Check Inside
& Online
For:
coverage of National Signing Day, page 7.
NEWS Cajun groundhog predicts long spring, page 3.
Who Dat Skipping Class? Should LSU cancel class the day after the Super Bowl? Read Our View, page 12.
THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 83
WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hitting below the barre Future of dance minor uncertain as program is among those on chopping block
ACADEMICS
Faculty cuts may change scheduling options By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
By Catherine Threlkeld Contributing Writer
Concerned faces were among the pliés and pirouettes of the LSU Dance Ensemble on Monday afternoon. Students dancing in the new Music and Dramatic Arts studio recently discovered the Theatre Department dance minor has the potential to be cut entirely in January 2011. All three dance instructors received non-renewal notices Jan. 21 along with about 400 other University faculty, giving the University the option to let them go in a year. “It wasn’t a surprise to us,” said dance instructor Molly Buchmann. “We have been told for a while that if the Theatre Department DANCE, see page 15 NICOLE KARAMICHAEL / The Daily Reveille
Dance instructor Susan Perlis leads the beginning ballet class in exercises at the barre. The dance minor may be cut entirely in January 2011.
As concrete signs of budget cuts at the University solidify and the loss of faculty becomes more likely, students will find fewer options when scheduling classes. Course offerings are determined by each academic department based on the demand for courses and the faculty on hand, said University Registrar Robert Doolos. But when faculty is reduced, courses will be offered less often and to larger classes. “It all depends on the faculty availability, which determines what sections they’ll offer and how many sections they’ll offer,” Doolos said. “That decision is made at the departmental level and is driven by the faculty resources they have on hand.” The combination of fewer available faculty members and an increasing number of students will make course offerings difficult to determine, said Stacia Haynie, vice provost of Academic Affairs. “If you have declining faculty COURSES, see page 15
EDUCATION
Teaching hospital to move to Our Lady of the Lake
Earl K. Long Center to close by 2014 By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer
Plans are complete for an agreement to move the University’s graduate medical education program and in-patient hospital services from Earl K. Long Medical Center to Our Lady of the Lake hospital. The public-private partnership was approved Friday by the University’s Board of Supervisors, said Marvin McGraw, LSU Medical Health Care Services Director of Media Relations.
“We hope to answer facility problems and form a platform to encourage medical growth in Baton Rouge,” McGraw said. Earl K. Long’s dilapidated state has long been a hindrance to the University’s medical program, and the facility had trouble gaining accreditation in the past, McGraw said. The state has already funded $24 million on the collaboration and plans to invest an additional $14 million in the project, said Our Lady of the Lake spokeswoman Catherine Herrell. The agreement will require construction on OLOL. The hospital will build a Level One Trauma Center and a medical education building to be donated to the
University, McGraw said. Two Level One Trauma Centers already exist in Louisiana, both run by the University. One is located at Interim Hospital in New Orleans and the other is at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. OLOL will also add 60 beds to handle the anticipated patient increase, about a 10 percent increase, Herrell said. In addition to the merger, the University plans to build a 24hour urgent care clinic in north Baton Rouge near where the Earl K. Long Center currently stands. Outpatient procedures will continue at the Perkins Road HOSPITALS, see page 15
SARA SICONA / The Daily Reveille
Hospital workers leave Earl K. Long Medical Center on Tuesday. The University’s graduate medical education program and in-patient hospital will move from Earl K. Long to Our Lady of the Lake hospital. The Board of Supervisors approved the switch Friday.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Pope’s swipe at UK equality laws provokes foes
Jenny Sanford: Governor asked her advice on love affair
LONDON (AP) Ñ Pope Benedict XVIÕ s condemnation this week of British equality legislation designed to protect gays and women in the workplace has deepened the battle lines between the Vatican and secularists, who demand that taxpayers not foot the security bill for his newly announced September visit.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Ñ In a new memoir about her husbandÕ s affair, South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford writes that Mark Sanford sought her advice about his romance and how to deal with the media after she discovered his extramarital relationship. Jenny Sanford writes in Ò Staying TrueÓ that the governor wondered whether he should follow his heart to Argentina and if he would regret if he never did. Jenny Sanford writes she wished her husband had kept the thoughts to himself.
Ahmandinejad proposes prisoner swap for held US hikers TEHRAN (AP) Ñ Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday proposed a swap of Iranians in U.S. prisons for three American hikers being held in Tehran. Ahmadinejad said in interview with state TV that there were ongoing negotiations about exchanging the hikers for several Iranians jailed for years in the United States. Ò There are some talks under way to have an exchange, if it is possible,Ó he said.
Wisconsin women avoid jail in gluerelated revenge plot CHILTON, Wis. (AP) Ñ A Wisconsin woman who tied up a cheating lover and glued his penis to his stomach said Tuesday that she didnÕ t mean to hurt him and only overreacted because he had tried to contact her 12-year-old
daughter. Therese A. Ziemann, 48, of Menasha, said she and three other women only meant to confront the married man about his cheating ways. Her decision to grab the bottle of nail glue from her makeup bag was Ò a stupid spur-of-theminute decision,Ó she said. Sheriff: 43-year-old Fla. lottery winner’s death a homicide TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Ñ A 43-yearold man who had won millions in a lottery jackpot before he went missing nine months ago died of Ò homicidal violence,Ó Florida authorities said Tuesday. Further information on how Abraham Shakespeare died would not be released, Hillsborough County SheriffÕ s spokeswoman Debbie Carter said in a news release. The body of the former truck driverÕ s assistant who won $30 million in the lottery in 2006 was found Thursday, buried behind a home beneath a concrete slab.
STATE/LOCAL
Sen. Vitter holds fundraising lead (AP) Ñ Republican Sen. David Vitter holds a strong fundraising lead over his Democratic challenger, Rep. Charlie Melancon, for this fallÕ s U.S. Senate race, with Vitter bringing in twice as much campaign cash in the latest fundraising period. Vitter raised $1.2 million in the last quarter of 2009, compared to $600,000 for Melancon, according to finance reports provided Tuesday by the campaigns. Melancon has less than half the cash on hand than the incumbent senator has. First Circuit Court of Appeals refuses ethics board’s request (AP) Ñ The state ethics board canÕ t challenge the dismissal of conflict-of-interest charges against a state lawmaker. That was the ruling of a state appeals court in Baton Rouge, under the first challenge of a new system of ethics laws put in place by
PAGE 2 Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal refused a request by the ethics board to review the decision made by a panel of administrative law judges to dismiss charges against Rep. Rick Gallot of Ruston. Suspected serial killer Guillory faces trial in Lafayette (AP) Ñ Suspected serial killer Jeffery Lee Guillory, arrested in December in the homicides of three women in Baton Rouge between 1999 and 2002, will first be tried in Lafayette in an attack on a woman in 2007, prosecutors and a defense lawyer said Monday. The woman survived and identified Guillory in a photo lineup, according to Lafayette police reports. Guillory, 43, appeared in a Baton Rouge courtroom Monday on a bank fraud charge stemming from the December 2007 attack in which he allegedly forced a 44-year-old woman into a wooded area.
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TODAY
Weather 58 42
Gumbo Yearbook Informational Wed, Feb. 3rd- Friday, Feb. 5th @ 5:30 Lockett 276 Don’t let your organization be left out of LSU History Contact Charles or Leslie at organizationsales@lsulegacymag.com BSU General Body Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 5:30PM in the AACC ONGOING IN FEBRUARY WANTED: MARKETING INTERNS! Gain Experience in advertising, marketing, and event planning. Contact: Nathan @ nwalke7@tigers.lsu.edu or 318-550-1138 DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Isaiah at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
WILD THING
Partly Cloudy
THURSDAY Career Services Expo Prep Walk-In Hours This Week 8:30am- 4p.m. in B-4 Coates Hall Career Expo is February 9 www.lsu.edu/career/expo
7:20 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Noon 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m. 5:20 p.m.
