Question of the Week
SPORTS Soccer team earns No. 4 seed in NCAA tourney, page 7.
Check out lsureveille.com to see what students’ wishes will be on at 11:11 a.m. on 11/11.
THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 54
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CRACKING UP
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
WEATHER
BR not expected to feel Ida’s effects By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer
photos by MEGAN J. WILLIAMS and BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
[Top left] Audubon Hall’s white lines shows where cracks where repaired. [Top right, bottom] Construction continues on Patrick F. Taylor Hall because of natural settling.
Natural settlement and construction errors cause cosmetic building damage By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer
Italian Renaissance-style architecture distinguishes the campus grounds as one of the University’s outstanding aesthetic features. But many campus buildings show signs of age from more than 80 years of wear. University attendants are constantly challenged with maintenance issues including breaking floors and white lines across campus’s many tan stucco walls caused by settling structures. All buildings move over time, and the damage from this movement depends on the quality of the architecture, soil and the funds available
to maintain the structures. Completed in 1978, Patrick F. Taylor Hall, formerly CEBA, provides one of the most poignant examples of cosmetic deterioration on campus. Paul Favaloro, Office of Facility Services director of facility resources, said Patrick F. Taylor Hall was built without structural expansion joints. Favaloro said the walls and brick floors of Patrick F. Taylor Hall were laid in a solid slab without rubber joints to control movement, causing the floor to bubble and crack over time. As Facility Services repairs those bubbles, Favaloro said rubber joints are added along with new brick
pavers. He said repairs are made as needed, and the introduction of expansion joints helps resolve future problems. Thomas Sofranko, associate dean of the school of architecture, said the expansion is caused in part by the penetration of water into the structure, causing the steel inside to rust and expand. “Everything has got to give a little bit,” Sofranko said. “Like an old instructor of mine said, ‘If you don’t put the joints there, mother nature will put them there for you.’” Sofranko said maintaining these kinds of problems can become a daily battle, often inhibited by lacking resources which have consistently lengthened the University’s deferred
maintenance list. As hundreds of tons of brick and concrete press on the soil during a period of years, uneven structural settlement can also cause cosmetic damage. Khalid Alshibli, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, said Baton Rouge’s proximity to the Mississippi River has made its soil soft and wet. Alshibli said before the levees were built, flooding probably brought in river silt and soft soil layers over many years. “Usually, when you build on soft soil, settlement depends on water being squeezed out over time,” SETTLING, see page 15
Baton Rouge is expected to be partly cloudy today with no chance of rain, sidestepping any significant effects of Tropical Storm Ida. As of print time Monday, the National Weather Service projected minimal wind gusts in Baton Rouge, with only one or two such gusts at tropical storm force and less than an inch of rain in the early morning hours. Ida was expected to make landfall around midnight near Mobile, Ala., said Danielle Manning, National Weather Service meteorologist. Manning said the tropical storm’s winds were forecast to weaken to about 50 knots from 60 before landfall. Areas in Alabama were expected to receive 3 to 6 inches of rain and a relatively small storm surge of 4 to 6 feet, compared to 20 feet for a strong hurricane, Manning said. The University Emergency Operations Center kept a close eye on the storm and open ears to state agencies like the Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Social Services, keeping safety as the top priority, said Kristine Calongne, assistant vice chancellor of Public Affairs. No class cancellations had been announced as of press time Monday. Any updates will be posted on LSU’s Web site. Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
SERVICE
Projects take students out of classroom By Olga Kourilova Contributing Writer
A typical lab may involve safety glasses and white coats, but biology students in Rebecca Effler’s ecology class donned life jackets and took up paddles for class yesterday morning. Canoeing the University lakes is not completely unusual for these students to learn lab techniques in the field. Ten students paired in canoes and equipped with measuring tape and a GPS
locator paddled to the Bird Refuge in the middle of University Lake to measure duck box dimensions and their distances from land and from the road Monday morning. The wooden boxes sit on top of stilts sticking a few feet out of the shallow lake water and provide a safe nesting area for wood ducks which inhabit the area. The measurements will allow students to compare what dimensions and locations best serve the ducks and protect them from predators. Another section went out later
Monday afternoon, and more will be visiting the peninsula throughout the week. The wood duck project was suggested by a student who saw the boxes around the lakes and became interested in their purpose, said Effler, a biological sciences instructor who teaches the principles of ecology lab. The challenge is planning and obtaining resources for the projects, she said. At the beginning of the semester, SERVICE, see page 15
KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT / The Daily Reveille
[From left] Biology seniors Jesse Beckemeyer, Ericka Johnson, Hannah Rockett and Daniel Noel check a wood duck box Monday during their ecology service learning class.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Brazil college backs down on mini-dress expulsion
Paterson calls for action on gay marriage, deficit
SAO PAULO (AP) — A Brazilian woman whose short, pink dress caused a near riot at a private college and led to her expulsion will be allowed to return to class. The private Bandeirante University backed down Monday on its decision to expel 20-year-old Geisy Arruda following a flood of negative reaction in a nation where skimpy attire is common.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. David Paterson on Monday urged lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, calling it “an issue that touches on the very core of our citizenship.” His request raises the hopes of gay advocates who suffered a major defeat in Maine when voters repealed that state’s same-sex-marriage law last week. In New York City, Christine Quinn, the openly gay council speaker, quickly weighed in by offering an impassioned plea for the state Senate to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
Thousands celebrate 20 years since fall of Berlin Wall BERLIN (AP) — Ulrich Sauff and his wife stared at the mammoth domino pieces marking the path where the Berlin Wall once stood and reminisced about life in the barrier’s shadow. The Sauffs were among those who gathered Monday to celebrate 20 years of unity, as thousands cheered together, marking the day the wall came down.
Federal judge asked to end Yellowstone bison kills BLLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A coalition of environmental and American Indian groups sued two federal agencies Monday to stop the mass slaughter of bison that migrate
outside Yellowstone National Park in search of food. During the last decade, federal agencies working with the state of Montana captured and shipped to slaughter more than 3,300 bison to prevent the spread of an animal disease to cattle. Critics of that program have tried — unsuccessfully — to stop the practice through lobbying of government agencies and appeals to Congress. Man confesses to shooting Kansas abortion provider WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Defiant and unapologetic, a man accused of shooting a Kansas abortion provider confessed to the slaying Monday, telling The Associated Press he killed the doctor to protect unborn children. Scott Roeder, 51, of Kansas City, Mo., spoke to the AP in a telephone call from jail, saying he plans to argue at his trial that he was justified in shooting Dr. George Tiller.
PAGE 2
STATE/LOCAL
Louisiana educators turn to trades to cut dropout rate
Judge hears argument on campaign finance restrictions
WEST MONROE, La. (AP) — Beginning next year, a lot of Louisiana high school classrooms could look like Wes Sebren’s: equipped with welding gear, safety goggles and circular saws. Sebren, a teacher at West Ouachita High School near West Monroe, is at the forefront of public schools’ response to a 2009 law passed by the Legislature that encourages teaching skills students will need in the work force. The law created a “career diploma” that — in an effort to reduce the dropout rate — will go to students who opt for lower academic standards in math and English, while taking classes such as welding, woodworking and small engine repair. Sebren has been teaching such classes in rural Louisiana for more than a decade.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — It’s now up to a federal judge in New Orleans to decide whether to put a challenge to campaign finance restrictions on a faster track to the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan heard arguments Monday by attorneys for Republican officials challenging the restrictions and from Federal Election Commission attorneys defending them.
