The Longhorns (1-2) fell to No. 4, while undefeated Arizona State (3-0) and Georgia Tech (30) are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. LSU is still No. 2 in the Baseball America rankings behind Virginia. The Cavaliers (21) are ranked fifth in the Collegiate Baseball poll. Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
RECRUITING
Spencer Ware has big plans off the football field Five-star commit can play many parts By Chris Branch Sports Writer
Every recruiting fanatic knows about Spencer Ware. He’s a five-star recruit, according to Rivals.com, and arguably the headliner of LSU’s 2010
recruiting class, which Scout.com ranks No. 8. The Cincinnati native might even get some play time as a freshman. Ware, listed as an athlete, is versatile enough to play quarterback and running back. The dualthreat racked up 770 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground as a senior at Princeton High School, where he mostly played quarterback. He passed for more than 1,000 yards for the fourth-straight
season in 2009. But there’s more to him than the freakish athletic ability that had college coaches across the country oozing with envy when Ware penned his signature to play in Baton Rouge. Even the biggest recruiting fanatics might be a little surprised to learn more about Ware off the field. Ware has more in mind than just four years of football at LSU. He already has his mind set on
making art the focus of his college education. “I like to draw,” Ware said. “It’s what I’m going to major in, then work on my master’s in architecture.” The 18-year-old knows what he’s looking for in his music too — and it’s not the current radio hits fans might expect. “I like more of the old school stuff,” Ware said. “I’m more of a Tupac fan.”
There’s more. Ware also tumbles outside of school and apparently has quite the arsenal of moves. “I do flips, somersaults, back flips, no hands, all that stuff,” Ware said. Ware is versatile on the football field as well. But his experience passing the football will probably not do him much good WARE, see page 15
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 8
MEN’S BASKETBALL
AROUND THE SEC
coming in, and we can be real good next year.” Coach Miller also said he sees good things coming for LSU basketball. “Considering the class they By Mark Clements have coming in, they could have Sports Contributor a good turn around,” Miller said. There isn’t much to get ex- “[K.C.] is a pretty pickup ... he’s cited about when it comes to the a great pickup with a great class.” Miller had nothing but good LSU men’s basketball team this season, but a bright future may be things to say about his point guard, complimenting nearly evin store for the program. LSU basketball coach Trent ery facet of his game. “He’s a great penetrator, and Johnson has put together one of the nation’s top recruiting class- he knows how to find people es for the 2010 season, ranking when he penetrates,” Miller said. No. 12 according to ESPN.com. “He can dribble through traffic, There are currently five commit- and he knows how to pick up the ments. Four of the five recruits tempo and find the shooter ... He signed letters of intent to LSU, is a point guard.” After complimenting his and the Tigers received one more skills and work verbal commitethic, Miller said ment earlier in the one word he February from would use to depoint guard K.C. scribe Ross-MillRoss-Miller. er is “talented,” Ross-Miller and his knowlcommitted to edge of the game Kentucky and is remarkable. former coach “He’s a hardBilly Gillespie working kid, and as a freshman he’s very humin 2007. He was Tim Miller ble,” Miller said. verbally committed to Kentucky God’s Academy basketball coach “His basketball IQ is what sets for nearly three him apart as a years, but decided to visit Baton Rouge in early Feb- point guard. He knows when we ruary. Just five days after his visit need a 3-point shot, and he knows to LSU, Ross-Miller changed his when to take over a game.” Ross-Miller said he is most commitment and decided to be a excited about the in-conference Tiger. Ross-Miller said Johnson competition. “I’m excited to play in the was a major influence on his commitment to LSU and ex- SEC ... and I want to beat Kenpressed admiration toward his tucky next year,” Ross-Miller chuckled. future coach. “I love coach Johnson,” Ross-Miller said. “He’s been Contact Mark Clements at coaching for a long time, and I mclements@lsureveille.com think I can learn a lot from him.” The God’s Academy point guard is rated a three-star prospect and ranks as one of the top 150 recruits in the nation, according to Rivals.com. Ross-Miller’s high school coach, Tim Miller, said LSU is a great fit for the young star and had many good things to say about the LSU athletic program. “I like the coaching staff and the tradition of the school,” Miller said. “They reach for excellence, not just in basketball, but in every sport.” Ross-Miller also said the idea of getting early playing time was a big factor in his decision. “I like being able to come in as a freshman and make an impact and lead the team ... I’m excited,” Ross-Miller said. The Dallas native said he believes the program is on the rise despite the dismal season LSU is having this year. “I didn’t want to come to a school that didn’t have potential being good,” Ross-Miller said. “I see the pieces they have
By Chris Branch
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010
Ross-Miller chooses Six teams playing for tourney Varnado close to LSU over Kentucky NCAA block record Recruiting class of 2010 ranked No. 12
‘‘
‘Considering the class [LSU has] coming in [next year], they could have a good turn around.’
