MILES Miles discusses cancellation of Tulane series, page 5.
SK8 OR DIE, BRO Local skater starts company to produce boards, page 9.
THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 18
WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Construction Confusion Carpenters’ union protests PMAC contractor for alleged insurance fraud By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer
The Louisiana Carpenters General Council, a carpenters’ union, is protesting the contractor constructing a new extension on the PMAC, alleging the contractor is engaging in insurance fraud and using workers who are not given proper workers’ compensation. The council says the contractor, Lloyd N. Moreau of Pineville, worked with a labor supplier who provided undocumented workers. Charlie Manning, director of business
development for the council, said Moreau and his labor supplier are “circumventing the law” and paying less insurance premiums by claiming to have less workers and pay less wages than they actually do. A secretary for Moreau said Moreau refused to speak with The Daily Reveille. Manning said a company which misrepresents its number of employees can pay less insurance premiums and therefore put in a lower project bid by 30 to 40 percent — a tactic Manning CONSTRUCTION, see page 19
photos by ERIN ARLEDGE and BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
[Top] Construction continues on a ramp in front of the PMAC. [Bottom] Mark Cutrer, left, and Rosie Lodge, right, members of the Louisiana Carpenters Regional Counsel, protest alleged insurance fraud Monday morning on the corner of Nicholson and Nouth Stadium.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
CAREER SERVICES
More students, less employers attend expo By Mary Walker Baus Staff Writer
The economic downturn caused lay offs and hiring cuts, but that didn’t keep companies or students from attending the Career Expo on Wednesday at the Maddox Field House. Sara Crow, Career Services assistant director of communications, said 1,977 students attended the expo. Only 1,727 students attended the fall 2008 expo, and 1,407 students attended the spring 2009 expo. Around 188 companies came to the expo to mingle with students. “This was one of our biggest ever [in terms of student participation],” Crow said. “The employers talked about great student turnout.” Crow said students are more focused about getting jobs, which she attributes to current difficulties in the job market as well as the higher caliber of students accepted to the University. Crow said the reasons for the increase in student participation are the recession and the importance of networking. Laura Daray, kinesiology graduate student, said looking for opportunities at the expo was harder for her than for business and engineering students. But she said the expo was beneficial because she was able to talk to different companies face-to-face and dig for EXPO, see page 20
BR COMMUNITY
Planetarium to host 2012 convention Conference to bring hundreds of visitors By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum announced Wednesday it will host the 2012 International Planetarium Society’s biennial conference.
The IPS selected the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium in downtown Baton Rouge to host the conference instead of the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Astronef Planetarium in Saint-Etienne, France. The convention will be held between July 22 and July 26 in 2012. Hundreds of national and international IPS members will visit the planetarium during the convention to share ideas and technology. Visiting members will be given the
opportunity to share their productions and view Pennington Planetarium shows. Baton Rouge’s proximity to other Louisiana cities may provide visitors an opportunity to see planetariums in both Lafayette and New Orleans, said Carol Gikas, president of the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. Past conventions have been held in cities like Melbourne, Australia; Washington PLANETARIUM, see page 19
MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille
Mayor-President Kip Holden makes an announcement Wednesday morning at the Planetarium about the LASM holding the 2012 International Planetarium Society Conference.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Nation & World
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
U.S. military closes largest detention camp in Iraq
Senate votes to allow handgun transport for Amtrak passengers
CAMP BUCCA, Iraq (AP) — The U.S. military on Wednesday closed Camp Bucca, an isolated desert prison that was once its largest lockup in Iraq, as it moves to release thousands of detainees or transfer them to Iraqi custody before the end of the year. The sprawling facility just north of the Kuwaiti border has held thousands of men over the years, including the most dangerous in U.S. custody.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted Wednesday to permit passengers on the Amtrak passenger railroad to transport handguns in their checked baggage. The proposal, approved by a 68-30 vote, seeks to give Amtrak riders rights comparable to those enjoyed by airline passengers, who are permitted to transport firearms provided that they declare they are doing so and that the arms are unloaded and in a securely locked container.
Australian cat strays 2,400 miles, returns home after three years HOBART, Australia (AP) — A cat named Clyde was reunited with his owner on Wednesday after a mysterious three-year odyssey in which the long-haired Himalayan strayed 2,400 miles into the Australian Outback. Ashleigh Sullivan, 19, said she had given up hope of ever finding Clyde after he vanished when he was about one year old.
Obama tries to drum up support for 2016 Chicago Olympic bid WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama staged a homecoming-style Olympic rally at the White House on Wednesday, saying the whole country is rooting for his hometown of Chicago in its efforts to host the 2016 Summer Games. “Chicago is ready. The American people are ready. We want these games,” he
said to applause from the Olympians, Paralympians, local schoolchildren, politicians and other supporters in attendance. “If you choose Chicago, I promise you this — Chicago will make America proud, and America will make the world proud,” Obama added. 90-year-old Idaho man seeks master’s degree IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Clyde Wagnon retired 25 years ago and decided he didn’t like it. So the 90-year-old Idaho Falls resident is going back to school, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. Wagnon’s first day of classes at Stevens-Henager College was Monday, the Post Register reported. Felicia Little, manager at the school’s College Education Center, says he’s the oldest student they have. But that’s not stopping Wagnon. The former real estate agent and mobile home salesman says he’s looking forward to graduating.
STATE/LOCAL
Jindal asks panels to find $948 million in cuts
Decline in Baton Rouge area home sales lightening
(AP) — The two panels charged with finding ways to trim government costs got their targets Wednesday from Gov. Bobby Jindal: a combined $948 million in budget cutting ideas. Jindal asked for $802 million in costcutting suggestions from the Commission on Streamlining Government, and he asked a similar higher education panel to find $146 million that could be shaved from public college spending. “Now is the time to drive the reforms needed to create a strong and sustainable state government that is accountable and effective. I am looking forward to your thoughtful and bold recommendations,” Jindal wrote to Sen. Jack Donahue, chairman of the streamlining commission. The state expects a shortfall of more than $900 million needed to continue its current services and meet inflationary costs in the 2010-11 fiscal year that begins in July 2010.
(AP) — Home sales in the Baton Rouge metro area fell just 4 percent in August, a tighter margin for a year that’s seen double-digit gaps every other month. Realtors sold 630 homes compared with 658 in August 2008, and dollar volume for the month was $119.5 million, down 7 percent from $128.7 million.
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First step to privatize New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong Airport approved KENNER (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it has accepted a preliminary application to lease Louisiana’s largest commercial airport to a private operator. The FAA’s action clears the way for the New Orleans Aviation Board to set up a bidding process to select a private airport manager.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 3
Unfilled positions delay funding for student organization Appts. supposed to be made by spring By Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
The Student Government Senate meeting began with what Sen. Cody Wells, University Center for Freshman Year, called a “controversial” issue — positions left vacant because of the SG president’s failure to fill student appointments despite bylaws requiring the positions be filled last spring. A bill calling for $4,000 to be appropriated to Biograds to present a Biosymposium in November was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, even though its author wanted to bring it to immediate
discussion on Wednesday, said Sen. Chris Sellers, College of Arts and Sciences. Typically these funds would come from the Programming, Support, and Initiatives Fund, but the funds could not come from PSIF because SG President Stuart Watkins had not made all of his four student appointments to the PSIF committee. The committee is missing three student appointments by Watkins which must be filled before it can meet, said PSIF committee chair Phoebe Hathorn. According to the Senate bylaws, appointments for the upcoming fall and spring semesters are to be made during the spring semester. Neither the Senate nor Watkins made all the appointments required of them during the spring semester.
Watkins said he didn’t make all his appointments for PSIF in the spring because he only had two applicants for the position at that time. Watkins said the application process restarted last week with three positions set to be filled soon. Watkins is making three appointments to PSIF now because one of his two appointments in the spring recently quit. “This is the exact reason students have a foul opinion of Student government as in situations like this were their needs are not taken care of efficiently or timely,” said Sen. Wells. “There is no reason we are this far in the school year and students are not getting served.” Speaker of the Senate Tyler Martin said during the spring the senate reached a consensus that they would elect people to the committee
at the beginning of the fall semester. Martin’s reasoning was because the senate had long organizational meetings and the fact that the senate makes its appointments by elections. The Senate elected its PSIF committee members during the first meeting of the semester. “Its a very unfortunate situation for this organization [applying for funds],” said Speaker Pro Tempore Brooksie Bonvillain. “[The applicants] are in a time crunch for the organization. This program is at risk of not being able to go on with outside funding because of budget cuts in the department.” Sen. Andy Palermo, University Center for Advising and Counseling, said committees missing presidential appointments is an ongoing issue for Student Government. Palermo is on the Student Tech
Fee Committee and said they have not met yet because they are waiting for full student representation that they don’t have because of a missing presidential appointment. “Its definitely impeding progress,” Palermo said. “These are the big committees that allocate the most money to departments and organizations.” Watkins said he hasn’t made the tech fee committee appointment because he was informed last week student representation on the committee has been expanded meaning he needs to make six more appointments. Watkins said an e-mail advertising these positions will be sent next week.
Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
RECREATION
University students form spearfishing organization Club working to become official By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer
A group of University students is working on forming a student organization dedicated to its favorite activity — spearfishing. Marine biology junior Jamie Halk is spearheading the effort. The club would be a way to get together with other students interested in spearfishing, a relatively rare hobby, Halk said. Halk got the idea during the summer by talking with other University students about the hobby and the available spearfishing organizations in the state. “There’s a couple spearfishing clubs in Louisiana, but they are all open to everyone,” Halk said. “This summer I threw the idea around about making one exclusive to LSU, and after talking to guys coming into the dive shop where I worked, I knew we had enough interest to start one ourselves.” Spearfishing is a combination of scuba diving and fishing which involves diving underwater and shooting fish with a high-powered spear gun. The method of catching the fish makes spearfishing the most environmentally friendly, Halk said. “It’s the most ecologically friendly [way to fish] because you’re targeting only the fish that you want, and there’s very little bycatch,” Halk said. Bycatch are species unintentionally caught while fishing for another species. Halk said shooting the fish is the easy part. “[After you shoot], you’re fighting them,” he said. “It’s not uncommon to hit a 100-pound fish, and some of them feel like Glenn Dorsey pulling you around.” Halk said the group is close to becoming official. He is working on fulfilling all the requirements for University organizations, as well as the rules of the Louisiana Council of Underwater Dive Clubs.
photo courtesy of JACKSON WILSON
Jackson Wilson, business junior, and David Hood, LSU veterinary school student, gear up to catch spearfish over the Labor Day weekend.