TODAY ON
Man lost in Mississippi River as Ida grazes SE Louisiana NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities feared a 70-year-old man drowned when he tried to help two fishermen stranded in the Mississippi River as Tropical Storm Ida churned ashore Monday, flooding low-lying areas outside levee systems and closing schools and offices in southeast Louisiana.
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009
THEATER
PAGE 3
WEATHER
River reaches abnormal height Production features Storm Ida not to only two cast members overtop Mississippi By Lindsey Meaux Contributing Writer
SAHIR KHAN / The Daily Reveille
Theatre seniors Jason Duga and Wendy Bradford act out the parts of the only two characters in “Talley’s Folly” during dress rehearsal Nov. 8.
‘Talley’s Folly’ an unlikely love story By Emily Slack Entertainment Writer
The old adage “love is blind” is reaffirmed in the Theatre Department’s latest production — “Talley’s Folly,” an unlikely love story about a middle-aged Midwestern woman and an older Jewish accountant in the second World War. “Folly” is the Pulitzer Prizewinning play written by Lanford Wilson and features only two actors, one set and no scene changes. “I’m drawn to shows that have good character relationships,” said director Chris Nelson. “[Character relationships] are one of my strengths as a director, and they compel me as an audience member.” Theatre senior Jason Duga plays the part of Matt Friedman, and theatre junior Wendy Bradford plays Friedman’s love Sally Talley. “You definitely have to have a fun director for this play,” Duga said. “After every rehearsal, we sit down together, and we make these wonderful discoveries about the play, the characters and the work we put into it.” Duga and Bradford were chosen by Nelson for “Talley’s Folly” from a large general audition the Theatre Department held at the beginning of the semester. “To get cast in a two-person show is like somebody saying, ‘I think you’re talented enough that I’m going to give you this play and that you can handle being on stage for 97 minutes,’” Duga said. “You really want to do a play like this in college because you really want to be challenged.” Because the “Folly” has such
a small cast, the actors were given much more freedom than they would have in a cast with multiple members, Bradford said. “My favorite thing about this play is it comes from a really organic place,” Bradford said. “With a lot of directors, you do exactly what the director says, and it doesn’t really come from you or your character — in our rehearsals, Chris let us just go. We did whatever we felt, and it made me feel like I really got to participate in the creation of the play.” The relationship between the cast members is especially important in a two-person play because of the reliance they have on one another, Duga said. “It’s a great feeling to know that the other [actor] will always be there,” Duga said. “I always know where she is, and it’s kind of a crazy tug-of-war thing.” “Talley’s Folly” runs at the Reilly Theatre from Nov. 10 to the 13 at 7:30 p.m. and with two performances on Nov. 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Contact Emily Slack at eslack@lsureveille.com
As Tropical Storm Ida makes her way through the Gulf of Mexico, the stretch of Mississippi River running along Baton Rouge is lingering at fewer than 2 feet below its flood stage of 35 feet. But Baton Rouge is unlikely to see flooding from the Mississippi River throughout the week regardless of rain Ida may bring, said city-parish drainage engineer Jim Ferguson. Weather forecasts for Monday predicted an 80 percent chance of rain with significantly less rain through the remainder of the week, said Louisiana state climatologist Barry Keim. Cold fronts are anticipated to push Ida eastward, and Baton Rouge is not likely to receive significant rain, said Fred Zeigler, National Weather Service meteorologist. Zeigler said the river was at 33.7 feet Monday. It is anticipated to rise to 34.2 feet Tuesday, 34.4 feet Wednesday and 34.5 feet Thursday, and it is forecast to stabilize Friday. The average depth of the river in late October and early November is below 20 feet at a significantly lower depth than the river has this month, Zeigler said.
Whenever the river rises “We’ve had a significant above 35 feet, Ferguson said the amount of rain upstream in Brightside Drive area begins to Arkansas and parts of Mississweat water, and ditches start to sippi,” Zeigler said. “The runoff overflow. goes into the river, and the river “Whenever it hits 40 to 41 becomes elevated.” feet, the Coast Guard usually halts Corps personnel in the Flood all barge traffic Fight team have just to minimize been discharged that wave acto patrol the levees tion,” Ferguson along the River, said. “Our lowest said Amanda Jones, levee is about 47 public affairs spefeet ... Back in cialist with the 2008, it stayed at U.S. Army Corps 43 feet for about a of Engineers. week.” But she said Jim Ferguson Ferguson said the Corps is uncity-parish drainage engineer East Baton Rouge likely to have Parish officials to mechanically begin lining the levee with sand maintain water level. bags whenever the river reaches Previously, the Corps opened 43 to 44 feet. the Bonnet Carré Spillway in 2008 Baton Rouge has not seen to push water from the river into flooding from the river since the Lake Pontchartrain to maintain its levees were built in the 1920s, flow. Ferguson said. Zeigler attributed high water Contact Lindsey Meaux at levels to the flooding in the Mislmeaux@lsureveille.com sissippi River Valley.
‘‘
‘Our lowest levee is about 47 feet ... Back in 2008, it stayed at 43 feet for about a week.’
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
LOCAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009
CRIME
‘Jack’ statue still stirs controversy Three forcible sex Natchitoches protests monument By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer
After 83 years of protesting, vandalism and relocation, the University-owned statue known as “Uncle Jack” or “The Good Darkie,” has stirred trouble again in its home town of Natchitoches. The Natchitoches Parish Citizens League, an organization which promotes civic responsibility, demonstrated Monday outside Natchitoches City Hall against the city’s recent request for the return of the controversial statue from the University. The 200-person demonstration began at 5 p.m. at the Natchitoches First Baptist Church and continued to the mayor’s office. The demonstration also dealt with other racial issues in the city — including high utility bills for the poor and unfairness in city zoning — but the initial cause was the requested return of the statue, said Pat Hoover, the demonstration’s organizer. Hoover said the overall tone of the march addressed equity issues in the city and also protested racial issues such as the inclusion of Confederate soldiers in the Natchitoches Christmas of Light Parade.
The statue, which depicts an el“We realize it is a part of our hisderly black man tipping his hat, has tory, but it isn’t a good part,” Hoover been the source of controversy since said. “It’s like putting up a statue of it was first erected Hitler.” in 1926 on Front The statue now Street, the main belongs to the LSU drag of NatchiRural Life Museum toches. and has been there Natchitoches since 1972 when it Mayor Wayne Mcwas donated by Jo Cullen said the city Bryant Ducournau, expressed interthe daughter of the est in the statue’s man who commisPat Hoover return to be the sioned the statue. demonstration organizer cornerstone of the David Floyd, city’s proposed African American director of the Rural Life Museum, Museum. said the University denied NatchiHe said there was a misunder- toches’ request and will keep the standing the statue would be put statue. back on Front Street as the museum The city of Natchitoches has construction will not begin for at asked for Uncle Jack back on numerleast two years. ous occasions since the ’70s, and the The controversy came from ra- University denied the city each time, cial overtones associated with the Floyd said. statue, which many feel displays Floyd said the statue was originostalgia for a time when blacks nally commissioned to reflect on were marginalized in the South. the contributions of blacks to the “It means that my ancestors cultural and agricultural history of were identified as less than hu- Louisiana. man beings,” said Robert Jackson, “It’s a relic, an artifact of our Natchitoches Parish Citizens League past,” Floyd said. “It’s not somepresident. “The implication is of the thing we would create today. It’s not kind of people that would be a good a pretty part of our history, but it’s darkie and get off the street, or bow important to remember — even if it’s his head or say ‘yassuh boss.’” just so we don’t repeat it.” Uncle Jack was first removed from Natchitoches in 1969, when blacks in the city began speaking and Contact Adam Duvernay at acting out against it. aduvernay@lsureveille.com
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‘It is a part of our history, but it isn’t a good part. It’s like putting up a statue of Hitler.’