58 45 SATURDAY 56 35
FRIDAY 58 40 SUNDAY 56 36
LINDSEY McGEHEE / The Daily Reveille
Log onto lsureveille.com to see pictures from the Museam of Natural Science located in Foster Hall.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
In the Feb. 2 article “System test to be held Thursday,” The Daily Reveille incorrectly reported the date when the University will test its emergency text-message system. The test will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, according to LSU IT Wire, a digital newsletter about the Information and Technology Services department.
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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NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER GERRI SAX ELLEN ZIELINSKI ADAM DUVERNAY SARAH LAWSON ROBERT STEWART DAVID HELMAN STEPHANIE GIGLIO MATTHEW ALBRIGHT J.J. ALCANTARA KRISTEN ROWLETT STEVEN POWELL LAUREN ROBERTS
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
PAGE 3
HOLIDAY
‘Cajun groundhog’ misses shadow, predicts long spring South Louisiana uses nutria instead
By Jacob Most Contributing Writer
The Cajun groundhog has made his prediction Ñ Louisiana will have a long spring this year, while his more famous Pennsylvanian counterpart predicted six more weeks of winter earlier in the day. Pierre C. Shadeaux, the Cajun groundhog Ñ who is actually a nutria Ñ didnÕ t see his shadow at a ceremony in downtown New Iberia on Tuesday, predicting a long spring will hold off the uncomfortable hot and humid days of the South Louisiana summer. The two weather-telling rodents predicted different outcomes, but their forecasts agreed, said Barry Keim, state climatologist.
Cajun Groundhog Day began in 1997 when Will Chapman, publisher of The Daily Iberian, decided South Louisiana needed its own version of the famous Feb. 2 Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Penn. The largest and most famous Groundhog Day celebration takes place in west Pennsylvania. Thousands braved temperatures around 15 degrees early Tuesday morning to watch famed weather-telling groundhog Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. Chapman said the focus of Cajun Groundhog Day is not the length of winter but the length of spring. Ò What does it matter what some Yankee groundhog predicts for South Louisiana weather?Ó Chapman said. If Pierre C. Shadeaux sees his shadow, spring ends short and summer starts early. If he doesnÕ t, Louisiana enjoys six more weeks of spring. The Cajun Groundhog Day
Campus Crime Briefs
lsureveille.com
MAN HOLDS KEY TO CRIMINAL DAMAGE Russel S. Griffin, P.O. Box 32191, Juneau, Alaska, was arrested Jan. 25 for felony criminal damage to property. The 20-year-old man, who is unaffiliated with the University, was charged after keying a University studentÕ s car, said Sgt. Jason Bettencourtt, LSU Police Department spokesman. LSUPD responded to a report around 5:20 p.m. that a vehicle had been keyed. The victimÕ s car had deep scratches Log on on the hood to see and doors. The an online victim said she Campus suspected her Crime roommate, Bet- Briefs map. tencourtt said. Officers contacted and interviewed the roommate, who admitted Griffin, her boyfriend, had done the damage. Griffin was arrested and refused to answer questions, according to Bettencourtt. Griffin was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish prison. TWO ARRESTED AFTER DISPUTE AT FRAT HOUSE A report of domestic violence at the on-campus Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house led to two arrests Jan. 31 at 2 a.m. Two University students, Steven Williams and Jordan Labbe, both 19, of 3347 Nicholson Drive, Apartment A-210, were charged with domestic abuse battery. LSUPD was dispatched to the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house for a reported domestic disturbance.
Labbe reported she and Williams, her boyfriend, had gotten into an argument in the common area of the house and that Williams fled before LSUPD’s arrival, Bettencourtt said. Labbe reported Williams had shown her a pocket knife during the altercation and he had another knife
organizers made fun of the early start time for the Pennsylvania ceremony. Ò That Yankee groundhog makes his prediction at sunrise, but Pierre is more civilized and considerate of the rest of us, so we donÕ t get up so early,Ó Chapman said. The nutria emerged from a traditional Acadian cottage at the ceremony. Chapman said they use a nutria because it is the closest thing South Louisiana has to a groundhog. Multiple nutria for the ceremony were selected from the swamp by wildlife management after duck season. One nutria is ultimately selected for the ceremony, said Andy Reaux, a veterinarian at Reaux Animal Hospital who cares for of the nutria leading up to Groundhog Day. The nutria were returned to the wild after the Cajun Groundhog Day ceremony, Reaux said. German tradition holds if a hibernating animal sees its shadow on Feb. 2 Ñ the Christian holiday of and hunting rifle in their apartment. LSUPD secured a shotgun and knife from WilliamsÕ s apartment and a pocket knife he was carrying after he gave written consent for the officers to search his apartment and vehicle, Bettencourtt said. Labbe initiated physical contact with Williams, who tried to walk away, but when Labbe continued hitting him, he grabbed her arm, shoved her and pulled out a knife to scare her, according to Bettencourtt. Labbe and Williams were both issued misdemeanor summonses and released.
Log on to read the full story at lsureveille.com
photo courtesy of THE DAILY IBERIAN
Pierre C. Shadeaux makes his entrance Tuesday at Cajun Groundhog Day in downtown New Iberia. Shadeaux did not see his shadow, predicting a long spring.
Candlemas Ñ winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early. Keim said the weather-telling rodentsÕ predictions are probably as accurate as humansÕ because it is difficult to make long-range predictions. The Climate Prediction Center forecast for the next three months is cold and wet because of El Ni– o.
Punxsutawney PhilÕ s prediction holds true to the official end of winter. Spring begins at 12:32 p.m. six weeks and four days after Groundhog Day, according to the National Weather Service. Contact Jacob Most at jmost@lsureveille.com
PAGE 4
THE DAILY REVEILLE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
MILITARY
US Navy providing general relief, medical aid in Haiti
‘‘
Filostrat: Navy’s help ‘a force for good’
‘The American military is flexible enough to sustain the relief efforts.’
By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Commander John Filostrat of the Navy Reserve Force told a group of about 30 people the military’s flexibility has brought aid to Haiti and said homosexuals do have a place in the military during a press conference in the Journalism Building on Tuesday afternoon. Filostrat addressed two mass communication classes Ñ media and the military and honors media writing Ñ to give students a chance to see how military-run press conferences are held. He spoke positively of the United StatesÕ military reaction to the Haiti earthquake disaster, said gay people should be allowed to serve in the military and explained the military should be respectful of all religions during the recent media frenzy about Bible inscriptions on soldiersÕ guns. Filostrat served on the USS Abraham Lincoln when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused a tsunami that devastated Indonesia in 2006. The Navy’s Pacific fleet visited Indonesia to render medical care, and the Navy is doing the same for Haiti. Filostrat said the NavyÕ s response to disasters has made it Ò a force for good.Ó Ò People [in Indonesia] started to have a different view of America,Ó Filostrat said. Ò WeÕ re seeing this in Haiti.Ó The USNS Comfort and USS Carl Vinson are both operating in Haiti to provide medical care and supplies, Filostrat said. He said the ships have speed, flexibility and sustainability necessary to carry out aid. Filostrat said the Navy provides general relief efforts, air-traffic control and medical capabilities. The USS Carl Vinson also produces 35,000 gallons of drinking water daily for earthquake victims. “The American military is flexible enough to sustain the relief efforts,Ó Filostrat said. Ò ItÕ s not just the Navy out there Ñ Marines, Army and National Guard.Ó
John Filostrat
commander of Navy Reserve Force
JORDAN LaFRANCE / The Daily Reveille
Commander John Filostrat of the Navy Reserve Force speaks Tuesday in the Journalism Building about the Navy’s efforts in Haiti.
Concerning the Ò donÕ t ask, donÕ t tellÓ policy, Filostrat said the military must uphold the law, whatever it is.
The policy bans gay people from serving openly in the military, but it was addressed by President Obama in his State of the Union
Address on Jan. 27. Obama said in the address he will work with Congress and the military to “finally repeal the law
that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.Ó Filostrat said, Ò If you serve honorably and do your job and respect the uniform, thatÕ s how it should be, regardless of race or sexual orientation.” Filostrat also addressed a recent incident finding thousands of gun sights used by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan are inscribed with Bible verses. He said the military must be respectful of each religion and not show preference for one religion or another.