“I have the constitution finished,” Halk said. “I’ve got member information forms and applications to send to LSU Student Life and to the Louisiana Council of Underwater Dive Clubs.” The organization also needs a faculty adviser and at least five members, according to University Campus Life. “We’re working on finding an
find another diver who is interested in spearfishing.” Halk said he has contacted about 20 other students who are interested in joining. Jackson Wilson, business junior, said the club will be about having fun and enjoying an interesting hobby. “Spearfishing can go from a mud hole in your backyard to 100 miles off-shore near an oil rig,”
adviser,” Halk said. “We’d like to
Wilson said. “We just really like
[spearfishing], and it’s hard to find other people who do it.” Both Halk and Wilson acknowledged the possible dangers of the sport, but the club will require all members to be skilled divers before they partake in a club dive. “All members will have to be scuba certified ... and part of the requirements to be a member will be going out with some experienced divers,” Halk said. “But it’s really rare to have something go wrong, especially when you’re trained.” Halk said the club would compete as a team at “fishing rodeos,”
or competitions, but the ultimate
goal would be to host a rodeo themselves. “When you host a rodeo, you have good competition and get other divers to come in, but you can also donate a lot of money to charity,” Halk said. The spearfishing club will hold its first meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at Underwater Adventures, a facility in Baton Rouge.
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 4
STAFF SENATE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
CRIME
Stadium Med. examiner: Yale student was suffocated recycling project in the works By The Associated Press
By Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
Sen. Renee Pierce, Manship School of Mass Communication, announced the sustainability committee of the Staff Senate is working on a plan for a wide-scale recycling system in Tiger Stadium at the Staff Senate meeting Wednesday. LSU is the only school in the Southeastern Conference aside from Mississippi State University and University of Georgia without in-stadium recycling. MSU and UGA both have plans which are not yet in effect, Pierce said. “Yes, we are behind the curve, but with the Sustainability Office, we have people in place to help bring this change to campus in a positive way,” Pierce said. Recycling bins are in place outside the stadium and University officials have had conversations with stadium vendors about gathering cardboard ‘The best their for recycling, thing would Pierce said. “The best be for the thing would be fans to for the fans to pick up pick up their and retheir trash trash cycle it on the and recycle way out,” Pierce it on the said. “We want trategically way out.’ splaced bins at Renee Pierce the portals and have fans bring Manship senator their cups and bottles and put them in the bins. The second part would be when people go through and clean up to separate the recyclable material from the garbage.” Pierce said the committee is in talks with TAF and the Athletic Department to figure out the next steps in formulating a legitimate plan. Campus Federal President and CEO John Milazzo announced at the meeting Campus Federal Credit Union began financial literacy classes for University staff and students who would like fiscal help in the current hard economic times. Milazzo said Campus Federal is willing to tailor the classes to any group’s schedule and location and design a curriculum to suit the a group’s exact needs. “We can talk about anything from basic financial transactions ... to buying a house,” Milazzo said. Campus Federal has worked with University Facility Services and off-campus groups on these fiscal classes, he said. Any group seeking to participate in such a class can contact Campus Federal to set a class up, Milazzo said. Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A Yale graduate student found stuffed in the wall of a research center had been suffocated, the medical examiner reported Wednesday as police awaited DNA tests on evidence taken from a lab technician who worked in the building. Police call Raymond Clark III a “person of interest” in the slaying of Annie Le. Authorities hoped to compare DNA taken from Clark’s hair, fingernails and saliva with more than 250 pieces of evidence collected at the crime scene on the Ivy League campus and from Clark’s Middletown, Conn., apartment. Police served two search warrants — for DNA from Clark and for items in his apartment — late Tuesday. They served two more Wednesday morning, for more items from the apartment and for Clark’s Ford Mustang, Police Chief James Lewis said. Investigators said they expect to determine within days whether Clark should be charged in the killing. He was escorted in handcuffs from his apartment and released early Wednesday into the custody of his attorney, police said. Lewis said Clark and several other people are under constant police surveillance. He said police expect to seek an arrest warrant for anyone whose DNA matches evidence at the crime scene. Clark is not talking to police, Lewis said. “At some point he may be willing to answer questions, but at this point he has invoked his rights,” Lewis said. “He has an attorney. We couldn’t question him if we wanted to.” Clark’s attorney, David Dworski, said his client is “committed to proceeding appropriately with the authorities.” He would not elaborate.
A police lab is expediting tests on Clark’s DNA. University of Connecticut genetics professor Linda Straus Baugh says testing can be done in days if a case gets top priority. Clark’s job as an animalservices technician at Yale would probably put him in contact with Le, who worked for a Yale laboratory that conducted experiments on mice. She was part of a team researching enzymes that could have implications for cancer, diabetes and muscular dystrophy treatment. Clark, his fiancee, his sister and his brother-in-law all work for Yale as animal lab technicians. Le’s body was found Sunday stuffed behind the wall of the basement where lab animals are kept. The Connecticut state medical examiner said Wednesday that Le died of “traumatic asphyxiation.” Authorities released no details on how she died, but traumatic asphyxiation could be consistent with a choke hold or some other form of pressure-induced asphyxiation caused by a hand or an object, such as a pipe. Clark and Le were both 24 years old, but Clark has a muscular build that contrasts sharply to Le’s 4-foot-11, 90-pound frame. Clark also reportedly had a troubling brush with the law in high school after being accused of harassing a girlfriend. Until recently, Clark’s family lived in nearby Branford, a small middle-class suburb of New Haven. In September 2003, when he was a senior at Branford High School, Clark reportedly upset a girlfriend so much that police warned him to stay away from her. The New Haven Independent reported that when the girl tried to break up with Clark, he attempted to confront her and wrote on her
locker. The girlfriend and her mother told a detective that she had been in a sexual relationship with Clark and that he once forced her to have sex. The relationship continued after that incident, according to the Independent, a news Web site. The young woman did not pursue the case, and no charges were filed. The Independent reported that Clark was warned in 2003 that police would pursue criminal charges against him if he contacted the girl. Branford Police Lt. Geoffrey Morgan told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his department would not release the unsubstantiated 2003 report. Morgan would neither confirm nor deny the news report, citing cooperation with police investigating the killing. Clark played baseball at Branford High School, where longtime athletic director Artie Roy remembered him as a quiet student who threw a mean knuckleball.
“He was a seriously good pitcher and a good infielder,” Roy said. “He wasn’t a typical off-thewall knucklehead kind of kid who bounced all over the place,” he said. On her MySpace page, Clark’s fiancee, Jennifer Hromadka, calls Clark was a “wonderful boyfriend.” She added that she’s not perfect, but cautioned people not to judge her. “Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I’m not perfect and I don’t live to be, but before you start pointing fingers make sure your hands are clean!!” the 23year-old wrote. The date of the MySpace posting is unclear. The page has since been taken down. Police are not commenting on a possible motive.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Sports
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
FOOTBALL
Tulane’s annual contract canceled
PAGE 5
Uneven Playing Field
Tigers outscore ULL 274-3 in last five games
By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer
By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
lsureveille.com
LSU football coach Les Miles said he is on board with the cancellation of the team’s annual series with Tulane, which was announced Wednesday. The Tigers and Green Wave had six years remaining on a 10-year deal signed in 2005. The teams are scheduled to play Oct. 31 in Tiger Stadium and one more game on a date to be determined. “I underLog on stand the athto see letic director’s Les Miles thoughts there,” discuss Miles said. the Tulane “When we do series schedule them, I ending look forward to and the playing them.” ULL game. Miles said he sees playing in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against North Carolina in Atlanta to start next season as an opportunity to showcase the LSU football program to fans and potential recruits. “There are spots like Atlanta where recruiting is an advantage for us,” Miles said. “We’d like to play in those early games as often as we can.” The LSU running game took a hit with the loss of Richard Murphy to a season-ending knee injury during MILES, see page 15
LESLIE WESTBROOK / The Associated Press
Kansas State quarterback Carson Coffman, 14, is tackled by Louisiana-Lafayette’s Antwyne Zanders during the game Saturday at Cajun Field in Lafayette, La.
ULL vs. LSU History
1902: First meeting between schools (ULL was Southwest Louisiana at time) 64: Years between matchups from 1938-2002 21-0: The Tigers have won all their matches against ULL 45-3: Score of the most recent matchup (2006) 93-0: Score of 1936 game, the most lopsided between the teams 274-3: Combined score of last 5 matchups
The marquee in-state football matchups in Louisiana have always been LSU-Tulane and Southern-Grambling. One doesn’t normally think of LSU playing Louisiana-Lafayette as a big rivalry, despite the teams’ campuses being separated by a mere 50 miles of interstate. But there is a bit of history behind this weekend’s game, albeit a lopsided one. The Tigers have taken all 21 games against the Ragin’ Cajuns, with the first game dating back to 1902, a 42-0 LSU victory. The most recent matchup was a 45-3 LSU victory three seasons ago in Baton Rouge. “I don’t think we had enough spark plugs in the engine to be as solid of a football team as we needed to be,” UL-Lafayette coach Rickey Bustle said in a news release. “We’re taking a more solid team over there, and we’re looking forward to it.” LSU has also won the last five games against UL-Lafayette by a combined 274-3 score, including a 93-0 shutout in 1936. But all the lopsidedness won’t take away from the luster of the game for LSU coach Les Miles and his players. “This is a new year, and ULL is 2-0 for the first time in a while, so they are fired up,” said sophomore center T-Bob Hebert. “They would like nothing more than to come into Death Valley and get a victory. We are going to have to match their intensity.” The Ragin’ Cajuns will come into Tiger Stadium after starting off the season with a pair of home victories. ULL was on the good end of a 17-15 battle against Kansas State in Lafayette last week thanks to a 48-yard field goal from junior place kicker Tyler Albrecht, his first collegiate field goal. The victory was the Cajuns’ first win against a BCS-conference school since LAFAYETTE, see page 14
FOOTBALL
Teammates not surprised by Jackson’s big game Wide receiver gives career-best performance By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor
LSU senior wide receiver R.J. Jackson might have surprised Tiger fans and the Vanderbilt defense with his big game Saturday — but not his teammates. After former LSU wide receiver Demetrius Byrd went to the NFL following his senior season, the third wide receiver spot behind senior Brandon LaFell and junior Terrance Toliver became open. Jackson and senior wide receiver Chris Mitchell have
‘‘
‘He’s just as good as you can need at the receiver position.’ Richard Dickson senior tight end
been battling since the spring for the slot receiver position. Jackson caught six passes for 55 yards against the Commodores after compiling only one reception for -1 yards in his previous three seasons. But senior tight end Richard Dickson said Jackson is reliable, fast and can make a lot of plays at
the slot position. “He’s just as good as you can need at the receiver position, and he could definitely come into that role,” Dickson said. Jackson’s career-best performance Saturday included a 30-yard reception, which set up junior kicker Josh Jasper ’s 22yard field goal at the end of the first half to give the Tigers a 13-7 halftime lead. It was the game’s longest play from scrimmage. “Like coach [Gary Crowton] said, just be ready when your number is called,” Jackson said. “Thank God that my number was called that night, and I actually stepped up to the plate.” JACKSON, see page 14
KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT/ The Daily Reveille
LSU senior wide receiver R.J. Jackson goes down after a catch Saturday against Vanderbilt. Jackson had his career-best performance during the game.