offenses so far in ’09 By Kyle Bove Senior Staff Writer
Three forcible sex offenses have been reported to the LSU Police Department this year, including an alleged rape Nov. 1. Maj. Helen Haire, spokeswoman for LSUPD, said it’s difficult to quantify a trend in forcible sex offenses, which include acts from rape to fondling. Four forcible sex offenses were reported on campus in 2008, according to the University’s 2009 Annual Safety Report. Only one was reported in 2007, and two were reported in 2006. “I wouldn’t say that there’s a trend,” she said. “You can see [the numbers] go down and back up.” Simon Taylor, a 20-year-old University transfer student from the United Kingdom, reportedly raped a woman in a portable restroom and in his dorm room in LeJeune Hall two Sundays ago, said LSUPD Sgt. Jason Bettencourtt. The attacks happened in the early morning hours, Bettencourtt said. Police did not release further information about the woman, such as whether she is a student or her age. Bettencourtt said the woman
had an alcoholic beverage with Taylor at a bar before the attacks. The woman went to LSUPD on Sunday to report the crime. “That’s a personal decision the victim has to make, but it’s very important,” Haire said. “You can report days later, but for evidence purposes it’s important to report immediately.” She said it’s important for students to always use the buddy system and to be aware of who they are with. Haire said LSUPD is currently investigating the case but couldn’t give further details. Judy Benitez, executive director of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, said rape cases usually take one to two years to go through court. Steve Waller, director of Residential Life, said he heard about the alleged rape in a police report Nov. 2. “It’s very unfortunate that this would happen anywhere to anyone,” he said. “We are working with LSUPD in the investigation.”
Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 5
FINANCIAL AID
LSU system president challenges TOPS program Tuition increases raise state costs By The Associated Press (AP) — When it comes to controversy, LSU System President John Lombardi doesn’t wilt, and he’s launched an attack on one of Louisiana’s sacred political cows by pushing cuts to the free college tuition program called TOPS. The program, whose full name is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, named after the late oilman Pat Taylor, costs nearly $130 million and grows annually. Its price tag has topped $1.2 billion since TOPS began more than a decade ago. Lombardi argues giving free tuition on the state’s dime without regard for a student’s need or family income might have been a good idea once but should be reconsidered amid years of projected state budget shortfalls — and with higher education on the chopping block. “There’s a significant number of TOPS recipients who clearly don’t need it ... I’d like to say to people making a hundred grand and above, ‘Maybe you need a TOPS certificate, but maybe you don’t need the money,’” Lombardi
recently told a panel looking at ways to restructure public higher education in Louisiana. Taking on TOPS is like attacking motherhood and apple pie, and the idea of scaling back the program isn’t gaining many fans outside the university community. The Legislature has killed similar proposals in years past, and Lombardi’s arguments aren’t expected to change many minds at the Capitol, despite the state’s budget woes. High school students in Louisiana have been told if they meet certain standards and take certain courses, the state will pay their tuition, that they will be given a “scholarship.” To change the rules now, said Sen. Ben Nevers, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, “will be going back on a promise that the Legislature made, and I don’t think that we should do that.” The real rub to Lombardi — and to other university leaders who are quieter about their discontent with TOPS — is the program’s tie to any discussion of raising tuition in Louisiana. Any tuition increase causes the cost of the TOPS program in the state budget to rise, so lawmakers doggedly refuse to relinquish control over tuition hikes. Higher education officials looking
to student charges to fill budget gaps are stymied in that approach, partly by TOPS. TOPS covers four years of tuition at in-state colleges for any Louisiana student who meets high school course requirements, graduates with a midlevel grade point average and reaches certain benchmarks on the college entrance exam. Additional stipends are given to students who meet higher standards. The program started in 1998. Over the years, lawmakers have questioned its disproportionate nature, that more white students get the free tuition than black students, that LSU has more TOPS students than other campuses and that some students could afford school without state help. Of the TOPS recipients claimed as dependents by their parents, nearly 38 percent come from families bringing in more than $100,000 a year, including about 6 percent whose families earn above $250,000, according to self-reported data compiled by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Nevers said the parents’ income doesn’t matter in the TOPS debate. “Would you say a student earned that scholarship or their parents?” he said. “Students have
no control over what their parents make.” Besides modest tweaks, attempts to scale back the program — by looking at students’ needs or forcing students who drop out of college to pay back the money — have never gone anywhere in the
Legislature. That reality hasn’t stopped Lombardi from taking shots at the program. Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
PAGE 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Sports Waiting for a chance TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Deangelo Peterson steps up in new role for the Tigers
By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor
The LSU football team’s loss Saturday against Alabama featured numerous lineup changes, mostly because of injury. Junior quarterback Jarrett Lee replaced sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who left the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter. Sophomore running back Stevan Log on Ridley entered the game at tailback to see a after senior running back Charles Scott left the game with a broken col- video of football larbone. And sophomore tight end Dean- players gelo Peterson started the game in- discussing stead of senior tight end Richard the loss to Dickson, who did not play because Alabama. of an unspecified injury. “[Peterson and I] usually talk about how we wish we were in there, and we would analyze stuff,” Ridley said. “But this time we got our chance, and we took advantage. Now it’s our turn.” Peterson certainly took advantage of his playing time and had his career-best performance in his second start of his young career. The Baton Rouge native caught two passes for 40
PAGE 7
SOCCER
Tigers earn No. 4 seed in NCAA tourney By David Helman
lsureveille.com
Sports Writer
PETERSON, see page 11
DAVE MARTIN / The Associated Press
LSU sophomore tight end Deangelo Peterson scores a touchdown as Alabama senior linebacker Cory Reamer defends at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday.