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 5
FASHION
Resale stores thriving in slow economy Stores getting pickier with merchandise By Leslie Presnall Contributing Writer
Meagan Snedigar is a sucker for bargain shopping and loves the thrill of the hunt Ñ especially at secondhand stores. Besides shopping at resale stores like PlatoÕ s Closet on Siegen Lane, she also sells her used clothing back to the same types of establishments for some quick cash. Ò IÕ m sort of a pack rat, so the few times I have sold I have brought in multiple bags of clothes. So I have gotten a good chunk of cash,Ó said Snedigar, philosophy and religious studies junior. Ò PlatoÕ s is a fun way to get cash and recycle clothes rather J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille than throwing them away.Ó Mandi Smith, Plato’s Closet store manager, sorts through clothes for resale Saturday. Resale stores generally thrive Many resale stores have seen increased sales because of the slowing economy. in a slow economy, according to seller a third of the price PlatoÕ s the National Association of Re- pays its customers upfront. Ò We are getting so selec- plans to sell the item for Ñ the sale and Thrift Shops. But many who sell their clothes are feeling tive because we buy things we seller receives about a sixth of the crackdown on what merchan- know are going to have a fast what they originally paid for it, dise PlatoÕ s will accept and how turn rate and sell quickly,Ó Ken- Kennedy said. Ò For instance, if a pair of nedy said. Ò When people hear much they will pay for it. Ô cash for clothes,Õ denim sells in Abercrombie for More than they think they $60, we sell it at $20, and the 75 percent of have nice clothes seller gets $8,Ó she said. NARTS members Sellers arenÕ t always satisand should get a reported higher lot of money. A fied with the cash they receive, sales since 2008 lot of people are and several anti-PlatoÕ s Closet in an October surpatient, but we groups have popped up on Facevey Ñ including always have 15 book. PlatoÕ s. Mariah Anderson, a high people a day who Ò A lot of reget angry and school student from Iowa, said sale shops are get their feelings she joined one of the groups afdoing a lot more Jen Kennedy ter repeated failed attempts to sell business since store manager at Plato’s Closet hurt.Ó Kennedy said her clothes to PlatoÕ s. the economy has She said she tried to sell started taking its way,Ó said Jen those who are upset by the storeÕ s Kennedy, store manager at Pla- rejections donÕ t understand the about 20 articles of clothing Ñ including T-shirts from AerotoÕ s on Siegen Lane. Ò We do have resale process. Ò We donÕ t do any of the pric- postale, jeans and several items to limit the things that come in as far as the best things and things ing ourselves,Ó Kennedy said. from DeliaÕ s. Ò They took four or so items, Ò We have a computer system that that may sell quickly.Ó PlatoÕ s has more than 240 prices everything over the coun- and I got about $2 per item,Ó Anlocations in North America, and try, and our guideline is we donÕ t derson said. Ò They told me evunlike traditional consignment buy anything thatÕ s over three erything else was torn or stained, but when I got home, I checked stores or thrift shops, which pay years old.Ó Typically, PlatoÕ s gives the and none of them were. I was donors after an item sells, PlatoÕ s
‘‘
‘We are getting so selective because we buy things we know are going to ... sell quickly.’
definitely dissatisfied, and I havenÕ t been there since.Ó Kennedy said every PlatoÕ s employee is a certified buyer and must take every aspect into consideration when buying used clothing Ñ including season, style and condition. Ò We have to make wise choices throughout the day,Ó she said. Ò We buy every day, so itÕ s just about being selective because we are on a budget.Ó Kennedy said the corporate office keeps a close watch on inventory rates and tells the employees when to be more selective. Ò Now, sweaters and jackets are selling incredibly, but tanks and shorts are building up in here, so we get a little selective and pickier,Ó she said. Ò It goes month to month. We just have to be confident it’s going to sell quickly and try not to offend people.Ó
Contact Leslie Presnall at lpresnall@lsureveille.com
Revelry & WEDNESDAY’S Q A
Today’s KLSU 91.1 FM Specialty Shows: Street Beat (Trip Hop) 9 p.m.-11 p.m.; Underground Sounds (Underground Hip-Hop) 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
PAGE 6
with Coffee Call’s Eddie D. Eddie Dunn, better known as Eddie D., has been working at Coffee Call for 22 years. He is renowned among late-night visitors to the shop for his humorous, entertaining style and famous catchphrase,
Q:
You make people beignets, but you also humor them. Why are you such a fun, outgoing character on the job?
Eddie: “Oh, well that runs in the family [laughs]. My whole family is like that, so I like to make a little noise. I just want to make the whole Coffee Call experience something that people will embrace and love.” Q: What music do you like to jam to during the late night shifts? Eddie: “Well, I listen to a lot of oldies, but goodies, ya heard me? I definitely like a little rock music, some Jimi Hendrix and some acid rock. I love me some old soul, like Al Green and the Isley Brothers. Even a little Aerosmith.”
Q:
You are a big Saints fan. What are you going to do if the Saints win the Super Bowl?
Eddie:
“Not if they win, when they win. I’m going to run around the building about three times! I don’t know how good of shape I’m in, but I’ll try. [laughs] Cause they are gonna win!”
“Ya Heard Me?”
Q: You’re pretty well-known for your catchphrase, “Ya Heard Me?”
How did that come about?
Eddie: “At my other job, I had some trouble communicating with some of my fellow workers, so I just started making sure they heard me. And it caught on. It seems like everyone says it to me now.” Q: How is the new location — going on 6 years now — compared to the old place nearby? Eddie: “Well, Coffee Call is such a tradition. We were really lucky that so many families raised their kids on this place, so we still have great support for this shop. But it’s not the same as the charm the old place had.”
MELLOW MUSHROOM Sports Team Trivia @ 8pm & Karaoke @ 10pm 3-10pm $6 Bud and Bud Lt. Pitchers. 3pm-Till $10 Buckets & $2 Shots
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 4:00-5:30 PM 8:00-9:30 PM
Inglorious Basterds The Hurt Locker Without a Paddle: NatureÕ s Calling District 9
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
THE DAILY REVEILLE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Former Tigers to be honored this week
Sports
PAGE 7
xSigned, sealed, delivered
Macklin to be fifth hoops jersey retired By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer
MACKLIN, see page 10
photo illustration by J. J. ALCANTARA/ The Daily Reveille
Tigers look to replace recent decommitments on National Signing Day By Cory Boudreaux Sports Contributor
What was once a mere afterthought during the college football offseason has become a national spectacle. For LSU football fans, there is no bigger celebration on National Signing Day than the Bayou Bash Recruiting Party hosted by the Tiger Gridiron Club. The 15th annual Bayou Bash
starts today at the Baton Rouge River Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and festivities will take place throughout the day until about 6 p.m. as high school seniors across the country sign national letters of intent with their respective universities. Chuck Goodwin, president of the Tiger Gridiron Club and chairman of the Bayou Bash, said fans who attend will find the event is well worth the price of admission. Ò I like to think of it as the best
$45 ticket you can ever buy,” Goodwin said. Ò ItÕ s like a big tailgate party, and you will get tons of information about LSU football.Ó Past editions of the Bayou Bash have featured appearances from former players such as Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova. Speakers scheduled for this yearÕ s installment include baseball coach Paul Mainieri, womenÕ s basketball coach Van SIGNING, see page 10
lsureveille.com
Four retired jerseys currently hang from the rafters of the PMAC, but one more will join them Saturday during the TigersÕ game against Kentucky. Former LSU standout Durand Ò RudyÓ MacklinÕ s No. 40 jersey will join Ò PistolÓ Pete Maravich’s No. 23, Bob Petit’s No. 50, Shaquille OÕ NealÕ s No. 33 and Seimone Augustus’ No. 33 jerseys as the only five basketball jerseys retired by LSU. Ò IÕ d like to say thank you to the LSU Athletic Department, Kent Lowe and his people, the Hall of Fame committee and everybody on that committee who selected me to have my jersey retired,Ó Macklin said Tuesday. Ò It seems like just yesterday when coach [Dale] Brown and I were sitting in Shawnee Park Ñ where I learned how to play ball Ñ trying to decide If I was going to go to LSU or go to Louisville.” Macklin, a 6-foot-7-inch forward from Louisville, Ky., was a highly sought recruit out of high school and garnered interest from many colleges because of his skills. Macklin ultimately chose to play for the Tigers, and had one of the greatest collegiate careers of any LSU basketball player
Log on to follow national signing day and check out a map of commits’ hometowns.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Starkey instrumental in program’s decade of success Assistant coach still vital to Lady Tigers By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor
LSU womenÕ s basketball hasnÕ t always been like it is today. At one point, womenÕ s hoops was merely an afterthought at
J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU assistant women’s basketball coach Bob Starkey signals to a player on the court Jan. 28 in the Lady Tigers’ game against Kentucky in the PMAC.
