The Daily Reveille - July 14, 2009

HOT TRENDS Students keep cool with money-saving fashions, page 3.

COLEMAN SIGNS

LSU former starting pitcher Louis Coleman signs contract with KC Royals, page 5.

THE DAILY REVEILLE Vampire Weekend Summer Edition

WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Volume 113, Issue 150

HEALTH

NEWS Students choose the name “Tiger Trails” for new bus system, page 3.

University confirms student has H1N1

HBO’s “True Blood” comes to Clinton, La., to film

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

Trash lined the streets, panties hung from the statues and graffiti stained the walls of downtown Clinton on Friday afternoon.

Mardi Gras didn’t come early — the cast and crew of HBO’s hit show “True Blood” were in town, filming scenes for the 10th episode of the show’s second season.

At sunrise, crew members transformed Clinton’s quaint town center into Bon Temps, the fictional Louisiana town where the series is set.

Its littered, disruptive look was for a yet-to-be-revealed plot twist.

“True Blood” follows feisty, mind-reading waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and her relationship with the dashing Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) — a 173year-old vampire. In Sookie’s world, vampires have “come out of the coffin” thanks to a newly developed synthetic blood drink that allows them to survive without human blood.

But not all vampires choose to give up humans cold turkey — making Bon Temps a dangerous place to live.

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

The University’s first case of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, was confirmed Monday. The student is in recovery off campus, and no classes or scheduled events have been canceled.

“The LSU Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the campus community for cases of swine flu and has been doing so ever since the initial outbreak in Mexico,” said University Spokeswoman Kristine Calongne in an email to The Daily Reveille.

Calongne said the University has been posting updates and messages to both the LSU homepage and a special swine flu Web page to keep the campus community informed.

“LSU has also informed students that they can go to the Student Health Center if they feel ill, and that they should immediately be checked by a doctor if they experience flu-like symptoms,” Calongne said.

East Baton Rouge Parish had 34 confirmed cases of swine flu as of July 2.

VAMPIRES, see page 4

lsureveille.com

ZAC LEMOINE / The Daily Reveille

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Nelsan Ellis, who plays Lafayette Reynolds on “True Blood,” stands against the graffitied background of Clinton, La.

Log on to see the “True Blood” cast and crew discuss filming in La.

photos by ZAC LEMOINE / The Daily Reveille

[Top] Anna Paquin, who plays Sookie Stackhouse, talks with reporters between takes. (Bottom) Ryan Kwanten talks with fans and signs autographs on the set in Clinton, La.

ENTERTAINMENT

Voodoo Music Experience returns to Halloween Tulane game, Carlotta also scheduled Oct. 31

By David Helman Contributing Writer

BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

Stone Temple Pilots guitarist Dean DeLeo plays Oct. 24 at last year’s Voodoo Music Experience.

In addition to Carlotta Street and Death Valley, LSU students have the chance to spend their Halloween in New Orleans’ City Park with 100,000 Voodoo Fest goers.

The Voodoo Music Experience will once again fall on Halloween this year, as Steve Rehage, former LSU safety and founder of the Voodoo Experience, has booked the festival’s 11th edition for Oct.

30, 31 and Nov. 1.

“There’s about three cities that have a certain appeal on Halloween — New Orleans, New York and San Francisco,” Rehage said. “We wanted to move [Voodoo] back to Halloween ... there’s a certain appeal to tourists.”

Voodoo began in 1999 as a one-day concert that drew roughly 8,000 fans and has since spawned into a three-day, sixstage event, attended by more than 100,000 fans in 2007.

“It’s been amazing,” Rehage said.

“We’ve had our ups and downs. We had to rebuild the whole thing after Hurricane Katrina. It’s been an interesting experience to say the least.”

The festival’s 11th edition allows for a true return to its Halloween roots, as this year marks only the second time it has fallen on the actual date of Halloween.

This year’s lineup features Kiss, Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, the Flaming Lips and many others. Widespread Panic — who are famous for their Halloween concerts in New Orleans — will also be featured as a main attraction.

“About six or seven festivals have popped up since Voodoo started — Bonnaroo, Coachella — they call it the festival circuit, and they all have a lot of the same bands,” Rehage said. “The idea this year VOODOO, see page 4

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 2

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Belfast Catholics Budget deficit tops riot over Protestant $1 trillion for first time parade BELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Masked and hooded Belfast Catholics hurled gasoline bombs, fireworks and other makeshift weapons at police Monday as the most bitterly divisive day on the Northern Ireland calendar reached an ugly end. Several rioters and at least seven officers were injured, none seriously, when Irish nationalists in Ardoyne, a militant Catholic enclave of north Belfast, tried to block a parade by the Orange Order, Northern Ireland’s major Protestant brotherhood. Tens of thousands of Orangemen spent Monday mounting hundreds of similar parades across this British territory, almost all of them trouble-free, in an annual stress test for the province’s fragile peace.

More than 1,000 Orangemen and their accompanying bandsmen eventually did march down the main road past Ardoyne to the beat of a lone drum — but only after riot police fought an hourlong street battle backed by a surveillance helicopter and three massive mobile water cannons.

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nine months into the fiscal year, the federal deficit has topped $1 trillion for the first time. The imbalance is intensifying fears about higher interest rates and inflation, and already pressuring the value of the dollar. There’s also concern about trying to reverse the deficit — by reducing government spending or raising taxes — in the midst of a harsh recession. The Treasury Department said Monday that the deficit in June totaled $94.3 billion, pushing the total since the budget year started in October to nearly $1.1 trillion. The deficit has been propelled by the huge sum the government has spent to combat the recession and financial crisis, combined with a sharp decline in tax revenues. Paying for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also is a major factor. The country’s soaring deficits are making Chinese and other foreign buyers of U.S. debt nervous, which could make them

reluctant lenders down the road. It could force the Treasury Department to pay higher interest rates to make U.S. debt attractive longerterm. “These are mind boggling numbers,” said Sung Won Sohn, an economist at the Smith School of Business at California State University. “Our foreign investors from China and elsewhere are starting to have concerns about not only the value of the dollar but how safe their investments will be in the long run.” Government spending is on the rise to address the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and an unemployment rate that has climbed to 9.5 percent. Congress already approved a $700 billion financial bailout and a $787 billion economic stimulus package to try and jump-start a recovery, and there is growing talk among some Obama administration officials that a second round of stimulus may be necessary. This has many Republicans and deficit hawks worried that the U.S. could be setting itself up for more financial pain down the road if interest rates and inflation surge. They also are raising alarms about additional spending the administration is proposing, including its plan to reform

Sotomayor vows impartiality if confirmed to court WASHINGTON (AP) — Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court nominee in history, vowed loyalty to “the impartiality of our justice system” Monday, confronting Republican skeptics at Senate hearings suffused with racial politics but all but certain to lead to her confirmation. “My personal and professional experiences help me to listen and understand, with the law always commanding the result in every case,” the 55-year old Sotomayor said in her first substantive remarks in public since President Barack Obama nominated her seven weeks ago. Her comments amounted to a polite but firm rebuttal to Republicans who have criticized her 2001 comment that a “wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences” might make better rulings than a white male. Despite GOP misgivings, Democrats command a large majority in the committee and the Senate as a whole, and there seemed virtually no doubt about the ultimate outcome. “Un-

TODAY ON

lsureveille com See a slideshow of photos from the “True Blood” set in Clinton, La. on Friday.

less you have a complete meltdown, you’re going to get confirmed,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C..., told her.

“And I don’t think you will” have a meltdown, he added quickly as Sotomayor sat listening, her face in a half-smile. She’ll answer questions Tuesday following Monday’s day of speechmaking by committee members and her own five-minute statement. Unlike senators who will vote on her appointment, Sotomayor made no overt reference to her place in history as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents who moved to New York.

RON EDMONDS / The Associated Press

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor delivers her opening statement on Capitol Hill in Washington on Monday, July 13.

Weather

Read a story about how the University’s budget cuts will affect jobs, programs and see the LSU System’s full budget cut plan.