“Right now, I’m nowhere near where I want to be ... Next year ... I’ll be really bigger, faster and stronger.” MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille
Deangelo Peterson, LSU sophomore tight end
It seems the LSU soccer team will have some history to celebrate after all. The No. 16 Tigers (14-4-4) earned their first-ever No. 4 seed in the 2009 NCAA tournament Monday night and will host Arkansas Pine Bluff (12-6-4) at the LSU Soccer Complex on Friday. It is the first time an LSU team has hosted an NCAA tournament game. “It’s super important for us,” said LSU soccer coach Brian Lee. “We’re just happy to be at home. It’s hard, with the regionalization ... You’re so dependent on the team around you winning as well.” The news doesn’t quite ease the sting of LSU’s most recent game, a shootout loss to No. 14 South Carolina in Sunday’s Southeastern Conference tournament championship game. The Tigers held a 1-0 lead with less than three minutes to play but could not hold on. “That one is going to take a long time. Those last two minutes are going to stick with you for the rest of your life,” said senior midfielder Malorie Rutledge. “We can’t hang our heads too low — we’ve got a big weekend coming up. If you can’t get hyped about the NCAAs, you can’t get hyped about much.” The Gamecocks and No. 10 Florida joined LSU as first round hosts. South Carolina earned a No. 2 seed in the same bracket as No. 1 TOURNAMENT, see page 11
FOOTBALL
Jefferson expected to practice this week after injury Miles: Running backs need to step up By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
LSU coach Les Miles said most of the injuries the Tigers suffered Saturday against Alabama do not appear to be threatening, with the exception of senior running back Charles Scott’s season-ending fractured collarbone. Miles said he expects sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson
to be back on the practice field this week after injuring his right ankle Saturday, as will sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson and senior tight end Richard Dickson. “Patrick Peterson — it was really just cramps,” Miles said. “We expect Richard Dickson to return to practice sometime this week.” Miles said he has had phone conversations with Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive and the head of officials since Saturday about a controversial call that Peterson did not get a foot inbounds on an apparent interception of Alabama junior quarterback Greg
McElroy in the fourth quarter. “They were in great position to see the play but could not see it,” Miles said. “I looked at the television feed, and I do not know what the instant replay officials are looking at ... I’m going to figure that if there’s an issue, they’ll get it fixed.” With Scott out for the season, Miles said several LSU running backs will have to step in to replace him. “[Scott] had so much experience, and there were so many different ways we used him,” Miles said. ALABAMA, see page 10
MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille
Coach Les Miles and the Tigers wait to run out on the field in Tuscaloosa, Ala., at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. The Crimson Tide defeated the Tigers, 24-15.
PAGE 8
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
BABBLING BROOKS
SEC officiating crew is far from being ‘the best’
Someone seems to blame a close loss on officiating every week. Now, after LSU has suffered defeat, it’s my turn. These Southeastern Conference refs are terrible, and they have been all season. The latest display of their incompetence occurred Saturday night in LSU’s loss to No. 2 Alabama. With Alabama driving and clinging to a six-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, Crimson Tide junior quarterback Greg McElroy threw an apparent interception to sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson on a ball intended for sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones. The play was ruled an incompletion on the field, but it called for an additional replay review from the booth. The referees saw the play from a litany of angles, and they were able to somehow determine the play was an incomplete pass despite video evidence suggesting otherwise. The refs screwed this one up plain and simple. Both of Peterson’s feet were clearly inbounds when he made the play. He even dragged one of his toes and created a divot in the grass. This play may not have mattered in the long run, as LSU would have still needed to drive about 60 yards for a touchdown to win the game, but the Tigers weren’t even given the chance. Instead, Alabama was able to continue its drive and ended it with a field goal to take a ninepoint lead. This is at least the third time this season it could be argued the officials’ missteps cost an SEC team an opportunity at winning a game. The first big snafu of the season came in LSU’s game against Georgia. Georgia sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green caught a late touchdown pass and was penalized 15 yards for excessive celebration on a celebration that was anything but. LSU returned the ensuing kickoff to around midfield, and
two plays later senior running back Charles Scott scored the game-winning touchdown. Southeastern Conference coordinator of football officials Rogers Redding manned up the following Monday and admitted mistakes were made — as if it helped anyone to simply acknowledge the fault days after the event. The next instance — coincidentally or not — involved the same officiating crew from the LSU-Georgia matchup and took place in Arkansas’ loss against Florida. The officials called a personal foul on Arkansas senior defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard on a play where he committed no such offense. The crew was eventually suspended for their mistakes, though SEC commissioner Mike Slive didn’t seem to be fazed by the obvious mistakes and the notoriety that surrounded them. “A series of calls that have occurred during the last several weeks have not been to the standard that we expect from our officiating crews,” Slive said in a
news conference days after the Arkansas-Florida game. “I believe our officiating program is the best in the country. However, there are times when these actions must be taken.” How could he possibly feel the officiating program is the best in the country? Too many Johanathan h i g h - s t a k e s brooks games are Sports Columnist coming down to bad calls from the officials in the SEC, and the three prior instances alone should disqualify them from being the best in anything. To make the claim at being the best, you have to catch the obvious mistakes and correct them before it’s too late. The “best officiating program” doesn’t make these rookie mistakes. Calling an excessive celebration penalty when a guy is hugging his teammates or blowing the whistle for a personal foul
when a guy is protecting himself from receiving a cheap shot does not qualify as “the best.” These are calls anyone could see were made inaccurately, and for Slive and the other brass up at SEC headquarters to get the message fans are displeased, something more needs to be done by the schools involved in these decisions. Alabama coach Nick Saban had the gall yesterday to say, “Can somebody stand up and fight for these guys and what they do for the game?” in reference to the officials. This coming from the man with one of the shortest tempers in football who would have probably ripped the officials a new orifice if the same happened to his team. I want so badly to believe they’re trying their best to be fair, but the evidence of the contrary is overwhelming. The public will stand up for these guys when they start doing their jobs correctly, not for making a slew of mistakes in key games in key situations. How are we supposed to
stand up and defend the actions of perpetual screw-ups in good conscience? I know I can’t, and SEC coaches and athletic directors shouldn’t try to either. Florida coach Urban Meyer had the right idea when he lambasted officials last week and incurred a $30,000 fine. Those at LSU, Georgia, Arkansas and any other school that has been hosed by the officials should stand up for their boys. And Slive calls them the best in the country. What a joke. Johanathan Brooks is a 21-yearold mass communication senior from Powder Springs, Ga. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_jbrooks.
Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 9
VOLLEYBALL
Skender dominating presence in all six rotations for Tigers Senior outside hitter also back-row force By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer
LSU senior outside hitter Marina Skender gets a first touch on the back row, swiftly glides to her spot on the outside shortly behind the 3-meter line and waits for her number to be called. It isn’t, so she goes up to the net and waits for her chance to get a block, but the opponent moves away from her. She slides back into her attack position, almost cat-like, and her number is called. She pounces on the opportunity and gets the kill. The next play, she serves and gets an ace. The following play, she finally gets that block. It’s all in a day’s work for LSU’s senior outside hitter, who is entering her fifth season at LSU after losing last season to an ACL tear. “She has become so much more physical after her knee injury that she can be a force on the front and back rows,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “Whereas before she was a finesse player, now she’s got the physical side and the finesse game. And when you have both sides like that, you become a great player.” Skender simply does it all on the court for the Tigers as a “six-
MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior outside hitter Marina Skender (12) goes up for a block Oct. 16 during the Tigers’ win against Arkansas. Skender stays on the court for all six rotations.
rotation player,” meaning she stays on the court during all six rotations. Her team-leading 11 double-doubles this season are proof of her allaround skill. On the offensive side of the ball, the senior is second on the team in kills with 310 this season and has 1,407 for her career, ranking her No. 7 on the career list at LSU.