Sports Writer
February has its moments. Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Presidents’ Day and Mardi Gras are all lumped into the shortest month on the calendar. In college basketball, it’s crunch time. This is the time when basketball teams across the country try to build portfolios impressive enough to win over the hallowed NCAA tournament selection committee. Currently, No. 2 Kentucky, No. 17 Tennessee and No. 20 Vanderbilt appear to be the only “locks” to get in the tournament from the Southeastern Conference. Florida, Mississippi State and Ole Miss still have work to do. Let the games begin. COACH DONOVAN ENJOYING GATORS’ COMEBACK Florida coach Billy Donovan has had a few rough years. Anything could be considered rough after winning back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007, but the Gators have not made an appearance in the NCAA tournament since. This Florida team (19-8, 8-4) is not as elite as the title teams, but it is in the thick of tourney contention. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has the Gators slated as a No. 11 seed, while Sports Illustrated’s Andy Glockner picks them as a No. 8 seed. “After ’06 and ’07, a lot of guys left, and the guys we had here were thrown into the fire,” Donovan said. “They had to figure out how all this works on their own. I do think for our team, looking at where they were and where we’re at now, it’s really been an NCAA, see page 15
MARY ANN CHASTAIN / The Associated Press
South Carolina senior guard Devan Downey (2) drives for the basket Feb. 10 as Florida junior forward Vernon Macklin (32) and freshman guard Kenny Boynton (1) defend during the Gamecocks’ 77-71 win in Columbia, S.C.
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
PAGE 9
NBA
Tigers have four chances left to win Hornets’ Collison No team has gone keeping team alive winless in SEC play By The Associated Press
By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
LSU men’s basketball is on pace to be one of the least successful teams in Southeastern Conference history. The Tigers (9-17, 0-12) have four chances to win an SEC contest before their regular season ends. “We’ve got four, and ... we’ve got the SEC tournament,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson. “As bad as things look from the L’s and W’s and all that nonsense, we’ve still got to get better. We’ve still got games to play.” The most recent attempt came Saturday against Mississippi State in the PMAC. The Tigers led late in the contest, but a 3-pointer from Bulldog junior guard Phil Turner put his team ahead, 60-59, with 5.8 seconds left in the contest. LSU junior guard Bo Spencer then dribbled down and heaved an errant midcourt shot with a few seconds remaining. The shot was the latest in a string of instances when the Tigers have not been able to convert when it matters the most. “There will be better days — hopefully,” Johnson said. “If not, then guess what? You guys will be talking to someone else.” The least successful LSU basketball team in conference play was the 1944-45 team. That squad, under the direction of former coach Dale Morey, went 0-4 in conference play. The least successful team to play a full conference schedule came during Press Maravich’s first season as coach in 1966-67. That team won one SEC game in a three-win season. LSU senior forward Tasmin Mitchell said he doesn’t want to be remembered as being part of the worst LSU team ever. “We can’t go down in history like that,” he said. “We’re going to pull out a victory one day.” Mitchell has seen both ends of the spectrum. He also has the
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
Mississippi State senior forward Jarvis Varnado, center, is trapped by LSU junior guard Bo Spencer (11), senior forward Tasmin Mitchell and freshman forward Dennis Harris (15) during the Tigers’ 60-59 loss Saturday against the Bulldogs in the PMAC.
distinction of being the last remaining Tiger to go to the Final Four in 2006. He has seen two new coaches since then, two losing seasons in the SEC and a conference championship last year. The lack of success this season has been something that rests on his mind constantly, he said. “I think about that because if I didn’t I wouldn’t think about losing,” he said. “I think about that a lot. We can’t go winless in the SEC.” No team has actually gone winless in SEC play in a season in which more than 10 games have been played, but Georgia had an 11-5 record in 2002-03 expunged because of NCAA sanctions. The Bulldogs’ record now reads 0-16 for conference play in that season. Auburn has twice had one-win conference seasons, and Alabama and Ole Miss join Auburn and LSU as the four teams with one SEC win. The Crimson Tide had a 1-17 SEC record in 1968-69, and the Rebels went 1-15 in 1964-65.
LSU’s remaining contests are split evenly between the PMAC and the road. Arkansas will visit Wednesday before the Tigers take their show on the road against Auburn and Ole Miss. LSU will close out the season March 6, against Georgia. Arkansas blew out LSU by 35 points in the earlier meeting this season, Auburn escaped its earlier matchup with LSU with a fourpoint win and then-No. 22 Ole Miss came into Baton Rouge and beat LSU by 10 points on Jan. 23. LSU has not faced Georgia this season. “This year has reinforced to me all the things I’ve always believed,” Johnson said. “It’s one game at a time. It’s today. You don’t worry about tomorrow ... and also it makes me appreciate the game and the good years you’ve had.”
Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The plan called for first-round draft pick Darren Collison to spend his rookie season learning the NBA in a backup role behind Chris Paul. The harsh reality is New Orleans will miss the playoffs if Collison is unable to produce in Paul-like fashion while the Hornets’ three-time All-Star remains sidelined with a left knee injury. Judging by the rookie’s recent starts, the postseason may still be within New Orleans’ reach in a couple of weeks, when Paul is expected to return from arthroscopic surgery he had on Feb. 4 for a meniscus tear. Collison has averaged 23.6 points and 8.7 assists in his last six games, during which the Hornets have gone 4-2 and moved one game behind Portland for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference — and two games behind San Antonio for seventh. “Whether they make the playoffs or don’t make the playoffs, I think they had a heck of a draft,” said Pacers coach Jim O’Brien, whose team lost to the Hornets last week when Collison recorded his first career triple-double. “Any time you have somebody out at the level of a Chris Paul
and you’re able to still maintain a certain level, I think it’s a credit to their coaches and certainly a credit to the guy that’s filling in.” Paul, who has played in 38 of the Hornets’ 56 games this season, has averaged 20.4 points and 11.2 assists. During New Orleans’ last 10 games, Paul has been on the sideline in a suit, acting like Collison’s personal coach. Paul is constantly in Collison’s ear when the rookie comes to the bench. “Sometimes I actually expect him to tell me to shut up or leave him alone, but he never does that,” Paul said Monday before the Hornets left for a Tuesday night game at Cleveland. “He knows how badly I want to play and right now I’m sort of playing through him. So when I see him getting andones and make nice moves, that’s why I’m off the bench and going nuts.” Collison, an agile ball-handler with exceptional quickness, has strung together a slew of highlight-worthy plays lately — everything from blow-by lay-ups to tough running floaters off the glass, breakaway dunks, clutch 3s and pinpoint alley-oop lobs. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
PAGE 10
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
FAMOUS AMOS
Bourgeois, Watkins not the only bright spot for LSU in series There must be something in the water in Eunice — and whatever it is found its way on the field in Alex Box Stadium during the defending national champion LSU Tigers’ season-opening sweep of the Centenary Gents. The No. 2 Tigers’ LSU-Eunice transfers pitcher Joey Bourgeois and left fielder Trey Watkins put on a show for Tiger fans this weekend. But these sophomores were just two of the many bright spots for LSU in the Amos Morale Sports Columnist series. This series had it all — a one-run victory Friday, a 25-8 blowout Saturday and a 4-0 pitcher’s duel on Sunday. It was easy to see what this team was made of because it got a taste of nearly every situation it might face this season. The pitching gets one thumb up and one thumb down. The thumb up goes to the starters. Bourgeois made his first start in a Tiger uniform Sunday and enjoyed the finest outing of the three starters, although none of them allowed an earned run. The transfer pitched six innings and struck out seven batters while allowing only four hits. Returning starters juniors Anthony Ranaudo and Austin Ross both lasted five innings and struck out 11 between them. This was a very good sign considering LSU coach Paul Mainieri was concerned with the pitching staff because its preparation was hindered by the late school start and other various delays. As good as the starters were, the bullpen was just as bad. Freshman Jordan Rittiner, sophomore Matty Ott and senior Paul Bertuccini pitched well, but the relievers as a whole earn a thumbs down. Juniors Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Mormann and freshman Michael Reed each struggled in their relief appearances. Bradshaw surrendered three runs Friday, allowing Centenary to tie the game. Reed and Mormann gave the Gents a combined seven runs on Saturday. They suffered from what Mainieri called “control issues,” but the coach feels they can battle through and become reliable relievers. If the bullpen can’t improve, it will be a major problem for the Tigers — especially in the season’s early going while the Tigers work to get the starters’ pitch counts up. Sharing the field with these
pitchers was a nearly completely revamped defense. The new-look defense featured a different position player in four of the nine positions and earned a thumbs up. It would have been understandable if the Tiger defense was out-of-sync, but LSU committed only one error during the weekend via a misplayed fly ball by Watkins. He robbed a base hit with a diving catch the next day. The dominant defensive play was a very good sign for the team because this team probably won’t score as many runs as last year’s team. LSU’s batters still earned a thumbs up despite the less powerful offense. They showed how versatile the Tigers’ offense is. The offense put up 25 runs on Saturday after fighting for five on Friday, then the batters showed Sunday they could manufacture when facing solid pitching. LSU sophomore Mikie Mahtook scored a run that was the definition of small ball in the win. Mahtook walked, stole second and reached third on a wild pitch. He was then brought home on a blooper to right field by senior designated hitter Matt Gaudet. Mainieri praised Gauder for simply putting the ball in play instead of striking out. Watkins, the leadoff hitter, scored seven runs this weekend and along with most of the LSU base runners, was very aggressive on the base paths. LSU stole five bases during the weekend and was caught stealing three times.