TODAY

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NOW HIRING BROADCAST SALES EXECUTIVES LSU Student Media is now hiring students interested in working with advertising and underwriting with KLSU & Tiger TV. Contact Emanuel at BroadcastSales@KLSUradio.fm

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MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

Log on to see pictures of the old and new state capitols in downtown Baton Rouge and the Huey P. Long bridge.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

Campus Crime Briefs UNIVERSITY STUDENT ARRESTED FOR DWI A 23-year-old University student was arrested for driving while intoxicated, driving with an open container of alcohol and improper lane usage at about 2 a.m. on July 8.

An officer saw Kristen A. Oaks, of 5517 Arialo Drive, Baton Rouge, swerve into the shoulder on Nicholson Drive, said LSU Police Department Spokesman Sgt. Blake Tabor.

The officer stopped Oaks, and she failed all field sobriety tests, Tabor said.

Oaks refused to take a breath alcohol test. She was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

UNIVERSITY STAFF MEMBER ARRESTED AFTER CAR CRASH A University staff member was arrested because of outstanding warrants for contempt of court after being involved in a car crash on July 7 at about 1 p.m.

Officers were called to the athletic physical plant parking lot after James R. Weathers II, 28, of 3930

Tyrone Drive, Baton Rouge, was involved in a car crash, Tabor said.

Officers discovered he was driving with expired insurance, a suspended drivers license and several outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Weathers was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He is a horticulture attendant for the Athletic Department.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT ARRESTED FOR SIMPLE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA A 44-year-old University student was arrested for simple possession of marijuana on July 7 at about 9 p.m.

An officer was driving behind Earnest K. Britton, of 859 Aster Street, Baton Rouge, when he saw Britton was driving without working taillights, Tabor said.

The officer stopped Britton and discovered his driver’s license was suspended and he didn’t have an inspection sticker. The officer then saw a marijuana smoking pipe in Britton’s car, prompting a search.

The officer found another pipe

in the car, along with a small amount of marijuana, Tabor said.

Britton was issued a misdemeanor summons and released for simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

His car was impounded because he didn’t have insurance.

MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA A 45-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested on July 8 at about 7:20 p.m. for simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and remaining after being forbidden.

An officer saw Kenneth Womack, of 1125 West Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, make a possible drug purchase at the intersection of Chimes Street and Highland Road. The officer recognized Womack as someone who has been banned from campus before, and approached him, Tabor said.

Weathers ran from the officer, but was eventually caught on State Street, Tabor said. The officer found a small amount of marijuana on Womack, along with a metal crack pipe, a glass crack pipe and a push rod for a crack pipe, Tabor said.

Womack was issued a misdemeanor summons and released. He had been banned from campus eight times before his arrest on the 8th.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DWI A 50-year-old University man was arrested for driving while intoxi-

cated, careless operation of a motor vehicle and driving with no taillights at about 1 a.m. on July 6.

An officer patrolling Nicholson Drive saw Jeffrey C. Isaac, of 415 South 20th Street, Baton Rouge, driving without working taillights, Tabor said.

The officer stopped Isaac and smelled alcohol on his breath. Isaac failed all field sobriety tests, Tabor said.

Isaac refused to take a breath alcohol test. He was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA A 23-year-old man unaffiliated with the University was arrested on July 10 at about 5 a.m. for simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

An officer saw a vehicle that struck a tree at the intersection of Nicholson and North Shore drives at about 5 a.m. The driver was Jon L. Shoulders, of 112 Annandale Parkway, East Madison, Miss. The officer called EMS, but there were no serious injuries.

The officer smelled alcohol on Shoulders and questioned him about it, Tabor said. Shoulders said he only had two beers. Shoulders then failed all field sobriety tests.

Shoulders was brought to LSUPD, where a breath alcohol test registered Shoulders at .132 — more

PAGE 3 than the legal limit.

Officers searched Shoulders and found a small amount of marijuana and a glass marijuana smoking pipe, Tabor said.

Shoulders was booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

THREE MEN ARRESTED AFTER PRANK A University student and two men unaffiliated with the University were arrested after a failed prank near the Student Health Center on July 9 at about 1 p.m.

James P. Geaghan, 23, of 372 Rodney Drive, Baton Rouge, pulled a knife on two men after they tried to put a parking ticket they found on the ground on his car parked outside the Student Health Center as a joke, Tabor said.

The two men — David C. Coleman, 20, of 9985 Bunting Drive, Baton Rouge, and Jared P. Bourque, of 41201 Little Place, Gonzales, La. — were walking back from Wendy’s when they found the ticket. When Geaghan pulled the knife on them, the two ran away, and Geaghan went back into the Student Health Center.

Officers eventually brought the three into LSUPD, where Geaghan was arrested for aggravated assault.

Coleman and Bourque were arrested for criminal mischief, Tabor said.

They were each issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

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

FASHION

Economy affects summer trends Students accessorize over buying outfits

By Mary Walker Baus Contributing Writer

While fashion trends for male students remain pretty much the same from summer to summer, the fashion trends for females change faster than the time it takes to start sweating in the sweltering Louisiana heat.

To keep cool, maxi dresses, floral prints and gladiator sandals were among the biggest trends last summer, and they remain in style this summer as well.

“Because of the economy, people don’t produce fashion forward stuff [right now],” said Jordan Gremillion, assistant manager of Vertigo Clothing on Lee Drive. “[The trends of last year] were mass produced for this year. Vendors are staying with what’s safe.”

The economy has affected the

fashion industry in many ways, and with clothing stores stocking the same styles as last summer, a good way to make a new outfit is through accessorizing.

“When it comes to spending less money, it seems people are spending more money on accessories to mix up their traditional clothing more,” said Lisa McRoberts, human ecology assistant professor of apparel design. “Instead of having a specific look, you have more of a personalized look. That’s what everyone’s moving toward, a more personalized expression of themselves. The more unique, the better.”

Simple styles like jean shorts or a colorful knit dress can be revamped with statement necklaces, floral or feathered headbands, scarves on handbags, straw fedora hats and bright shoes.

“We are seeing a lot of gladiator sandals this summer, especially with fringes on them,” Lisette Lemarie, Lacoste Visual Merchandiser at 24Seven Talent, said in an e-mail.

“Fringes on anything is actually a big trend.”

With the weight of the economy pressing hard on consumers’ shoulders, the on-going trend of light fabrics is at least keeping students cool.

“For summer, we have a lot of cotton sun-dresses,” said Victoria Simoneaux, marketing junior and sales associate at Tattle Tales Clothing and Accessories on Highland Road. “We go for cooler stuff considering the climate ... sleeveless, strapless, tank tops, cotton and knit, nothing too heavy.”

McRoberts said natural fabrics such as cotton or linen will keep students cool. Alternatives like rayon, microfiber and COOLMAX will also keep people cool because they trap and repel sweat.

For men, McRoberts said she has seen a return to the nautical style, but in a different way. She said men’s clothing is marketing a look in between dressy and casual, but that this look is not likely to come to the South.

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Victoria Simoneaux, marketing junior, fixes a mannequin with a dress she said is suitable for warm weather at Tattle Tales Clothing and Accessories on Friday afternoon.

“I wear this [T-shirt and black jeans] in winter and summer,” said Ryan Gautreaux, electrical engineering senior. “I don’t let [trends] affect me.”

Styles for women, such as highwaisted skirts, knit dresses, gladiator sandals and rompers of every color, can be found in many of the boutiques around the University’s cam-

pus and on University students.

“I wear dresses during the summer,” said Julie Howard, studio art senior. “Whatever’s comfortable and cool.”

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

TRANSPORTATION

Students vote to name new system ‘Tiger Trails’

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

LSU’s new bus system will be named Tiger Trails, according to Noah Miller, director of transportation for Student Government.

Nearly 2,500 students, faculty and staff voted on the new

name via an Internet survey, Facebook and Twitter.

Tiger Trails amassed 47.3 percent of the vote with 1149 votes, followed by Easy Geaux (33.4 percent) and Geaux Tiger (19.3 percent).

Easy Geaux was the more popular vote on both Facebook and Twitter but was second most

popular on the survey. There were 214 votes via Facebook and 57 votes on Twitter.

Students accounted for 57 percent of the survey vote with 1238 votes and faculty and staff had the remaining 43 percent with 919 votes.

Gary Graham, director of University Parking, Traffic and

Transportation, said the public relations department can now focus on the new logo for the busses.