Skender had 3.16 kills per set in her career at the beginning of the season, and her 3.37 so far this season likely will keep her in the top 10 in LSU history in that category. The Zagreb, Croatia, native currently ranks No. 2 on the team in service aces per set with 0.30, a category she led the league in during her 2006 campaign with 0.68
per set. But the senior will be the first to admit her serve doesn’t have the getup it once did before the ACL tear. “I can’t get into the rhythm with my serving,” Skender said. “I don’t feel comfortable with the tossing, but I’m going to keep working on it and see what happens.” Then the 2006 All-Southeastern First Team member will jump back to her defensive stance after a missed kill opportunity or to await the opponents’ serve. Skender is one of nine players in LSU history to record 1,000 career kills and one of five to record 1,000 digs and 1,000 kills in a career. Defensively, Skender hasn’t lost a step from her form in 2007, in which her 3.15 digs per set (with a minimum of 400 digs) ranked No. 7 in program history. “The Croatian Sensation” is No. 2 on the team this season in digs per set with 2.65, and she even stands her own up at the net at 5-foot, 11-inches, with 0.55 blocks per set. Flory said Skender provided great back-row support for the Tigers when the team needed it early in the season. “Marina is the mother hen of the team,” Flory said. “She exudes confidence and empowers the person next to her. She has great
leadership skills, and she makes the person next to her believe they are going to make the play.” But it may very well be the little things that don’t go in the stat book which make Skender one of the Tigers’ most valuable players. Flory consistently points to Skender as the glue that holds this season’s team together with her “never say die” attitude, which is contagious among her teammates. “Marina is our go-to player when we are in trouble,” said sophomore libero Lauren Waclawczyk. “Even coming back from her knee injury, she’s come out so strong, and it makes you want to go harder, and it makes you want to drive to be like her.” The Zagreb native has a choice to make at the end of the season about the future of her volleyball career. She said she has plans to play professionally after the season, as she has already graduated with a degree in sports management. “I can’t contact anyone until December when the season is over, but I definitely want to go play somewhere overseas,” Skender said.
Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
PAGE 10
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Lady Tigers face Loyola in lone exhibition game tonight Point guard Kelly resting injured foot By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
The LSU women’s basketball team had seven new faces this time last season. But the Lady Tigers will return nine letterwinners and four starters as they kick off the 2009 season in an exhibition game tonight at 7 p.m. against Loyola in the PMAC. LSU senior guard Allison Hightower said the team has shown a different energy, and “everybody is hustling” since practice began in October. “The level of intensity has definitely picked up from last year,” Hightower said. “We didn’t know anything last year, so [coaches] didn’t expect much of us. But this year they know we need to come out here and work as hard as we can
ALABAMA, from page 7
“Keiland Williams, Stevan Ridley may get a little bit more of a look as well as No. 10 [Russell Shepard] and No. 8 [Trindon Holliday] as ball carriers.” Williams did not have a carry Saturday in Scott’s absence. Miles said the senior will still be an integral part of the LSU offense. “There was a place in the [Alabama] game where we would have liked to have tossed him the ball, and he would’ve run down the sideline unscathed,” Miles said. “It’s a read we’d like to have back. I can only tell you we are going to call his number as best we can and as often as we can.” Miles said true freshman fullback Dominique Allen may get some playing time, and he wants to maintain true freshman running back Michael Ford’s redshirt status. Miles said Alabama sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones’ 73-yard touchdown catch on a screen pass in the fourth quarter was a turning point in the game. The score gave Alabama a 21-15 lead with 10:24 to play. Sophomore defensive back Brandon Taylor played at cornerback on that play because Peterson was out of the game. Miles said the reason for the switch was because junior Jai Eugene “had a tweak.” “[Eugene] was pulled off because of injury, not because of play,” Miles said. “I don’t argue that part of the personnel. “Anytime I can get Brandon Taylor front side, it’s an advantage for us ... he’s one of those guys who is very comfortable at both spots.” LSU (7-2, 4-2) moved up from No. 9 to No. 8 in the BCS standings Sunday despite the loss. Alabama (9-0, 6-0) is No. 2. “It’s an interesting fact we go up in the BCS standings after a game we finished second to a very good Alabama team,” Miles said. “It speaks to the strength of play our team sees week-in and week-out.” Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Senior guard Allison Hightower calls for the ball as part of a layup drill during practice Nov. 2 in the PMAC.
... on both ends of the floor.” One familiar face who will not play for LSU in the exhibition game is senior point guard and 2009 cocaptain Andrea Kelly. Kelly suffered a foot injury at the end of October, and LSU coach Van Chancellor said her status is uncertain for the regular season
opener Nov. 15 at home against Centenary. “Kelly’s foot is not broken — we’re waiting for it to heal,” Chancellor said. “It’s put us a bit behind. The best thing for her is rest.” Hightower, the 2010 Southeastern Conference Preseason Player of the Year, is expected to start
the exhibition game along with junior point guard Latear Eason, junior guard Katherine Graham and sophomore forwards Courtney Jones and Taylor Turnbow. Jones played in every game for LSU as a freshman and ranked second on the team with 43 offensive rebounds. She underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery following the season. Eason is also coming off postseason surgery, as she injured her left collarbone in the second round of the 2009 NCAA tournament against Louisville. She started 19 games in her sophomore season, including the final 13 games — a span in which LSU went 9-4 — and averaged 3.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Turnbow was more of a defensive contributor for LSU in 2008 and finished second among SEC freshmen with 1.0 blocks per game. Graham was LSU’s leading rebounder last season, averaging five
per game. Chancellor said he is confident in the team’s defense. “I feel really good about our progress defensively,” Chancellor said. “We’ll be able to carry on this Lady Tiger tradition.” Hightower said one area of focus this fall has been transition defense. “Last year it was just horrible, but we’re finally getting that down,” she said. “We want to make sure we play this game [against Loyola] to get better, not just to blow them away or anything like that.” Chancellor said the exhibition will be a good benchmark for how far the Lady Tigers have come since last season. “They can get tired of going against each other,” Chancellor said. “We’ll see how they react to the crowd and the refereeing [Tuesday].” Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, november 10, 2009 PETERSON, from page 7
yards, including LSU’s first touchdown of the game. The 12-yard touchdown pass from Jefferson to Peterson was Peterson’s first touchdown reception as a Tiger. “I was just waiting for my chance to get in the game and see what I could do,” Peterson said. “I wanted to show [coach Les Miles] what I really could do and give him the confidence to put me in more.” Peterson was considered one of the top 25 wide receivers in the 2008 recruiting class, according to Rivals.com. But with a plethora of receivers on the LSU roster, Miles decided to make a change this season and move Peterson to tight end. “Les Miles came to me in the spring and asked me if I wanted to play tight end, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it,’” Peterson said. “It gives me a better chance to get on the field quicker.” Peterson has seen the field in every game the Tigers have played since he joined the team, but he hasn’t gotten many passes thrown his way. Most of Peterson’s playing time has been on special teams. Prior to Saturday’s performance, Peterson only caught two passes for 27 yards, both of which were during this season. Dickson is on the verge of breaking nearly every tight end receiving record at LSU and is currently tied with Brad Boyd for the most touchdowns in LSU history by a tight end with 10. “I feel like it’s a privilege for me to be here while he’s still here,” Peterson said. “To learn everything that he did and went through, and when he leaves, I can just pick up from where he left off.” Miles said he was impressed with the way Peterson played in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and he expects to see more of the same from Peterson in the future. “He certainly is a very dangerous receiver on the pass, and I think his career is really just starting,” Miles said on Monday. “He’s the kind of guy that will eventually be a first choice for us in a lot of the passing sets.” But Miles is also looking for Peterson to contribute as a blocker. “The tight end that can block it and get out on a pass and certainly challenge somebody vertically through the middle of the field is your greatest asset,” Miles said. Peterson said he’s not fully adjusted to the new position yet because he’s still learning how to block well enough to be a tight end. Peterson said his 220-pound frame faces a real challenge when he tries to block 290-pound linemen. “Right now, I’m nowhere near where I want to be,” Peterson said. “I’ve got [strength and conditioning coordinator Tommy] Moffitt with me, so next year I think I’ll be really bigger, faster and stronger than I was this year.”
Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com
TOURNAMENT, from page 7
seed North Carolina, while the Gators are the No. 3 seed in LSU’s bracket, the Florida State regional. “Luckily, us and South Carolina are both at home for the sake of the conference,” Lee said. “Those extra two or three days you spend in Orange Beach ... if you have to turn around and travel on Thursday, that’s a tough challenge.” LSU set out this season with hopes of championships in the SEC
regular season and conference tournament, as well as an appearance in the Sweet 16. The Tigers came agonizingly close to accomplishing the first two goals and finished as runners-up in both the regular season and the tournament. Hosting both the first and second rounds this weekend could go a long way toward helping them with the third. “It’s something that’s never been in Baton Rouge, so we’re
hoping the soccer community and the student body come out in numbers,” Lee said. The selection marks LSU’s third-straight appearance in the NCAA tournament. If the Tigers can advance past the first round, a game against either Memphis or Texas A&M would await on Sunday. “We have a great bracket — we have a great chance to advance pretty far,” said senior midfielder Melissa Clarke. Clarke and Rutledge led the
PAGE 11 Tigers in scoring this season and received on-air recognition from the selection coverage on ESPNews, a distinction Clarke dubbed as “pretty tight.” LSU opened the season with a 3-0 home loss to Memphis. The Tigers also played Texas A&M to a 0-0 draw in the team’s spring exhibition season. Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 12
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
FREEMAN OF SPEECH
Cao’s “Aye” vote likely to abort his political career “Bipartisan” health care legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives last Saturday. The quotes are necessary. This historic achievement was a result of a single Republican vote by a representative hailing from the most Democratic district in the nation, located 80 miles from Baton Rouge. Allow him to reintroduce himself. His name is Cao. The Obamacare/Pelosicare bill — depending on which right-wing nut you listen to — moves to the Senate with bipartisan support from the first Vietnamese-American member of Congress. In justifying his vote, Anh “Joseph” Cao — pronounced “Gao” — left the chamber feeling “both courageous and lonely,” according to the Times-Picayune. His vote was both courageous and lonely, but not nearly as lonely as he will feel in the lead-up to the 2010 midterm congressional elections.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Alternative energy necessary, nuclear power not Though I agree with Nathan Schull’s point that our world is in desperate need of strong climate change reform, I very much disagree with his view that the way to solve this global climate crisis is through nuclear energy. Though it is true nuclear power is a much safer alternative to the coal-burning power plants that make up the majority of our energy sources, the technology is simply not there for nuclear to be a viable energy alternative. In order for the U.S. and the world to make strides in energy efficiency, we must invest and develop renewable alternatives, like solar-, wind- and biofuels. According to Amory Lovins, a physicist with the Rocky Mountain Institute, nuclear power plants “cost too much to build and incur too much financial risk, and it would reduce and retard climate protection because it saves between two and 20 times less carbon per dollar, 20 to 40 times slower, than investing in efficiency and micropower.” The main problem with nuclear power and what makes it an unviable solution, is the disposal of it. There is no permanent waste solution, and
The story of Anh Cao’s political career began with a freezer full of cash and an embattled veteran Democrat facing bribery and corruption charges. When voters in New Orleans were presented with the devil they knew, nine-term incumbent Rep. William Jefferson, they rebelled and voted for the devil they didn’t know. Boosted by antipathy towards Jefferson and an increasingly vast Vietnamese community in New Orleans East, Cao defeated the incumbent, 50 percent, to Jefferson’s 47 percent. The last Republican to represent Louisiana’s 2nd district left office in 1891. The district is currently 60 percent black and voted for President Obama in 2008 by 75 percent. Cao’s election was nothing short of heroic — if by heroic, you mean a completely expected, fluke anomaly. Cao didn’t win his district. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary and rode the wave of rage
the “airtight” steel-and-concrete canisters in which waste is currently stored, such as in Haddam, Connecticut when the spent fuel pond of the Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company leaked water containing radioactive material. However, we have the technology available now to further develop alternative fuels, including wind and solar power. Wind provides a local, clean source of electricity with the potential to provide 20 percent of the U.S.’s electricity supply by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, even more if wind farms are built offshore, which can capture energy during the afternoon, when energy use is at its peak. Like wind, solar power only accounts for about 1 percent of the U.S.’s energy use, but has the potential for growth if the U.S. implements the “feed-in tariff” system of Europe, which shifts the burden of subsidizing green energy from taxpayers to electricity ratepayers and has allowed the solar industry in Germany and Spain to boom. With the Copenhagen climate conference in December, this is the perfect opportunity to tell our policymakers clean and renewable alternatives are necessary for our country to evolve economically, scientifically and environmentally.
Editorial Board JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT
Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor
ERIC FREEMAN JR.
Columnist
MARK MACMURDO
Columnist
Cao believed he could, “in good conscience,” vote for the health care bill while expanding discriminatory language against women’s reproductive rights. Cao could, “in good conscience,” vote for the health care bill because women will be prevented from buying private health insurance to cover abortion if they receive a subsidy for insurance and be prevented from getting an abortion covered if enrolled in the public option. He also waited for the right moment, meaning after the bill received enough votes to pass even without his vote. This clearly indicates he didn’t support health reform at all (not wanting to be an even bigger black sheep) but wanted to salvage any chance of re-election in an overwhelmingly Democratic district. Now Cao has sealed his political future. The Republican establishment is furious and probably won’t support him in the 2010 election, given he’ll probably lose anyway.
But his disingenuous vote for health reform, coupled with his vote for an unprecedented extension of antiabortion law, combine into an insurmountable political Catch-22. Instead of actively fighting for the needs of his constituents — 20 percent of New Orleanians are uninsured — Cao made his political move after the bill was passed, ensuring he wasn’t responsible for extending health coverage to more than 36 million Americans. Republicans won’t support him. New Orleans Democrats won’t reelect him. The “Cao” of some people. Eric Freeman Jr. is a 22-year-old political science senior from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_efreeman.
Contact Eric Freeman Jr. at efreeman@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
Caroline Gilchrist International studies sophomore and secretary of Envioronmental Conservation Organization at LSU
THE DAILY REVEILLE NICHOLAS PERSAC
elicited by Jefferson’s indictment. When it came time for voters to elect a representative, they picked the one not named “Jefferson.” Many make the same argument about Obama, especially in reference to his Nobel Peace Prize win, which critics claim he won “for not beEric Freeman Jr. ing Bush.” The only difference Columnist here is the indictment Jefferson received, while justice still hasn’t knocked on the door in Crawford, Texas. Cao claimed after his “aye” vote that he was trying to represent the best interests of his district. But his vote came after the approval of the Stupak Amendment, which enhances already existing laws preventing federal funds to be used for abortion. After the Stupak Amendment passed,
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
QUOTE OF THE DAY “We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.”
