Daily Reveille — February 17, 2009

SNAPSHOT

lsureveille com Log on to see midnight kissing on Valentine’s Day.

SPORTS Mainieri, players say they’ve seen steroids in college game, page 7.

NOT CHARGED

Michael Phelps will not be charged for alleged marijuana use, page 4.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Sultan of Sweets

Volume 113, Issue 93

Some bakeries produce hundreds of king cakes daily

By Alice Womble Contributing Writer

From Catholic ties to the three wise men to a modern-day Mardi Gras dessert, the vibrant purple, green and gold icing marking the Louisiana tradition of king cakes melts onto the cinnammon-stuffed dough, the state’s culture — and in student’s mouths.

With Mardi Gras right around the corner, students can sample the festive dessert for free today from 10 a.m. until it runs out. The Student Union will continue its tradition of giving away king cake, the popular Louisiana pastry with a unique history.

John Van Osdell, disaster science management senior, said when he moved outside the state, he turned to his mother to help satisfy his king-sized cravings.

“When I was in the military, she would bake it and vacuum seal it and send the icing and KING CAKE, see page 6

photos by ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

A worker at the Cake Palace on Essen Lane ices king cakes Monday night. King cake orders during the Mardi Gras season account for a busy time of the year for many local bakeries.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

TECHNOLOGY

E-mail transition won’t affect Facebook

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

Facebook users registered with their University e-mail address don’t have to worry about changing the registered e-mail account after the Tigermail tran- ‘You don’t sition.

S h e r i need to reThompson, IT distribute communications and plan- your e-mail ning officer, to people said any mes- who already sages or ties to the old account, have the lsu.edu, will old one.’ forward to the new account, Sheri Thompson IT communications tigers.lsu.edu. and planning officer “When you log into Facebook, it registers you as ‘name. lsu.edu,’” she said. “This is still tied to your LSU e-mail and will forward to tigers.lsu.edu.”

Thompson said students have the option of using lsu.edu or FACEBOOK, see page 5

HOLIDAY

Zatarain’s petitions to nationalize Mardi Gras Staff Writer

Index

With its tradition of jazz, seafood and European architecture, New Orleans is well known as one of America’s unique cities. And as Mardi Gras approaches, one historic company is trying to spread those traditions across the nation.

Sports ...................... 7 Opinion ................... 12 Classifieds ............... 14

7:20 a.m.

8:20 a.m.

Noon 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

we can spotlight the holiday and the city.”

The petition first became available about two weeks ago when an independent study contracted by Zatarain’s suggested seven out of 10 Americans would support the movement.

Since the petition began, more than 9,000 signatures have been collected from citizens across the country.

“Many New Orleanians don’t realize that so many people outside the city celebrate Mardi Gras,” said

Weather

By Adam Duvernay

Zatarain’s, a Gretna-based, New Orleans-style food company, has designed a petition aimed at nationalizing New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festivities. The petition, which accepts signatures online via the Zatarain’s Web site, will be presented to Congress once 100,000 signatures are collected.

“The whole point of this campaign is to bring national attention to Mardi Gras,” said Dudley Passman, Zatarain’s director of food services.

“Just like the music and the food, by bringing that national attention

Broadcasts

Study says 7 out of 10 support move

TODAY SHOWERS

67

61

Ken Beals, Zatarain’s marketing director. “I think it is a lot more popular than people realize.”

TRADITIONS, see page 5

MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

WEDNESDAY THUNDERSTORMS

THURSDAY SUNNY

74

60

49

33

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Nation & World

PAGE 2

WORLD NEWS

on the web

LSUREVEILLE.COM

Suspect named in Aus. wildfire as toll hits 189

MONDAY’S POLL RESULTS Do you rent or own your living space?

British, French nuclear subs collide in Atlantic Ocean

93 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE POLL.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

Do you think Mardi Gras should be a national holiday?

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

LONDON (AP) — Nuclear submarines from Britain and France collided deep in the Atlantic Ocean this month, authorities said Monday in the first acknowledgment of a highly unusual accident that one expert called the gravest in nearly a decade. Officials said the low-speed crash did not damage the vessels’ nuclear reactors or missiles or cause radiation to leak.

But anti-nuclear groups said it was still a frightening reminder of the risks posed by submarines prowling the oceans powered by radioactive material and bristling with nuclear weapons.

GO TO LSUREVEILLE.COM TO CAST YOUR VOTE

CHURCHILL, Australia — The only person accused of lighting one of Australia’s deadly wildfires was a lonely Web surfer who liked dogs, always said “G’day” to neighbors and was trying to find love online. Brendan Sokaluk, a 39-year-old who reportedly once served as a volunteer fighter, was named as the suspect police arrested last week, as the death toll from the wildfires edged up to 189 on Monday.

Authorities were forced to keep Sokaluk at a secret location to protect him from potential reprisal attacks after a magistrate lifted a ban on publishing his name.

NATION, STATE AND CITY BRIEFS

Burris: Feds’ questions didn’t cause admissions

TODAY

tuesday, february 17, 2009 bcm dinner & tnt worship Every Thursday night. Dinner (free) at 7:15pm.

TNT Worship Service at 8:00pm. The BCM is at the corner of Highland & Chimes. All LSU students invited! lsubcm.org confessions of a soldier African American Culture Center (AACC) Tuesday, February 17th at 7:14pm Genesis Tutoring-Free Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:00pm Office of Multicultural affairs

upcoming events

Mr. & mrs. imani pageant LSU Student Union Cotillion Ballroom Thursday, February 18, 7:30pm

2009 springfest team leader applications Due Wednesday, February 18th Pick up an application in 326A Student Union or www.lsu.edu/oma

CHICAGO (AP) — Sen. Roland Burris insisted Monday that a newly released affidavit outlining contacts with ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother and other advisers was voluntary and not the result of contact from federal agents investigating the former governor. “It was done because we promised the [impeachment] committee we would supplement information in case we missed anything,” Burris said Monday before embarking on trip to talk with constituents. “End of story.” Burris released an affidavit over the weekend in which he admitted Blagojevich’s brother asked him for campaign fundraising help before Blagojevich appointed Burris to the Senate.

Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) speaks Monday during a press conference outside the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

Discovered parts could reveal cause of crash

Urgent new strategy needed for Afghan War

CLARENCE, N.Y. (AP) — Investigators have located key components that might help reveal what the pilot did to try to save Flight 3407 during its final desperate seconds, when the plane plunged to the ground so suddenly that sending a mayday was impossible, an investigator said Monday. After a seemingly routine flight, the airplane endured a 26-second plunge before smashing into a house in icy weather about six miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Thursday night, killing 49 people on the plane and one on the ground.

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) 578-4811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free.

To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-16 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semiweekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual mail subscriptions are $115. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-16 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

PAUL BEATY / The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Barack Obama prepares to send troops to war for the first time as commander in chief, a new report says a “game-changing” strategy is urgently needed in Afghanistan to save the faltering international campaign. “All is not lost in Afghanistan,” RAND Corp. experts said in a paper being released Tuesday by the congressionally funded United States Institute of Peace. “But urgent measures — what might be called ‘game-changing steps’ — are now needed to stem an increasingly violent insurgency,” said the authors.

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tuesday, february 17, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 3

FASHION

Ambassadors attend New York’s Fashion Week Other participants include USC, Fla. St.

By Leslie Presnall Staff Writer

While many students started their weekend in Tigerland or dodging bad luck from Friday the 13th, three University students spent their evening in Bryant Park to kick off New York’s Fashion Week.

The University’s BCBG Ambassadors were selected to attend the BCBG Max Azria Fall 2009 Runway Show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City last week after winning a nationwide marketing competition.

Sarah Dewey, Ashley Vickers and Student Government Vice President Shannon Bates make up the University’s student-led marketing team. The Ambassador

program began in August to promote BCBG’s new line BCBGeneration.

“It’s a way for marketing and public relations majors to promote and market the new line,” Bates said. “We promote it through oncampus events. Whoever had the highest marketing numbers got to go to fashion week with all expenses paid.”

There are about 30 BCBG Ambassador programs on college campuses nationwide. Other teams included participants from Texas A&M University, Florida State University and the University of Southern California.

Bates said she didn’t know the exact marketing numbers, but the University’s team won the competition by conducting surveys to its targeted audience, passing out “keep in touch” cards, logo Tshirts and tote bags.

“It’s all about the number of

people we interact with,” Bates said.