“Now that we have a name, we know what to design,” Graham said. “There probably won’t be a vote on that because of time constraints, though.”

Ernie Ballard, senior media relations editor, said the design

process will be similar to the system they had for Easy Streets with a Web site and brochures.

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

PAGE 4 VOODOO, from page 1

was to go out of the box, so it’s a bit of an off-kilter lineup.”

Rehage said uniting with Widespread Panic on Halloween is a goal he’d been trying to accomplish since 1999.

Some students feel the choices of top acts could keep them from attending.

“I don’t really know any of their songs, I just know who they are,” said Jamal James, communication studies senior. “It doesn’t make me feel like ‘Oh my god I have to go.’”

Others are more optimistic.

“It’s a badass lineup,” said Shaun Vicknair, construction man-

VAMPIRES, from page 1

This isn’t “Twilight” — the violence is brutal, and the sex is explicit.

A creepy gumbo of mystery, dark humor, romance and Louisiana culture, the season premiere of “True Blood” on June 14 attracted more viewers than any other HBO show since the series finale of “The Sopranos” two years ago.

“True Blood” was created by Alan Ball, the man behind HBO’s popular, Emmy Award-winning series “Six Feet Under” and the Academy Award-winning film “American Beauty,” and is based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

While the show is shot mainly on a sound stage in Los Angeles, the cast and crew spent some time filming in Shreveport for its first season.

“It’s really important for [the actors] to get a chance to come and

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

agement senior. “I have not made it to Voodoo yet, but it’s a high possibility this’ll be my first trip ... If you go in with an open mind you’re going to enjoy it.”

A large factor in determining student attendance, regardless of the lineup, is football.

“It’s a big deal not just for the students, but all of south Louisiana,” Rehage said. “I’d just assume have it on an LSU off week whenever possible.”

Voodoo fell on LSU bye weeks in 2006 and 2007, but has often occurred on the same weekend as a home football game, like last season when Georgia came to town during Voodoo.

Voodoo’s growth as a national spectacle can be evidenced around the South, as schools from outside Louisiana are concerned with losing fans to the festival.

“I’ve even had the president at the University of Alabama call and check our dates,” he said. “They scheduled their homecoming on the same day as the festival, and they didn’t sell any tickets. Everyone was here.”

Music and football must conflict once again this season, though the opponent is Tulane, a game students may be more willing to miss.

“It just depends on what game it is,” James said. “If it’s Tulane, you can head down. But if it’s an SEC

game, then no.”

Rehage likely wouldn’t want to miss a conference game either. He helped the Tigers to one of their 10 Southeastern Conference championships in 1986.

His hard-hitting style was welldocumented, as he piled up “about 11 concussions” during a four-year career.

“He was a kamikaze,” said Verge Ausberry, senior associate athletic director. “I used to play kickoff coverage with him, and it was like he was in on every tackle ... Steve was one of LSU’s toughest players.”

Ausberry said Rehage “always” keeps up with his teammates, and many former players often make

trips to the Essence Festival and Voodoo to catch up.

“It’s a bond you never lose. I probably get about 150 calls a year from teammates who want tickets to Essence or to Voodoo,” Rehage said.

Rehage knows “football is king in Louisiana,” but said he hopes the favorable football schedule will bolster attendance.

The Voodoo Experience has only experienced “about three or four cancelations in 10 years,” and fans of all ages can expect a full lineup.

be in Louisiana, feel the heat, see the town,” said executive producer Gregg Fienberg.

Fienberg said he would like to return to filming in Clinton if the show is picked up for a third season.

“We were looking for a town that had a nice, small town feel like our town of Bon Temps is supposed to have,” Fienberg said.

Cast and crew members were in Louisiana through Monday, filming the final scenes of season two in and around the Baton Rouge area.

“It’s beautiful down here,” Paquin said. “Nothing really looks like the South except the South ... It’s really important to come down here and capture it.”

Paquin, a New Zealand native, and the other actors worked with a dialect coach to nail their Louisiana twang for the show.

Last year, Paquin won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an

Actress in a TV Series - Drama for playing Sookie in “True Blood” — a role she loves.

“She gets to do everything,” Paquin said. “She’s in on the action, she’s in the romance, she has ... every kind of plot line you can imagine.

I get to do everything — it’s so much fun.”

Ryan Kwanten, who plays Sookie’s wild, often misguided brother Jason, and Nelsan Ellis, who plays the eccentric short-order cook and drug dealer Lafayette Reynolds in the show, were also in Clinton on Friday.

“The whole atmosphere is suited for what we do, and the sound stage isn’t,” Ellis said.

Ellis said he likes talking to locals — listening to their accents and trying to absorb their “Louisiana swagger.”

Wes Brown, a Baton Rouge native and University alumnus, is in

six episodes of the show this season, playing Jason’s church camp roommate.

Clinton business owner Caston Harrell had plenty of “True Blood” crew members in his shop — Feliciana Delights — on Friday.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Harrell said.

“There’s been a lot of people here — a lot of good people. It’s great for business.”

Harrell said most of the crew he spoke with hated the heat, but loved the crawfish pasta and meat pies he served them.

“I think they chose a great town,” Harrell said. “I think it’ll be great for the town. The town needs it.”

Harrell said part of what makes Clinton so attractive is its rich history and quintessential Southern charm.

Most of its buildings date back to the Civil War era, including his shop, which was built in 1838.

“True Blood” isn’t Clinton’s first brush with Hollywood either. Parts of “The Dukes of Hazzard” movie were filmed there in 2005 as well as in Baton Rouge — which has what looks to be a booming film industry itself because of tax incentives it offers film and television projects.

“Hosting this very popular TV series has an extremely positive impact both economically and in positioning our region as a major film location,” said Baton Rouge MayorPresident Kip Holden. “On behalf of the people of Baton Rouge, I think I can safely say we look forward to having ‘True Blood’ and its cast of vampires in our city for as long as they would like to live among us.”

“True Blood” airs Sundays on HBO at 8 p.m.

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

BASEBALL

Coleman signs pro contract with K.C.

Sports

Cross Country

By Staff Reports Former LSU pitcher Louis Coleman agreed to a professional contract Monday with the Kansas City Royals organization.

The 2009 Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year and All-American will report to the Royal’s Class A affiliate, the Burlington (Iowa) Bees.

The Royals drafted Coleman in the fifth round of last month’s draft.

Coleman returned to LSU for his senior season after being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 14th round of last year’s draft.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri credited Coleman all season as a team leader and a big part of the Tigers’ national championship run.

“Louis’ return was certainly a major factor in our drive to national championship,” Mainieri said in a news release Monday.

“It’s difficult to put into words how valuable he was to our program. He is a great pitcher, but he is also a young man of faith and character. We will miss him very much, and I know he is destined for future success.”

Coleman threw the first and last pitches of LSU’s 2009 campaign, starting the first game in the new Alex Box Stadium and clinching the Tigers’ national title with three ninth-inning strikeouts.

The Schlater, Miss., native was 4-0 with a 2.79 in five starts and seven appearances in postseason play.

Coleman received his agricultural business degree in May. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

Ben Alsup LSU pitcher

13: ‘We have kids from all over the country and big name schools.’

PAGE 5

LSU baseball players travel around the nation to keep their skills sharp in summer leagues, begin pro careers in the minors 17

16

Nolan Cain former LSU pitcher

19: ‘It’s always been a dream of mine to ... play professional baseball.’

7-11

5-6

2-4 12-13 18

14-15

19

1 - summer league locations

graphic by ELLEN ZIELINSKI /

- minor league hometowns ALASKA BASEBALL LEAGUE: 1. Chris Matulis - Anchorage Bucs PROSPECT LEAGUE: 2. Shane Riedie - Hannibal Caveman (injured) 3. Grant Dozard - Hannibal Caveman 4. Matt Gaudet - Hannibal Caveman 5. Austin Nola - Danville Dans 6. Mikie Mahtook - Danville Dans CAPE COD LEAGUE: 7. Micah Gibbs - Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 8. Austin Ross - Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 9. Tyler Hanover - Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 10. Leon Landry - Harwich Mariners 11. Daniel Bradshaw - Harwich Mariners VALLEY LEAGUE: 12. Johnny Dishon - Staunton Braves 13. Ben Alsup - Luray Wranglers COASTAL PLAIN LEAGUE: 14. Wet Delatte - Fayetteville Swampdogs 15. Spencer Mathews - Thomasville HiToms CLASS A MINOR LEAGUE TEAMS 16. Louis Coleman: Iowa - Burlington Bees 17. Sean Ochinko: New York - Auburn Doubledays 18. Jared Mitchell: North Carolina - Kannapolis Intimidators 19. Nolan Cain: Florida - Lakeland Flying Tigers

The Daily Reveille

freshmen who didn’t play much during the season, to gain experience against the best competition in the country.