LSU, hiding behind the greatness of football, menÕ s basketball and baseball. But something happened in the last decade Ñ LSU entered a womenÕ s basketball Renaissance as the Lady Tigers made it to five straight Final Fours. Many of the players and coaches from the Final Four runs have left Baton Rouge, but an assistant coach still remains in
LSUÕ s court. LSU assistant coach Bob Starkey was an instrumental part of the rise of LSU womenÕ s basketball in the 2000s, and the under-the-radar coach still scours the bench for the 2009-10 squad. Ò Once you get a taste of something like the Final Four, you canÕ t get enough of that,Ó Starkey said. STARKEY, see page 11
“He’s a genius. He does a lot of preparation for us. Offensive, defense — he does it all.” Allison Hightower, LSU senior guard
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 8
WEdnEsdAy, FEbruAry 3, 2010
GOLF
Course under renovations for more length, obstacles Project on schedule despite bad weather By Luke Johnson Sports Contributor
The LSU golf teams have parlayed their success into a facelift for their home course, the University Club, which is three months into a renovation to provide more length and challenging obstacles. The University Club Golf Course is a third of the way to becoming the championship-style golf course envisioned by former LSU All-American and PGA tour winner David Toms and the LSU Athletic Department. University Club General Manager Jared LeBouef said the finished product at the 11-year-old University Club hopes to provide a future destination for Ò champion-
SARA SICONA/ The Daily Reveille
The third hole at the University Club golf course is undergoing renovations to make the course more challenging with more obstacles and length.
ship-style events.Ó LeBouef said the renovations, which began Dec. 1, are estimated to last nine to 10 months. LSU coach Chuck Winstead said he has been out on the course overseeing renovations Ò every dayÓ and is enticed by the opportunity the renovated course offers.
Ò I think itÕ s going to be something special and something weÕ re all going to be proud of,Ó Winstead said. Ò The players and the University in general are the beneficiaries of something that is really unique.Ó LeBouef said the project is coming along on right on schedule, even through the recent nasty
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Ball security key to LSU’s offense Lady Tigers No. 3 in turnovers per game By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
When the LSU womenÕ s basketball team wins, it really wins. The Lady Tigers are outscoring their opponents by an average of 29.7 points in their 15 wins. In their five losses, though, the scoring margin is 9.2 points. Through 20 games this season, LSU is tied for No. 61 in the nation in scoring offense with 70 points per game and No. 87 in field-goal percentage at 42 percent. What is the key to increasing offensive output? Senior guard Allison Hightower said the team works on a variety of techniques every day at practice in hopes of maintaining a winning identity. Ò ItÕ s execution sometimes, and sometimes we get the feeling we need to rush our shots,Ó Hightower said. Ò Or we want to make it happen real quick instead of staying patient.Ó Staying patient involves taking care of the ball, an area where the Lady Tigers have performed well this season. They are No. 3 in the nation with 13 turnovers per game and No. 9 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.1. TURNOVERS, see page 10
J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore guard Destini Hughes, left, almost loses a ball to Kentucky junior guard Amber Smith during the Lady Tigers’ 71-62 loss Jan. 28 in the PMAC.
Louisiana winter weather. Ò Weather is the biggest factor, as you know in Louisiana,Ó LeBouef said. “I think it rained for 20 days in December, but weÕ re still on schedule even if the weather hasnÕ t really cooperated.Ó The project is slated for completion in September, just in time for LSUÕ s golf teams to kick off the fall portion of their 2010-11 seasons. The team is using the facilities at the Country Club of Louisiana in the meantime. Ò The whole project is exciting. The identity of the University Club is going to change,Ó LeBouef said. Ò WeÕ re going to have a championship-style golf course.Ó LeBouef said the University Club Ò has received a lot of inputÓ from both Winstead and womenÕ s golf coach Karen Bahnsen. Ò From a standpoint of trying to upgrade the level of difficulty to being able to host NCAA events at
home, between Bahnsen and myself weÕ ve had quite a bit of input,Ó Winstead said. Ò WeÕ ve helped with ideas for the design of the holes, to the specifics of where trees may be located.Ó The University Club is the home course for both LSU teams, but it is also a private golf course that caters to members who pay membership fees to play the course. LeBouef said the members have taken a positive approach to the renovations of the course even if they canÕ t play it for the duration of the project. Ò The overall membership is truly excited about the project,Ó LeBouef said. Ò Anytime you go through an inconvenience like this you have to be patient and look at the rewards at the end.Ó Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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PaGe 9
TENNIS
Senior Robinson fighting to overcome back injury LSU tradition runs deep in family By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor
Aristotle once said, Ò We cannot learn without pain.Ó LSU senior tennis player Hannah Robinson must be learning a lot. Robinson had a tremendous freshman season as she garnered Louisiana Freshman of the Year honors. She was ranked the No. 21 singles player in the preseason ITA Southwest Regional rankings her sophomore season and finished No. 27. But a back injury slowed Robinson toward the end of her sophomore year and significantly affected her play during her junior year. She was 9-18 her junior season after finishing 25-9 her sophomore year. Ò It was just from overuse over a lot of years,Ó Robinson said. Ò ItÕ s pretty much just arthritis in my joints and in my spine. It got pretty bad last year.Ó Not much tennis has been played this season, but itÕ s been up and down for Robinson so far. She dominated Louisiana-Lafayette opponent Mia Gordon, 6-1, 6-4. But last weekend she lost singles matches against No. 35 Auburn and No. 60 San Diego. LSU coach Tony Minnis was empathetic after RobinsonÕ s fast start as an underclassman was nixed by the injury. Ò ItÕ s just something that she deals with, and itÕ s a shame,Ó Minnis said. Ò I felt very bad for her last year
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
LSU tennis senior Hannah Robinson returns the ball Jan. 24 during her match against ULL. Robinson is working to overcome a back injury in her senior season.
because it had a major effect on her game.Ó Robinson said she had a Ò funnyÓ motion on her serve that may have initially caused the problems. Ò I didnÕ t notice it as much in the fall, because we didnÕ t play as much,Ó she said. Ò In the spring, it really affected how I moved and how I played.Ó RobinsonÕ s high school success was stellar to say the least. She never lost a singles match during her four years in high school en route to four state singles championships in Louisiana. RobinsonÕ s father, Matt, played
tennis at LSU his freshman year as a walk-on. He said his daughterÕ s high school feats were unbelievable. Ò You can choke or do something wrong, but she never did,Ó Matt Robinson said. Matt Robinson said what makes him proud is Hannah maintained her grades while competing in Southeastern Conference sports. She was on the 2009 SEC Academic Honor Roll. Ò SheÕ s really a great kid,Ó he said. Ò She intends on going to law school when she graduates.Ó Minnis said the season could depend heavily on how Robinson
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior Matt Gaudet catches a fly ball during practice Tuesday in Alex Box Stadium. Gaudet is listed on the roster as an infielder, but he practiced in right field Tuesday. The Tigers are in their first week of practice.