PAGE 6
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
AROUND THE SEC
UT-UF not only game to get excited about this weekend Hogs’ SEC opener to be most challenging yet By David Helman Sports Writer
day.
Only 48 hours until judgement
This weekend’s Southeastern Conference opener between
Florida and Tennessee has been must-see TV ever since Lane Kiffin took the job at Tennessee last December. Kiffin started his first press conference with the Volunteers by suggesting his new team would knock off the Gators in the 2009 conference opener. He escalated his predicament on National Signing Day when he accused Florida coach Urban Meyer—incorrectly—
of violating recruiting rules. The general consensus is the No. 1 Gators will romp in The Swamp to a third-consecutive beatdown of the Volunteers, and maybe even rub it in a little bit. Florida is 4-0 against Tennessee since Meyer arrived, outscoring them 126-53 since 2005. Since all-everything quarterback Tim Tebow took over the Gators’ offense in 2007, Florida has beaten
Tennessee by an average score of 44.5 to 13. “It’s our first SEC game, so obviously it’s very important,” Kiffin said in a teleconference. “[Florida] is the most talented team in the country and probably the most talented team ever to play.” The Vols don’t look much more capable of derailing Florida’s quest for a repeat national championship this season, as they sputtered to 208 total yards and four turnovers last week in a home loss to UCLA. While those two battle it out in Gainesville, there are two other matchups that could have a lot to say about how the SEC shakes out. MALLETT, ARKANSAS MAKE SEC DEBUT Sophomore quarterback Ryan Mallett looked like the perfect fit for Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino’s pass-happy system in the
WADE PAYNE / The Associated Press
Tennessee freshman tailback Bryce Brown is knocked off his feet as he’s pursued by John Garrett during the first quarter of the Vols’ game against Western Kentucky on Sept. 5 in Knoxville, Tenn. Brown was injured on the play but returned later.
Razorbacks’ season opener against Missouri State. Mallett completed 77 percent of his passes for 309 yards and a score, while the Arkansas ground game combined for 144 yards rushing in a 48-10 win. The Hogs’ conference opener promises to be considerably more challenging, as they enter SEC play against No. 23 Georgia. Few teams have had a crazier start to the season than the Bulldogs. Their offense was utterly stuffed in a 24-10 loss to thenNo.9 Oklahoma State, and while the world prepared for a defensive struggle against South Carolina in week two, the Dawgs saved their season from early destruction with a wild 41-37 win against the Gamecocks. “They’ve had two great battles, and we haven’t been tested yet,” Petrino said. “It’s something SEC, see page 15
Thursday, September 17, 2009
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 7
VOLLEYBALL
Libero shows maturity, poise in backup position Freshman No. 2 on team in sets played By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer
It’s not very often a freshman is thrown into the heat of battle in her first volleyball collegiate match, especially against a top-10 team. It’s even rarer for a former walk-on and the last person added to the roster to be that freshman to jump into the action. Yet LSU coach Fran Flory had all the confidence in the world to let freshman defensive specialist Samantha Delahoussaye get action in all five sets of LSU’s loss to thenNo. 5 Stanford in the Tigers’ season opening match. “You can’t [improve] except to get her experience and throw her into it,” Flory said. “We didn’t hold back on her. We didn’t protect her. We threw her into the fire.” The Madisonville product finished her first match with six digs and two assists and improved those numbers in nearly every match since. She played in 34 of the Tigers’ 35 sets this season, which is second on the team. In that time, she amassed 2.15 digs per set, No. 3 on the team, and three service aces, No.
5 on the team. “I’ve had a mixture of good and bad games,” Delahoussaye said. “I’ve definitely improved since I got here, but I feel like I can play better as the season goes on.” “Shorty,” as she is known to her teammates for being the shortest on the team at 5 feet, 5 inches, came to LSU from St. Scholastica Academy in Covington. She was named AllDistrict 5-I co-Most Valuable Player her senior season along with being on Prepvolleyball.com’s 2009 Defensive Dandies List. Southern Mississippi and the College of William and Mary recruited the freshman, but she said she chose LSU because it was close to home, and she liked the program. Delahoussaye also has an older sister at LSU and a cousin who is a cheerleader. “I’ve always wanted to go to LSU ever since I was little because I’m from here,” Delahoussaye said. Flory said the program was attracted to Delahoussaye because of her speed and agility. “The first thing we noticed was that she is such a dynamic defender,” Flory said. “You look for an attribute in recruits that separates them from everyone you are watching, and she explodes playing defense. She’s fearless, and she has very good ball skills.”
Delahoussaye’s roommate and fellow libero Lauren Waclawczyk echoed Flory. “She is very quick, she’s low and she can get to any ball on the court,” the sophomore said. Flory said with time the freshman will become an even better defender than she has already proven to be. “She didn’t realize, like every other freshman, how important the mental side of the game is,” Flory said. “It’s so much more involved than just going out and playing. She’s hit a few road bumps ... and that’s held her back a little bit.” But even with those road bumps, “Shorty” is never one to take the smile off her face. “I don’t really think about what’s going on,” she said. “I like to just go out there and have fun.” Flory said that fun attitude is something the Tigers need in a defensive specialist. “She’s never a negative,” Flory said. “[A libero] has to have a presence, and that’s what we are trying to get her to do. She has a smile on her face, but she is always quiet, so we are trying to get her out of that box and have her be a little louder.” Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
NCAA
NCAA president dies of cancer By The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA president Myles Brand, who as head of Indiana University sparked massive protests by firing Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Knight, died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 67. NCAA officials, who announced Brand’s death, were not ready to say who would replace Brand or when they may begin searching for a successor. The first former university president to run college sports’ largest governing body, Brand worked to change the perception that wins supersede academics. Brand gained national attention in May 2000 when he put Knight on a zero-tolerance policy after a former player alleged that the coach had choked him during a practice years earlier. Four months after that announcement, freshman Kent Harvey accused Knight of grabbing him, and Brand did what fans considered unthinkable — he fired the coach who won three national championships in Bloomington.
Knight later moved on to Texas Tech, stepping aside for son, Pat Knight, in February 2008. Indiana students protested at the time of the firing, but Brand’s decision gave him a platform to address the problems he saw in college sports. During a January 2001 speech at the National Press Club in Washington, Brand criticized the
growing “arms race” in college sports, saying school presidents faced tough challenges with celebrity coaches and suggesting the emphasis on winning championships endangered the real mission of universities. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
MAGGIE BOWLES /
The Daily Reveille
Freshman Samantha Delahoussaye plays in the defensive libero position in the Tigers’ game against Nebraska on Sept. 4. Delahoussaye ranks No. 2 on the team in sets played.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 8
Thursday, September 17, 2009
RECRUITING
LSU’s 2010 recruiting class among top six in nation SEC schools rank in top-10 lists By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor
The only thing unanimous about LSU’s 2010 football recruiting class is the number of commitments. The three main college recruiting Web sites — Scout.com, Rivals. com and ESPNU.com — agree to disagree on the ranking of the 2010 class. The 22 recruits in the class are ranked in the top six by the three
sites. Rivals ranks LSU’s class No. 2 in the country, while Scout has the Tigers’ class at No. 5. ESPNU lands it at No. 6. “On paper it could potentially be a top-five or top-10 class,” said Rene Nadeau, college football analyst for ESPN and TigerVision. “But there are going to be a couple of surprises, good and bad.” The Tigers only have one Scout five-star recruit — wide receiver Mike Davis. The 6-foot-1-inch, 175-pound Dallas native caught 58 passes for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns his junior season. But LSU has 10 Scout fourstars, headlined by safety Eric Reid,
SCOTT GAULIN / The Temple Daily Telegram
Running back Lache Seastrunk rushes 291 yards and four touchdowns in a 49-42 win against Ellison High School on Oct. 9. Seastrunk is considering commitment to LSU.