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior pitcher Daniel Bradshaw throws a pitch in the Tigers’ 4-0 win Sunday against Centenary in Alex Box Stadium.
LSU’S OPENING WEEKEND: The LSU baseball team started this season with three wins against Centenary last weekend in Alex Box Stadium. • Friday: W 5-4 • Saturday: W 25-8 • Sunday: W 4-0
If this team can get solid performances from the bullpen and continue to receive the effort it got from everyone this weekend, there is no reason it won’t be able to compete for another title. Amos Morale is a 22-year-old history senior from Houston. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_amosmorale3.
Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 11
ATHLETICS
Mascotless Ole Miss to vote on Col. Reb successor By The Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Colonel Reb shall not rise again. That much is certain. The University of Mississippi dumped the mascot — a caricature of a white plantation owner — in a 2003 effort to distance the school from Old South stereotypes. It’s been without a mascot ever since. A vote Tuesday could change that. Students will have only two choices in the online referendum: yes, replace the colonel with something else — perhaps a riverboat gambler or a colonial soldier — or no, remain the only school in the Southeastern Conference without a
mascot. In a world where football is akin to religion, and sports symbolism carries the power of a totem, this is no small matter. Stories about the upcoming vote have run prominently in the campus newspaper for weeks, along with “Save Colonel Reb” advertisements. In 1997, the school ended the waving of Confederate flags at sporting events. Then, Colonel Reb was booted off the field. Last year, the band stopped playing the fight song, “From Dixie with Love,” to discourage the fan chant, “The South will rise again.” Richard McKay, vice president of the Associated Student
Body, said he received some hate e-mail about the vote. “We’ve gotten a lot of input whether it was asked for or not,” said McKay, who is white. “A lot of students are afraid that as soon as we have a new mascot, everyone will forget about Colonel Reb.” Still, Colonel Reb hasn’t disappeared altogether from the university. Ole Miss holds the license to the image so it’s still on bumper stickers, lapel pins and other merchandise on display at Rebel games.
ROGELIO V. SOLIS / The Associated Press
Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
Former Ole Miss on-field mascot Col. Reb roams the stands. The longtime symbol of the university was nixed in 2003. Students will vote Tuesday on a new mascot.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 12
OUR VIEW
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
Students need to be responsible with credit cards New credit card regulations Congress initiated last May go into effect today. These regulations are a commendable, common-sense measure to prevent the tragic exploitation of unwary consumers. And college students are on the top of every list of unwary consumers when it comes to credit cards. The stereotype is all too common and all too true. The starryeyed college student moves away
from home for the first time, and credit card companies prey upon their naivete, offering lurid pay packages and free incentives. Then, months later, that student is arms-deep in debt with no clear solution. We applaud the actions of Congress in passing legislation to prevent this story from playing out so often, but college students need to grow up at some point. Credit card companies have
undoubtedly initiated practices that are predatory and exploitative, but it’s not the whole story. Money management is an essential life skill. In addition to the critical thinking and professional skills students learn at universities such ours, it’s imperative they take some measure of personal responsibility. Deceptive practices are one thing, but a student with three maxed-out credit cards — sadly,
not beyond the realm of reason — hardly seems like a totally blameless victim. Students, like any good citizens, can’t let the government do their thinking for them. Keeping your credit cards and cash flow under control requires constant effort and intentional discipline. No law or act of government will ever replace those. So Congress’ actions are useful and laudable, but students
shouldn’t get complacent. There are still plenty of ways a careless consumer can get sucked into crushing of debt. Don’t get fooled. Don’t get stuck. Be responsible with your money — so you can worry about tests and jobs and all the other stuff we have to deal with. Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
MURDA, HE WROTE
New credit card rules are victory for consumers
Yesterday was an important day for American consumers. It was a day that Main Street stuck it to Wall Street and — even if just for a moment — Congress could celebrate having actually accomplished something. It was the first day the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act went into effect. President Obama signed the CARD bill back in May as part of a campaign promise to restore regulation as a function of government. On its most basic level, the bill highlights the predatory nature of the credit card industry. No longer will the card companies be able to enact “universal default,” where missing a payment on an unrelated obligation with, say, the power company, could trigger penalty rates on your credit card. Beginning yesterday, card companies must give you 45 days notice before they make major changes to the cardholder agreement — particularly important when it comes to upping interest rates (and if the rates are hiked, they can’t apply to existing balances). For customers who have different interest rates for the same account, when you send the company a check for payment, it will go to the account with the highest APR. College students may be familiar with credit cards — 84 percent of undergraduates had credit cards in 2008 — 82 percent of them having carried a month’s balance and incurring finance charges, according to Sallie Mae, the largest provider of student loans. Early student debt has long been a problem. Now anyone under 21 must prove financial ability or have a parent cosign for a new card.