bounces back in her final season. Ò She was really at her peak when she got injured,Ó Minnis said. Ò She was an All-SEC player, which in this conference is really saying a lot. She is a major key.Ó Minnis said heÕ s hopeful Robinson’s senior experience can benefit the Tigers. Ò SheÕ ll have to be a leader and help the others evolve along with [senior] Nicole Kantor,Ó he said. Ò ItÕ s going to be very important for her to get back to a certain level of tennis.Ó Hannah Robinson said she went to the training room every day in the offseason to be as healthy as possible for her final season. Ò It feels a lot better than last year,Ó she said. Minnis said it’s a difficult task gauging just how injured Robinson is at times. Ò SheÕ s not 100 percent, but itÕ s hard for me to say because sheÕ s such a tough kid,Ó Minnis said. Ò She wonÕ t let on to how sheÕ s really feeling sometimes.Ó Johnny Robinson, HannahÕ s grandfather, played tennis for the
Tigers and was on LSUÕ s 1958 national champion football team prior to playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he led the team in interceptions five times. Her grandfather said the family has a strong bond to Baton Rouge. Ò ItÕ s been a good relationship [with LSU],Ó he said. Ò ItÕ s been great that Hannah could get her scholarship down there. WeÕ re proud to be Tigers.Ó Robinson now carries the family tradition on the court named after her great grandfather, W.T. Ò DubÓ Robinson, a former LSU tennis coach. Ò My familyÕ s pretty much the reason I started playing tennis,Ó Robinson said. Robinson sat out to rest this fall, but she is not out for the count. She still has the spring season to put up numbers of old. Ò IÕ m hoping that as the season goes on sheÕ ll get her timing back and hopefully feel a lot better,Ó Minnis said. Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
PAGE 10
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Macklin currently ranks No. 2 all-time in LSU history behind Maravich in scoring and is atop the career list for rebounds. He also holds the NCAA single-game record for rebounds at 32 Ñ a feat he accomplished in his first collegiate contest.
During MacklinÕ s career, his team had great success, winning the Southeastern Conference twice, the SEC tournament once, and making a trip to the Final Four in a season in which they won 31 contests. Ò ThereÕ s a light year of
Miss. He finished his career with 3,667 points Ñ a mark no one has come within 400 points of overtaking in 40 years. Ò I wish I could be there today, but I’m trying to find a guy MARAVICH ALSO HONORED that can score like Rudy Macklin Macklin will not be the only and Pete Maravich,Ó said LSU LSU great honored this week. coach Trent Johnson, who was One of MaravichÕ s accom- on a recruiting trip but spoke in plishments will a teleconference. also be honored “I find it ironic by LSU Athletics that we are honon Thursday. oring Pete MaraForty years vich and the 40th ago, Maravich Anniversary of broke the NCAA breaking Oscar career scoring reRobertsonÕ s scorcord set by former ing record. Then, Dale Brown Cincinnati point Kentucky rolls former LSU basketball coach guard Oscar Robin, and we are ertson, and his achanging RudyÕ s complishment will be recognized jersey in the rafters. The way before the Tigers face Tennessee weÕ ve been struggling to score, on Thursday. we could sure use the left arm RobertsonÕ s record was of Maravich and the right arm of 2,973, and on Jan. 31, 1970, dur- Rudy.Ó ing his senior season, Maravich overtook the top spot with a Contact Johanathan Brooks at 53-point performance against Ole jbrooks@lsureveille.com
and win convincingly like Sunday against Alabama, a 37-point victory. Ò We came out ready to play and focused, and everybody was patient and eager to win,Ó Jones said. Ò Everybody got tired of losing.Ó Jones said another reason the Lady Tigers often have trouble scoring points is a failure to put the exclamation point on offensive series.
Ò We do all the hard work, and then we donÕ t make the shot, or we miss the layup,Ó Jones said. Ò We have to learn how to concentrate, use the glass and just finish plays.” Jones started her seventh game this season for LSU against Alabama, scoring six points on 3-of-7 shooting from the field, three rebounds and two assists. She said being more aggressive in her post play is something the coaches have stressed to her to improve
offensively. Ò IÕ m a bit undersized, so thatÕ s why I didnÕ t like too much contact,Ó Jones said. Ò I have to continue to work on that and learn how to finish more.” As far as putting games away with an increase in scoring, LSU coach Van Chancellor said the Lady Tigers are building confidence. Against Alabama, their scoring and field-goal percentage were the highest in their South-
eastern Conference schedule Ñ 78 points and 46.3 percent. Ò WeÕ re going to have be able to get the ball inside more than we have in the past and get some production from our inside players,Ó Chancellor said. Ò All we have to do is play like we did Sunday, and we’ll be fine.”
news on Jan. 27 when four-star defensive tackle Cassius Marsh switched his pledge from LSU to UCLA in order to stay closer to his hometown of Westlake Village, Calif. Ò Those are two big blows, and not just from a rankings perspective,Ó Scarborough said. Ò At this point in the program, itÕ s really about aggressively meeting your needs at positions. And those are two need areas.Ó Sonny Shipp, recruiting analyst for Scout.com, said there was little the Tigers could do to convince Hunter and Marsh to honor their commitments. Ò As it gets closer and closer to Signing Day, distance from home comes into play with a lot of kids,Ó Shipp said. Ò I donÕ t think it has anything to do with the direction of the program.Ó Miles was able to stop the
bleeding this past weekend when he received a commitment from 6-foot-3-inch wide receiver Armand Williams. Williams, the 25th commitment of the 2010 class, is a three-star prospect from Slidell High School and a Class 5A state champion in the high jump. He began the weekend as an Arkansas commitment, but his plans changed after an official visit to Baton Rouge. Scarborough said Williams is a potential Ò diamond in the roughÓ despite the lack of attention he has received from prestigious football programs. He said inconsistencies with SlidellÕ s offense and quarterbacks caused Williams to be overlooked by many other programs. Ò Williams is a kid who has got a lot of athleticism and upside when you combine what heÕ s done on the field and off the field,” Shipp said.
The Tigers received another recent commitment from James Wright, a four-star wide receiver from Belle Chasse High School. The Class 4A All-State selection pledged to the Tigers on Jan. 24 following his official visit to the LSU campus. Shipp said Wright is Ò the most polished wide receiver in the state,Ó and he and Williams can make for a Ò pretty good haulÓ for LSU at wide receiver despite HunterÕ s decommitment. These recent additions leave the Tigers with only three spots
remaining in the recruiting class, but the Tigers cannot afford to relax with conference foes Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee all poised to finish with top-10 recruiting classes. Ò With the SEC, you want to stay with the pack when it comes to bringing the same type of talent, but at the end of the day what matters is whether or not youÕ ve addressed your needs,Ó Shipp said.
difference between a star and a superstar,Ó Brown said. Ò Stars have great stats, but superstars make other people better on their team, and he was that kind of a guy.Ó
MACKLIN, from page 7
ever. Brown said MacklinÕ s decision to spurn powerhouses from his home state, Kentucky and Louisville, had far reaching impacts on how he was able to recruit for the future. Ò He was the spark plug for giving us the opportunity to really recruit nationally true AllAmericans,Ó Brown said. Ò When you come from a basketball state like Kentucky with powerhouses Kentucky on one side and Louisville on the other both wanting you, and a superstar chose to come to LSU, it gave vision to other guys that, Ô Hey, they must have something going.Õ Ó But while Brown sees an impact reaching beyond the court, Macklin had a certain impact on the floor during his playing days. He played for the Tigers from 1976-81 and in his time in Baton Rouge scored 2,080 points and grabbed 1,276 rebounds in his 123 games in the purple and gold.