running back Spencer Ware and defensive end Jordan Allen. Reid racked up 47 tackles and four interceptions his junior season at Dutchtown High School. Ware is a quarterback for Princeton High School in Ohio, but the 5-foot-11inch athlete is projected as a running back in college. Allen is a Class 5A All-State selection and Scout’s No. 10 defensive end in the nation. The West Monroe native logged 70 tackles and nine sacks his junior season. Sonny Shipp, recruiting analyst for Scout, said LSU’s 2010 class is deep but does not have the top-level recruits of past classes. Many blue-chip recruits still have LSU on their radar. Running back Lache Seastrunk, wide receiver Trovon Reed and middle linebacker Jeff Luc are all considering LSU. Shipp said Seastrunk and Reed are leaning to the Tigers, while Luc is a long-shot. LSU, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia lead the Southeastern Conference in the 2010 rankings. At least four SEC teams are in the top 10 of each site’s rankings. The Gators continue recruiting for speed, clinching Scout five-star recruits safety Matt Elam and running back Mack Brown. Both players run a 40-yard dash in less than 4.5 seconds. Alabama coach Nick Saban is continuing the tide of top recruiting classes in Tuscaloosa. Ala-
U S L K E H T N I O J ! ! T N U H E R U TREAS
Team rankings of 2010 recruiting classes: Scout.com: 1. Oklahoma 2. Texas 3. Tennessee 4. Alabama 5. LSU 6. Georgia 7. Penn State 8. Stanford 9. Florida 10. Oklahoma State
Rivals.com 1. Texas 2. LSU 3. Oklahoma 4. Tennessee 5. Alabama 6. USC 7. Florida 8. Georgia 9. Texas A&M 10. Penn State
bama has a commitment from Phillip Sims, Scout’s No. 5 quarterback in the nation, and Millbrook, Ala., native Demarcus Milliner, Scout’s No. 1 cornerback. Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin’s 2010 class is beginning to fill up with the Volunteers clinching three recruits Sunday. Wide receiver Demarco Cobbs and defensive tackle Brandon Willis are Scout five-star recruits, while defensive end Corey Miller is a Scout four-star prospect. Georgia’s class is led by two Scout five-star defensive stalwarts in safety Alec Ogletree and defensive tackle Garrison Smith. Nadeau said rankings from the three sites are hard to gauge less than five months before National Signing Day on Feb. 3. “The numbers are based on spring practice and camps,” Nadeau said. “It’s sexy to put numbers up
ESPNU.com: 1. Florida 2. Texas 3. Georgia 4. Alabama 5. Penn State 6. LSU 7. Oklahoma 8. USC 9. Ohio State 10. Texas A&M
there, but the guys haven’t finished their senior season. Some kids will blossom their senior season, and they aren’t even on the radar yet.” Shipp said it’s hard to evaluate talent at the high school level. “Evaluating high school players isn’t an exact science,” Shipp said. “Seventeen-year-old kids still have a ways to develop physically and mentally.” Although recruiting rankings are not guaranteed to translate to onthe-field success, fans still flock to the Internet to see where their team stacks up. “Recruiting gives all teams something to look forward to down the road,” Nadeau said. “Its easy to digest and access. It gives everybody a little hope.” Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
WIN AN LSU INNER CAMPUS PARKING PASS AND GATE WAND, OR $300 IN TIGER CASH, OR AN X-BOX 360, OR AN IPOD TOUCH Somewhere on the LSU campus, KLSU-fm has hidden a “treasure chest” consisting of a choice of prizes. You could become the only student on campus to have inner-campus parking privileges through the fall semester. Or choose instead to infuse your Tiger Card with $300 in Tiger Cash. Or KLSU-fm will buy you a new X-Box 360 or iPod Tou Touch. It’s your choice – if you are the first person to locate the treasure.* The “map” to this treasure is a series of 10 clues being provided by KLSU-fm, on a one-a-weekday basis. The clues are inner-related. Some early clues won’t make sense until combined with later clues. A single clue Is broadcast each day, Monday through Friday. You can hear the day’s clue once during the morning drive show (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.), once at noon, and a third time during the afternoon drive (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Past clues and contest information are posted daily on www.klsuradio.fm
Sept 22! s d n E t n u H
91.1 The music of your lives. *Contest limited to currently enrolled LSU students except for Student Media personnel.
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
MUSIC
Students lobby for Groovin’ headliners
Entertainment
PAGE 9
Sing for the Moment
By Alex White Entertainment Writer
Ready to rock ’n’ roll, thousands of University students are campaigning on Facebook to bring their favorite music act to the Parade Ground. Students created two popular Facebook groups — one in support of Lady Gaga and the other for MGMT — to persuade Student Government to book the acts for this spring’s Groovin’ on the Grounds. Ryan Krewsky, history sophomore, said he started the Lady Gaga group as a joke, but the group has gained more than 750 members since the group’s creation in July. “I just wanted to see how it would do, see if it would add up to something,” Krewsky said. “I always go to parties and hear her and [her music] is good to dance to. I definitely think everyone would like it.” Lu Seka, architecture sophomore, and Ryan Smith, biology junior, co-founded the MGMT group Aug. 31 after reading a post about the Lady Gaga group on Facebook. Seka and Smith even made T-shirts at Storyville to rally for MGMT. They said they want the group to be a large enough to present to SG and Students on Target as a petition. The MGMT Facebook group has more than 8,000 members. Staying within SG’s budget will be the toughest challenge to secure the acts, said Phoebe Hathorn, SG director of finance. SG receives $3 from each student’s fee bill plus sponsorships to fund Groovin’ on the
photos by BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Students express passion for singing in University choral programs By Alex White Entertainment Writer
Some students attend the University to build their chances of playing professional sports or to become big-shot lawyers. Others come to pursue their dreams of international success through singing in the University’s various choirs.
Chorus conductor Brian Kittredge [center] leads rehearsal Wednesday. The University’s various choral programs have performed at national conventions, community events and international tours.
Students from choral programs have gone on to such heights as singing with The Metropolitan Opera in New York City like alumna Lisette Oropesa or having worldwide opera careers like alumnus Paul Groves. “I really want to travel the world and sing in opera houses all my life,” said Caitlin
Powell, music sophomore. “I started going to musicals when I was 5, and I loved it.” Whether students want to sing professionally like Powell or have been inspired by the new Fox TV show “Glee,” the University’s choirs offer an opportunity for all to express themselves through song. About 350 students make
up the University’s choral groups, but the majority of students enrolled in choirs are non-music majors, said Kenneth Fulton, director of choral activities. “Singing has always been a joy,” said Rachel Assaf, psychology senior. “Taking choir CHOIR, see page 13
“I really want to travel the world and sing in opera houses all my life. I started going to musicals when I was 5, and I loved it.” Caitlin Powell, music sophomore
GROOVIN’, see page 12
BR COMMUNITY
Skateboarder opens local company BR native to design and produce boards By Jake Clapp Entertainment Writer
MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille
Chris Culotta prepares to drop down a pipe Wednesday. Culotta started his own business to design and produce skateboards.
A loud pop resounds as wood hits cement. The skater gracefully keeps his balance as he lands smoothly, rolling away with style. A rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment shoots
through his body as he successfully nails the skateboard trick he had been practicing all day. The feeling of adrenaline and accomplishment is Chris Culotta’s passion and the feeling he lives for. Culotta, 28-year-old Baton Rouge native, has been skating for more than 20 years and now wants to give back to the sport and culture. Culotta, a disc jockey at Spanish Moon, started Heartthrob Skateboards in February to begin designing and pro-
ducing boards for the skate community he has been a part of most of his life. Culotta decided to start his own company after he lost his job in 2008. “I wanted to be my own man,” Culotta said. “I wanted to take the business experience that I had and fit it in with what I love.” Collaborating with local artists like Brad Jensen, who is known for his work as Icon, to design the graphics for his SKATEBOARD, see page 12
THE DAILY REVEILLE
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
FASHION
University student lands job at Max Azria’s clothing co. Senior hired before finishing undergrad By Emily Slack Entertainment Writer
Few can claim to run a fashion empire like designer Max Azria, but even fewer are hired by one before they finish their undergraduate degree. Ryan Auld, textile, apparel, merchandising senior, was hired by a branch of Azria’s label, BCBGeneration, while completing an internship last summer in Los Angeles. BCBGeneration is a newer branch of the Max Azria label which began about four years ago and is targeted toward teen and college-aged consumers. “[My job at BCBGeneration] started out as an internship, but they found out I had a great
‘‘
‘[BCBGeneration] likes the type of students that LSU produces.’ Yvonne Marquette
textiles, apparel, merchandising internship coordinator
background in graphics,” Auld said. “The [BCBGeneration] recruiter offered me a position on the spot.” Auld worked closely with Joyce Azria, Max Azria’s daughter, and the two collaborated on a Tshirt line for BCBGeneration. Auld designed about 70 T-shirts and said about 16 designs will debut in Dillard’s and Macy’s stores nationwide in November. The shirts will retail for $30 to $50. “[Joyce] would give me inspiration and just tell me to run with
photo courtesy of RYAN AULD
Ryan Auld, textiles, apparel and merchandising senior, works on clothing designs at BCBG in Los Angeles this summer during an internship for Max Azria’s company.
it,” Auld said. For Auld, an average day at BCBGeneration included sketching graphics for the shirts on the computer and by hand, working with pattern makers and creating “spec packages.” Auld gave the pattern makers the physical measurements
ART
Museum event free to students Faculty’s art to be on display tonight By Lindsay Nunez Entertainment Writer
Viewing fine art, paintings and photography may seem out of reach and expensive for college students, but they don’t have to look any further than the LSU Museum of Art. The LSU MOA, located on the fifth floor of the Shaw Center at 100 Lafayette St., is hosting an LSU Night tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is exclusive to University students and faculty, and admission is free with a student ID. “We want people to see it all,” said Victoria Cooke, assistant curator of LSU MOA. “A lot of people have never seen the museum before, and we wanted to give them a chance to see it.” LSU Night will celebrate the opening of the new gallery, LSU Art: Past and Present. To represent the past, the exhibit features work from former University professors Caroline Durieux, Ed Pramuk, Robert Warren and James Burke. Current featured professors include Christopher Johns, Leslie Koptcho and Frederick Ortner. The gallery will show the evolution and change of the University’s
artists throughout the years, Johns said. “There is an editor between a reader and a writer,” Johns said. “There’s a conductor between the listener and musician. But with paintings, there is no one between you and the artist. That is why it is great whenever we make it possible for students to see live art.” The incorporation of mixed media, prints and paintings exemplifies the creativity of the University’s art program, Cooke said. Each professor will have his or her own wall of art. Johns’ collection for the museum consists of six works on paper — Basic Sailing 1, Casbah, Exile 15, Fiskadoro 6, Travel Tales-Ingresso and Travel Tales 1. A childhood sailing manual and Hungarian playing cards inspired the pieces, he said. “The paintings are a memory or fantasy about getting out of the house as a kid,” Johns said. Koptcho’s 2009 collection for the museum consists of two sets of three works. Her Gustav Cut series and Peel, Grow, Virgule series are both inspired by microscopic images she has captured at the University’s Department of Biological
Sciences. The works compare human skin to birchwood and cypress trees, she said. “My current work focuses on skin as a metaphor for identity and the fragile boundary between the outer world of physical appearance and the interior one of private and psychic complexity,” Koptcho said. Ortner’s collection contains seven paintings — Still Life with Pentagon I and II, Vermont, Cardinal, Still Life with Cardinal II, and Studio Still Life I and II. He said he creates his paintings with readable space, so the eye can move smoothly through the picture without interruptions. “My paintings are made directly from nature,” Ortner said. “I study the visual experience to discover forms, tones and colors that will set up equivalencies in paint to the perceived world.” LSU Dining, Jambalaya Shoppe and Tsunami will cater the event. Guests will also receive a 20 percent discount at the LSU MOA museum store. Contact Lindsay Nunez at lnunez@lsureveille.com
for the T-shirt graphics and provided information about color and placement of the graphics. BCBGeneration sends college recruiters to campuses across the country to promote possible internship positions. A BCBGeneration recruiter will return to campus
Sept. 29. BCBGeneration hired Auld full-time, but he decided to return to the University to complete his degree. “We have a relationship with their corporate office, so there is a broader range of internship positions [for textiles, apparel, merchandising students],” said Yvonne Marquette, supervising textiles, apparel, merchandising professor of summer internships. “[BCBGeneration] likes the type of students that LSU produces.” Five University students completed internships this summer with BCBG, Marquette said. “The contacts that students make in internships are very valuable and often lead to other opportunities,” Marquette said.