The team put on two in-store events at Macy’s in Baton Rouge and Dillard’s in New Orleans, where the new line is sold.

As the winning team, they flew to New York City on Thursday morning and attended the fashion show Friday.

Max Azria, BCBG’s designer, invited the students backstage after the show, Bates said.

“It really was the coolest experience,” Bates said. “He talked to us about the program, and he was so proud that girls from Louisiana were able to get it.”

Vickers, marketing senior, said it was an honor and a very memorable experience to meet Azria.

“He owns this business worth millions of dollars, and he had two more shows later this week, and he took time to talk to us backstage,”

photo courtesy of Shannon Bates

The University’s BCBG Ambassadors [from left to right] Ashley Vickers, Student Government Vice President Shannon Bates and Sarah Dewey pose with designer Max Azria backstage after his show Friday at New York’s Fashion Week.

Vickers said. “He was so down to earth.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of BCBG Max Azria and the 66th year of New York’s Fashion Week. More than 60 run-

way shows and backstage events will be held from Feb. 13-20.

Contact Leslie Presnall at lpresnall@lsureveille.com

STATE

Mayor Nagin wants to ‘institutionalize’ recovery of many here.

“It would take a pretty aggressive stance by him in the last year for people to change their minds about him,” said University of New Orleans political science professor Ed Chervenak.

Nagin faces endless criticism

By The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans won’t part ways with controversial mayor Ray Nagin until more than a year from now, but already talk has turned to the post-Nagin era.

Political analysts expect next year’s Feb. 6 primary will draw a huge field of candidates vying to pick up where Nagin leaves off in this city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

As for Nagin himself, there may be no elections in the next phase.

Like others who took center stage during Katrina — including former Gov. Kathleen Blanco and ex-President George W. Bush — Nagin, 52, appears ready to give up politics.

Records filed with the state show him last year beginning to draw down a campaign war chest built up ahead of the 2007 gubernatorial election he flirted with entering — paying bills, making political and charitable contributions and buying ads to get out the vote ahead of last fall’s presidential election.

The two-term mayor, elected in his first run for public office in 2002 and barred by term limits from running again, leaves office in May 2010.

The former cable TV executive has said his occupation will probably be business related. He insists he plans to be out of politics.

“I’m retiring,” he said. “I’m retiring undefeated.”

He’s shown no signs of leaving quietly. If anything, in the last few months, he’s appeared more publicly combative than ever, waging highprofile fights with the City Council on issues ranging from French Quarter trash to questions about his administration’s openness — a touchy spot for a mayor who claims to run the city transparently — as he tries to keep the recovery on track, avert a budget crisis for a city reliant on loans since the storm and shape his

CHERYL GERBER / The Associated Press

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin speaks to members of the media after Hurricane Gustav. Analysts expect the Feb. 6, 2010 election to draw a spirited field of candidates to pick up where Nagin left off.

legacy.

“For me, I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t, so I’m going to focus on what I think is best and not worry about the critiques going on,” he said.

But the fit-and-start pace of recovery and Nagin’s penchant for off-cuff remarks — like his 2006 statement that New Orleans would be a “chocolate” city — may have helped seal his legacy in the minds

from residents, frustrated by what they see as the slow pace of recovery and a lack of vision and leadership by a mayor known for his delegation of duties.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

PAGE 4

THE DAILY REVEILLE

tuesday, february 17, 2009

NATION

S.C. sheriff: No pot charge for Phelps after photo

By The Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina sheriff said Monday he was not going to charge swimmer Michael Phelps after a photo of the 14-time gold medalist showed him smoking from a marijuana pipe.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he couldn’t ignore the photo but defended his investigation.

“Michael Phelps is truly an American hero ... but even with his star status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state,” Lott said.

The photo showed Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe at a party in November when he visited the University of South Carolina.

Phelps has called his judgment bad and said he would learn from his mistake.

USA Swimming suspended Phelps for three months in the wake of the photo, and Kellogg Co. said it would not renew its endorsement deal with him.

The photo surfaced in a British newspaper, News of the World, on Feb. 1. The swimmer, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games, did not dispute its authenticity.

News of the World said the picture was taken during a party while Phelps was visiting the university.

During that trip, he attended one of the school’s football games and received a big ovation when introduced to the crowd.

The party occurred nearly three months after the Olympics while Phelps was taking a break from training, and his actions should have no impact on the eight golds he won at Beijing. He has never tested positive for banned substances.

This isn’t the first embarrassing episode for Phelps after an Olympic triumph. In 2004, a few months removed from winning six gold and two bronze medals in Athens, the swimmer was arrested on a drunken driving charge at age 19.

He pleaded guilty and apologized for the mistake.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

BRETT FLASHNICK / The Associated Press

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott holds a press conference Monday in Columbia, S.C., to announce that Michael Phelps would not be charged as a result of the photo that showed him smoking from a bong during a November party.

MUSIC

University’s free music download service shuts down

By Xerxes A. Wilson Contributing Writer

University-sponsored music downloading program Ruckus is no longer providing its services.

Upon visiting the Ruckus Web site, users are greeted with the message, “Unfortunately, the Ruckus service will no longer be provided.”

But the reason for the cancellation is still a mystery, even to University officials.

Auxiliary service officials said they have not been contacted and have not been able to contact any representatives from Ruckus, so the reason for the service ending is unclear.

“I’m not really sure what happened except the Web site is down, and it looks like Ruckus is no longer,” Roberts said.

University officials renewed their contract with the free, musicstreaming program last August, said Kimberly Roberts, marketing coordinator for the University Auxiliary Services.

The University signed a five-year contract with Ruckus in August 2007, with a renewal clause each year.

Although Ruckus was in a contract with the University, no party involved has received any compensation because the service was provided at no cost to the University and the University received no revenue from their sponsorship, Roberts said.

“The service was provided at no cost to the University,” said Colorado Robertson, Student Government president. “We just agreed to promote them on campus ... so we gave out their flyers and linked them on our site.”

The rights to the media downloaded through Ruckus must be refreshed every three days. This was a constant process when users accessed the music on a daily basis.

Because of the Digital Rights Management licensing server has been shut down, the rights will no longer be available rendering students’ music and video libraries use-

less, according to a Feb. 16 SG news release.

The initial agreement was signed with Ruckus because it provided students with an easy way to legally download music, Roberts said.

“It was basically a way to provide a service for students ... that is easily accessible and legal,” Roberts said. “This was a great way to download the right way.”

In August 2007, SG partnered

with Ruckus to combat music piracy on campus by giving students access to the college music service, according to the SG news release.

SG was only informed of Ruckus’ demise by students reporting problems when the service closed on Feb. 6, Robertson said.

The Freshman Leadership Council met a goal of signing up 2,500 new users on campus last semester. As a result, Ruckus donated

$2,000 to the FLC to work on campus projects, Robertson said.

“We have had a good relationship with Ruckus,” Robertson said.

“We have maintained it as an option for free and legal downloads.

But now that it has gone under, we are trying to pursue some other options.”

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

tuesday, february 17, 2009 TRADITIONS, from page 1

Though Fat Tuesday traditions are always mentioned in the same breath as New Orleans, the festival is celebrated throughout the country from the Gulf Coast to Philadelphia.

While some cities like Mobile, Ala., celebrate with mystic societies in the vein of New Orleans krewes, others celebrate Mardi Gras with their own regional flair.

“Almost half of the country is celebrating Mardi Gras from coast to coast,” Beals said.

Despite efforts to make the holiday official outside Louisiana, Zatarain’s spokespeople said they have no desire to uproot the festival from its historic Big Easy home. If anything, they said nationalizing Mardi Gras will bring much-needed attention to the city.

“I think it brings a lot of visibility and awareness not only to New

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Orleans, but to the whole Louisiana area,” Beals said. “Obviously it benefits both New Orleans and Zatarain’s.”

Though Zatarain’s is spearheading the motion, Passman said the company is not trying to brand the festival, which has never had a corporate sponsor in its history.

“The goal is not to take over Mardi Gras,” Beals said. “I can only imagine the backlash if we tried something like that.”

Regardless of the culture and history surrounding the holiday, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has earned a reputation for debauchery and drunkenness. Though these traditions are just as important as the call-response chants of the Mardi Gras Indians, Zatarain’s is looking to associate itself with Fat Tuesday’s more family-friendly aspects.

“People from New Orleans know it’s more about going to see

a parade on St. Charles or having a king cake with family and friends,” Passman said the adult-oriented way Mardi Gras is often thought of outside New Orleans has little to do with the way most people celebrate in the city.