TURNOVERS, from page 8
Ò When we take care of the ball, good stuff happens Ñ getting good looks and good shot selection,Ó Hightower said. Ò When weÕ re patient, we get all types of looks. When weÕ re not patient, we donÕ t get those looks.Ó Sophomore forward Courtney Jones agreed with HightowerÕ s assessment that patience is necessary to be more productive on offense
SIGNING, from page 7
Chancellor and athletic director Joe Alleva. The list of speakers will culminate with an appearance by the Golden Band from Tigerland and the Golden Girls about 5 p.m., followed by an appearance from LSU football coach Les Miles and the rest of the coaching staff, who will share thoughts on this yearÕ s recruiting class. The itinerary also includes raffles, trivia contests and a silent auction featuring a host of LSU memorabilia. Ò YouÕ ll get a lot of information about the recruiting class and other aspects of LSU,Ó Goodwin said. Ò YouÕ ll see a lot of things you wonÕ t see anywhere else.Ó The atmosphere will be festive at the Bayou Bash, but Tiger fans will also be watching nervously as Miles and his staff scramble to improve the 2010 recruiting class, currently ranked No. 6 in the Rivals.com national rankings. Mike Scarborough, recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said the LSU faithful should keep their eyes on a handful of prospects that could possibly fill the void left behind by recent decommitments. The list includes J.C. Copeland, four-star defensive end from LaGrange, Ga., Kadron Boone, fourstar wide receiver from Ocala, Fla., and Brandon Jackson, defensive tackle from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport. Justin Hunter, a four-star wide receiver from Virginia Beach, Va., decommitted from the Tigers on Jan. 19 in favor of Tennessee. Tigers fans received more bad
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010
‘‘
‘Superstars make other people better on their team and he was that kind of guy.’
J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille
Former LSU coach Dale Brown, right, talks Feb. 2 about the experience of coaching former Tiger forward Rudy Macklin, left. Macklin’s jersey will be retired Saturday.
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
Contact Cory Boudreaux at cboudreaux@lsureveille.com
WEdnEsdAy, FEbruAry 3, 2010 STARKEY, from page 7
“They figured out how they got there, and they continued that.” Starkey joined the women’s ranks after a seven-year stint with former LSU men’s coach Dale Brown. Starkey met then-LSU women’s coach Sue Gunter when she was recruiting in his home state of West Virginia. “I immediately fell in love with her,” Starkey said. “Simply put, Coach Gunter is a basketball coach. She just loves the game.” Starkey joined the women’s coaching staff and quickly adjusted to the women’s game. The women’s team thrived under Starkey’s assistance. In his first five seasons, the Lady Tigers advanced to the NCAA tournament but failed to advance past the Elite Eight. Then something happened to change the face and future of LSU women’s basketball. “In a single word — Seimone,” Starkey said. “[Former Lady Tiger] Seimone Augustus not only made our team better, but she made our coaches better.” The blue-chip recruit out of Capitol High School put LSU’s women’s basketball program on the map. “We were a very good program before she got here,” Starkey said. “She created that example that helped us get over the hump.” The Lady Tigers made it to their first Final Four in Augustus’ second season, and LSU women’s hoops changed forever. Starkey said fans would follow the team bus as it traveled through New Orleans, even to a dinner at Houston’s Restaurant. “We just walked into the back where they had reserved a table, and people got up from their food and gave our kids a standing ovation,” Starkey said. “Four or five years ago we could have walked in there, and no one would have known who we are.” Starkey’s next two seasons followed suit with two more Final Four runs, but his role changed in the middle of the 2006-07 season. The longtime assistant coach was promoted to interim head coach when former coach Pokey Chatman resigned. Starkey led his team to its fourth consecutive Final Four appearance and its first under Starkey’s leadership. “Those kids knew what it took to win,” Starkey said. “The only thing I had to do was make sure I didn’t screw it up.” The coach took back his old role when LSU hired current coach Van Chancellor in 2007, and Starkey said he was OK with the decision. “I really enjoy practice and
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watching tape,” Starkey said. “The amount of public speaking, fundraising and administrative things that a head coach has to do is incredible these days. I don’t enjoy that part at all.” Chancellor said Starkey helped him continue the Final Four success and made him feel comfortable taking the head coaching job.
“When they called me about the job over here, I didn’t have any interest in the job unless he was going to stay here,” Chancellor said. “His influence has been unbelievable.” LSU advanced to its fifth Final Four appearance in Chancellor’s first year. Lady Tiger mania swept Baton Rouge, catapulting the team’s
popularity thanks to the success on the court. “Sue Gunter’s perseverance, [Former Athletic Director] Skip Bertman’s support and the arrival of Seimone Augustus is really what helped us grow the sport here,” Starkey said. LSU is still aiming to reach the high expectations set in its five Final Four runs.
PAGE 11 Starkey remains in his role as the defensive mastermind and game planner. “He’s a genius,” said LSU senior guard Allison Hightower. “He does a lot of preparation for us. Offensive, defense — he does it all.” Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 12
OUR VIEW
WEdnEsdAy, FEbruAry 3, 2010
University, professors should cancel classes Monday The Saints are going to the Super Bowl. You can hear it whispered in the classrooms and hallways. You can hear it chanted under stately oaks and proud magnolias. WeÕ ve been trying to go about our lives normally. WeÕ ve been doing our assignments and reading our textbooks and living our lives as best we can. But for anybody who cares about the Saints Ñ or the great city of New Orleans Ñ itÕ s been two of the longest weeks ever. Every open moment we have to think, thereÕ s only one thing on our mind. Every day since Garrett Hartley sent the ball sailing perfectly though the
uprights, every hour since the streets of New Orleans erupted in a joyous riot two long weeks ago has seemed like a deep breath before the deafening roar on Sunday night. The Saints are going to the Super Bowl. ThereÕ s going to be one hell of a party. The cultural significance of this weekend can hardly be overstated. The celebration of this moment merits classes being canceled on Monday. Before professors and administrators start shredding this paper in rage, hear us out. While academics are certainly
more important than athletics, and while the University is certainly a center of learning above all else, this moment is more than just a big football game. ItÕ s more than just a victory for the athletes that have risen to the zenith of their sport. ItÕ s a victory for New Orleans, and itÕ s a victory for thousands of students who call that city home. LetÕ s face facts. Whether professors like it or not, campus is going to be a ghost town on Monday. Virtually everyone is going to be up late Sunday night and, when the Saints win, countless students will be up early into the morning celebrating.
And the many LSU students from New Orleans deserve to do that celebrating at home, in the bosom of their family, in their native city that will erupt into jubilation when their team makes history. To force them back to school afterward would be a cruel slap to our culture. Whether you personally care for sports or not, this Ò black and gold Super BowlÓ is more than an athletic event. This game is a highly poetic moment for New Orleans. For a city that is still struggling to rebuild from the floods of Katrina, this day is for revelry. For fans who have long watched the Saints struggle in
mediocrity and missed opportunities, this is the team of destiny. This is a time to forget about budget cuts and money woes for awhile, to forget about homes that need rebuilding and poverty that needs fixing. This is a time for celebration. The bags are off the heads. Hell is freezing over. The Saints are going to the Super Bowl. Who Dat?
Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com
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What role should corporations play in elections? Daniel Morgan: Last week, the Supreme Court overturned several components of the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance legislation, which restricted unionsÕ and corporationsÕ ability to speak on election years. IÕ m a big-time free-speech advocate, and I have a hard time understanding the hyperbolic reaction to the ruling. Why are we allowed to restrict First Amendment rights for people in corporations and unions? Mark Macmurdo: Well, I think this court case brings up some important questions about democracy. Do corporations and people have the same rights? From my perspective, corporations (and unions, for that matter) possess certain attributes which give them an unfair advantage to sway elections. Because they are able to amass large sums of money, can act decisively and are motivated solely by profit, giving them unlimited spending will threaten the political process. WhatÕ s stopping each shareholder from acting independently to benefit the goals of their corporation, anyway? Morgan: But public discourse is the political process. If you really believed in democracy, you wouldnÕ t worry about corporations participating in politics. If weÕ re going to the populace to make decisions on health care, it seems like we should at least trust the electorate to sit through a 30-second ad. If there really are voters who canÕ t handle discourse, maybe we should focus on restricting their voting power. Macmurdo: ItÕ s not just about a
single 30-second ad. ItÕ s about being able to run that ad fifty times more than your competitor because your company made $45 billion in profit (as Exxon did in 2008). ItÕ s about meddling in political discourse by a board of directors who can daniel Morgan launch multiColumnist million dollar campaigns with the flick of a pen. Once a corporation has a goal in mind, where does it stop? Morgan: I donÕ t think most corporations want to be involved in political campaigns Ñ they donÕ t want to alienate customers. When Michael Jordan was asked why he didnÕ t campaign for a Democrat, he said Ò Republicans buy sneakers too.Ó Travelocity, CVS and WalMart all pulled their ads from Glenn BeckÕ s program because they didnÕ t want their image to be tarnished by the worst of political vitriol. I have relatives who still wonÕ t buy Heinz ketchup. A law preventing corporations from participating in politics hurts small organizations the most, like Citizens United, the non-profit corporation whose documentary on Hillary Clinton was the subject of this ruling. TheyÕ re a group of people who have a message they want to share. If you believe in free speech, you should be for that. Macmurdo: If you harbor any doubts about the ambitions of corporations, I suggest you take a stroll
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
down K Street in Washington. You’ll see the glass buildings built from the lobbying industry, funded by special interests. De Beers has absolutely no stake in the abortion debate, but what about gay marriage? Think about how many more rocks they could sell! IÕ ll also point out that the term “non-profit” sounds endearing, but is actually misleading. The Citizens United folks arenÕ t collecting donations for Haiti, theyÕ re producing films such as “ACLU: At War with America,Ó Ò HYPE: The Obama EffectÓ and of course, Ò Hillary: The MovieÓ Ñ the subject of the CourtÕ s ruling. IÕ m all for free speech, as long as itÕ s free speech conducted by humans, not faceless corporations. Morgan: Multinational corporations are, of course, filled with humans who are entitled to free speech. As a libertarian(ish) atheist, I disagree with almost everything Citizens United says, but I still think they have a right to say it. As economically literate individuals, weÕ re both opposed to farm subsidies. Would you support taking away the free speech of Iowans? Macmurdo: My qualm isnÕ t with the subject of their activities per se, but that they clearly have an agenda meant to influence the democratic process of electing officials. Morgan: As do Bill OÕ Reilly and Keith Olbermann. Should we therefore take away their right to free speech? Macmurdo: Good point, but the key difference there is that the
companies are selling entertainment Ñ itÕ s not clear they have a direct economic benefit from the politics they espouse. Of course, media conglomerates like NBC Universal are often involved in other businesses. They have parent companies Mark MacMurdo who would theoColumnist retically benefit from putting the most friendly politicians in office, but maybe not in the same direct way. Morgan: I donÕ t think the public choice angle has been covered enough. If I were a stone evil, incumbent politician concerned with keeping power, IÕ d limit the free speech of corporations that might finance a challenger. The courts recently declared unconstitutional another section of the McCain-Feingold Act that made it harder for rich candidates to fund their own campaigns. IÕ m not surprised President Obama and company support limiting free speech. From a game-theory perspective, it makes sense for the current political elite to make campaigning harder, but itÕ s not in your best interests. Macmurdo: In a vacuum, what youÕ re saying makes sense. Practically speaking though, I donÕ t think limiting campaign finance can be considered a significant motive behind the legislatorsÕ votes in 2002. To speak to your point about self financing, why should the ridiculously rich Mitt Romney have an advantage
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.
over a blue collar technocrat? Unfortunately, money does not positively correlate with benevolence (by the same token, it doesnÕ t say that rich people are inherently evil). The point is, I think we should be taking the money factor out of politics, in favor of listening to the platforms of the candidates. IÕ m for any restrictions on campaign finance, as long as everyone is equally restrained. The CourtÕ s ruling has disrupted a balance which I believe made our democracy less corrupt. Morgan: We could try to take the money out of politics, but I fear the super-powerful will find a way around the legislation and the less powerful will be silenced. IÕ d rather take the politics out of money. Macmurdo: Sounds like a campaign speech. Morgan: IÕ m Daniel Morgan, and I approve this message. Daniel Morgan is a 21-year-old economics major from Baton Rouge. Follow him on @TDR_dmorgan. Mark Macmurdo is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. He is majoring in economics and history and is from Baton Rouge. Follow him on twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.
Contact Daniel Morgan at dmorgan@lsureveille.com and Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com
QuOTE OF THE dAy Ò IÕ d rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.Ó
George Burns American comedian Jan. 20, 1896 — March 9, 1996
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
BURNS AFTER READING
Opinion
PaGe 13
Obama bribes with new version of ‘Scott’s Tots’ Fans of NBC’s “The Office” witnessed one of Michael Scott’s greatest blunders in last season’s episode “Scott’s Tots.” In the episode, Scott — the show’s lovably idiotic boss with an uncanny Joe Biden-like propensity for epic gaffes — is forced to come clean and tell a group of inner-city high school students he can’t fulfill his decade-old pledge to pay their way through college as a part of his “Scott’s Tots” charity. This saga is just one example of the absolutely gut-wrenching Michael Scott moments fans love. But as it turns out, this fictional plot might not be so far-fetched. President Barack Obama outlined his own “Scott’s Tots” program in last week’s State of the Union. College graduates “will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years — and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service,” according to the president’s
proposal. He also proposed a “$10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increased Pell Grants.” Obama and Scott are evidently two peas in a pod. Both are masterful salesman, inspiring orators and completely incompetent managers. But Scott’s job is to sell paper. Obama’s job is to sell his soul for political support. As former economist Henry Hazlitt asserted, the art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate effects of a particular policy but at the long-term consequences for all groups. Helping graduates pay off their student loans might sound pleasing to the untrained ear. But from a financial standpoint, our president is essentially bribing college students by throwing future taxpaying generations under the bus. The real implications of this neatly packaged kickback are quite easy to unwrap. By subsidizing student debt,
government initiatives will pump up the demand for higher education. This stimulated demand will further inflate tuitions, diverting taxpayer dollars from more productive uses — like starting businesses and creating much-needed jobs for today’s graduates — and squandering them on increasScott BurnS ingly devalued pieces of paper Columnist (diplomas). Thanks to this vicious cycle of government intervention, public grants actually make attaining quality jobs — the whole point of going to college — less likely. The president’s heart might be in the right place. But good intentions don’t create jobs, feed families or reduce deficits. As students of a state-funded university, we’re all proud recipients of a “public” education.
As U.S. citizens, we’re unfortunately also the not-so-proud recipients of a shattered economy, a $1.5 trillion deficit and $12.4 trillion debt, according to usdebtclock.org Mom and Dad were right. Always be sure to read the fine print whenever a slick-talking salesman makes you an unbelievably enticing offer. Upon closer examination, Obama’s sales pitch is: “Give me your support, and I’ll give you a measly couple thousand dollars in exchange for your (compulsory) help in paying off my ever-increasing $107 trillion unfunded liabilities.” Metaphorically speaking, pimp daddy Obama is trying to seduce college students into working as his own financial sex slaves. Is a few thousand dollars in student loans really worth the $347,500 every taxpaying American will be forced to pay sugar daddy Obama? Hells no. Praising politicians for a small financial kickback is like thanking
the class bully for offering you a few crumbs out of the sack lunch he just stole from you. When Michael Scott makes a ridiculous pledge — like “Scott’s Tots,” — we laugh and/or cringe. When our president gives almost the same embarrassing proposal, we applaud him. This irony would be comical if it weren’t so pathetic. Some students may like the idea of being slapped around as Obama’s “bottom bitch.” But personally, if any man is going take me from behind, screw me over and then make me thank him for the “favor.” I want it to be a real pimp like Michael Scott. That’s what she said. Scott Burns is a 20-year-old economics junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_sburns. Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com
THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
Inflation benefits understated by populist rhetoric
On a given day, you probably think about ways to get more money, ways to spend less money or good things for which you could trade your money. Chances are, you probably don’t devote much thought to the economics of money. Dissent in the Federal Open Market Committee and a concerted effort to block the reappointment of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has given monetary policy a disturbing amount of drama. I’m not educated enough to have opinions on monetary policy, but I am smart enough to make a list of interesting facts I wish someone would have told me a year ago when I thought I knew something. 1. Inflation is bad, but deflation is worse. — Inflation, when the money supply grows faster than the real economy, is bad. It’s harder to plan for the future when prices are rising. When inflation rates are fixed, wealth is unfairly transferred from creditors to debtors. Savers find their life’s work eroded. All this is true, but mild deflation, when the money supply shrinks relative to the real economy’s demand for money, is far worse than mild inflation. Workers are relatively happy when inflation raises their wages, but they are less likely to accept the pay cuts accompanying deflation. In economic-speak, wages are sticky downwards. Deflation leaves wages too high, a recipe for unemployment and recession. 2. A stable amount of money is a terrible idea. — Imagine a world with one hundred $1 bills. If every bill, on average, trades hands six times per year, then there’s enough money to support $600 of GDP.