The familiar pings of the metal “It’s important because it’s repetibats aren’t being heard in Alex Box tion,” Mainieri said. “The more you Stadium right now. play this game, if you go about your But the crack of business the right way, wooden Louisville you should improve.

Sluggers and the popI’ve felt that players ping of the mitts of the always come back to Tigers can be heard our team in the fall as across the country as a better player than summer ball is well when they left because under way. you get the experience Fifteen Tigers are of playing … 40 games across the country, in the summer.”

Paul Mainieri from Alaska to MasPlayers get picked LSU baseball coach sachusetts, playing in for the league by their summer leagues with college coaches and college players from across the na- the people who run the teams in the tion. various summer leagues.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri said it’s SUMMER, see page 7 a great way for the players, especially

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

‘‘

‘It’s important because it’s repition.

The more you play this game ... you should improve.’

GYMNASTICS

Back problems could end Schwitkis’ career at LSU Fitness is Tigers’ key summer focus

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

LSU gymnast Staci Schwitkis performs on the balance beam Feb. 27 against Arkansas.

The LSU gymnastics team relied on the stability of the middle of their lineup last season to return to the Super Six after early-season injuries knocked sophomore Nicole Lyons and former Tiger Lauren Klein, two mainstays in various appara-

tuses for the Tigers, out for the season.

The Tigers received news last week that one of the anchors of the middle of the vault and bars lineups may not be able to help hold down the middle any more.

Junior Staci Schwitkis may see her career come to an early end due to back injuries that have plagued her for the past few years, LSU coach D-D Breaux said.

The 2009 All-American on vault averaged a 9.827 on the apparatus for the season and finished No. 10 in the national championships. She also averaged a 9.770 on the bars.

“She will be a huge loss to us,” Breaux said. “She has fought the battle with her back for two years, but it’s gotten to the point where it’s painful every day for her. We decided that we are going to put her on a medical [redshirt] and let her contribute to the team in other ways.”

Breaux said the most important thing the team is focusing on right now is getting the rest of the team completely healthy.

“The injuries that we have to push INJURIES, see page 6

PAGE 6

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

MY OPINION

Expect Cards to ride hot second half to World Series Watch for Yankees to take AL crown

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

With the 2009 All-Star Game tonight, here’s a look into my crystal ball for the second half of the season.

NL CENTRAL Oh, Cubbies, you never fail to disappoint.

Sure, you are only 3 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central behind the Cardinals, but you have a 16-25 road record. You simply can’t have that terrible of a record in road games and expect to make it to the playoffs.

I mean, even if you do, you won’t go anywhere. Anything new?

Well, there’s always next year.

Or the year after that. Oh, hell, something good may happen within the next 100 years.

The Cardinals, backed by MVP candidate Albert Pujols’ 60 plus home runs at the end of the season, will take the Central.

And now a look at the rest of the league.

INJURIES, from page 5

through in the season, we try to get those things well,” Breaux said.

But while the loss may hurt the team, the Tigers are looking forward to the addition of three freshmen to next season’s roster – Kaleigh Dickson, Janelle Garcia and Shelby Prunty.

All three are on campus getting adjusted to life in college. Garcia in particular has to get used to being in a classroom after being home schooled since third grade.

Senior Susan Jackson said it’s good to have the freshmen on campus with the team so everyone can get adjusted to one another before official team practices begin in late September.

“Once preseason comes along, we are together all the time,” Jackson said. “It’s good for them to come into school and learn the campus …

We won’t have the same clutter [as in the summer] coming into preseason when we are trying to get all of our skills and routines as we come back into the gym.”

Although their season ended less than three months ago with a sixth place finish in the Super Six, the team has been doing some outside work to keep in shape and get healthy for the upcoming season.

The majority of their work right now as conditioning and weight training in the early morning with a little of “open gym” practice in the afternoons, said senior Summer Hubbard.

“In order to maintain fitness, we run,” Hubbard said. “Floor routines and bar routines, those are a whole minute and a half of hardcore cardio, so we have to maintain that. Come preseason, if we’re in good enough shape, all of our gymnastics will be there. It’s just muscle memory at that point.”

Hubbard is also doing work in

NL EAST Well, what a mess we have here. Two of the most disappointing teams in all of baseball behind the Cubs — the Braves and the Mets — are still only 6 and 6 1/2 games out of first place, respectively. Too bad that whole Jeff Francoeur for Ryan Church trade won’t work for either of them, as both will fail to win the division or a wild card.

The defending champion Philadelphia Phillies will take the division, and Jimmy Rollins will break out of his “is he really doing that bad?” slump eventually to hit his way to a more respectable .250 (he’s currently hovering around the Mendoza Line at .220).

NL WEST The Dodgers will run away with the division.

A surprising Giants team takes the NL wild card backed by amazing starting pitching.

Manny will grow wings and fly away. Trust me, it’s better for everyone.

Bigger question: Who is worse for his team — Manny or T.O.?

AL EAST There’s all this talk about the Yankees and Red Sox in the East. preparation of the possibility of becoming an all-around gymnast. She didn’t compete in vault last season but competed in every other apparatus, earning First-Team All-American on bars.

The St. Petersburg, Fla., native said she has to be healthy and in shape to compete in all four apparatuses, so right now she is working on the basics to prepare herself.

But what I think is more pertinent issue here is Blue Jays’ ace Roy Halladay. There have been talks about him being traded to the Yankees, and I can see that happening.

He is a great pitcher, and the Yankees would be more than willing to spend even more money to ensure a spot in the playoffs.

Year after year, this guy goes out and produces wins on the mound in a stacked division with a subpar team behind him. Major props to him.

But the Yankees will take the division with a secAndy Schwehm ond-half surge Contributing Writer backed by the big man on the mound, C.C. Sabathia, and the Bo Sox will be the AL wild card.

The Yanks have the third best road winning percentage in the league, and that is going to be huge down the stretch. Road wins make or break a team when all is said and done.

Apologies to the Tampa Bay Rays, whose record by the end of the season would probably get them into the NL playoffs, but the AL is

“I’m just working on the smaller aspects of each event and maintaining my weight and fitness so that when preseason comes, I can kick it into gear,” Hubbard said. “I’m working on all four, but not pounding myself yet.”

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

too good.

AL CENTRAL It’s not a stretch to say Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke of the Royals has been the story of the year in baseball.

The kid has battled back from depression and a terrible start to his career to have a 2.12 ERA on a Royals team the LSU Tigers could beat with anyone besides Greinke on the mound. In his five losses, Kansas City has scored a total of three runs while he was in the game. Terrible.

But the Twins surge back from 4 games behind to take the division title backed by the bats of Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.

AL WEST I really don’t understand why the NL has two more teams than the AL. The NL Central (6) actually has two more teams than the AL West (4).

That’s beside the point, though.

The Angels, who are currently

without their three and four hole hitters, Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero, may slump a bit at the start of the second half. But no worries. They should end up taking the division over the Rangers.

But those Rangers are making progress, and they may sneak up to take the division should the Angels falter.

WORLD SERIES The Dodgers implode and lose to the Cardinals in the NL Championship Series while the Yankees somehow find a way to make it back to the World Series.

Cardinals, though, take it in six games. With a pretty solid starting pitching lineup, an amazing closer in Ryan Franklin and Albert “The Machine” Pujols to back it all up, the Cardinals are pretty reminiscent of their 2006 championship team.