With Mardi Gras still a full week away, it’s unlikely the petition will make its way to Washington, D.C., before the Krewe of Zulu rolls down St. Charles Ave. The petition will remain available for signing through Lent and beyond.

“It’s really too early to tell if this will work,” Beals said. “If enough people found out about it, we might have a chance. I think in the coming weeks, we might get a better idea for how realistic this really is.”

Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com

FACEBOOK, from page 1

tigers.lsu.edu, but tigers.lsu.edu is faster, bypassing the LSU system and sending straight to a student’s inbox.

“You don’t need to re-distribute your e-mail to people who already have the old one,” she said.

“But when you reply, it will specify in the details that it was sent from your tigers.lsu.edu address, giving them your new e-mail.”

Molly Briggs, mass communication sophomore, said her Facebook account is registered under her University e-mail address.

“I just recently changed to Tigermail, but I haven’t had any problems with my Facebook since the transition,” she said.

Laura Davis, nursing sophomore, said she uses a private email address for Facebook, which avoids Facebook notifications

PAGE 5 clogging her inbox. In addition, she said she hasn’t had problems with e-mails forwarding from her old account to her new one.

“I have this e-mail address just for my Facebook,” she said.

“I use my LSU e-mail for everything else though. It’s more professional.”

Thompson said when a student graduates, his or her e-mail account is deleted after a year. If the deleted e-mail address is tied to a social networking system, the network account will still function but without sending e-mail notifications.

Facebook officials could not be reached for comment by press time.

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6

and cream cheese filled king cakes, said Baum’s Bakery owner Debbie the different-colored sugar sprinkles Landry. The strawberry and cream with it,” Van Osdell said. “I was in cheese filled king cakes are also Georgia at the time, and all of my popular. friends there had never heard of king Some bakeries, such as Baum’s, cake before.” create a new king cake every year.

The modern king cake is be- This year’s creation is a banana’s lieved to have originated in New foster king cake. Gambino’s added a Orleans, a transformation from its specialty brownie king cake to their humble, flaky pastry selection.

French origins into With the large the sweet Danish variety of king cake dough treat known options available, today. the number of cakes Log on to see Tracing back bakers make a produced is stagto the Middle Ages, king cake. gering. Gambino’s king cake is thought makes anywhere to have Catholic from 400 to 800 origins, according to some king cake king cakes daily, depending on the bakers. number of orders, St. Romain said.

In some cultures, particularly Starting daily at 3 a.m., the Christian ones, devotion was placed Gambino’s production crew makes on the three Wise Men, the kings the dough for nearly three hours who followed the North Star to find while the king cake crew waits for the infant Jesus. The Epiphany — the the dough to rise. The crew then pro12th night after the birth of Christ — duces the cakes in the afternoon. marked the end of the Christmas celOther bakeries have a different ebration. That time became known approach, preparing the dough early for gift giving and consuming the to cut down the production time to celebratory cake of the three kings, 90 minutes. in turn naming the dessert “king “We have about 12 to 15 people cake,” according to the local bakery making king cakes at night,” said Gambino’s tradition.

Ambrosia’s Bakery Manager David King cakes have Catholic ori- Sherman. “From start to finish, one gins tied to the Epiphany, said Father king cake takes about an hour to Frank Bass, associate pastor of St. make.”

George’s Catholic Church in Baton The king cake business expandRouge. The Mardi Gras season starts ed with the addition of shipping, acon the Epiphany of every year and cording to these local bakers, all of ends differently depending on the whom who ship king cakes across date of Fat Tuesday. the country.

“It began as a custom for CarniHaydel’s Bakery was the first val season, which begins on Epiph- bakery in the Big Easy to ship king any and ends the midnight of Fat cakes overnight, Haydel Jr. said. BeTuesday,” Bass said. cause of international shipping, their Each color of the cake is sym- king cake production has boomed, he bolic — purple represents justice, said. green for faith and gold for power, “In a long year such as this one, said Haydel’s Bakery manager Da- we sell about 55,000 [king cakes] vid Haydel Jr. from Jan. 6 through Feb. 24, which Other bakers simply believe includes shipped king cakes and king cakes are part of the continu- those sold from the shop,” Haydel ous partying that ends on Fat Tues- Jr. said. day. Because Mardi Gras is the day To offer out-of-state students before Ash Wednesday, which starts a taste of Mardi Gras, the Student the 40-day Catholic season of fasting Union Marketing Committee will be known as Lent, many Louisianians giving out free slices of king cake. indulge in guilty pleasures — like Chartwell’s — the catering service gorging on sweets — before the reli- on campus — is providing enough gious time of self-denial begins. king cake for 500 people.

Eating king cake is a group ac“We are doing this as a huge tivity, said Gambino’s manager An- thank you for all that the students do gella St. Romain. Traditionally, whoever finds the baby in a slice of cake has to buy the next cake and host the next king cake party.

During medieval times, a bead was placed in the king cakes but was replaced with the plastic baby to represent Jesus in modern king cakes, according to Gambino’s king cake maker Mitchell Lowery. Many local stores have opted not to put the baby inside of the king cake because of choking hazards, but Gambino’s and Ambrosia bakeries stand by the tradition.

The baby hidden in the modern king cake symbolizes the Wise Men’s quest to find the infant Jesus, and the cake itself is oval-shaped to represent his crown, Ambrosia’s Bakery Manager Felix Sherman Jr. said.

Although the traditional cinnamon king cake is still a crowd favorite, the modern change of adding fillings was well received, according to local bakers. Ambrosia’s, Baum’s, Cake Palace and Gambino’s all offer a variety of different fruit and specialty fillings.

This year’s favorites at the local bakeries include the praline, pecan

KING CAKE, from page 1

lsureveille.com

for us,” said Union Marketing Committee Chair Sarah Latiolais.

Meg Quinn, mass communication sophomore, has lived in Louisiana all of her life and said this year marked her first taste of king cake.

“This year was my first to really eat it and enjoy it,” Quinn said. “My favorite is the cream cheese-filled. I could eat it by itself.”

Additionally, the Global Studies Residential College will host “Carnivals From Around the World,” an event scheduled Wednesday to share with students the tradition of king cakes across the globe. Guest speakers will discuss the topics of Carnival in Cuba and rural Cajun parades.

The event last year featured different types of king cakes, including a traditional king cake and a French one, according to this year’s event coordinator Nawsheen Golam Hossen.

Caroline Hansen, kinesiology junior, said she grew up eating king cake, and her favorite is the cream cheese or the traditional king cake.

“I love king cake,” Hansen said.

“I grew up with it, and we’d have them in school.”

Contact Alice Womble at awomble@lsureveille.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

A Zulu king cake with chocolate and coconut is one of the options Cake Palace offers.

ONLINE: Log on to lsureveille.com to read a column about the men’s and women’s postseason chances.

Sports

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

PAGE 7

Eyeing a chance to dance Lady Tigers

Category

Tigers

Unranked

Ranking

No. 23

45

RPI

39

13-9 (6-4)

Record

21-4 (9-1)

Record against 2-2 (1 remaining) RPI top 50

1-9 (1 remaining)

No. 9 Florida (13), at Kentucky (70)

Key Victories*

South Carolina (42), at Tennessee (19), Mississippi State (83)

Mississippi State (42), at Mississippi State (42)

Bad Losses*

at Texas A&M (53), at Alabama (146)

Regular season games remaining

4 BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

LSU women’s basketball coach Van Chancellor looks on Jan. 22 as Miss. State hits a last-second shot to beat the Lady Tigers, 38-36.

*numbers refer to opponents’ RPI

Four regular season games likely to decide LSU’s fate

By Casey Gisclair Chief Sports Writer

LSU women’s basketball coach Van Chancellor promised Lady Tiger fans during the team’s preseason media day that LSU would advance to the NCAA tournament.

But Chancellor knows his young team still has some work to do to get into the Big Dance

with just four regular season games remaining.

“Boy, I tell you, it’s going to be really, really close,” Chancellor said after the team’s 66-55 loss to Auburn two Sundays ago.

One of the reasons Chancellor was so concerned with his team’s tournament resume was CHANCELLOR , see page 11

6 JERIT ROSER / The Daily Reveille

LSU men’s coach Trent Johnson talks with an official during the first half of LSU’s win against McNeese State on Dec. 22.