Also gone are the free T-shirts and gifts often handed out on college campuses — previously a fixture at LSU football games. If universities do have pacts with credit card companies, they must be publicly disclosed. But perhaps the biggest change has been in the way credMark Macmurdo it card holders are presented Columnist with information about their account balance. The new law forces the credit card company to display for its clients the length of time that will be required to pay off the debt if they only pay the minimum balance. An example of the new billing regulations was made available by the Federal Reserve. It shows it would take a card holder with $3,000 worth of debt 11 years to pay off the balance if he or she only made the minimum payment. It also shows that if the holder instead pays an additional $13 extra per month, the balance will be paid off in just three years. Making this information available — and in easy to understand language — is an important step toward promoting financial responsibility. Wall Street historian John Steele Gordon likened the new regulations to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s push to require fast-food restaurants to display the number of calories in the food. When the consumer has information handy, they make smarter decisions. Of course, we must remember credit cards are a privilege. They
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
are also a service and therefore must provide a profit to someone. Credit-card companies are notorious for their predatory marketing (“you’re pre-approved!”), we should remember it is ultimately the consumer who decides to go from paper to plastic. Some might argue the new rules are too intrusive on free enterprise in our country. But the bottom line here is the rules aren’t meant to give an unfair advantage to consumers. They are simply a safeguard so consumers don’t get hassled, coerced or bamboozled.
Sure, credit-card holders should take responsibility for their actions, but when companies intentionally make it difficult for them to act responsibly — by either burying their terms in fine print or engaging in deceptive practices — that’s when government needs to step in. Rest assured the banks will not go hungry. In fact, they have already hit back with new fees, higher interest rates and other ploys meant to circumvent the new laws. The CARD act is a refreshing example of consumer-oriented legislation, but it is only a brief
victory. In the multi-billion dollar credit card industry, there is no shortage of incentive for banks to launch a new offensive. There will be new battles, and we’ll need a competent government to fight them. Mark Macmurdo is a 23-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
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 “The freethinking of one age is the common sense of the next.”
Matthew Arnold English poet Dec. 24, 1822 - April 15, 1888
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, february 23, 2010
CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE
Opinion
PAGE 13
Aiming to convert the world is an evil ambition
The ever-popular and often cliché “mission trip” can be a noble endeavor. Traveling to a foreign land, immersing oneself in the culture and humanitarian work are all noble things to be encouraged and praised. But tossing in one other goal can make this loving endeavor slightly less generous. Proselytizing — or aiming to convert others — is an evil ambition at its core. Before defending this, allow me to make a distinction. Conveying that one’s respective faith is important and valuable is one thing — cramming the absoluteness of one’s own faith down another’s heathen soul is quite another. The latter will be the focus of this column. So why is aiming for mass conversion so bad? For starters, its primary goal could be translated as such: Everyone should be just like me. Nevermind their worldview, theology, culture — all are inferior to my own true faith.
I don’t doubt the sincerity of those who believe their faith to be superior to all others, but I propose this realization can only be genuine after living in and practicing every faith deemed inferior. In simpler words, one must walk in other’s shoes before telling them the inferiority of their own path to God. And Googling “world religions” and reading the Wikipedia articles on each does not count as cultural immersion. Secondly, in a secular sense, most would agree diversity is a good thing. If a group set out to make every person in the world the same, they would be one Holocaust short of the Third Reich. Putting the veil of religion over this motive does not change things — it’s still the same bigotry that ignorantly assumes superiority over all others. Finally, focus needs to be given to the delusions that accompany an idea of a single supreme faith. When people truly believe their own faith to be the only means to the divine, they forget the diversity
of their own respective faith. There is not a single major world religion that does not have, as Westerners like to call them, denominations. I believe there are as many sects in a religion as there are believers. Everyone deviates in some way from the major tenants of a faith. This is not a bad thing, but rather shows independent thought — Andrew Robertson something of Columnist which religion needs more. Thus, what are people really saying when they are convinced their own faith is the only “real” or “true” way to the divine? I interpret this message as nothing more than a feeble attempt to establish superiority in the name of ignorance. And what are the implications of such a belief? The best example is the actions of The Southern Baptist Convention.