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

Matulis is pitching in the Alaska Baseball League for the AnchorPlacement generally happens age Bucs. in August or September for the Matulis said he’s been getfollowing summer. ting in a lot of work on his meThe most well-known sum- chanics and is progressing well mer league is the Cape Cod toward meeting his goals for next League in Massachusetts. season despite dealing with unMainieri said most players predictable weather. want to go there, but the league “It can be very cold one day typically takes players that were in the 50s and windy or rainy, drafted out of high school or and then the next day it will be in players that came to college with the 70s with no clouds at all. It’s a stellar reputation. like, ‘How does that happen?,’” “It’s probably not even good Matulis said. “I’m getting used to for everyone to go there because the whole time change and being it’s important that they get an op- three hours behind LSU and four portunity to play a lot,” Mainieri hours behind home … It doesn’t said. “If they really get dark don’t match up around here until with some of much later, so I’m the players on wearing my suntheir team, they glasses during a 10 sit on the bench [p.m.] game.” all summer, and While there are that doesn’t do numerous upsides them any good.” to playing sumFive Tigers mer ball, Mainieri Paul Mainieri are currently in pointed out the LSU baseball coach the Cape Cod negative aspect – League: Micah injuries.

Gibbs, Austin Ross and Tyler HaFreshman pitcher Shane nover are on the Yarmouth-Den- Riedie, who made an all-star team nis Red Sox while Daniel Brad- playing with the Hannibal Caveshaw and Leon Landry are on the men in the Prospect League, had Harwich Mariners. to return back home last week The players room with a with a sore elbow. teammate in a host family’s “I worry sometimes about house. Gibbs said he is rooming the pitchers because they may not with UC Irvine infielder Brian be giving themselves the proper Hernandez. arm care when they are gone,” “We’ve gotten to know each Mainieri said. “We aren’t there to other pretty well,” Gibbs said. watch over them and make sure “I’m glad that I do have a room- they do things properly, and the mate just so that we can take ev- coaches there may not put the erything in stride together. It’s pitchers’ health first and foremost not ideal living conditions, but like we would here at LSU.” I’m sure I’ll have to get used to it in the minors.”

LIFE IN THE MINORS One thing the players in all Four former Tigers are also leagues have to learn to get used getting accustomed to life on the to is playing with wooden bats in- road. stead of the metal bats they use in Jared Mitchell, Sean collegiate ball.

Ochinko, Nolan Cain and Louis “The wood bat has a lot less Coleman have all embarked on room for error when it comes their pursuit of the majors in mito squaring balls up and hitting nor league ball. them on the barrel,” said Gibbs, Cain is pitching for the Lakewho had a two-homer game last land (Fla.) Flying Tigers in the week. “With a metal bat, you can Class A Advanced Florida State miss it by a couple of inches and League. Through Monday afterstill almost hit it out.” noon, he had thrown 3 2/3 inPitcher Ben Alsup — who nings, giving up one hit and strikis in the playing in the Valley League in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with infielder Johnny Dishon — said there’s not necessarily a difference in the way he approaches throwing to a batter with a wooden bat. But the high talent level in the summer league makes consistently hitting his target all the more important.

“We have kids from all over the country and from big name schools,” Alsup said. “You have a lot of great pitchers and great hitters, including guys with doubledigit home runs up here.”

Dishon is on the Staunton Braves, and Alsup is on the Luray Wranglers, and said he has been in Luray, Va., for about three weeks.

Alsup has pitched in both closing and starting roles.

“I’m pitching whenever the team needs me,” Alsup said. “It’s pretty much whatever helps the team most.”

And as the games end each day for Alsup and players in the Cape Cod League, the day is still young in Alaska, where Chris

SUMMER, from page 5

‘‘

‘Players always come back ... as a better player than when they left.’

ing out three batters.

“It was a blessing because it’s always been a dream of mine to get a chance to play professional baseball,” Cain said in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille. “I’m just happy to still be playing.”

Ochinko has been assigned to the Auburn (N.Y.) Doubledays in the Class A New York-Penn League. He is batting .214 (3-for14) with a double through Monday afternoon.

Mitchell, the No. 23 overall selection in June’s draft, signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday and has been assigned to the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Chicago’s selection of the New Iberia native made him the first LSU player selected in the first round since Toronto chose Aaron Hill in 2003.

Coleman, the only senior drafted from the 2009 LSU team, signed with the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

The fifth-round pick has been assigned to the Royals’ Class-A affiliate, the Burlington Bees in Burlington, Iowa.

And with the August 15 signing deadline approaching fast, DJ LeMahieu and Ryan Schimpf are close to time to choose whether to stay or leave LSU’s program.

Designated hitter Blake Dean decided Friday to hang around for his senior season after being drafted to the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round.

But Mainieri said both LeMahieu, a second-round pick to the Chicago Cubs, and Schimpf, a third-round pick to the Toronto Blue Jays, should be signing with their respective clubs within the next month.

“I think something is going to happen here pretty soon with both of them,” Mainieri said.

“From my understandings about the negotiations with their teams, they are pretty close. I wouldn’t say it’s imminent, but I would say that sometime within the next month, you will see something happen with both of them.”

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

PAGE 7

PLUCKERS WING BAR Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades.

Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas.

Wednesday: Trivia at 8. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs.

Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Pluckers Lemonades.

BOGIE’S Wednesday: Free Drinks Until 10pm Earphunk Band, Starts at 10pm

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 8

TRAVEL

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Visiting local haunts makes a better trip abroad BUDAPEST, Hungary — Budapest.

Beautiful, brilliant Budapest.

I spent my entire Sunday at a music and art festival on the Chain Bridge here, an architectural wonder that overlooks the Danube River.

Local bands played folk music on platforms that lined the bridge and artists and shop-keepers filled the space between them.

I didn’t spend my last day here sightseeing, running around on the metro trying to squeeze in every last tourist attraction before I head out for Vienna.

But, after traveling around Europe for the past three weeks, I’ve come to discover that my favorite times are those when I get to live the cities.

I get to hang out around the local people and get a good feel for the personality of wherever I am.

In Paris, it was the massive hill in front of Sacre Coeur where my friends and I lounged for hours and discovered that all the young, captivating couples of the city have no problem with PDA. And in Amsterdam, during class

in the park, people from all over the world sat in circles around us, and although they were all going at a slower pace than those of any other place I’ve been, I could still feel the air of excitement of every inhabitant for all that the Cathryn Core Columnist city “tolerates.”

Prague. Well, nights in Prague were just insane. It was young, it was

incredible and it was amazing.

When I wrote this, I was laying on the side of the Danube with two of my best friends and not regretting for a single moment that I didn’t make an effort to see every single “important” sight in every city I’ve been to.

Because I have been too busy taking the time to get to know these places, to love these places not for the monuments or the museums or whatever else the “must-see” signs point me to, but for the opportunity they gave me to see what other peo-

ple from around the globe do from day to day, how visitors and locals conduct their lives.

From eating to walking the streets to people-watching to partying, it’s different in Europe. It’s wonderful.

Cathryn is a 20-year-old English major from Crowley.

Contact Cathryn Core at ccore@lsureveille.com

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Pope Benedict’s political suggestions worth consideration The Pope is, to put it lightly, an influential guy.

As the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Catholics, he wields enormous clout on matters of faith and social practice. When the Pope speaks, an audience that few can rival listens intently. So when the pontiff pontificates on matters of significant political importance, even non-Catholics should perk up their ears.

The current pope, Benedict XVI, has made a name for himself doing just that — and his methods for doing so are often extremely subtle.

When President Obama visited the Vatican on Friday, there was a great deal of anticipation — many observers were eager to witness how the conflicts of ideology on matters such as abortion and gay rights would manifest themselves.

Neither of the men indicated much about what was discussed during the private meeting in the Pope’s library — although their comments made it obvious that abortion was heavily discussed — and their public appearances were nothing short of congenial. But the Bishop of Rome managed to make a silent but powerful statement without saying a word.

During a more public meeting, in front of the cameras, Benedict gave Obama an autographed copy of his most recent encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate.”

Upon receiving the lengthy tract, Obama joked that he would have something to read on the plane ride home.

The encyclical is Benedict’s analysis of finding truth in charity.

In it, he argues that charity is a fundamentally important aspect of the church. Yet he strongly argues that “charity without truth would be more or less interchangeable with a pool of good sentiments, helpful for social cohesion, but of little relevance.”