History bodes well for Tigers’ tourney chances

By David Helman Sports Writer

LSU’s men’s basketball team climbed to No. 23 in the Associated Press Top 25 on Monday, the Tigers’ first appearance in the poll since Jan. 22, 2007.

But don’t tell LSU coach Trent Johnson.

“I actually got a memo from the NCAA,”

Johnson said sarcastically. “They said we don’t have to play any more games — the season’s over. Arkansas said we don’t even have to show up [Wednesday night].”

It’s hard to believe it’s been only 42 days since the Tigers’ 30-point loss to Utah.

Less than a month away from Selection TOURNAMENT, see page 11

BASEBALL

Mainieri, players say steroids not exclusive to MLB But they say usage is not widespread

By Kyle Whitfield Editor

ALEX BOND / The Daily Reveille

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri addresses the media Feb. 3 during the Tigers’ first practice in the new Alex Box Stadium.

LSU’s Paul Mainieri is usually an even-keeled, soft-spoken baseball coach.

But throw out a topic like steroids, and his answer – especially his tone of voice – is unusually terse.

“I’m disgusted by it all,” the third-year coach said.

Alex Rodriguez’s recent admission to using steroids once again rocked Major League Baseball. But closer to home, the issue of steroids elicits a variety of opinions and brings up the question of how prominent steroid usage is in the college game.

“I know for a fact some of the kids I’ve coached against at other

schools have used steroids,” said Mainieri, who has coached college baseball since 1983.

At LSU, the athletic department’s substance abuse policy prohibits “the use, sale, or distribution of any and all illegal substances by its athletes and staff.”

Steroids is the last item on the list of banned substances.

The policy’s goal, it says, is to drug test players twice a year.

Players can also be drug tested at any time – announced or unannounced.

LSU outfielder Jared Mitchell, said he has been tested “at least two to three times a year” between football and baseball.

Mitchell said he doesn’t think steroids are a major problem in college baseball, but he said he’s not oblivious to reality.

“I can remember seeing guys and saying, ‘That’s not all natural,’” he said.

LSU All-American outfielder Blake Dean played summer baseball in the Cape Cod League and said no one there talked about steroids. Dean guessed steroids are more prevalent in junior college baseball.

“I think ju-cos are more lenient with their testing,” he said.

Mainieri said he has heard of players encountering steroids during summer baseball.

“You know what happens is your players come back from summer leagues where they’re playing with players from other teams, and they’re sitting around, and they’re talking, and a guy will confess,” he said. “Then that player comes back to me or tells me what this player told him.”

Even with the pressure of playing for a nationally prominent program, many LSU players say STEROIDS, see page 10

PAGE 8

THE DAILY REVEILLE

tuesday, february 17, 2009

SOFTBALL

Opening of new Tiger Park impresses fans Attendees say there are no bad seats

By Jarred LeBlanc Contributing Writer

The opening of LSU’s new Tiger Park was an event Tiger fans have been anticipating just as long as the players and coaches.

“It’s something we’ve been waiting for for a long time,” said Mona Ragan, who has been attending LSU softball games since the team’s inception in the 1970s.

Tiger Park’s gates were opened to fans Wednesday night when LSU played its first home game of the season against McNeese State.

The game drew 2,172 fans to the inauguration of the new stadium.

“This is actually my first game, but it looks like they have a pretty good product of the field,” said Delvin Jones, sports management graduate student. “They’re probably a little motivated now that they have this nice stadium and everything.”

The crowd was the second largest in Tiger Park history,

trailing the total of 2,326 on April 28, 2007, when LSU played Tennessee in the old Tiger Park.

The softball team had its highest attendance figures in the old Tiger Park’s 12-year history in 2008, when the Tigers averaged 866 fans per game.

Most fans were impressed with the facilities of the new stadium.

“I like that there are no bad seats,” said season ticket holder Brenda Simon. “Any place you go, you can see. The facilities are second to none.”

Harmony Schwethelm, who played for Baylor from 2002 to 2006, went to support her former teammate and junior Baylor transfer Kirsten Shortridge in LSU’s victory against No. 5 Texas A&M on Saturday.

Schwethelm said she was impressed with how the new park fared under poor weather conditions.

“I know just by rain, this field can take a whole lot more,” Schwethelm said. “We got canceled out in a tournament my freshman year in the old stadium. From how much it’s rained in the last two

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Fortson returning to starting lineup Wed.

By The Associated Press FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas point guard Courtney Fortson could return to the starting lineup Wednesday against LSU, coach John Pelphrey said Monday.

Fortson was suspended for the Razorbacks’ 79-63 loss to Kentucky on Saturday. Pelphrey didn’t go into detail about why.

“If he does the correct things, he will play on Wednesday,”

Pelphrey said. “I love Courtney Fortson. There’s not another guard in the country I want playing our point guard spot.”

Fortson, a freshman, has started all but two games this season, averaging 14.6 points and 6.5 assists.

“I anticipate having him back in the starting lineup,” Pelphrey said.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

days, the field looks great.”

Kent Dejean, who attends eight or nine LSU softball games a year, said the new facility is “absolutely gorgeous.”

“It probably beats out most men’s baseball parks in the country,” Dejean said. “It’s one of the finest facilities in the country.”

Ragan said the new stadium is a big step up from the old Tiger Park.

“There is no comparison,” Ragan said. “It’s like playing in a sandlot park and then coming and playing in a major league park.”

Jones said the new stadium could benefit the team in the future.

“It’s something good to brag on and get some recruits here,” he said.

Very few fans could find anything they disliked about the new Tiger Park.

“The only thing I dislike is I used to live over at the Fieldhouse Condominiums, and I used to be able to walk to the games,” Dejean said.

Simon said she hasn’t gotten used to the orientation of the new

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

Fans cheer on the Tigers at Tiger Park during their game Saturday against Texas A&M. LSU won the game, 6-5.

stadium yet because she was used to sitting behind the plate in the old Tiger Park, where the seating is elevated above the field.

“The only thing is, I’m having trouble with the net…looking through it,” Simon said.

The Tigers averaged 996 fans per game in their opening weekend at the new Tiger Park. The

team averaged 655 and 789 fans, respectively, in the team’s past two opening weekend Easton Tiger Classic tournaments.

Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 9

SOFTBALL

Current, former Tigers excited about stadium advancements Tiger Park opens after four years of planning

By David Helman Sports Writer

LSU’s softball team has finally finished the longest onemile move in program history.

The opening of the new Tiger Park last week marked the end of a long saga for LSU coach Yvette Girouard, who lobbied for new softball facilities not long after her hiring in 2001.

“This is something that obviously this program has waited on since its inception, something that was promised to us nine years ago, so we are finally seeing it come to fruition,” Girouard GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille said. “We were probably the last The LSU softball team congratulates opposing McNeese State players after program in the [Southeastern LSU’s 6-0 victory Wednesday night. The new Tiger Park boasted the Conference] to build a stadium, and as it’s said and done, there’s second-largest crowd in program history on its opening night with 2,172 no question in mind that our sta- attendees. dium is probably the prettiest in at Memphis, Roessner said “it the country now ... I couldn’t be happen with all the setbacks.”

A list of interruptions, in- would be great” to be a part of prouder of it.”

Girouard has been telling her cluding financial setbacks caused the stadium’s opening, but she teams since 2004 they would be by Hurricane Katrina, held up the wouldn’t trade where she is “for playing in this state-of-the-art fa- construction for more than just the world.”

“I put in my time at LSU,” Turner’s class. cility.

Killian Roessner, All-Ameri- she said. “Basically, I’m glad I Emily Turner, reporter for NBC33 TV and a former LSU can catcher for the Tigers’ 2008 ended on the field I started on.”

Roessner isn’t the only one team, did not think pitcher, said Gishe would end her who won’t be holding grudges. rouard recruited her to be part of ‘There’s no question in career in the old Her former teammate, second baseman Shannon Stein, said no Park. the first class to mind that our stadium Tiger“We thought one could have controlled Hurplay in the new stadium. is probably the prettiest it would be done ricane Katrina’s effects on LSU, my sophomore and that a new stadium was “not “My most vivid memory is in the country now...’ year, but then Ka- the main reason” she chose LSU. Turner also said she didn’t trina happened,” that Coach GiRoessner said. regret not playing in the new starouard used it Yvette Girouard “We didn’t hold dium. as a way to resoftball coach “Absolutely not,” Turner any bitterness cruit me,” Turner at all — we just said. “My best memories in all said. “We were supposed to be the first class to thought that what’s meant to be my 23 years came at [old] Tiger Park. Of course we joked that it play on the new field, which ex- will be.”