If every dollar trades hands three times per year, then there’s enough money to support $300 of GDP. These fluctuations in what economists call “velocity” can have nothing to do with the real economy. To prevent distortions, it’s nice to have a flexible money supply whose size can vary inversely with the amount average demand for money. As Milton Friedman and Daniel Morgan others argue, Columnist the Fed’s commitment to the gold standard prolonged the Great Depression. Fractional Reserve Banking gives our money much-needed flexibility. 3. There’s an argument the Fed didn’t create enough money in the crisis. When the Fed creates more money, the federal funds rate falls. Since the fed funds rate has been near zero since late 2008, a casual observer might mistakenly think the Fed has been aggressively printing money. Lenders don’t demand a high interest rate when inflation expectations are low and economic growth is marginal. Amidst the fizz of the commodity bubble and the pessimism of a recession, the federal funds was going to go lower no matter what the Fed did. The Federal Reserve did create large quantities of money in an attempt to contain the sub-prime crisis, but it also started the new practice of paying interest on excess reserves held at the Fed. When it did so, excess reserves shot to more than $1 trillion dollars. The highest
spike before 2008 was to $19 billion during the panic of 9/11. When banks hold excess reserves, velocity is lowered, and there’s less money to go around. Journalists trying to make Time’s Person of the Year sound interesting like to make the Fed’s response to the crisis sound dramatic, but some economists, most notably Bentley University Professor Scott Sumner, argue Bernanke didn’t
do nearly enough. By subsidizing commercial bank inaction, it has elongated the crisis. As macroeconomist Greg Mankiw put it in an April 2009 New York Times column, “There are worse things than inflation. And guess what? We have them today.” That said, there are intelligent, well-intentioned thinkers on both sides of every controversial issue I addressed in this column. Quite
frankly, I’m tired of having money on my mind. I’d rather just have my mind on my money. Daniel Morgan is a 21-year-old economics major from Baton Rouge. Follow him on @TDR_dmorgan.
Contact Daniel Morgan at dmorgan@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
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Classifieds
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 COURSES, from page 1
and increasing students — and we are certainly wanting to recruit to capacity — and cuts come in, and our faculty capacity is reduced while we worked diligently to increase students, there’s a problem,” Haynie said. Haynie said budget cuts will also eliminate the “degrees of freedom” in course scheduling. The University will lose the ability to add courses based on semesterspecific student demand. “We might need to find an instructor to teach an additional course or a lawyer who might teach constitutional law on occasion,” Haynie said. “We won’t have those funds. Those are courses we add to
DANCE, from page 1
gets cut much more, we’d have to face some kind of cut.” The letters were a result of the mid-year budget cuts, but the dance program was also cut last year. In previous years, the three teachers each taught two classes per semester, but they’re only offering three classes total this semester. The other dance instructors are Susan Perlis and Christine Chrest. Buchmann said if the dance program gets cut, the University wouldn’t save much money. “It’s just my salary and the two adjuncts’ salaries,” Buchmann said. Theatre Department Chair Michael Tick said instructors and students shouldn’t blame anyone at the University. “I’m hopeful the University will be able to raise fees or tuition to cover the shortfall from the state,” Tick said. If the instructors lose their
HOSPITALS, from page 1
surgery center, which will undergo renovations along with the Mid City location. Obstetrics will have to take place at another location, because OLOL doesn’t offer those services, Herrell said. McGraw said he is uncertain of the future of the Earl K. Long Center, but thinks it will be vacated and returned to the state. The University plans to close Earl K. Long by 2014. Plans for an update in the University’s medical services have been in the works for about two years, McGraw said.
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meet student demand.” Small classes will also take a hit after losing faculty, Haynie said. With fewer faculty on hand, academic departments will have to evaluate whether they prefer to make class sections larger or prevent some students from taking the course. “At what point does [increasing class size] become debilitating to the students in that class?” she said. “That will vary [from] discipline to discipline. You make a choice about whether it’s larger or whether a student won’t get it in a particular semester because pedagogically you can’t [fit them in].” Increased class size would also cause a logistical problem,
Doolos said. If sections become larger, there will be more pressure on the limited number of large classrooms the University has to offer. Doolos said one solution is to offer more classes outside of “prime time” — the times of day most faculty and students want to hold classes. Each academic department is allowed to schedule no more than 55 percent of its courses during prime time. Doolos said if faculty members are lost, departments have two options to create a workable schedule with the classrooms available — offer more classes outside of prime time, or reduce class enrollment to fit into a
smaller room. The second option is worse, Doolos said. “That’s the one that really hurts,” he said. “That’s the one that you don’t want to happen if you can avoid it, because that is having a direct impact on the number of students in those classes.” Haynie said if course offerings are reduced, students should plan ahead and think about schedules further in the future than only the next semester by meeting with an academic counselor. “The counselors and advisers are the ones who have that institutional knowledge and memory to help students,” she said. “They have expertise and experience when it comes to building course schedules.”
Haynie said students should also consider summer school because the schedule for that session is determined by the amount of demand observed for various courses during the fall and spring. The course schedule for fall 2010 is already built, Haynie said, and changes will depend on the final result of the next fiscal year’s budget cuts. “What we have built, we believe will be able to meet the student demands. But that depends on the strength of our faculty, so we will not know about the changes until we see the budget on July 1.”
jobs, students currently minoring in dance will have to choose another minor. Some students worry even if the teachers aren’t cut, it will take more than five years to complete the required hours. “Classes already fill up fast,” said Ali Manion, mass communication sophomore and dance minor. “I might have to start over with a different minor.” Tick said if all three instructors are cut, he suspects the students won’t be able to continue their dance minors. “I don’t have anybody else to teach in that area,” Tick said. “Molly Buchmann, Susan Perlis and Christine Chrest are the dance program.” Buchmann said almost 100 students are in the dance minor program, and many more take the class as a requirement for the theatre major. “Dance is an entire art form, and for college-educated young people to not be exposed to it would be very sad,” Buchmann
said. “I get so many calls from people who are looking for a university, and they chose LSU because they can get a degree in some other field and continue their love and passion for dance.” Political communication sophomore and dance minor Amanda Briggs said she has tried to talk to officials in the Theatre Department because she wants to see a future in the program. “Dance is one of the reasons I came to LSU,” Briggs said. “I wanted to get my major and keep dancing.” Buchmann said the dance minor might be small, but what it offers is solid. “It’s not about the three of us losing our job,” Buchmann said. “It’s about what the University loses and what the students lose.” The three instructors said they have become close to the students minoring in dance. Theatre senior and dance minor Caroline Cormier said she wanted to cry when she first heard of the non-renewal letters
during a theatre meeting. “They’ve taught us all so much,” Cormier said. “I want to dance the rest of my life, and it’s sad students won’t be able to experience it anymore.” Music senior and dance minor Samantha Smart said it’s a disservice to the University arts
to cut the dance program. “I feel like I’ve grown from these teachers, and the students really bust their ass to be here,” Smart said.
The construction of a new hospital was also considered but would cost around $400 million, McGraw said. “Moving to Our Lady of the Lake is probably the best option,” McGraw said. A joint committee from the University and Our Lady of the
Lake are developing a budget for the plan. McGraw said finances could be approved later this month.
Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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