The SBC has published, on numerous occasions, its intentions to convert all Jews to Southern Baptist Christianity. Suppose the plan succeeded — there would be a world with no practicing Jews. How, in any way, is this to be considered commendable? Nevermind the consideration that one could learn anything from a culture or religion that has survived numerous tests of time and annihilation — Judaism is, according to this group, inferior to its own version of Christianity by default. But if not centered on conversion, what else is one to do with his or her faith? Comparative religion has been the focus of my academic life for the past four years. It has been a magnificent journey through the tribalism of the Ancient Near East, the development of monotheism in the Abrahamic faiths, the great questions posed by the Dharmic faiths and the cumulative mysteries of the divine exhibited the world. An undergraduate degree in this field won’t give me much
authority on matters of faith, but I would like to share a bit of knowledge that has enabled me to appreciate the beauty of nearly all religions, regardless of their adherence to my own beliefs. Life is indeed a great mystery. Where did we come from? For that matter — where are we going? We all answer these questions differently. It’s the diversity of these answers that makes different religions valuable. If someone wants my attempt at an answer — I’ll oblige. When someone crams their own views down my proverbial throat and threatens damnation, I sit amazed at the power of ignorant delusion bearing the name of love. Andrew Robertson is a 23-year-old religious studies major from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_arobertson.
Contact Andrew Robertson at arobertson@lsureveille.com
VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL
Don’t underestimate Google Buzz as social medium By Dan Entrikin
The Daily Collegian, Pennsylvania State
University Park, Pa. (College News Network) — Google has, in its time, exerted a massive amount of influence on the way that we use the Internet. This is inarguable except by that very particular brand of person capable of defending the position that the swine flu was engineered by underground Sovietera communist scientists intent on destroying capitalism. Of course, while Google has a strong reputation for creating and popularizing new technologies, it has a less wellknown but equally valid reputation of being a total biter. Now, Google is just trying to do what it does best: make the Internet as useful to people as possible in a way that manages to garner both crazy amounts of customer loyalty and precious revenue. And while the introduction of innovative new technologies is one way they have done this (very successfully, I might add), Google’s innovations are frequently less original than people realize. Google Search was predated by Yahoo!, Lycos and the works. Google Maps borrowed heavily from MapQuest. And the recent introduction of Google Buzz is a very transparent copycat of certain social media technologies the reader may be familiar with. Google Buzz, for those of you not yet aware, is Google’s attempt to muscle in on the popularity of Internet-based social media. Specifically, it is Twitter, with Facebook’s commenting and “like” system, integrated with Gmail. It is a blatant but carefully constructed attempt to
combine the successful aspects of those two tools into something that is conveniently tied into Google’s other (more profitable) systems. The key goal for Google at this juncture is to get a certain critical mass of people to regularly use its new toy. This is the point most new social media ventures fail; the tool is inherently useful only if other people are using it. So if enough people aren’t using it, new users won’t like it (because it isn’t useful) and will stop using it. Other successful social media
tools have bypassed this hurdle in various ways. Facebook succeeded by drawing an equivalence between Facebook connections and real-life relationships. Twitter succeeded … well, Twitter actually never really succeeded. Sure, it became notorious by basically becoming a celebrity-watching tool, but it has never really nailed that social element that makes it practical. This is a likely explanation as to why Twitter’s usage rates are beginning to stagnate. So can Google Buzz (or, as I
like to call it, Twitter 2: Electric Googaloo) succeed where so many before it have failed? Google probably has the best chance of succeeding of any company due to its considerable inertia. Unlike Twitter, which only broke into the mainstream by means of clever popularity management and a whole lot of luck, Google is already a mainstay for most regular Internet users. Between Gmail, YouTube, AdWords and the rest of its bevy of products, most people interact with a Googleowned system every time they use
the Internet. With Google Buzz sitting there right underneath the Inbox, it’s going to be hard for users to resist the temptation to make use of it. In this, Google demonstrates its understanding of how to win popular acceptance of a social media tool: Be so prolific to begin with that people can’t help but use it — a neat trick, if you can do it. Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
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PAGE 14
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positions for our summer camp: LIFE GUARD/ SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS Only 7 minutes from LSU. Potential for continued PT work after the summer. Please call (225)749-4004 or Fax Resume (225) 749-4005
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Personals
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010 WARE, from page 7
in college. Ware has been labeled as a running back early on because of the nature of Princeton’s offense — the wildcat formation. He may have resoundingly answered any questions about his transition to the backfield in the U.S. Army All-American game on Jan. 9. He ballooned his status after torching the West defense for 65 yards on eight carries. The game earned Ware the five-star distinction from Rivals. “It was big because it allowed him to run the ball from the running back set as opposed to being in the shotgun and running out of the wildcat like he’s done most of his career in high school,” said Scout.com analyst Sonny Shipp. “When you get the ball, whether you’re 7 yards deep or you’re 4 or 5 yards deep behind the quarterback, you have to use your vision a little bit better. It shows what kind of vision he has when he’s running out of that set.” That vision could earn Ware some early playing time. The departures of running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams have
THE DAILY REVEILLE
left experience at the position as a thorny issue for the Tigers. The returning backs, senior Richard Murphy and junior Stevan Ridley, have experience but are coming off serious injuries. “He’ll be in the mix,” Shipp said. “Murphy and Ridley are one hit away from not being able to play for the rest of the season. Knowing how the depth chart looks right, if Ware comes in and is in shape and ready to go, he’ll at least get a chance.” Ware agrees. He fully believes he has a chance to play as a freshman. “I plan on being in competition for the starting job,” he said. He is anxious to get to campus. Ware will enroll in summer classes after finishing up basketball and baseball. “I’m supposed to be coming down for the spring game, but I don’t have to report until June 4,” Ware said. “I’ll be taking summer classes. I’m ready to start.”