Now an assistant coach would be nice to have the new cited me. But it obviously didn’t

‘‘

stadium ... but I don’t think from last season. One it would have been the ‘It makes week into the new era, same if I’d split two years me really she said, “Coach Girin the old park and two in did it up right.” proud to be ouard“I’m the new. [Tiger Park] was just proud to see the old field across from a part of where we came from,” the natatorium and my old Jackson said. “I played at this.’ apartment and that’s how the old Tiger Park. This I’m going to remember isn’t the only stadium it.”

I’ve ever played in. It Fortunately for Gi- Jazz Jackson makes me really proud to rouard’s conscience, the junior outfielder be a part of this.”

2009 Tigers have finally made the trek from the West Campus Apartments area to Skip Contact David Helman at Bertman Drive.

“Every recruiting class was dhelman@lsureveille.com promised this park, and I’ve apologized to every one of them,” Girouard said. “I really thought it was going to happen in ‘06, but it didn’t. Such is the nature of life, and that was the whole purpose of having [former players] on the field with us the first night.

Because of them the program is what it is.”

But the “old park” isn’t completely gone from the Tigers’ roster. Junior outfielder Jazz Jackson is one of six starters remaining

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009

RECRUITING

Top RB recruit Brown may visit LSU before decision Miami commit considering LSU

By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor

As football prospects across the nation picked colleges on National Signing Day, running back prospect Bryce Brown chose to take a vacation.

Brown’s delayed decision keeps Miami, Oregon, Tennessee, USC — and now, possibly LSU — one lastminute signature away from landing the Scout.com No. 1 recruit.

The Wichita, Kan., native is a soft verbal commitment to Miami, but he is considering LSU for his final visit, according to Rene Nadeau, college football analyst for ESPN and TigerVision.

Nadeau said Miami, LSU and Oregon seem to be garnering the most interest from Brown, but the Hurricanes have the strongest chance to sign him.

Sonny Shipp, Louisiana

STEROIDS, from page 7

they haven’t been tempted to use steroids to gain an edge.

“Me personally, I wouldn’t even know where to get them first of all,” Mitchell said.

LSU second baseman Ryan Schimpf said he has never played with anyone who has used steroids.

“I don’t think it’s an excuse – there’s pressure everywhere you go,” he said.

Even though Dean and Mitchell don’t defend steroid use, they both agree players like Rodriguez and Barry Bonds deserve shots at the Hall of Fame.

“Personally I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” Dean said.

“I don’t think that it’s going to help you hit a 97-mile-per-hour fastball or hit 51 home runs. You might hit a few more home runs because you’ve gotten a little bit stronger.”

Said Mitchell: “If I get a vote,

‘‘

‘They have some great linemen...LSU is definitely in the running for my final visit.’

Bryce Brown

running back prospect

recruiting analyst for Scout, said the running back may be secondguessing his Miami commitment after former Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix was dismissed in December.

LSU coach Les Miles contacted Brown, according to potentialplayers.com, a Web site that represents the running back.

“LSU is sounding really for real,” Brown said on the Web site.

“They have some great linemen, and they got Reuben Randle and Craig Loston. LSU is definitely in the running for my final visit.”

I think they both get in.”

Their coach couldn’t disagree more.

“I wish they would strike every player from the record book that was involved in cheating,” Mainieri said.

Mainieri, who was known more for his gritty work ethic than physical size when he played college baseball, doesn’t buy Rodriguez’s apology or the excuse that the pressure was too much. “[Baseball] is supposed to be watching runners score from first base with a triple in the gap and hit-and-run plays and bunt plays and tremendous defense,” he said. “Instead, it’s being played by guys who look like they should be playing in the NFL instead of baseball.”

Contact Kyle Whitfield at kwhitfield@lsureveille.com

The 6-foot running back rushed for 1,872 yards and 30 touchdowns at East High School his senior season.

Adding Brown to LSU would give the Tigers two Scout five-star running backs in the 2009 class.

Brown would join Scout five-star running back Michael Ford and rising seniors Charles Scott and Keiland Williams.

Even though the Tigers signed Ford, LSU made a last-minute push for Scout five-star running back Trent Richardson, who chose Alabama.

“If [Brown] would choose to come to LSU, it would soften the blow and people would forget that LSU didn’t get Trent Richardson on signing day,” Shipp said.

The LSU coaching staff would like to add depth to the running back position, Shipp said.

Brown was an all-state, Parade All-American and USA Today AllAmerican player. He also played in the U.S. Army All-American Game.

But Brown’s high school coach Brian Byers questioned the running back’s character earlier this year.

‘‘

‘If [Brown] would choose to come to LSU, it would soften the blow and people would forget that LSU didn’t get Trent Richardson... ’ Sonny Shipp

Louisiana recruiting analyst for Scout.com “It’s always been him and then everybody else,” Byers told The New York Times. “Our team chemistry was nonexistent.”

Brown responded and told The Wichita Eagle he “was willing to do whatever if it was going get the win.”

Brown’s interest in LSU may have been sparked by his brother, Miami linebacker Arthur Brown, who chose Miami over LSU.

“Arthur always talked good about his visit to LSU,” Shipp said.

“He really enjoyed it.”

Arthur Brown may be the Tigers’ best recruiting tool, Shipp said.

Bryce Brown has already visited Clemson, Oregon and Missouri. The five-star running back also visited Tennessee last weekend.

“With the way that Tennessee was able to get in on so many guys late in the game, it makes you wonder if [Tennessee coach Lane] Kiffin and company are able to pull another one,” Shipp said.

This is the second year in a row the No. 1 player in the country didn’t sign on National Signing Day. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor committed to Ohio State a month after National Signing Day in 2008.

Bryce Brown plans to make his decision March 12, according to potentialplayers.com.

Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

tuesday, february 17, 2009 CHANCELLOR, from page 7

LSU’s lack of a quality wins.

Prior to LSU’s 66-47 win against Florida, the Lady Tigers were 0-6 against teams currently in the top-25 poll, with four of those losses occurring in the PMAC. LSU (13-9, 6-4) was also 0-9 against teams currently in the top 50 of the NCAA’s RPI rating, which is an index that measures the quality of a team using its record and its strength of schedule.

But LSU bettered both of those records with Sunday’s win, and Judy Southard, LSU associate athletic director and a member of the NCAA tournament selection committee, said the Lady Tigers have gone a long way toward showing they are among the top 64 teams in the country.

“They overcame one big obstacle [Sunday] and got themselves a signature win on their resume,” she said. “That Florida win helps them a lot. But the key thing is now, and I think the coaching staff understands this, is that now they’ve got to take things one game at a time because it’s a critical time of the year.”

Southard said although LSU lost many of its games against toplevel competition, some of the Lady Tigers’ near misses will earn them recognition on selection Sunday.

“The most impressive thing about LSU’s schedule is the quality of teams they’ve played and the numbers of those teams they’ve played,” she said. “While they don’t have a lot of wins against those teams, you can certainly look at those games and those scores and see that they competed and played tough. They

probably played Connecticut better than anybody in the country, and that was a nationally televised game, so those kinds of things are taken into consideration as well.”

LSU’s current position is new to senior forward Kristen Morris.

Morris has spent her three previous seasons on teams that were No. 1 or No. 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament. The Lady Tigers’ lone senior said the key to getting into the field of 64 will be building on the team’s current high point.

“We’ve been anxious for one of these wins for a long time,” she said. “Now we want to play off this momentum and carry it to the rest of the season.”

One factor that won’t influence LSU’s attempt to reach the NCAA tournament is geography.

The PMAC is set to host the opening weekend of the tournament, which Southard said doesn’t affect on who makes it into the tournament.

“That has absolutely no weight,” she said. “There are two things that do not carry any weight in the committee room and that is conference affiliation and then the schools who are hosting.”

Southard said for the Lady Tigers to advance to the field of 64, they will need to finish the season with momentum.

“I think they will need to perform well in the final four regular season games and then make a good showing in the conference tournament,” she said.

Contact Casey Gisclair at cgisclair@lsureveille.com

TOURNAMENT, from page 7

Sunday, when the 65-team field for the NCAA tournament is selected, LSU’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) has jumped from No. 107 to No. 39 since the week after the Utah loss.

Although it isn’t apparent from his demeanor, Johnson has LSU on the cusp of the division title in his first season at the helm.