Contact Emily Slack at eslack@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Reveille Ranks
MUSIC MOVIES BOOKS TELEVISION
Pixie Lott Turn It Up
Sorority Row Summit Entertainment
Mercury/Interscope
Muse
The Resistance Warner Music UK
The music world should prepare for a Pixie Lott takeover. The 18-year-old British soul pop songstress’ debut “Turn It Up” contains so many potential hits — including the alluring “Mama Do,” the addictive “Boys and Girls,” the compelling “Gravity” and the RedOne produced “Here We Go Again” — that listeners will have a hard time not listening to the 40-minute album on repeat. Excluding a few cliché lines like in the title cut “Turn It Up,” this is the pop album of 2009, so put this one on and enjoy because, as Pixie says, “A good beat never hurt no one.”
“Sorority Row” is the tale of five Theta Pi sorority sisters who play just a little too hard. A practical joke is used to seek revenge on an unfaithful boyfriend of one of the sisters. But this joke goes terribly wrong, and the boyfriend kills one of the sisters with a tire iron. The clique vows secrecy and continues to live its partyhard lifestyle until a shadowed creature seeks revenge. On the plus side, the movie was casted and filmed well. However, some party scenes dragged on for a little too long, and there were far too many characters and subplots for the movie to handle.
Muse blasts back on to the music scene with its fifth studio album. “The Resistance” is classic Muse, complete with sweeping guitars and explosive tracks typical of the veteran band. Muse takes a step outside its usual sounds to prove the band isn’t completely incapable of evolving musically with the three-part rock symphony “Exogenesis,” complete with a full orchestra. The orchestra also pops up in other tracks like “United States of Eurasia,” which has a Queenesque feel. Muse will satisfy its substantial fan base with “The Resistance.”
A. White
L. Nunez
E. SLACK
Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats
Kid Cudi
9
[A] [C+] [B-]
Meet the Meatbats
Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Focus Features
Universal Motown
Warrior Records
Chad Smith, best known for playing drums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released his first record with his instrumental group the Bombastic Meatbats on Sept. 15. Though they are mostly an improvisational funk band, the Meatbats fuse together elements of classic rock, R&B and ’70s lounge music to produce a diverse sound. The band is mostly known for its live club performances, but the tracks on this record are very tight and thoroughly roadtested. Recorded completely live and written in a matter of days, “Meet the Meatbats” brings out the spontaneity of the band’s live shows. And in a music scene where bands often trade their songwriting for lavish production, this raw jam session is a breath of fresh air.
The easiest way to describe Kid Cudi’s debut studio album “Man on the Moon” is to tell the listeners to forget any preconceived notions they had about hip-hop. This album will change their minds. Following with the same ideals as Kanye West’s experimental “808s and Heartbreak,” Cudi produces an album too big to fit into the same molds as normal rap. With beats ranging from sparking space pop supplied by MGMT and Ratatat, to trimmed down minimalist hiphop, Cudi’s surrealistic imagery and psychedelic concepts come together for an album as adventurous as a trip to the moon.
“9” is visually beautiful with animation that would make any animator from Pixar cry. The film tells the story of nine rag dolls, survivors in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by machines. The animation is the most striking feature of the film. With movements and expressions so ornate they seem almost human, “9” is very well done. However, the story lacks plot depth, and more development could have come about if the film was longer than 80 minutes.
B. BOURGEOIS
J. CLAPP
C. VOGELS
[A] [A-] [C]
PAGE 11
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 12 SKATEBOARD, from page 9
boards, Culotta began to distribute boards to skate shops open to supporting small companies. As a self-described “local skate legend,” Culotta understands the love skaters have for what they do and works with small skate shops which cater more to the needs of local skaters. Culotta has managed to distribute his boards to skate shops across Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi and plans to build his brand around the South for the “lifer” – or hardcore skater. “I don’t want to be involved with a shop that just wants to make money,” Culotta said. “I want to reach the guy who wants to keep skating until his legs fall off.” Jeffrey Livingston is one of these “lifers.” Skating since he was 7 years old, Livingston has worked with Culotta and Heartthrob Skateboards since the beginning of the company. “For lifers, skating is like an itch,” said Livingston, studio art junior. “You sit in class, and all you think about is being back outside skating.” Skating is more than just going out and landing a trick, Livingston said. “You go out with a group of guys, and you skate for a bit,” Livingston said. “You get tired, and you find your self just hanging out with your friends. It’s a tight-knit community.” The skate community around Baton Rouge has fluctuating throughout the years but has seen more recent growth, Livingston said. But assistant area supervisor for Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge Jason Hoggatt said Baton Rouge has seen a steady rise in skateboarders in recent years. The BREC has one free skate park in service but is currently rebuilding the Velodrome on Perkins Road and has plans for more parks in the future, Hoggatt said. Hoggatt estimates nearly 500 skaters use the free skate parks every month and have seen skaters aged anywhere from 3 to 60 years. He said the majority of these skaters are in their late teens or college age. “What we had was not adequate for the amount of riders in Baton Rouge,” Hoggatt said. “Skateboarding is a steadily growing sport, and we are building to accommodate that.” The rise in popularity of skateboarding has been attributed to the movement of underground culture, particularly skate culture, into the mainstream because of TV shows like MTV’s “Rob and Big” and “Viva La Bam” and video games like the popular “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” series. With more people coming into skateboarding because of the trends these shows inspire, debate has opened whether these new skaters are as passionate or as committed as the “lifers” that have been skating for years. “No one remembers the original two skaters in their school,” said Daniel Barousse, marketing junior and skater of 10 years. “The same people who messed
with us 8 years ago accept it now. It isn’t right.” Some skaters realize it’s just about the love of the sport and aren’t affected by how big the industry or culture gets. “Some people want to keep skating exclusive,” said Ronnie Saurage, owner of Rukus Board Shop. “I feel that the kids that are in it and want to be in it, we should accept them and the longer it will stay and better it gets for everyone.” The sales of Heartthrob Skateboards, which run an average of $49, have reflected this growth with the first two runs selling out and hundreds more sold, but the Culotta is more interested in the rider on his skateboard. “It’s hard to build a skate brand,” Culotta said. “But it’s not about the money, I wouldn’t own a skateboard company if it was. This is my way of giving back to what I love and a way of expressing myself artistically.”
Contact Jake Clapp at jclapp@lsureveille.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
WHO DO YOU WANT TO PERFORM AT GROOVIN’ ON THE GROUNDS?
Ryan Hernandez
‘I want Lady Gaga because I think Lady Gaga is cool.’
marketing freshman
GROOVIN’, from page 9
Grounds, said Michelle Eldredge, Campus Life associate director and SG adviser. Once the budget is determined in the spring, SOT will hire an agency to provide a list of available artists and handle the booking of the acts. Groovin’ on the Grounds began in 1997, and past artists have cost tens of thousands of dollars to book. Alternative rock band Chevelle cost $45,000 in 2007, while Akon cost $75,000 last spring.
Grace Kulage psychology freshman
‘MGMT would be better than anyone who has come before.’
About 8,000 students attended Groovin’ on the Grounds last spring, said Melissa Guidry, SG director of student involvement. SG wants to select artists who have a wide base for students to enjoy, choosing to ask which genre of music students would prefer to see at the show on the fall SG election ballot, Guidry said. Guidry also encourages students to e-mail their suggestions. Sara Dixon, communication studies senior, said she wants to see Lady Gaga because she loves her music and style. Grace
Justin Zeno biology freshman
‘I would want to see Lil’ Wayne because he is my favorite artist.’
Kulage, psychology sophomore, would like to see MGMT because she said they would be better than other performers who played in the past. Guidry said SG members monitor the Facebook groups and read wall posts for other ideas. The Groovin’ on the Grounds acts will not be announced until the spring, she said.
Contact Alex White at awhite@lsureveille.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009 CHOIR, from page 9
is more fun than taking biology. When you take something you enjoy [like choir], it’s not like going to a class because you get to sing.” The choral program is composed of seven choirs varying in music style, difficulty, and talent level. The a capella choir, directed by Fulton, is the University’s most prestigious choral group with several significant performances under its belt. Performances include a European tour in 2003 and an American Choral Directors Association convention closing set in 2005 where the choir followed a performance by the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Besides the a capella choir, three other choirs — Schola Cantorum, Ebony Renaissance and the LSU Chamber Singers — require auditions, while the Women’s Chorus, the all-male Tiger Glee Club and the Gospel Choir are open to all students. “We want to attract a wide range,” Fulton ‘It’s fun to said. “We have go to class students who join who have and sing never sung to together. I those who have profesjust like it sung sionally.” and [have] O t h e r choirs also been perform at nasinging far tional conventoo long to tions, commuevents and stop now.’ nity international Mary Craig tours. The gostextile, apparel and merchandising pel choir began taking students and anthropology to France to sophomore perform in 2003, giving students a unique chance to travel abroad. A group of French singers will be visiting the University in November to practice with the choir, said Everrett Parker, director of gospel choirs. Rehearsals occur only during the scheduled class times, and there are no out-of-class rehearsals except for a dress rehearsal before a concert, Fulton said. “With class time, we practice about five hours a week,” Powell said. “All [our director] wants us to do is look over our music and come prepared.” The class is fun and laidback, said Mary Craig, textile, apparel and merchandising and anthropology sophomore. “It’s fun to go to class and sing together,” Craig said. “I just like it and [have] been singing far too long to stop now.” The fall concert schedule for the University choirs begins with the Chamber Singers’ performance Oct. 6 at St. Alban’s Chapel located at the corner of Dalrymple Drive and Highland Road.