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com
NCAA, from page 8
interesting and enjoyable process for me.” Donovan’s squad has important games ahead if it wants to solidify its tournament status. The Gators welcome No. 17 Tennessee on Tuesday, while No. 20 Vanderbilt and No. 2 Kentucky loom ahead on the schedule. “It’s not about the past,” Donovan said. “It’s about right now. Everybody wants to go to the NCAA tournament. Some teams are obviously in better positions than others, and some teams are trying to work their way in.” SOUTH CAROLINA READY FOR ROUND 2 WITH ’CATS Call Devan Downey “Wildcat kryptonite.” South Carolina’s senior sensation lit up No. 2 Kentucky for 30 points the last time the two met in a 68-62 Gamecocks win. The loss was Kentucky’s first and only loss of the season. The Wildcats welcome South
LOSS, from page 7
points, we could have had a shot to win,” he said. “The difference is they didn’t turn the ball over much tonight.” Tennessee scored 44 points in the paint Monday and led by as many as 19 points in the second half. A 10-0 run by the Lady Volunteers with 9:09 to play put LSU in its deepest hole of the game. Another dagger in the Lady Tigers’ quest to extend their winning streak was Tennessee’s perfect 10for-10 from the free-throw line. The Lady Volunteers had been averaging 66 percent free throw shooting this season. “They have not been a great free-throw shooting team all year,
PAGE 15
Carolina to Rupp Arena on Thursday to try to avenge the lone blemish on their season. South Carolina coach Darrin Horn said he’s seen significant improvement in the Kentucky coach John Calipari’s team since their first meeting. “I think you just see continued growth,” Horn said. “They’ve got a lot of young guys. They’re learning things not only for the first time at this level, but for their program with it being a transition year in Cal’s first year.” Downey’s numbers have dipped since the upset, but the senior is still averaging 22.7 points per game — good for tops in the SEC. “He went through a stretch there, especially against Kentucky, where he was playing at a level and in a way that was unparalleled in all of college basketball for a two week stretch,” Horn said. “I think he was just on such a tear those few weeks that now that it’s come down, it’s sticking out a little.”
VARNADO EYEING NCAA BLOCK RECORD Mississippi State senior forward Jarvis Varnado is set to enter the history books. Varnado, after his seven-block outing against LSU on Saturday, is only seven blocks away from becoming the most prolific shot-swatter in NCAA history. With four regular-season games remaining, the record should be well in hand for Varnado. The senior averages five per game. “Anytime you’re the all-time leader in college basketball of anything, that’s really impressive,” said Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings. “It’s been very impressive to watch. He’s grown as a player too. He’s got a high basketball IQ. He’s much more than just a shot blocker.” The Bulldogs will host Alabama on Wednesday before traveling to South Carolina on Saturday.
but they didn’t miss a one,” Chancellor said. “And we only had one less offensive rebound than they did … We just couldn’t counter the big post player inside.” Chancellor highlighted the performances of senior guard Allison Hightower and junior guard Katherine Graham. Hightower led the Lady Tigers with 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, and Graham scored all of her 13 points in the second half on 6-of-13 from the floor. “Katherine Graham was outstanding, and Hightower was really good,” Chancellor said. “We just didn’t rebound out of the 5-hole tonight.” Hightower converted a 3-pointer that kept LSU breathing as the game wound down. Two 3-pointers
by freshman guard Adrienne Webb cut the deficit to nine points with 1:53 remaining, but it was too little and too late. It was not a blowout early, as the teams traded baskets for about half of the first period. The game was tied at 12-12 with 9:34 left in the first half, but Tennessee never trailed after that point. LSU returns home to the PMAC for its final two regular season games against Arkansas on Thursday and Mississippi State on Sunday. “The game of the year is Thursday night against Arkansas,” Chancellor said. “It’s a must-win.”