At 9-1 in conference play, LSU is three victories away from winning the SEC West. Twenty teams have won or split the western division title in that time span. Only two of those have missed the NCAA tournament.

Those two teams were 2007’s split champions — Ole Miss and Mississippi State — who shared the title with 8-8 conference records.

With six games left to play, LSU has already won more games than those teams had at the end of their regular season.

“We have a target on our backs,” said senior center Chris Johnson.

“We’re the hunted, and we have to come out and compete 40 minutes.”

The Tigers’ win last Wednesday against Mississippi State also made them the 18th LSU team to earn 20 wins in a season. Only twice has a 20-win LSU team failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament.

The 1969-1970 Tigers finished 22-10 with an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament semifinals, and the 1916 team went 20-2 in the era predating the college basketball postseason.

This group of Tigers is the seventh LSU team to break 20 wins since the SEC realignment in 1992.

In that time span, LSU has never failed to send a 20-win team to the NCAA tournament.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in what you’ve done,” said junior guard Alex Farrer. “You’ve got to keep things in perspective and understand that the next game is important.”

Joe Lunardi, an ESPN college basketball analyst, released his latest “Bracketology” tournament projection Monday, with LSU as a No. 7 seed in the East bracket of the 2009 tournament.

Lunardi correctly picked the entire field for the 2008 tournament.

But once again, Trent Johnson’s

PAGE 11 unimpressed.

One of his favorite anecdotes this season is about his son, Terry, who calls Johnson frequently to update him on the Tigers’ standing in the polls and tournament projections.

Once Johnson hears about brackets or rankings, his answer is always the same.

“Bye, Terry.”

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

Tuesday, february 17, 2009

LETTER TO THE EDITOR FREEMAN OF SPEECH

A non-PC take on Johanathan Brooks In an effort to avoid “this PC junk,” I thought I would share my opinion about Reveille sports writer Johanathan Brooks.

It takes a special kind of inability to constantly write the absolute nonsense in his columns. I don’t know what Brooks’ career ambitions are, but if he aims to be a sports writer, I wish him a fruitful career covering local high school beats for a small circulation paper because any editor with common sense would not let him near anything of actual importance.

This is the guy who placed LSU’s last two regular season football games in the win column, listed Chris Jackson ahead of Bob Pettit and wrote a completely nonsensical column blaming a weak SEC for LSU’s eventual non-inclusion in the NCAA tournament rather than their non-conference losses and weak schedule.

In his most recent column, Brooks compares the humiliation of learning-disabled young girls to Kobe Bryant scoring 81 points on a professional team. I would love to see Brooks tell his young daughter struggling with a disorder that the non-stop full court press was designed to show she is not a future pro player or that she should have practiced harder.

Sports are about so much more than winning or losing, which is something that Brooks clearly fails to see.

Trust me, as a soccer player growing up, I was on the right side of games that could have easily been 40-0. I believe some of the greatest character-building moments from my days as a player were when I would give words of encouragement to a player on a team we were far superior to and to hear the next day that word got to the parents of our team’s sportsmanship.

I’d like to think that earning the respect of my opponent taught me a whole lot more than piling up a bunch of worthless goals.

I just hope Brooks has no ambitions of ever becoming a successful writer because quite honestly his writing is absolute garbage.

I know this won’t get to print because the Reveille will protect its writers, but I think it should. Getting called out builds character and Brooks needs to face the music before he continues wasting everyone’s time.

Steve Wolf mass communication freshman

My 22nd birthday present — no more cable Before we start, let’s have a moment of silence for Molière, who died 326 years ago today.

Do any of you know how it feels to have the government steal the flavor out of your birthday?

I do.

Today, February 17th, is my birthday, and the government has been planning a huge present not just for me, but for everyone watching cable television.

Today was supposed to be the day the analog signal died as the country switches to digital television.

It felt good for a while to see commercials for the transition, especially the one where they display the date “February 17th” stretching across the entire screen over a major metropolitan skyline.

The voiceover would then bellow, “Are you ready for February 17th?”

It felt really good to know so many people cared.

Alas, it wasn’t for me — or Michael Jordan, Lupe Fiasco or Paris Hilton, whose birthdays also land on the 17th — it was for television.

Meanwhile, I finally have my

Editorial Board

already prepared for the switch, another question is raised from the postponement of the transition.

Do we really need cable television anymore?

Aside from watching live news or sports events, there’s no point to watch cable in the Internet age.

Many Web sites, like Hulu. com, provide free television shows and movies with ads interspersed.

As a product of last year’s Writers’ Strike, networks and Web sites have created a means for artistic products to be properly compensated with one 30-second ad between scenes.

Instead of a three-minute commercial break, viewers are treated to one 30-second commercial dividing the scenes.

With some appearing at least 12 hours before the original airing, major network Web sites stream their television shows on their sites with the same ad model, capitalizing on revenue from the ads and providing TV watchers a free, legal way to enjoy their favorite television shows.

This move in the correct direction will naturally reduce piracy, as

many will log on to their favorite show’s Web site and watch it there, in lieu of illegally downloading the series from a torrent Web site and risking disconnected Internet or even a lawsuit.

In short, there’s no reason to pay for cable television anymore.

As pleasing as it may be to have Ren and Stimpy available on your DVR, chances are you can find it online for free.

Congress and the president should work harder to make this more of a reality. The Internet provides a tremendous boon in terms of consumer content, and our new direction should reflect ever-changing, yet ever-present, realities.

While I finally have an issue with an item in Obama’s stimulus package, he’s giving me a silver lining.

He’s signing the entire bill into law today in Denver.

On the 22nd anniversary of my birth, a new America is born.

Be sure to tune in.

Contact Eric Freeman Jr. at efreeman@lsureveille.com

(BI)PARTISAN VIEW

Marriage may be gay, but sanctity is dead Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match.

Find me a find, catch me a catch.

CBS, CBS, make a show on TV. And wed us for all to see.

The rearranged lyrics from “Fiddler on the Roof” sound crazy, but this is exactly what CBS plans to do.

In their new reality show, tentatively titled “Arranged Marriages,” four love-scorned adults have agreed to let their friends and families choose their future spouses. The series then follows the newly acquainted newlyweds through the destruction or fruition of their marriages.

Airing arranged marriages on TV is not a new idea.

In 2003, FOX aired the reality show Married by America — which allowed viewers to call in and vote on which contestants should be married. The show failed as miserably as the marriages did.

Arranged marriages in

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

own “less than 1 percent” issue to anger me about President Obama’s economic stimulus.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — known to most as the economic stimulus package — provides Eric Freeman Jr. an additional $650 million Columnist for coupons for those still watching television on analog sets. The digital converter boxes — between $40 and $80 — were initially funded by the Department of Commerce, but customers were still short of coupons, according to the Senate Web site.

The Department of Commerce reached its $1.34 billion spending limit, potentially leaving millions with snow on their sets after the transition. The House of Representatives followed the Senate’s lead in postponing the digital switch until June 12, saying many weren’t ready for the switch.

Regardless of the necessity of coupons, as anyone purchasing cable or satellite television is

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

general aren’t a new idea either.

In fact, it was only in the past century that young people could marry whomever they wanted for whatever reason they pleased.

Whether you marry for love, lust, money or power, you Isabel Blum still have that Columnist choice — your family doesn’t. In Elizabethan England, though, arranged marriages were the norm.

Families of similar social status would arrange for their children to marry for the benefit of both families. The royal family and the nobility married off their children for more political power while farmers arranged their children’s marriages in hopes to extend their land.

It was normal for babies to be betrothed immediately following birth. It was also not uncommon for a bride and groom to meet on

their wedding day. King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves met for the first time on the wedding alter.

This didn’t fly because Henry’s informants failed to mention Anne’s “plain” looks. To say the least, this arrangement didn’t work out. In just a year and a half, he was remarried to 17-year-old Catherine Howard.

In many countries, including India and China, arranged marriage is still the custom. There are many arguments for and against — but arranged marriages still hardly seem sacred for most of us.

The point is not that arranged marriages can’t be sacred.

This won’t happen when television can use marriage to make money. Entertainment doesn’t equate with sanctity, which is a lesson many in this country have failed to recognize. Marriage is not a game to the gay and lesbian couples who aren’t allowed to.

Neither is marriage solely about procreation. To say nothing

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.

of the need for adoption, the procreation argument also ignores the moral justification for marriage between sterile individuals.