In Benedicts’ mind, charity on any level, individual or social, is wasted if it is not rooted in truth — namely the Catholic system of beliefs.

To that end, the encyclical argues that even large-scale governments must be rooted in “truth.”

Part of that truth is maintaining the “social gospel.”

In other words, governments only really fulfill their purpose within the context of Christian morals.

Although Benedict claims that “The Church does not have any tech-

nical solutions to offer and does not claim to interfere in any way in the politics of States,” he certainly isn’t at least giving some strong suggestions.

“Caritas in Veritate” is fundamentally a work that deals with applying faith principles to political matters. In fact, after the introduction, it reads suspiciously like a political science essay.

The encyclical contains a lengthy — and intelligent — treatise on highly technical economic theoMatthew Albrightries and strongly Columnist condemns much of the capitalist system both morally and practically. It analyzes globalization in relative depth and argues it could become an impediment to social growth. It cautions against the potential for instability caused by deregulation. It proposes theoretical defense for the environment. There are multiple highly complex arguments contained in its pages, too much material to address here — at some points, the reader begins to wonder

if Benedict was an international relations professor in an earlier life.

The most highly emphasized and most interesting argument in the work is a call for international unity, both culturally and politically.

Benedict argues that the best solution to pursuing justice on a worldwide scale is a unified political order. He argues cooperation between states is essential to social progress, although he is quick to point out that some amount of independence is necessary.

He believes this unity is possible through the United Nations — with a little reform.

The argument made in the tract certainly isn’t a new one. If the U.N. were made more open to participation by less prominent member states and given more widely acknowledged authority, many policy makers believe it could achieve significant worldwide reform.

Despite Benedict’s early claims to “having no solutions,” “Caritas in Veritate” is an extremely wellthought and well-written treatise that renders significant judgement on society.

By handing Obama a copy, the pontiff is tacitly rendering judgement

on his policy as well — or, more appropriately, the historical policies of the United States he has so far chosen not to change.

Much of what the treatise rails against is practiced heavily by the U.S. The U.S. engineers and maintains a great a deal of the economic policies it criticizes. The country is easily the greatest exporter of globalized trends, and is a major cause of environmental damage. Finally, the U.S. is one of the international political juggernauts that have limited participation by smaller states, especially within the U.N. Although in some cases Benedict’s arguments are rooted in a particular breed of Christianity that obviously does not and cannot impel our national policy, not all of them are religiously motivated — and they are certainly not without merit.

Matthew Albright is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Baton Rouge.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

SNAPSHOT

Huey Long’s ‘Great State of Louisiana’ is still around

When I think about individuals in Louisiana history, my mind immediately lands on Huey Pierce Long.

Not only was he arguably the most powerful Louisiana politician — ever, but he made a huge impact on LSU. I mean, he sold the ‘I want to make a round dormitory with a grassy spot in the center’ idea and we ended up with Tiger Stadium.

In all the video clips I have seen of Long, he seems to have that

awesome charisma that so few politicians have today.

Most people don’t use the old Mississippi bridge anymore aka the Huey P. Long bridge, but it’s still a huge testament to Long’s bridge development in Louisiana, if not a creepy one.

But the real Long legacy in Baton Rouge is the state capitol.

Completed in 1932 during Long’s time as governor, the new building was built to symbolize Louisiana’s

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI

Editor Managing Editor

MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Columnist

TRAVIS ANDREWS

Columnist

SCOTT BURNS

Columnist

SKYLAR GREMILLION

Columnist

movement into the modern era.

The 34-story building is the tallest capitol building in the United States; which follows Long’s theme of making things bigger than evZac Lemoine eryone else. Online Media Editor Like the pool he built on campus that is a few inches

longer than the standard Olympic size. That was Huey Long: bigger, louder and more extravagant. Definitely a guy I would like to have a beer with.

The old State Capitol has gone through several renovations and is a beautiful, castle-like building. It would not work as home for Louisiana’s government now, but it is a great place to visit.

The spiral staircase in the center is directly below a breathtaking

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.

stained glass ceiling. It might have been a little old-school for Long’s taste, but both buildings that have housed Louisiana governing bodies are worth a visit.

Zac Lemoine is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Dry Prong.

Contact Zac Lemoine at zlemoine@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Every man a king, but no one wears a crown.”

Huey P. Long Louisiana politicianß Aug. 30, 1893 — Sept. 10, 1935

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT

PAGE 9

Anti-Intellectualism exposes false differences in society

While it pains me to say this, Sarah Palin is a symbol for a major social movement.

Palin’s claims that she was a simple, average person battling against Washington insiders made her a symbol of anti-Intellectualism.

But there’s more to anti-intellectualism than the difference between Wasilla, Alaska and the Ivory Tower. Anti-intellectualism is one the longest standing social movement that, even today, stands in the way of progress.

When Sarah Palin burst onto the political scene in 2008, many people were enamored by her personality and “folksy” charm.

Popular opinion on Palin was often split, with some thinking she was a back woods moron and others viewing her as a symbol of the everyday American that worked a wage job, raised kids and brought a perspective based on “common sense” to the political game.

My favorite thing about Palin’s run was the subtle hint of anti-intellectualism that flowed through her own speeches and the speeches of her supporters.

For many, last year’s election was reduced to the everyday working mother versus the intellectual and his Washington insider buddy.

The truth of those conceptualizations will always be up for debate but those characterizations

tapped into the feelings of many Americans feel distant from the highly educated.

Historically there has been somewhat of a social distance between intellectuals, the highly educated who pursue academic or intellectual pursuits professionally, and the blue collar world.

In the past, that bias was fostered more by the government and other leadership than it was by actual interactions between intellectuals and other people.

Totalitarian governments often feared intellectuals due to their tendency to analyze their circumstances and social situation and publicly elaborate on their often negative findings.

Religious leaders often diminished the contributions of intellectuals because they felt it devalued the role of religion in people’s lives. Early scientists often took issue with religious explanations of the world, thus creating the historical religion versus science debate.

Those examples come from times when the amount of information shared by individuals was limited to their ability to read and their exposure to books and to other people.

In our society the availability of information is nearly ubiquitous, but some of the same issues remain.

While we certainly do not live in a totalitarian state, the

distance between intellectuals and our government leaders has often, but not always, been significant. Leaders with military and legal experience have been favored over those trained in social research and other applicable academic areas.

In regard to religion, I’d like to say things have calmed down a bit since the old days, but the debate between religion and science is still very intense.

Skylay Gremillion The battle is Columnist now fought through late night anti-evolution infomercials and mean-spirited books written by snarky scientists rather than the hard-fought court cases such as the Scopes Monkey Trial or the political maneuvers of the Catholic Church — but it’s still present.

While those elements of the bias still remain in some form, the biggest changes lay in the ubiquity of information and the isolation of the academy.

The advent of 24-hour news, the Internet and news sources dedicated as much to analysis as they are to reporting, has created a new line of information sharing.

No longer must individuals wait for public thinkers to en-

gage in big debates and examine their findings — the TV news is now often as much about focused analysis and punditry as it is about reporting.

As a result the contributions of intellectuals and academics now frequently lie in the background of blogs and talking heads.

Some of the blame for this bias also lies with the intellectual community itself.

Most intellectual thought is incubated in top universities, and academics and intellectuals employed in those universities often live in somewhat of a bubble.

Whether or not it is intentional is up for debate, but many universities tend to be insulated from the outside world.

That’s not to say intellectuals lack access to newspaper, television and radio — the events of the outside world are their bread and butter. But often there seems to be a social separation between the people who spend their time in academia and the 9-to-5 crowd.

The causation for this bubble is most likely a complicated and tangled mix of social factors, personality issues and the sheer fact that universities themselves are often the equivalent of small cities.

For years intellectuals have remained cloistered in their Ivory Tower under the assumption that the average person wouldn’t ap-

preciate or understand their precious work.

These distinctions are exacerbated by cultural occurrences such as Sarah Palin’s speeches which attempt to separate the blue collar world from intellectuals and academics.

That division creates a false dichotomy.

We are all cut from the same cloth and when petty distinctions are exaggerated we often become disenfranchised from our peers and fellow humans.