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, february 23, 2010 ENERGY, from page 1
night with a kick-off event at the 459 Commons and The 5 dining halls. Matt Wyatt, ECO co-president and natural resource conservation sophomore, said the purpose of the kick-off event was to make sure students know about UNPLUG and encourage them to sign pledges. Students In Free Enterprise representative Cory Vogel, information systems and decision sciences senior, handed out UNPLUG cards at the 459 Commons. “We had an average of 18 percent energy reduction last year, and we’re looking to hit at least that this year,” Vogel said. “We hope to receive 1,000 pledges for UNPLUG.” Students can pledge support on the Residential Life Web site.
CREDIT, from page 1
credit card companies must send consumers a notice 45 days before increasing interest rates or fees. The payment deadline for consumers was also extended from 14 days to 21 days after the bill is postmarked. Frances Lawrence, human ecology professor who teaches a personal finance course, said the new rules will limit how credit card companies make profits. She said lenders will most likely add new, higher fees to balance that loss — a disadvantage for consumers. The act also created new protections for college-aged consumers. “Under the new law, credit card issuers cannot give credit to anyone under the age of 21, unless that person has a cosigner or they can show proof that they have sufficient income to repay their credit card debt,” Lawrence said. The cosigner, which is usually a parent, has equal liability for the payments, Lawrence said. Credit card companies are not allowed to offer gifts to entice students to apply for credit or to advertise within at least 1,000 feet of college campuses.
RAINS, from page 1
United States, said Barry Keim, Louisiana state climatologist. Keim said the eastern United States feeds the Mississippi River, and the moisture levels in that region have been above normal this year. Rain that falls in Baton Rouge has very little effect on the water level of the river, Keim said. The level regularly rises around May when snow from northern parts of the river melts, but flooding near Baton Rouge is abnormal for February, he said. Long-term outlooks for river levels are made by the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center, a division of NWS located in Slidell. The projections show levels remaining above average for the near future because they will only increase when the snow upstream begins to melt, Grigsby said. Contact Jacob Most at jmost@lsureveille.com
Students who pledge will be entered in a drawing for Paw Points. The competition resulted in approximately $13,763 in savings last year among participating communities. East Campus Apartments won the competition with a 35 percent reduction from the same month a year earlier. “We’re trying to be good stewards of our resources, both on campus and after we leave campus,” said Catherine David, Communications Coordinator for the Department of ResLife. Students saved 172,034 kWh in last year’s UNPLUG — enough to power 20,000 light bulbs, 7,000 computers and 200 homes for one month. “Most students will probably just blow this competition off,” said Lauren Petmecky, pre-nursing freshman. “I want to do my part because most students probBurris said the changes will help college students avoid debt by elongating the credit card application process. According to the 2009 Sallie Mae National Study of Usage Rates and Trends, 84 percent of undergraduate students had credit cards in 2008, which increased from 76 percent in 2004. The Student Financial Management Center located in the basement of Coates Hall, which officially launched in August, is available to help students make financial decisions, Burris said. “We sit down with students and talk to them about their financial goals, how to budget and how to pay off debt,” she said. “The new center will provide students with financial literacy that’s been missing on college campuses everywhere.” Lawrence said students can have trouble getting jobs, loans and renting real estate if they overextend their credit. “I see nothing wrong with college students having a credit card as long as they use it appropriately and stay within their means,” she said. Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com
ably won’t change their routines, and someone has to do it. Personally, I take really long showers, and I also plan on turning off the water while brushing my teeth.” The program encourages students to unplug any electronics or appliances including cell-phone chargers, iPod speakers, microwaves and printers while not in use. Royce Delord, architecture sophomore, pledged his support in the 459 Commons. Delard said he also plans on taking shorter showers and turning off his lights more often. Educational programs will be held March 15-17 for each community participating. The competition will conclude March 22, and the winner will be announced March 26. Students from ECO, SIFE and the Freshman Leadership Council
will determine progress by reading each residential hall and apartment’s meters. Students checked the meters Monday and will read them once in the middle of the competition and again at the end of the competition, David said. Denise Scribner-Newell, Department of Sustainability manager, will calculate the differences in energy with her staff. Results will be posted on Channel 74, Facebook and in each participating residential hall, David said. The winner will be determined by community that reduces its energy consumption the most from this time in 2009. “We’re trying to make students aware of how very small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference,” David said. The winning community will
PAGE 16 be awarded with a celebration in their building March 30 at 7 p.m. David said different campus partners donated prizes such as totes, T-shirts and flash drives. Other prizes will be provided by LSU Dining, Smoothie King and Verizon. “The College of Engineering has been a great partner in this program because energy conservation is a huge part of what they do,” David said. “We’re trying to increase awareness among students.” Students have also maintained strong involvement in the competition’s organization. It started as a student-run competition and isn’t simply run by administrators, Wyatt said. Contact Sabrina Trahan at strahan@lsureveille.com