This doesn’t concern religious marriage — it’s about legal marriage.

There’s a difference.

A 1,400-plus rights and benefits difference.

The sanctity of marriage should not be considered when discussing the legality of marriage, especially if TV producers can make money off a reality show that mocks the notion of the sanctity of marriage.

To those who can’t even marry the ones they love, the idea, “I’m going to marry a complete stranger because I can,” is a straight slap in the face.

Sanctity is dead — get used to it.

Contact Isabel Blum at iblum@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Marriage is a wonderful institution ... but who wants to live in an institution?”

Groucho Marx American comedian and actor Oct. 2, 1890 — Aug. 19, 1977

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, february 17, 2009

Opinion

PAGE 13

PERFECT DYSTOPIA

Religious extremists find new target in couples Muslim terrorists hate infidels.

Hindu terrorists hate couples. Terrorism of a new kind is generated.

As the students kissed underneath the Memorial Tower at the stroke of midnight to celebrate Valentine’s Day, many youngsters across the ocean were banned from commemorating the holiday.

We celebrate the existence of mothers, fathers, grandparents and dead people for once existing; it only seems logical to also celebrate the existence of love that results in fertilized eggs which happen to turn into human beings.

But in India, Hindu extremists threatened and attacked celebrating couples. Indian police rounded up Hindu extremists who allegedly threatened to marry off young couples found together on Valentine’s Day. The Press Trust of India News Agency reported more than 100 activists were detained across the southern states of India.

It seems the loners – instead of wallowing in self-pity — organized a club to fight against the couples. The group called themselves Sri Ram Sena, or Lord Ram’s Army, claiming orthodox principles of Hinduism as their cause for action.

“Drinking, socializing, celebrating Valentine’s Day is all part of Western culture, which is corrupting our Indian culture,” SRS general secretary V.K. Rajesh told The Times of India on Feb. 3.

“We are not against love. But we are against loose morals we see among the younger generation who are blindly aping the West. And we will not spare these people, and we will take whatever action is needed within the law,” Rajesh said.

The group is concerned with the changing image of women, relationship dynamics and preservation of Indian identity, according to The Times of India. It is evident they are also concerned with the growing HIV/

AIDS epidemic. Instead of preaching safe-sex measures, they have adopted similar, ironically Western, practices of preaching absolute abstinence.

Preserving culture in the midst of globalization has an intrinsic worth, Dini Parayitam but these Hindu extremists are Columnist bluntly incorrect if they deem public displays of affection as wholly Western.

Hindus believe Lord Krishna had hundreds of lovers during his incarnation on Earth. Known to be flirtatious and charming, Lord Krishna is illustrated in many stories stealing clothes from bathing girls. Lord Krishna displayed his affection to all his lovers openly, and the public under him was well aware of his actions.

Not only religion, but Indian culture is filled with unique love stories. Since the launch of the cinema industry in India, most movies have been built on frameworks of simple love stories. From the oldies of the 1960s era to modern Bollywood films, most feature a love story of some sort. Love stories, through the medium of movies, have openly displayed affection.

The public is only doing what comes naturally — openly expressing love.

Hindu extremists may still adamantly claim Valentine’s Day is not part of Indian culture. But today’s vast globalization proves every culture is influenced by foreign practices to some degree.

Perhaps people inhabiting the Amazon rainforest or Sub-Saharan Africa have not yet been exposed to enough Western principles to integrate into their own individual cultures.

But the second-largest populated country in the world should not expect to retain cultural purity.

The State of Karnataka banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day, hoping to alleviate problems of law and order. The people have a right to choose to conform to Westernization if they wish it. A democratic nation ought to protect the rights of lovers’ expression.

However, the state chose to act in fear of violence. Terrorism from Hindu extremists is much like terrorism from Islamic extremists.

In Baton Rouge, we might not think much of the condition in India.

We may still be thinking about the kiss under Memorial Tower.

But the next time you witness public display of affection, be proud of the right to express such affection.

Contact Dini Parayitam at dparayitam@lsureveille.com

JUXTAPOSED NOTIONS

Lifting ban on arms would promote campus safety “The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.”

Alexander Hamilton spoke those words in defense of the Second Amendment and in support of the philosophy that firearms would be the last resort of the people to protect their freedom, should the other laws of the land fail to do so.

On a smaller scale, Hamilton’s words advocate not only our right to be protected from our government, but from each other.

But in some areas, such as the University’s campus, this right is suspended in favor of the naïve assumption that disarming the student body improves campus safety. Over the years, procarry student groups have formed in protest.

“You are allowed to carry elsewhere. What makes campus less dangerous than anywhere else?” said Brandon DeShotel, president of the LSU chapter of the Firearm Rights Coalition.

“If one meets the qualifications established by law to carry elsewhere, why not be allowed to carry on campus?”

DeShotel makes an excellent point, especially considering studies support a decrease in crime in areas allowing concealed carry.

The University of Michigan studied the relationship between concealed carry permits and crime rates in 1996. The university’s research found murders decreased by 8.5 percent in areas that issued concealed carry licenses because the license itself deterred murderers from attacking. For each year, the murders declined an

additional 3 percent.

This effect was especially pronounced for women. The rate of attack dropped 3 to 4 times more for every woman carrying a concealed handgun, whereas it only dropped 1 Linnie Leavines unit for every man carrying Columnist a concealed handgun. Some may argue issuing licenses may cause handguns to fall into the hands of criminals.

However, Louisiana distributes permits on a “may issue” basis to prevent this from happening.

A “may issue” mandate simply refers to the application process and requires the applicant to meet several criteria.

In addition to filling out the

application, Louisiana law requires fingerprint submissions on an FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card and safety and training requirements as mandated by the National Rifle Association and Department of Public Safety and Corrections. These training sessions are conducted by an NRA or POST certified instructor.

These regulations ensure the person applying for the handgun is a responsible and capable individual and effectively weeds out applicants deemed dangerous by state law.

The biggest flaw in Louisiana’s concealed carry law, however, is the age requirement.

Anyone under the age of 21 is automatically disqualified for a permit.

Initially, this may seem like a good rule. Raising the age implies raising the maturity level

of the individual. And assuming disarming someone is for their own good, the idea makes sense.

This is why Louisiana’s drinking age rose from 18 to 21 in 1987 — because tacking on three extra years would be enough to deter kids from guzzling booze.

But, as any underage drinker can tell you, that ideal hardly holds a candle to reality. Age does not always correlate with maturity, either.

The same idea applies to the concealed carry laws, only with more dangerous repercussions.

The age limit disarms those who abide by the law but does nothing to discourage those who break the law.

Someone who will flout the law and carry a concealed weapon on campus — essentially, a criminal — is only emboldened by the idea that a majority of

campus residents are underage and unarmed.

Therefore, age stipulations and concealed carry restrictions on campus only subject students to more harm.

The only way to effectively deter criminals is to issue arms to as many eligible adults, including 18-year-olds and college students, as possible. After all, if an 18-year-old adult is eligible to take up arms for their country, then that same adult should be granted the right to take up arms for their own protection.

Increasing the amount of armed citizens can only increase the safety of the community as a whole.

Contact Linnie Leavines at lleavines@lsureveille.com

BAD REPORTER

cartoon courtesy of UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE

HELP WANTED

PAGE 14

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

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

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

Classifieds BUSINESS OPPOR T U N I T Y Startup Publishing Company seeking a business partner. Part-time 8-10 hours a week.

Fringe benefits and a share in profits.

For more information email, shabazz@19thletterpublications.com

MANSURS ON THE BOULEVARD GREAT COLLEGE JOB! RESTAURANT NOW HIRING SERVER ASSISTANTS AND HOSTESSES. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. ALSO NEED EXPERIENCED WAIT STAFF. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK A FEW DAY SHIFTS AND WEEKENDS. APPLY DAILY @ 5720 CORPORATE BLVD. 225.923.3366

PARKVIEW BAPTIS T PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447

PRESCHOOL looking for loving and nurturing individuals to work AM shifts. Very Competitive pay. 225.924.6772

PARKVIEW BAPTIS T PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed 3-6 p.m. flex days. no degree required 293-9447

PERFECT PAR T TIME POSITION Afternoon Preschool Teacher needed for child care center near LSU.2:30-5:30 M-F 225-7661159

HELP WANTED

N E E D E X T R A $CASH$?

We are filling 8 positions ASAP-great starting pay, part-time/full-time available. We provide training, customer sales/service.