The secret to human survival has always been the mixture of talents and skills.

We must be careful of situations that try to separate people into distinct and opposing groups.

While one group may seem better than another, we all suffer when things go wrong. As always, balance is the key to maintaining a consistent and nurturing world.

In the end it’s just as foolish to ignore the contributions of the highly educated as it is to act without consideration for all members of society.

Skylar Gremillion is a 26-yearold sociology graduate student from Plaucheville.

Contact Skylar Gremillion at sgremillion@lsureveille.com

VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

Pay Supreme attention to Sotomayor hearings Editorial Board University of Oregon

When Judge Sonia Sotomayor sits with her broken leg propped up on a table and faces the Senate Judiciary Committee for most of this week, much of the nation will be enthralled by a highly choreographed fight with an almost certain outcome.

The “wise Latina woman” will eventually be the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, and the third woman to ever sit on the high court.

But just because judicial confirmation hearings are faker than professional wrestling doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention.

The partisan game taking place may not be what it portends — one branch of our government honestly scrutinizing a nominee of another branch before she gets a lifetime appointment to the third — but the way the players behave will demonstrate the progress of minorities in our society, convey the state of both political parties and allow citizens their only chance to examine a woman who will have one-ninth of the final

say on the most pressing issues of our time.

Sotomayor should be wellprepared.

She spent the past week in training, being grilled by White House lawyers who have done this sort of thing before. The strategy of a nominee, they say, is to play defense. The senators should be doing two-thirds of the talking.

After senators grandstand on topics that can later be turned into helpful fundraising sound bytes — judicial temperament, abortion, guns and affirmative action for Republicans, financial regulation, abortion and executive power for Democrats — Sotomayor will respond by saying very little.

The catch-all response for every successful nominee in the past 20 years has been to punt on questions that can come before the court while exhibiting enough knowledge of the topic as to appear worthy to sit on the court.

Sure, she will know which previous decisions were good (school desegregation), and which were bad (those saying black people could be property

and the Japanese could be sent to internment camps).

She will know that somewhere in the Constitution there is a right to privacy, but she won’t tell you what that has to do with abortion, thank you very much.

Republicans will turn to their battle-tested tactic of portraying a Democratic nominee as an “activist” judge.

President Obama didn’t help out any with all of his empathy talk, saying he wanted a jurist who would take into consideration the effects laws have on real people.

Democrats and the witnesses who will testify on her behalf will say that her 17 years of experience show she is well within the mainstream of federal judges.

Her record shows she tilts to the right in criminal cases, and she has never issued an opinion on abortion rights.

That has some Democrats and abortion rights groups nervous.

Senators who are friendly to Sotomayor may spend more time than her skeptics talking about abortion.

Republicans think they have

a better chance to bruise the Latina with a leg in a cast with questions about racial preferences and affirmative action. And they have a witness, too, a firefighter from New Haven named Frank Ricci who lost a shot at a promotion when black and Latino firefighters sued because few minorities passed a promotions test.

Sotomayor was part of a three-judge panel that upheld a verdict in favor of the minority firefighters. Coincidentally, she also once wo rked for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (now awkwardly known as LatinoJustice PRLDEF) and was chair of its litigation committee when the group sued New York City because Hispanic sanitation workers performed poorly on promotions exams.

Now Republicans will say Obama’s calls for empathy, plus Sotomayor’s remarks in a commencement speech that a “wise Latina woman” could come to a better decision than a white man because of her experiences, equal a trend of racial favoritism.

It’s a risky narrative to push in 2009. How far they take it will

show how far they think the nation has moved from the need for affirmative action just after electing its first black president.

Given that Sotomayor’s most overplayed statements on race occurred outside of a court, she will have to explain them.

One can only hope she will explain a bit more, not only because it will make this week more interesting but also because after it is over she will help decide every major question facing the country until she decides to retire. The people should know what they are getting.

And beginning Monday at 1 p.m. Pacific time, you should be paying attention so you might have a better idea, too.

Because despite how rehearsed, theatrical or predetermined the hearings may be, if you don’t stay informed, you risk getting lost in the fray down the road, when discussion of and rulings on pressing issues actually mean something.

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

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Classifieds

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Announcements

Help Wanted NANNY NEEDED with possible live in option.

2-3 days/week. 30 minutes from lsu campus. 225.235.0908 225.235.0908 !BARTENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127 ACCOUNTING STUDENTS QuickBooks entry.

Approx. 2 years of checks and deposits. Fax resume (225) 927-5611 or call (225) 927-5624 FT PROJECT ASSISTANT- Advantous Consulting, LLC is seeking a Project Assistant to assist our team with tasks related to Business Incentive Projects. Must have strong MS Office Skills, Time Mgmt./Organizational Skills, and a strong attention to detail.

Bachelor’s degree required. Email: jobs@ advantous.com SEEKING ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS who love working with children for local after school program. MWF or T Th 1:30-5:30 Now hiring for Fall semester. Call 975-0131 Please leave a message.

COYOTE BLUES RESTAURANT Now hiring for a new location. Applications being taken Monday-Fridays at 2450 S Acadian Thruway.

Hiring All Postions. 225.329.2055 RELIABLE AFTER SCHOOL SITTER needed for 4 yr & 18 mo old. Will pick up both children at school/daycare. M-F, approx. 2:45-4:30 pm. Need own transportation with clean driving record. $75/wk. Start August 10th.

Shenandoah area. mckwvu@hotmail.com.

NOW HIRING FOR FALL! Child Care Center near LSU now hiring for Fall Semester. Afternoon Teachers needed 2:30-5:30 Mon-Fri. 225.766.1159 AFTER SCHOOL NANNY NEEDED Looking for an after school nanny for our two boys ages 6 and 10. Hours: 3:30 - 6:30 M-F (in BR). If interested please call 225-772-6622 STUDENT & SUMMER WORK Local BR company expanding Fast! **$15.00 Base/appt** Flexible Schedules No experience nec Customer sales/ svc Ages 17+ Apply NOW:225-927-3066 www.collegestudentwork.com PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447 P/T RECEPTIONIST / File Clerk needed for small BR law firm. Must be dependable, responsible, and MUST be able to work afternoons. Salary DOE. Prefer long-term (at least one year), not just one semester. Interest in law or law school goal desired. Email

Cost: 35 cents per word a day Personals Free for students

Employment Resume’ and availability to LadyJayne@aol. com or fax: 756-5676 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 RETAIL PART TIME HELP Morning & afternoon shifts available but must work partial weekends (including LSU gamedays & holidays) NO EXP. NECESSARY. NO LATE SHIFTS. EMAIL US AT purpleandgold@bellsouth.net (Include your Phone Number in email) SMALL LAW OFFICE seeks part time runner/ courier; flexible hours, willing to work around school schedule, dependable transportation required. Call 225.298.0770 CERTIFIED SCIENCE TEACHER The Baton Rouge International School is looking for a certified science teacher for upper elementary and middle school for the 2009-2010 school year. Please send your resume at brisla@yahoo.com.

CERTIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER The Baton Rouge International School is looking for a certified Kindergarten Teacher for the school year 2009-2010. Please send your resume at brisla@yahoo.com SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com NOW HIRING Hampton Inn & Suites I/10Reiger Rd. Front Desk clerks needed.

Dependable individuals may apply in person. Address is 11271 Reiger Rd. Baton Rouge, La 70809 225.751.4600

For Sale 2002 4RUNNER sport edition black 84,500miles $9,999 713.248.9107 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FALL 2009!! 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.

REDUCED LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOME 3bd 3.5 ba $199,900. 713-882-5913 REDUCED 3/3 CONDO, LSU CAMPUS Gated: 3/3 1700SF Reduced to $195,000 Almost New. The Gates At Brightside. 1.5 from campus. Income producing while your student lives free. 407-353-0564 Susan

Housing

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

Deadlines: 12 noon two school days prior to the print publication date

Merchandise

For Rent YOU WILL LOVE WILLIAMSBURG 4065 Burbank Drive. $475. No Pets. www. lsubr.com for picture and floorplan. 9781649. $AVE $$! WALK TO LSU! ONSITE MGR. 7697757 / 978-3123 / 767-4128 TIGERLAND 1 & 2 BR flats and TH. wdfloors, pool w/s paid $525 -$725 225.615.8521 1 BR/ 1 Bath Condo Very nice! Unique flrpln includes all appl. w/ washer/ dryer. Berber carpet & tile. Very convenient to LSU. Semester Lease Terms.