Contact Alex White at awhite@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
PAGE 13
HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE...
thursday 4&15&.#&3 Mellow Mushroom
2 for 1 Draft and Shroom Tea till 10PM
Plucker’s Wing Bar
Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Plucker’s Lemonades Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wednesday: Trivia at 8PM. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Plucker’s Lemonades JAE C. HONG / The Associated Press
Flowers decorate Patrick Swayze’s star Monday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The “Dirty Dancing” star died Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.
Fred’s Bar Ladies Night: Free Drinks 8-10 No Cover for Girls til 12 $2.50 Bud, Bud Select and Michelob Ultra $2.00 shots 12-2 Bogie’s Ladies Night: Ladies Free Until 12 Friday: Old School Night Doors Open at 7
t BEWFSUJTF ZPVS FWFOU BOE TQFDJBMT GPS BT MPX BT B EBZ t RAVE MOTION PICTURES 09/18 - 09/19 WWW.RAVEMOTIONPICTURES.COM Mall of Louisiana 15 Baton Rouge 16 I-12@ O’Neal 225-769-5176 I-10@ Mall of LA Exit 225-769-5176 ** CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (3D) 11:00, 11:30, 1:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45 PG **CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALL (2D) 12:00, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15, 10:00 PG **JENNIFER’S BODY R 12:30, 4:30, 7:45, 10:45 **LOVE HAPPENS PG13 11:05, 1:55, 4:40, 7:30, 10:30 **THE INFORMANT! R 12:05, 4:15, 7:20, 10:15 **TYLER PERRY’S I CAN DO ALL BY MYSELF PG13 11:20, 12:15, 2:30, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:00 **WHITEOUT R 2:25, 5:10, 7:55, 10:50 **SORORITY ROW R 11:55, 2:40, 5:20, 8:10, 10:55 **9 PG13 11:35, 1:50, 4:10, 7:05 9:55 **ALL ABOUT STEVE PG13 11:25, 2:20, 5:05, 7:40, 10:25 **GAMER R 4:25, 10:25 **EXTRACT R 1:40, 7:25 **FINAL DESTINATION_3D R 4:20, 6:55, 9:50 **INGLORIOUS BASTERDS R 12:25, 4:35, 8:20 **SHORTS PG 11:50 AM ONLY **G FORCE PG 11:15AM ONLY **GI JOE PG13 11:10, 2:05
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 3:00- 3:30 PM 7:00-9:30 PM 10:00-10:30 PM 11:00- 12:30 PM
** CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (3D) 11:00, 11:30, 12:15, 1:30, 2:00, 2L45, 4:00, 4:30, 7:00, 7:30, 9:30, 10:15 PG **DISTRICT 9 R 4:10, 9:55 **JENNIFER’S BODY R 12:00, 3:00, 5:30, 8:30, 11:15 **PONYO G 12:45 **THE SECRETS OF JONATHAN SPERRY PG 11:40, 2:15, 4:45, 7:45 **THE INFORMANT! R 11:45, 2:20, 5:10, 8:00, 10:50 **TYLER PERRY’S I CAN DO ALL BY MYSELF PG13 11:15, 2:30, 4:15, 5:15, 7:15, 8:05, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 **WHITEOUT R 11:50, 4:40, 7:25, 10:15 **SORORITY ROW R 11:05, 1:55, 4:55, 7:35, 10:20 **THE TIME TRAVELERS WIFE PG13 1:00, 7:05 **9 PG13 11:20, 1:45, 4:20, 7:20, 9:45 **ALL ABOUT STEVE PG13 11:10, 1:40, 4:3, 7:10, 9:50 **GAMER R 2:10, 7:40 **EXTRACT R 2:25 **FINAL DESTINATION_3D R 5:05, 8:15, 10:45 **INGLORIOUS BASTERDS R 12:35, 4:05, 8:20 **GI JOE PG13 12:40, 4:50, 7:55, 10:55 **HALLOWEEN II R 11:35, 5:00, 10:10
I Love You Man Obsessed News Beat Live Duplicity News Beat Repeat 17 Again
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THE DAILY REVEILLE JACKSON, from page 5
KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior wide receiver R.J. Jackson lines up before a snap Saturday during the Tigers’ 23-9 victory against Vanderbilt.
LAFAYETTE, from page 5
a 29-2 win against Texas A&M on Sept. 14, 1996. “I’ve gotten texts and e-mails from people I don’t even know and a lot from people I do know,” Bustle said. “You must keep it in perspective though ... You have to be able to handle it.” A victory against ULL would be 12 straight September wins for
the Tigers — who have not lost in September since Sept. 16, 2006, against Auburn — and 21 straight non-conference wins. Hebert said those 11 straight September wins are important because they show the team has traditionally gotten off to a strong start. “In any season, you can’t afford any early losses because they can put a damper on your
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The fifth-year senior from Houston was recruited by LSU as a running back and was listed as the No. 10 tailback in the country by ESPN’s Scouts Inc., in 2004. But Jackson moved to wide receiver after being redshirted his freshman year and playing sparingly in his second year. Senior running back Charles Scott said Jackson was a great running back, but coaches decided to move Jackson to wide receiver when Scott, senior Keiland Williams and junior Richard Murphy joined the running back crew. “When they moved him, you never heard him complain,” Scott said. “All he did was work hard and try to be the best player, and it’s showing now.” Jackson played primarily on special teams before his breakout game in Saturday’s Southeastern Conference home opener. Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson said Vanderbilt was
covering the deeper patterns, and he was forced to make his checkoffs and throw the ball short to receivers like Jackson. “Vanderbilt just kept leaving it open, so I just fed the receivers the ball and they made yards after the catch with it,” Jefferson said. “If teams keep dropping back in coverage like that, we’re going to keep feeding the short routes.” Jackson said he and Mitchell know the slot receivers might have more opportunities to make plays for the team. “All eyes are going to be on Brandon and Terrance, so we have to step up and make sure
season,” Hebert said. “You’ve got to fight through that first month, get geared up and be rolling by the end of the season to be at your top form.” Herbert also had high praise for ULL’s defensive line, saying they could pose a defensive threat to the offensive line. “Their whole [defensive line] is returning starters, so they have a lot of experience up front,”
the sophomore said. “They run a good scheme, so just like with Vandy and Washington, we have to spend a lot of time in the film room.” Miles acknowledged his team will be tested this weekend against the Ragin’ Cajuns, a team Miles said may be better offensively than Vanderbilt. “They have ability to maybe do a few more things offensively
‘When they moved him, you never heard him complain.’ Charles Scott
LSU senior running back
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 we’re playing a good game to make sure we’re in the right spots to take some of the pressure off those guys,” Jackson said. Jackson said the most important thing about last game’s performance will be proving he can do it every game. “What you want to do is be consistent as a receiver,” Jackson said. “I have to go back to practice with that same mentality like last week didn’t happen and keep working hard.” Jackson said his running back background helps him be a better receiver on a team full of physical receivers who are willing to block on the perimeter and take on extra tacklers. “You see a lot of receivers running out of bounds, but one thing our receivers as a group pride ourselves on is being tough,” Jackson said. “Once you catch the ball, you’re a runner.” Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com than Vanderbilt did,” Miles said. “Any time that you get beyond a team with victory, it’s much easier to discount their abilities because frankly, you won that, and Lord, I’m thankful that we did. It just appears that the next opponent is pretty talented.” Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
SEC, from page 6
we’ve got to learn about ourselves, how to get into a big game and battle.” A Georgia win would put the Bulldogs on top of the SEC East with a 2-0 conference record, which is about as much as a fanbase can hope for after losing the season opener.
RACHEL WHITTAKER / The Daily Reveille
Les Miles speaks about giving freshman running back Michael Ford a redshirt for this season at his weekly press conference Wednesday.
MILES, from page 5
the team’s game against Vanderbilt. Miles said he is leaning toward giving freshman running back Michael Ford a redshirt for this season. “Right now we’re thinking about redshirting Michael Ford, but you never say never,” Miles said. “The opportunity for a talented young back to play in his freshman year certainly is there. Right now it’s not cause at this time to look at seriously.” Miles said freshman wide receiver Rueben Randle must get a better grasp on the playbook before he gets on the field in games. “Randle is progressing in practice, but he’s not quite understanding exactly what we want,” Miles said. “He’s working to accomplish what he can do. We want to get him catches.” Miles said freshman defensive back Craig Loston, who joined the team Aug. 24, has been taking snaps with the second team in practice and is “developing.” Miles said senior running back Trindon Holliday and sophomore fullback Stevan Ridley will fit into the running game along with seniors Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. Ridley suffered a knee injury during spring practice. “Ridley will play. He’s rehabilitated that leg pretty well,” Miles said. “He was ahead going into camp, and he’s gotten nothing but better ... Hopefully we’ll get some repeated calls to [Holliday], and he’ll be more comfortable with the calls we make.” Miles fielded questions this week about his willingness to take shots downfield with sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson. He said “the calls were there” against Vanderbilt, and he likes the dual threat Jefferson presents through the air and on the ground. “The first throw of the game was from our own end zone, and we threw it incomplete to about the 30-yard line,” Miles said. “You have to recognize when you do throw it
downfield, not every pass will be complete ... When something doesn’t make sense, [Jefferson] doesn’t just throw it ... I like big plays. I like throwing downfield.” Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
MALZAHN EFFECT, PART III Remember back in 2008 when a highly anticipated Auburn-West Virginia matchup turned into an absolute dud because of slow starts by each team? The Tigers and Mountaineers were both preseason top-15 teams and both suffered early season losses brought on by poor offensive performances. West Virginia eventually overcame a 17-3 deficit for a 34-17 win. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was fired after a 5-7 season, and the rest is history. Remember three short weeks ago when this year’s AuburnWest Virginia matchup generated no excitement because of the
‘‘
‘[Florida] is the most talented team in the country and probably the most talented team ever to play.’ Lane Kiffin
Tennessee coach
perceived rebuilding efforts needed by both teams? Enter Gus Malzahn, first-year Auburn offensive coordinator and prize hire of Tigers’ coach Gene Chizik. Malzahn helped Darren McFadden become a household name and multimillionaire by helping Arkansas implement the Wildcat offense in 2006. He then moved to Tulsa, where the Golden Hurricane finished the 2007 and 2008 seasons as the nation’s No. 1 offense, averaging 543 and 569 total yards per game, respectively. It hasn’t taken long for Malzahn
PAGE 15 to establish his offensive prowess at Auburn, as the Tigers — one of the game’s most atrocious attacks in 2008 — currently rank No. 4 in total offense, averaging 572 yards per game against Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State. The Mountaineers are humming along as well, despite losing a living WVU legend in former quarterback Pat White. WVU senior quarterback Jarrett Brown is doing just fine in White’s stead, as he has completed 75 percent of his passes through two games for 577 yards and four scores. The winner of this one could find a way into next week’s top 25 after starting 2009 with little to no expectations. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us in finding out what we are and who we are. I’m not sure that we know that yet,” Chizik said.
Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Opinion
PAGE 16
MURDA, HE WROTE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Jindal, why won’t you build the train to somewhere? After years of speculation and frustration, South Louisiana residents finally have something to be excited about — the state now has a potential financier who will pony up the $300 million needed to redevelop rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The problem is, our governor thinks the project “would not be a good use of taxpayer money” (or at least that’s what his press secretary says). Jindal’s critics contend it “would not be a good move for a potential Republican presidential candidate who recklessly chastised efforts to reengineer America’s rail system.” The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act — the stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama — set aside $8 billion for improving domestic railroads. As part of the “Gulf Coast corridor” — a train network developing under the Federal Railroad Commission — the Baton Rouge to New Orleans
connection has been seen as a prime candidate to receive money. But in Gov. Jindal’s infamous “Mr. Rogers” response to President Obama’s State of the Union address, the governor pegged the train money as pork. “[The legislation] is larded with wasteful spending. It includes $300 million to buy new cars for the government, $8 billion for high-speed rail projects, such as a ‘magnetic levitation’ line from Las Vegas to Disneyland and $140 million for something called ‘volcano monitoring.’” For the sake of this column, forget for a second criticizing volcano (or hurricane, for that matter) monitoring is simply moronic. So when state transportation chief William Ankner “pre-applied” to the federal government for access to the same funds Jindal had scrutinized, MSNBC’s loudmouth pundit Keith Olbermann labeled Jindal the “worst person in the world” for his alleged hypocrisy.
The state withdrew the funds application two days after the lashing. Jindal’s critics have cried foul over what they believe to be a purely political move: Fearing the possibility of a flip flop attack — which sunk John Kerry’s 2004 presidential bid — the governor pulled the plug. Mark Macmurdo In addition, the Columnist governor — who has sold himself as a tax-slashing, family values Christian — no doubt hopes to avoid Sarah Palin’s folly in supporting the so-called “bridge to nowhere.” Jindal’s administration has insisted it’s the estimated $18 million deficit the system would cost the state after collecting fares that led them to axe the project. A Baton Rouge to New Orleans
train service would do a lot for commuters. There’s the convenience factor, reduced traffic congestion and accidents and decreased pollution. Heck, having an improved evacuation strategy for New Orleans alone would be worth a sizable part of that loss. Not to mention the economic development and subsequent tax revenues that would result. Jindal is right that deficits can be reckless. But some services — like the police department — don’t need to break even because their benefit isn’t measured in dollars. And even if it were necessary to balance the budget of the project, municipalities and business organizations affected by the decision should have a chance at coming up with financing. So far, they haven’t been given that chance. Indeed there is the possibility developing the rail system will not make financial sense at all. Some skeptics believe the line won’t be used enough, pointing to shoddy
who has been belittled and made to seem insignificant by many, respect you and all students who work hard to do well. Its not that Matthew Albright was trying to prove he was better than you, as I see it, he was presenting a defense for belittled persons. Yes, I unabashedly admit my brain has to work very hard to understand Calculus, but that doesn’t make me less of a person nor does it mean my brain is inferior. This should be about appreciation for one another and what the other has to offer. This is not a competition; this seems to be the inability to understand each other. Just because I’m not running math equations doesn’t mean I’m not also giving my brain an exercise. Just as you apply “every math and science course you’ve ever taken” to your work, so I apply knowledge of every decade of history to papers I write. Your fellow students deserve respect despite what their majors are simply because they have decided they desire a higher education and have set out to get one. You do not know what their studies are like or what challenges their lives may bring. I do not intend to sound offensive, but Mr. Alexander, you have no right to call Matthew Albright’s opinion “biased and ignorant,” because as he lacks knowledge of your curriculum, so you lack knowledge of his and I lack insight into both of yours. I don’t desire to push numbers until my
fingers bleed and you may not wish to read two dozen books a semester with fifteen papers. So really, who gets to decide who is “better” or “right” or harder working? And honestly, who really cares? Thirty years from now will people care what we studied in college or instead what we’ve decided to do with our education and our lives? And please, don’t assume
that someone’s knowledge of political science, history, art, psychology or what have you won’t be significant in your future. From what I’ve learned, society evolves together by means of scientific innovations, new ideas, and political movements (among many other things). Each is dependent on the other, and none can advance without the other. Would you like the example of
mass transit in both cities. But the governor hasn’t done any convincing. We need assurance the administration’s rejection of the project is based on economics, not the political aspirations of our governor. Only by laying it all out on the table can the governor wipe his hands clean from the appearance of political infidelity — his press secretary can’t do it for him. Time is running out. If the state is going to take advantage of this incredible deal, it must act by Oct. 2. Otherwise the chance at a $300 million check — and the fabled rail line — will be far down the line.
Mark Macmurdo is a 22-year-old history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.
Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Debate over majors lacks respect, reason In response to Jonathan Alexanders’ Letter to the Editor: “Engineering majors are superior” For being able to put together such a solid argument, you come off as an egotistical boor; however, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are a truly pleasant person who has simply been offended. To address your argument, yes, as an electrical engineering major you will most likely make more money than me, a lowly lover of history and the arts. And yes, you are quite right, not all of us care about the money; I appreciate your encouraging words. However, this argument is not about the money you or I will make or even about the number of students who abandon scientific pursuits and adopt a humanities course of study. This is about respect. It is about the fact that we are here studying at the same university, both with the determination to one day walk across a stage in cap and gown and be handed a diploma confirming our academic achievement. It is about the fact we both understand the concept of pass or fail and just what level of dedication it takes to pass. This is about the fact that I, a humanities major
THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER MATTHEW ALBRIGHT ELLEN ZIELINSKI
Editor Managing Editor, Content Opinion Editor Production Editor
ERIC FREEMAN JR.
Columnist
MARK MACMURDO
Columnist
the Beatles or the Chinese Cultural Revolution? With my history degree I can certainly offer you some “logical responses” (and not just a rewording of something someone else has already compiled) if these two simply don’t suffice. Sarah Ripple history and art history senior
BEST AND WITTIEST
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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 “Hey Kanye West — do you like fish sticks?”
South Park American animated television show
THE DAILY REVEILLE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
AGE OF DELIGHTENMENT
Opinion
PAGE 17
Kanye West should mind his manners, business
Dear Kanye, Sunday night, you ruined poor Taylor Swift’s big MTV Video Music Awards moment. You jumped onstage in the middle of her acceptance speech for Best Female Video, yanked the microphone out of her hand, and said “I’ll let you finish, but Beyonce has one of the best videos of all time!” You might not know, since you were then escorted out of the building, but Taylor didn’t get to finish her speech after all, because you sucked up all her time with your rudeness. Reports from backstage said Swift was crying hysterically after the incident. That’s not a surprise, considering the sad, stunned look on her sweet little face after your spectacle. Kanye, for me and for Taylor
Swift, please get over yourself. You’re a great producer. You’re a great artist in your own right. Mad respect for your “Can’t Tell Me Nothin’” video with Zach Galifianakis. Props to you for coming out with one crazy concept album at this point in your career – I didn’t really like the album, but it was a cool move nonetheless. That still doesn’t make everything about you. Sweet, wholesome Taylor Swift was minding her own business, accepting an award she was genuinely grateful to get — until you hopped onstage, took the moment away from her and made it about you. She didn’t deserve to be publicly embarrassed. The girl is 19. How old are you? Thirty-two? You should know better. Don’t pretend like you were
making it about Beyonce, either. Everyone knows Beyonce is far too classy to endorse a move like that – as she proved after winning Video of the Year and promptly inviting Swift to finish her speech. Beyonce Sara boyd cleaned up Columnist your mess. You should learn a thing or two from her about how to be a gracious superstar. If this were the first time you’d acted up publicly, I’d give you a pass. But it’s not. If I had 50 cents for every YouTube video of you backstage at the 2007 Video Music Awards yelling about 50 Cent, I’d be a
rich woman. You’ve also made a scene at the American Music Awards, Grammys and MTV Europe Music Awards – not to mention the now-infamous “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” comment. However valid your comments may be – George Bush probably doesn’t care about black people, Beyonce’s video was better, you might have deserved those awards other people got – there’s a time and a place to talk about such things. And it’s not on camera, on live television, in front of millions of people. It makes me dislike you as a person, which makes me dislike your music. Please just stop. I want to like your music, and I would if you weren’t such an immature little
boy about every freaking thing. I bet you’d sell more albums and kick 50 Cent’s butt even harder if you stopped being such a crybabyface. Could you do that for me? Could you be a nice person – if not for niceness’ sake, then for the sake of people who still want to be your fans? Then I’ll buy your weird concept album, and everybody wins. But I’m not supporting you if you keep acting like such a tool. Sara Boyd is a 22-year-old general studies junior from Baton Rouge. Follow her on Twitter @ TDR_sboyd.
Contact Sara Boyd at sboyd@lsureveille.com
PRESS X TO NOT DIE
Music-rhythm games get people of all ages rockin’ It’s not every day you get to see Grandma playing a video game. It’s also not every day you get to watch Grandma rock out to the Gorillaz or Slayer either. Fortunately — or unfortunately — for you, music-rhythm games, such as “Rock Band” or “Guitar Hero”, can make both these two things happen at the same time. Music games are doing more than just helping people look like giant dorks holding undersized plastic guitar controllers. They are saving an industry. With CD sales dwindling and pirated music still on the rise, the music industry has been looking for a way to get back on course – and music games have helped greatly. As well as helping the music industry get back on its feet, music games are introducing gamers to bands and genres they might have never have heard before. The ability to buy downloadable content (DLC) in these music games helps keep the replay value endless, as well as giving the player the opportunity to discover great, unheard talent. Not only are music games helping introduce players to new music, the games are also introducing a younger generation to older classic rock bands. The release of MTV Games’ “The Beatles: Rock Band” shows just how far music games have come. One of the biggest and most influential bands in history is now available in virtual form for you and your drunken friends to butcher every one of their
classics. All kidding aside, this release shows just how far this medium has come. When “Guitar Hero” was released in 2006, starting the rock & roll video game phenomenon, no one would have imagined the “Fab Four” making an appearance in the genre. adam arinder Rumors Columnist are also floating around that the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) is considering factoring in sales numbers from music games’ downloadable content to reflect record sales numbers. This is obviously a serious medium. Music games are also getting the “non-gaming” crowd to purchase video game consoles. Working at Best Buy, I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen people come in to buy an Xbox 360 or Wii to play “Rock Band” with their friends. Unfortunately, many people view rhythm games as a fad. As much as I don’t like it, they are pretty much right. While hardcore fans of the genre will continue to play for years to come, casual players will soon be bored. Also, with more and more companies trying to cash in on the music game bandwagon right now, the market can get heavily diluted, leaving uninformed buyers confused. Another argument people make against rhythm game fans is, “Why don’t you go learn a real instrument?”