Conditions apply-CALL NOW:225-9277424 or apply at zf9.com DON’T MISS THIS OPPOR T U N I T Y! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer GREAT HOURS! GREAT PAY! Texas Roadhouse is now hiring for servers and hosts. Please apply in person at 10360 N. Mall Dr. M-Th between the hours of 2 and 4 pm. 225.293.0144 YMCA - CHILDCARE S TA F F P / T Kids Zone Nursery, After School Care, and Childcare staff. Flex schedules, morning/afternoon/evenings. Expd. w/passion for caring for children. Apply: Paula G. Manship YMCA, 8100 YMCA Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA or call 767-9622 (Lindsay or Nathan).

PBRC S TUDY: PBRC is looking for people to participate in a new research study. The purpose of this study is to determine how your body weight today impacts your health in the future. Participants will be placed on a higher calorie meal plan for 8 weeks. All meals will be provided to you at no cost. Earn up to $3800. Call 763-3000 COMPUTER WORKER Off campus IT assistant for Microsoft environment needed.

Some basic networking experience a plus.

Great experience! info@cajunusa.com !BAR TENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided.

Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127 S TUDENT WORK Local BR company expanding Fast! *$15.00 Base/appt* Flexible Schedules No experience nec Customer sales/ svc Conditions Apply Ages 17+ Apply NOW 225-927-3066 www.collegestudentwork.com SWIMMING LESSONS INS T R U C T O R S NEEDED Great Part Time Afternoon Spring Semester Job-Full Time Summer Job- Great Pay! CRAWFISH AQUATICS, Louisiana’s Total Swim Program- If you are highly motivated, hard working, we can teach you the rest. Please fax resume to 225-706-1636 or e-mail to swimcraw@bellsouth.net SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com

SURVEY RESEARCHERS NEEDED!! LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab is now hiring survey researchers for weekend and night work only. Must have a clear speaking voice, be friendly, willing to communicate with people over the phone, and to follow set procedures. Pay is competitive, $79/hour. Flexible hours! Great place to work! Prior experience a plus but not required.

Contact Kathryn Rountree, Operations Manager, krount1@lsu.edu to set up an interview.

WEEKEND LEASING A GENT Needed for apartment community on Jefferson Hwy. Compensation is an apartment. Great opportunity for a college student. Fax resume to 225-924-9893 EARN EXTR A MONEY Students needed ASAP Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 Y OUTH FUN-FITNESS INS T R U C T O R S Exerfit is looking for high energy, responsible instructors to run fitness/game oriented classes for youth. Spring/summer jobs available. Fax resume to (225) 706-1634.

CHILDCARE CENTER in CENTRAL seeking to hire part-time afternoon teachers for two-year old and three-year old classes.

Please call 225.262.4481 THE ROYAL S TANDARD - warehouse/ stock associate needed to unload trucks & make deliveries for furniture store. Hours available on Tues, Thurs, & some Sat. Email beachbuzz@cox.net 225.751.0009 CASHIERS NEEDED AT Cashiers needed at Matherne’s Supermarket at 7355 Highland Rd. $7.00-$8.00 starting pay for part time.

We have 10-6, 11-7 & 2-9 shifts available during the week as well as weekend shifts.

Please apply online at www.mathernes.com. Eoe. SCHOL AS TIC ON CAMPUS Scholastic Book Fairs will be on campus 2/19/09 for interviews in Patrick F. Taylor Hall. We are looking for PT/Season workers 10a-5p M-F, flex fit to your schedule.

Call 225-752-5445 or apply in person at: 18380 Petroleum Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809. EOE/AA/H/V/DFWP A. C. LEWIS YMCA OPENINGS Now hiring for the following positions: Extended Day Counselor. M-F afternoons 3-6pm. Pay Rate $7.25.

Extended Day Site Director. Responsible for the oversight of the extended day school sites. M-F afternoons 3-6pm. Pay Rate $7.50-$8.50.

Exercise & Game Room Activity Coordinator(XRKADE). Responsible for the scheduling of member challenges and events in the activity game room. M-F 38pm and some weekends. Pay Rate $7.50-$8.50.

Please e-mail resume, apply in person, or contact Eddrick Martin if interested. emartin@ymcabatonrouge.org 225.924.3606 H O R T AND L A N D S C A R C H S T U D E N T S Immediate P/ T and weekend Spring openings on Coursey in B. R., or on Hwy. 42 near Airline in Prvl. Sell the latest in plants, ponds, and gardening lifestyle products. email:harb.oasis@gmail.com Learn while you earn $9-$10/ hr.at Harb’s Oasis CYPRESSMOUNDS BASEBALL COMPLEX Cypress Mounds Baseball Complex is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Administration, Retail, Ticket Sales, Food Services, Maintenance. Wages will be $7.00 - $10.00 per hour based upon qualifications and experience. Work will be on weeknights and weekends.

Flexible Scheduling. To apply, please contact Eric Wiethorn at 225-757-5550 extension 203 to set up an appointment.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009 225.757.5550 C H I M E S R E S T AU R A N T 3357 Highland Road Accepting applications for all positions.

Apply in person, only. 11AM-5PM MondayFrid WE PAY UP TO $75 per online survey. www. CashToSpend.com STUDENTPAY OUT S. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys.

CHIMES EAS T IS hiring wait staff!!!

Please come in and apply between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 225.296.4981 THE UNIVERSIT Y CLUB Golf Course is now hiring servers, beverage cart attendants, kitchen staff, and outside service staff.

Call 819-0800 for more information.

FOR SALE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009 CONDO FOR S ALE 3 Bedroom 3 Bath Twostory Condo for sale Jessica’s Landing 1500 Brightside Dr $188,50 225.241.9043 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. U N I T S R E A D Y F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009!! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale s t a r ting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy -Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com QUEEN PILLOWTOP MATTRESS Brand name queen pillowtop mattress set new in plastic $150. 225-924-5336 CONDOS! CONDOS! CONDOS! CONDOS! CONDOS! Check out these fantastic condos just minutes from LSU. New 2 BR, 1 BA, granite countertops, all appliances furnished, pool, workout room.

Tiger Manor Condos, $149,900 ******************************* ********************* Gated 3 BR, 2 BA, “like-new” condition. In Burbank Estates. Condo is ready for occupancy within 2 weeks. $220,000 ******************************* ********************* Village at Pelican Lakes. Approx. 4.5 miles from LSU. New, 3 BR, 3.5 BA, gated, all appliances furnished. 1837 LA. Double Garage. $233,000 to $252,000 ******************************* ********************* Jane St. Amant - 225.937.6430 Keller Williams Red Stick Partners FOR RENT L SU: TIGERL AND 1 & 2 BR. FLAT & TH WOOD FLOORS, POOL, LAUNDRY, QUIET $525-$725 225.766.7224 3BR/2BA CONDO Like New. Free Cable.

Community Pool. Extra Parking. Great Location at LSU. $1500/mo.

225.202.1148 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1110 / M O N T H 5291 S. Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet.

Available Now 225.978.7400 SUMMER GROVE CONDOS Reserve your unit now for Summer/Fall ’09.

2bed/2 bath - $1,200 2bed/2.5 bath - $1,300 3bed/3.5 bath - $1,650 See our website for more details! www.deanflores.com Dean Flores Real Estate 9191 Siegen Lane Ste 4-B Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225.767.2227 WALK TO L SU CAMPUS 2BR/1B duplex just remodeled like new. $650/M Pet ok.

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$370. Reg. room $260. Nice house. W&D. Alarm etc. No lease needed. $250 deposit. 225.921.1209 PERSONALS NEED MATH TUTOR AS AP Seeking Math Tutor for College Algebra. Email rates/availability. ccastl1@tigers.lsu.edu FASCIN ATED? Looking for a male senior too focused to read the personals and too cute to need the personals... yet too curious to not respond. brightlight425@gmail.com

PAGE 15 NICE GUYS FINISH FIRS T Tall, independent, blonde senior looking for smart, cute, sensible guy. I love reading, walks, and family. Email if interested: sunsetbridge281@gmail.com LF1M Quietly confident and fun male tired of gaming alone. Looking for shy guy to play with, hang out, and maybe date. Let’s take a chance. Hope you are out there! lsugaymer@gmail.com I WANT TO BE YOUR DERIVATIVE so I can lie tangent to your curves. Nerdy ndn chick seeking an intelligent and attractive conversationalist. Ladies only, please—I’m

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Races open. I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

tuesday, february 17, 2009