No Pets!

350 South Acadian Gallery Condos $495 w/ $350 deposit 225.928.2864 1 BR 1 BATH Gated, Pool, Well lit parking, Brightside area, $650/mo, $650 Deposit, 1 Year Lease 225.752.7783 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet.

Available for July 225.978.7400 CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERLAND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com GATED FAMILY COMPOUND: 12 MIN AVAILABLE AUGUST 1ST: 4 br/3.5b Country Home in a gated family compound on a working sugar cane plantation. Central H/A, ceiling fans through-out, satellite dish, W/D, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal included. Open front porch and back brick patio. Some furnishings provided at no extra cost, if needed. $2,000/month (225) 753-4304, 505-6161 225.753.4304 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR FALL 2009! 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.

NEW CONSTRU CONDO APARTMENTS Affordable, New, Nice 2&3BR Units on Range Ave in Denham Springs 276-3134 3 BED/3 BATH ON BRIGHTSIDE $1650/ Month, Free Maid Service!

2405 Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included hollisleech@yahoo.com 310.989.4453

Transportation

3 BED/3 BATH ON BRIGHTSIDE $1650/ Month, Free Optional Monthly Maid Service!

2405 Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included Available for 1 Year Lease Beginning August 1st. hollisleech@yahoo.com 310.989.4453

Services

WALK TO LSU 1 and 2 BR FLATS and TH, pool, laundry center. University View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. NO PETS. HIGHLAND ROAD 3 br 2 ba $950-$1300 225.769.1079

1 BR / 1 BATH Located in small, quiet complex. Great location! Walk to LSU Inclds. d/w, central a/h, semester lease terms. No Pets! $465 w/ $350 deposit Drex Gomes Properties 225.928.2864

LSU AREA 3 BR / 1 Bath House Newly Renovated! Great location, Walk to campus. Inclds. hrdwd flrs, tile in kichen & bath, new frig., d/w & washer/dryer.

Large rms, Very nice!

Price of rent inclds. lawn care. $1100 w/ $500 deposit Drex Gomes Properties 225.928.2864

MOVE IN SPECIAL!! CALL NOW!!

Genedith $450. Near Arby’s on Burbank. www.lsubr.com for picture and floorplan. No Pets. Walk or bike to school. On the LSU busline. Leave a message. 978-1649.

WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www. lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789

BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES. Pre-leasing for summer and fall. 2br 2.5 bath pool, w/ d. $900/ mth $500 dep.

955-6480 southlandpropertiesinc.com

Roommate Wanted

1BR STUDIO Walk to LSU $395-$475.

Water/Sewer/Gas included. 2BR wood floors $550. Call McDaniel Properties 225.388.9858

ROOMATE NEEDED to share 4BR 2B townhouse 1 mi. from campus. $500 dep $400mo/split utilities, covered parking 985.807.8400

1 BR ON BURBANK -FROM $475 www.lsubr. com for pictures/ floorplan. 4065, 4243, 4118 Burbank. $300 deposit. No pets, not even visiting. Leave a message. 978-1649

2 FEMALE ROOMATES NEEDED three bedrooms, two bath. Courtney Place, close to campus. 450 per month each, plus utilities.

504.416.4579

3000 SF EXECUTIVE HOME 6 miles to LSU - Prestige Location Hot Tub & 3br 2.5b + Office - $2800/ mo Rent to Own - 706.717.0591 http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/ apa/1261061492.html

M/F ROOMATE NEEDED 3 bd/3.5ba Summer Grove on Brightside. $525/mo. Well furnished, new appliances, tile flooring, pool/clubhouse, gated. Move in as soon as you want. 225.229.0106

ACADIAN AT CAPITAL Hgt, 1br, 1ba house, w/d conn, dw, $500 Month $300 dep 225-766-6555 FOR RENT IN Brightside Estates 3BR/2B Condo Gated, Pool, Volleyball court, on bus route, 3 parking spaces call or email at Talbots@cox.net call 225.266.9063 FREE RENT Summerwood Villas 3BR/2BA Condo $1400 Latter & Blum Prop. Mgmt.

225-297-7888 BEAUTIFUL GARDEN HOME 3 BR/2 Bath, Siegen & Perkins, $1500/month 225.769.6368 4BR 2BATH GARDEN DISTRICT HOME $1800 MONTH/DEPOSIT 225.936.7180 ROOMMATES WANTED Nicholason Lakes.

4br/2ba furnished. 2 rooms available. $550.00mth/550.00 deposit. All utilities included (including wireless high speed internet). 225.933.8732 2BR - 4119 BURBANK Available soon. www. lsubr.com for pictures and floor plan. 4450039. $650. No pets.

HOUSE OFF HIGHLAND RD. Female needs two female roomates for 0910 year. New house, built last year.

Fabulous 3BR house off Highland, less than 1 mile from campus. Your own BR and Full Bath! $450/ mo each.

Call Jim Talbot (225) 927-2114 FEMALE ROOMMATE(S) WANTED Responsible female to either rent room & bath or share- Leigh’s Cove.

Pub style table and 2 stools for sale - $200 brand new. 225.806.2135 ROOMMATE NEEDED Seeking roommate for 2BR/2.5B condo in Lake Beau Pre’.

Only $550 plus utilities!

Gated Community featuring luxury pool/ jacuzzi, game room, tennis courts, media room, gym, and only 2 miles from LSU. Email bbrow22@gmail.com for more details ROOMMATE NEEDED Male roommate needed for house near LSU. Private bedrooms, baths, new construction.

Available 8/1/09. $500 mo/split utilities.

Call today for more info! 504.430.6278 ROOMMATE NEEDED

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Male grad seeking roommate to share 2BR/2.5B Lake Beau Pre Condo Only $575 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!!

Gated, Pool, Gym, Tennis Court 225.247.0567

Personals

No summer love? Hopeless romantic looking for a cute girl who knows what she wants and likes to be treated well. If your idea of a nice night is a movie on the big screen and a bottle of wine, let me know.

504tigerguy@gmail.com English Tutor needed in Summer or whole year. Undergraduate or graduate students in English Department a must. Salary negotiable. bob_ysxiang@yahoo.com or 225.578.7621 Fratty? Then I don’t want you. I need a guy that doesn’t wear khaki shorts, polos and frat straps. If you’re my man then go to Bogies...you should be pretty easy to see in that place.

Still seeking sugramama Sexy 22yo s/w/m looking for an attractive, adventurous cougar 25-42 years old. Do not be shy! I will make your dreams come true. Tell me about yourself when you take me out for lunch! brokeinbr@gmail.com hey! You always seem to be walking to your car as I am walking to class. Last week you actually waved at me (I think it was at me!).

This has been going on for quite a few weeks, but we both get “surprised” looks on our faces every time we see each other.

Say “Hey!” next time we pass. looking for my match to fill the little opening in the jumbeled sock drawer of my heart. White female who is into snake charming, chainsaws & sealing envelopes with hot wax. Seeking male companion with high ACT score, high cheekbones and high self esteem. No Weirdos PLEASE! allthegoodonesweretaken666@yahoo.com LSU Guy Looking for love in all the wrong places.

Finally decided to put this up here. I’m 22 going to graduate next May. I need a sweet girl who is content being herself. I like movies, going out to dinner, traveling, and of course LSU Football.

Tigerlovin22@gmail.com girl needed for laundry and creation of tasty ice cream treats hungrymandirtylaundry@yahoo.com Seeking charitable, outdoor loving individual. Must love animals and the occasional hiking or camping trip. Drop me a message at HighpointingForAmerica.org SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open. I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@ gmail.com

Miscellaneous Sci-Fi & Anime Festival LSU Alumni Center & Cook Hotel July 17-18-19 Also: Comics * Science * D&D LAN Games * Paranormal Ren Faire Shows * Authors * LARP Horror * Films * Kids Fun (225) 772-7531 www. BabelCon.org

THE DAILY REVEILLE

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, July 14, 2009