John F. Kennedy 35th President of the United States May 29, 1917 — Nov. 22, 1963
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
ANAGLOG AVENGER
Opinion
PAGE 13
America’s taste in music needs a bit more variety American Indians struggled during their assimilation into white, “civilized” culture. Difficulty articulating their native emotions using English words was among their many growing pains. How many pearls of wisdom – how much culture – were lost in translation? A universal language transcends these worldly boundaries, though many of us try to uphold them. It’s called “music,” and you needn’t study to understand it. Unfortunately, many Americans’ thirst for English lyrics – or any lyrics – keeps them from a great deal of experience and cultural enrichment. I was opening up the sandwich shop where I work last week at 6 a.m., slicing vegetables and listening to Brazilian music from the ’50s – not an English word in sight. The sun began to rise. I became so immersed I may as well
have been in the favela-slums marketplace, the coastal breeze at my back as the singer’s angelic Portuguese filled the air. The music was palpable. The words didn’t matter. They were just another instrument. I was slammed back into my body without warning when I heard a “BANG BANG BANG” on the window. It was the produce delivery guy coming to bring me the morning’s lettuce. The moment I let him in, he belted out in a surly American accent, “Elevator music, huh!?” I guess that’s one way to put it. I cringed through my laughter, because though he meant no harm, his dismissive attitude captures America’s insular nature toward music and, in turn, the rest of the world. This is not to say Bob Dylan’s message fell on deaf ears, but it may as well have. His music was simple, and his lyrics were
profound. But consider this: Without lyrics, it’s still music. Without a melody, it’s just spoken word – a poem like the millions that came before it. So why do so many people need lyrics to appreciate a song? Is it because their minds are not musical? No, Jack Johnson music is not esColumnist oteric – it’s the universal language, remember? Then what is it? What’s wrong with instrumentals? Why must a song be in English only? I would argue people need their thoughts directed. We’re so conditioned to media persuasion we need our songs to literally tell us what to think while listening. It’s easier that way. These lyrics can be beautiful and sometimes multi-tiered, but
they are, like our own thought process, bound by our understanding of the English language. And so, it is comforting for people to hear the wordy, less ambiguous message, wrapped neatly in a three-minute package and topped with a chorus-shaped bow – just to make sure they don’t forget to “Party in the USA,” “Lick Me Like a Lollipop” or “Take the Power Back.” America, as an island, is an inward-looking society, turning to itself for reinforcement of its own ideas. We make our own rules and often break them – victims of our own fickle, fair-weather device. After all, who was here before us, and from where did our ancestors arrive? Therein lies the irony: With these “other songs,” we are again asked to turn inward. Only this time, it’s not to our American pack-mentality. We have to look to ourselves for the words – to, in
a sense, “make up” our own lyrics. It’s a look in the mirror. And it compels a different degree of introspection – of “listening.” How unpatriotic, right? Perhaps we are afraid of what we might find if we tried. Perhaps it’s because when we helplessly knock at the door of our higherself, we find no one home. Different sounding music is a tribute to the variability of the human experience, not a chance to scoff at what we don’t take time to understand. There surely is a place and time for every song. It’s just not always here and now. Jack Johnson is a 23-year-old mass communication junior from Fort Worth, Texas. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_jjohnson.
Contact Jack Johnson at jjohnson@lsureveille.com
JUXTAPOSED NOTIONS
Facebook oversharers need serious reality check
I never realized how many people I hated until I joined Facebook. Sure, it’s a social networking site. I understand you’re going to post information about yourself. But there are some things I never want to know about you. Those things, which are either dull, offensive or simply moronic, are classified as Internet “overshare” — in other words, the tendency of 21st century humankind to ritualistically microblog inane drivel, grossly inappropriate details or self-deprecating humor designed specifically to invite compliments. Granted, my Facebook friends in particular have comparatively minimal instances of overshare compared to the Internet at large. The truly cringe-worthy Linnie Leavines specimens are Columnist only found in snarky blogs like “STFU, Parents” or the more inclusive “Lamebook,” both of which catalog the most appalling instances of social networking faux pas in recent history. Still, the effect of overshare is pervasive and annoying even to a remote witness. Oversharers, you know who you are. Stop it. I want to reach across the Internet and slap you, because the details you regale me with just don’t belong on a public forum. I could make a list of the things I could live without hearing. I shouldn’t know you’re pregnant before the “baby daddy” finds out.
If you’ve found another cow on Farmville, keep it to yourself. Quit thanking Jesus for your awesome parking spot. If your excretory organs are acting strangely, please refrain from gracing us with the intimate details. Are you getting the picture now? I don’t want to look at those new half-naked photos you took of your reflection in the bathroom mirror. I’m sure you’re quite impressed with your muscles — especially considering how the bathroom light throws them into impressive relief — but can’t we at least confine the narcissism to one album? And who could forget the most entertaining demographic — the heavily pregnant Facebook users? Honey, I don’t want to know how many centimeters you have dilated. The condition of your birth canal isn’t something I need to be informed about every few minutes. Though I must applaud your ability to simultaneously microblog and birth a baby — be sure to put that on your résumé. Don’t be mistaken. I’ll probably enjoy looking at pictures of your new kid — as long as they’re fully clothed, that is. Reading messy diaper stories, hearing about “bath time” mishaps and seeing their accompanying picture is something I will happily forego, along with hearing about how you plan to prepare and eat your placenta. If you have the bizarre culinary inclination to consume an organ that facilitates the expulsion of fetal waste, then have at it — just not where I have to hear about it. Remember, nothing is ever
truly deleted from the Internet. Nor will it ever be deleted from my brain, unfortunately. Which is probably why I’ve already hid 32 oversharers from my own newsfeed. I still gripe, despite the fact I’ve compartmentalized them to the point of no longer being bothered by them. Why, you ask? Probably because something perverse in me enjoys mocking other people. But I prefer to think this can serve a dual purpose as a
teachable moment. Let’s go with that. This column is just an extremely passive aggressive note from me to you, and if you think you recognize yourself in here, then you should immediately break yourself of your need to be validated over the Internet. It’s quite simple. It really is a redeemable situation, I assure you. Just use the examples I gave you as a guide to “what not to do.” But if you typeeee yourrrr
wordssss likeeee thissss, I’m not sure if I, or anyone else, can help you. Some things just can’t be fixed. Linnie Leavines is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Central City. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_lleavines.
Contact Linnie Leavines at lleavines@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Classifieds
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Help Wanted www.louiescafe.com Survey Takers Needed: Make $5-25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com Jump Rope Instructor/Coach needed for afterschool program. Double Dutch experience needed. Great pay rate. pat@ brclubs.org. STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. ESL Aide organizational skills, computer skills required--record keeping, placement testing, etc.5:00-9:00 P. M. Mon.Thurs. $7.50-$10.00 hr. Send resume mstaub@ccdiobr.org 225.242.0324 Don’t Miss This Opportunity! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours. Equal Opportunity Employer
for students. For more information apply in person or call 225-756-0470 Help Wanted: P/T Gift Wrappers Fun atmosphere, flexible schedule. Apply The Backpacker, 7656 Jefferson Hwy. or send resume to info@backpackerbr.com MD Technologies Inc. a BR based medical technology co, is seeking a highly energetic & motivated person for a P/ T Telemarketing position. Must have the ability to control a conversation professionally as well as have a professional phone manner with a clear speaking voice. Email resumes to ahenderson@ medtopia.com or fax 225-408-1805 TELEMKTG/ SKILLS Basketball Fan? Sales skils? Make commission selling LSU Basketball tickets. For more information email promotions@lsu.edu 225.578.6884 Earn Extra Money Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper. No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-9656520 ext127
For Sale
HOLIDAY HELP NOW! ** $15 BASE/appt ** Flex-day/wknd schedule Part-time and can be permanent. Customer sales/svc-conditions apply All ages 17+ 225-279-1691
Tiger Manor New 2 BR, 1 Bath, never occupied. Rent for $895/mo, Lease Purchase or buy for $125,900. Contact Jane St. Amant at Keller Williams - 225-937-6430 or 225.768.1800
Flexible Hours - Environmental Consulting and Engineering Firm seeking student proficient in excel and word to answer phones, file, and perform light office work. Flexible 20-25 hours/ week. Competitive salary. Located on Jefferson Hwy. off Highland Rd. Great opportunity for accounting or engineering student. E-mail resume to humanresources@ compliance-sg.com or fax to (225) 7540406.
Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor. com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.
new & trendy coffee shop “THE BARE BEAN” (LOCATED IN THE CATERIE PARKING LOT) ** TAKING APPLICATIONS FROM 1PM-3PM MON - FRI** 225.936.5682 Welsh’s Cleaners part-time counter help needed at CCL location at 17732 Highland Rd. at I-10 next to Blue Bayou, flexible hours, great
For Rent 3br/2ba house 5min from campus in MeadowBend with office. 1200/ mo 1200dep. pet friendly 225.931.8107 5252 Brightside View 3BR 2 BATH W/D $950 avail now/spring 9556480southlandpropertiesinc.com
1-2 bed APTs, near LSU, $450-$550 per month, Call Wang at 225-278-6621 or 225.278.6622 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. WalK To Campus 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 3BD/2BA HOME OFF BRIGHTSIDE @ 5037 AMBERALYNN DR $1750.00/ MONTH 5 MIN TO CAMPUS 225.276.0393 Townhouse available $600/mth 2br/2ba. Newly renovated w/ central air, fireplace, full kitchen. call 225.757.9120 WALK TO CLASS 1BR at 3265 Carlotta $395/mth 379-8653 2 BedRm/2.5 Bath Townhome Alrington Trace off Brightside. Spacious, small backyard, wash/ dryer, gated community. 2 bed & bath upstairs. Lease Dec. 1 or Jan. 1. $1150/ mo. 337.802.3064 LSU, TIGER PARK APT, 1&2BR Townhouse & flat, woodfloor, pool, busline, move-in special, $450-625/mo., 225.615.8521 Spacious 2 BR/2BA $945 MOST UTILITIES FREE www.tigerplazaliving.com 225.709.7000
Roommate Wanted Roommate Needed for Spring Semester 2010! 2 br/ 2 bath apartment at Indigo Park on Nicholson. 1400 square feet. Very upscale. $650/ month. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED! Please email movein2010@yahoo.com or call 318.235.1110 University View Condo female roommate for spring semester 2010. rent $450 +share of utilities. call Katie 281.468.7237 Roomate needed Arlington Plant $500/mo plus utilities (usually $65) 3Bed/3Bath. Near Campus, Bus-Route, Preferably Male. Darren 504-382-5603
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
Personals Are you a redhead girl? A guy looking for a cute / sexy redhead to spend time with. Email - NeedARedhead@live. com Be my mcsteamy! I’ve seen you in biology and you have the best (grey’s) anatomy I’ve ever seen! I’ll be wearing my pink scrubs all this week, come find me and maybe we can be a mccouple! pinkscrubs88@yahoo.com Freakishly Tall Guy wanted : Well endowed 20 yr old is tired of wearing flats. Facial hair is awesome but not necessary. Must like football. Send a message to blueeyedsaintsfan@yahoo.com SENIOR GUY looking for a southern girl for intelligent conversation and good company. Let’s start casual and see where it goes. lsuguy87@yahoo.com 18 yr old christian female looking my angel. Must be able to hold an intelligent conversation and make me laugh. No creeps please. cat_rawr@hotmail.com SOCCER BEAUTY
u stole my heart and scored a goal. #5 your the half that makes me whole. if u want to give me a chance please reply at soccerfan985@gmail.com 19 yr. old male teddy bear looking for a female to relax with. Must love movies. No weirdo’s need respond. bemyteddybear2009@gmail.com Big Country here looking for a southern belle to keep me company fishing in the dark. I like 4 wheeling, horseback riding and horseplayin. Give me a holler down on the farm. (225) 235-8926 CHALLENGE: l’m looking for an attractive GENTLEMAN (20-24) to sweep my cousin off her feet from her “tool” of a boyfriend. She is a hottie with a body. So guys if your up for the challenge, please contact: cousin_in_need@yahoo.com
Miscellaneous Don’t Settle For B’s Grad Schools & Employers Look at Transcripts. Visit www. mmwritingconsultants.com. Oxford, MS weekend rentals Going to Oxford for the game? www.oxfordtownhouse.com 662.801.6692
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE SERVICE, from page 1
students had to sign a form acknowledging the field requirement to the class, said Amy Ko, a biological sciences senior in the course. “I had canoed before, so I was pretty comfortable,” she said. Each lab report the students complete requires a trip to the field, but the classes focused on the service-learning component of the course this week by doing initial research about wood duck nesting habitats. Later classes will compare the boxes’ usage and efficiency based on the factors students measured, Effler said. Other excursions have involved collecting insects and
SETTLING, from page 1
Alshibli said. “Every time water is squeezed out, the building settles more.” Alshibli said soft soil is susceptible to moisture changes, and the delayed settlement can cause cracks and even foundation damage. Sofranko said the most common structural problems he finds in Baton Rouge appear when people do not properly compact the soft soil. “Literally, it comes down to pounding the soil down, compressing it and compacting it,” Sofranko said.
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measuring invasive species in Bluebonnet Swamp, said Jesse Beckemeyer, biological sciences senior. Many of the wood duck boxes were installed by private individuals while others were put in place several years ago by members of the University’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho, a national agricultural fraternity, Effler said. “We’ve received a lot of support from the community,” she said. People who have personally installed boxes have expressed interest in having them evaluated by the classes as well, Effler said. Other initiatives ecology classes have undertaken include planting cypress trees around the refuge to
increase native plant diversity and widen the land edge, Effler said. On July 8, students in the ecology lab summer session conducted invasive species studies at Bluebonnet Swamp, said Alyssa Hakes, biological sciences doctoral student and lab instructor. The summer project allowed students to examine whether invasive-species removal projects previous classes have conducted were beneficial, Hakes said. Students found the removal and replacement projects were effective, she said.
The cracking caused by longterm building settlements can allow greater water penetration, in turn creating more expansion and cracking, Sofranko said. He said caulking and routine active maintenance are important to prevent damage. Almost all the building facades on campus sport splitting hairline fractures from expansion and building settlement, most noticeable in the long white veins around the Quad. In the past, Favaloro said the cracks were treated with a clear caulk which turned white when exposed to ultra violet light. Favaloro said Facility Services now uses a
better material not susceptible to UV light and uses a coloring agent and sand mixtures to blend with campus stucco. Favaloro said he did not have an exact dollar value for dealing with this sort of damage, but it could cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars over years of repair. The repairs are also labor-intensive because of the detail and attention to architectural designs needed and can cost hundreds of man hours in a year.
Contact Olga Kourilova at okourilova@lsureveille.com
Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com
Tuesday, november 10, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
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