My response to that is “Why not go join the army and shoot a real gun if you enjoy Call of Duty or Halo series, or why not go play in the NFL if you love Madden?” In the end, music games are just that – games. I’ll probably never be able to pick up and play a real guitar or ever be able to
carry a note that doesn’t shatter glass or send dogs barking. However, I do enjoy getting together with my friends and interacting with the music I love that I’d never be able to play in real life… and yes, look like a giant dork holding an undersized plastic guitar controller.
Adam Arinder is a 20-year-old electrical engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
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THE DAILY REVEILLE
Classifieds
PAGE 18
SPORTS COORDINATOR - P/T The Paula G. Manship YMCA seeks expd, dependable Sports Coordinator, 30 hrs/wk max. flex sched includes weekends, multi-task, scheduling, rosters, data entry, ref/ump responsibilities. Apply in person to: Paula G. Manship YMCA, 8100 YMCA Plaza Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (767.9622) ask for Nathan. EXP VETERINARY TECHNICIAN needed at SBR vet clinic. Call Monica at 756-0204 BUSINESS SAVVY INDIVIDUALS. Needed to assist the business operations of a local hip-hop label performance based pay contact WreckHousemg@gmail.com 15 TEMPORARY WORKERS Pecos Crossing Ranch Fermin Venegas 4327 N. HWY 1053 Fort Stockton TX. 79735 Duties: Farmworkers and Laborers 10/19/2009-08/19/2010 Pay rate $9.02 per hour Farm workers Laborers Guaranteed æ of contract hours. All tools, supplies and equipment will be provided at no cost to the worker. Duties consist of repairing and erecting old fence Housing will be provided at no cost. Transportation and subsistence expense reimbursed Interested applicants can send resumes nearest State Workforce Agency office using job listing number TX8094720 NINFA’S IS NOW HIRING SERVERS. APPLY IN PERSON AT 4738 CONSTITUTION AVE., BATON ROUGE, LA. **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. DEMPSEY’S POBOYS NOW HIRING servers and kitchen staff for both locations; Coursey Blvd and Jefferson near Towne Center. Flexible schedules and fun atmosphere. Apply at 7327 Jefferson Hwy or leave a message for Jamie at 225.229.8686 225.229.8686 IMMEDIATE OPENINGS P/T Office & WHSE/ delivery help needed. ONLY 5 MIN FROM LSU CAMPUS. Flexible hrs. Apply in person M-F 9-6 & Sat 9-4. Brian’s Furniture. 515 Court St. Port Allen. 225.346.0896 IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Dog hotel & spa needs kennel techs for morning and afternoon shifts. Must be good with people and dogs. Pre-vet students preferred. Call Petropolitan, 225.926.8282 PART TIME OPENING! Must have great computer skills and an outgoing personality! Afternoon hours till 5pm M-F. Duties include - screening resumes, phone inquiries from applicants, setting appointments, data entry, etc. Salary to $11 DOE. Please email your resume to resume@snellingbatonrouge.com attn: Part time student opening EARN EXTRA MONEY Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper. No Experience Required Call 1-800722-4791
RUNNER/FILE CLERK NEEDED. Off of Essen Lane. Student friendly hours. Email resume and daily availability to resume@transfinancialco.com PART TIME POSITION Church seeks childcare worker for Children’s Program. Shifts include Wed & Sun nights, some Thurs & Sat. Flexible schedule. Send resume to micah@tlvc.org PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447 ATTENTION LADIES Do you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? If so, you may qualify to particpate in a new study at PBRC. The purpose of this study is to determine if cinnamon extract will lower blood sugar levels in women diagnosed with PCOS. You may qualify based on age (20-40 years old), weight and must be diagnosed with PCOS. Earn up to $600. Call TODAY 225.763.3000
0576 or email jhorn@tritonstonela.com. INTERNET WORK! $6.75-$139+/ Hr. Flexible Hours. Use any computer. $25 Starting Bonus. http://tinyurl.com/LSUWork DRIVER NEEDED Weekend driver needed around LSU area. Easy hours, great pay! 225.252.6149 THE LOUISIANA TECHNICAL Assistance Program (LTAP), located on Gourrier Avenue across from CEBA, is looking for a student worker. LTAP provides technical assistance and outreach services to local agencies on road and road safety issues. Applicants need to be proficient in MS Office. Experience with Access Database and Project Management helpful. Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn are needed. We work hard and this is an opportunity for a great real world work experience. Please contact Bob Breaux 225.767.9117 SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. GetPaidToThink.com. STORAGE SALES ASSOCIATE Local storage facility looking for part time employee. Great student job. Great pay. Must be able to work weekends. Email resume’s to Nathan@ storsafebr.com
CASH FOR TAILGATE SETUP/DOWN Need 2 students (w/ truck) to setup/ takedown tailgate for 4-5 games. 2 hours of work - $100/ game. Must be responsible and on time. JasonL@ tracesecurity.com TUTOR needed for 12 yr old to organize study plan & prepare for tests. 225.767.8020 PARRAIN’S SEAFOOD Now hiring servers, hostess, and bar backs with oyster shucking experience 225.381.9922 WWW.LOUIESCAFE.COM NEEDED FRONT DESK POSITION able to work 30-35 hours/week, needs good communication & computer skills, dependable, multitasker; please email resume to jodi@gofitt.com NURSERY ATTENDANT Tuesday/ Thrusday 9am-1pm Apply in Person Charles W. Lamar Jr. YMCA 521 Third St
2 & 3 BEDROOM CONDOS Nice 2br condo in Brightside Manor $950. Half off 1st mths rent. Spacious 3br $1050 at 5252 Brightside View 937-4849 NICE NEIGHBORHOOD-2 Story House-3BR/2BA--W/ D and D/ W--367 Stoney Creek-$1400--Call Rusty 225.892.8702 GREAT APT-TIGERLAND Large 2BR, granite, tile, great colors, like new. Avail immed $750. No pets. Ref required. 225.297.4009 APARTMENT FOR RENT 2 bedroom 2 bath. Great Location on Nicholson Dr. in Oakbrook Apartments. September Free!!!!!!!! 985-517-4216 or 985.517.6824 FIRST MONTH FREE! 3 BED/3 BATH Arington Trace Condo for Rent Great Location! Perfect Condition! Gated Parking, All Appliances 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath -- $1500/ Month Nice Bedroom Views 2405 Brightside Lane On LSU Bus Route Lease Today, Move Tomorrow! 310 989 4453 hollisleech@yahoo.com FIRST MONTH FREE Arlington Trace 3BR/3.5B Off Brightside All Appliances Included 225.767.2227
LOST YOUR RETAINERS? Can’t make it to the ORTHOdontist? Replace ONLINE for half the cost! www.dental-lab-direct.com $148 offers Retainers, Nightguards, Teeth Whitening. 98’ FORD WINDSTAR MINI VAN Runs Great COLD A/ C Near LSU $1900 OBO Call 225.241.2011 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.
WRITERS NEEDED PT We are looking for animal/pet enthusiasts or experts to write for our online Baton Rouge Edition. Work from home. Professional writing not required. Email amy@ fitzdrakesearch.com for more information.
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. 2 BED 2 BATH FLAT off South Brightside View on bus line. Ready to move in immediatley. $675mt Call Monica or Ashley 225.930.9996
3 BEDROOM OFF BRIGHTSIDE Large 3bed/2bath townhouse with washer and dryer- on LSU bus line. $900mt. Call Monica or Ashley 225.930.9996 225.930.9996
►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127
BRIGHTSIDE MANOR TH Ceramic floors, new carpet and appliances. W/ D 2 BR 1 1/2 B. $750. 772-2429. mckproperties.com FOR RENT 3 BR 1 1/2 BA house next to campus. Fenced yard. Range, refrig., washer & dryer. Central heat, window A/ C. $960 per month. Pets OK. Deposit and lease. Available now. 225.766.2963 2 BR JEFF/BLUEBONNET AREA
ATTENTION: Fun-loving sunshine and daisy nerd looking for calm but fun guy. Must like girls in glasses and doing fun things like hiking and playing board games. If interested, email lsusunshine@gmail.com A FEMALE STUDENT NEEDED! A young mature man at LSU is looking for a smart, sensitive, lovely, nice and intelligent girl student over coffee, dinner or dance! Reach me at robertwillaims2008@yahoo.ca. SINGLE WHITE FEMALE Age 21 that loves a good home cooked meal, karaoke, and dancing! Looking for a tall handsome, hopeless romantic man that can handle a girl with curves in all the right places! Email me a description of yourself if you are interested! lsutigergirl21@ yahoo.com LOOKING 4 MS RIGHT! East Indian LSU Senior looking to meet a smart, sensitive, and intelligent girl over coffee! Reach me at arienrocks1@gmail.com ATTRACTIVE BOLD HEADING!!! Down-to-earth, intelligent yet athletic double major guy looking for girl with similar attributes, give or take a major. Let’s get some lunch. Email: bemythirdmajor@yahoo.com 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 SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open. I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com
HOUSE FOR RENT 3 BEDROOMS & 11/2 BATH BY LSU LAKE $995 225.205.7364 1-BED APT. and 2-bed townhouse, near LSU $450-$650 / month, W / D included. Call Carrie 225-768-1654 WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789
INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE, Construction Management Majors with 75 Hrs or more of Schooling, Flexible Hrs, Good Pay. Contact Christina at 225.744.3912
INSIDE SALES - PT Triton Stone Group is currently seeking a part-time, Inside Sales Representative for their Baton Rouge location. Applicant will be responsible for all aspects of customer service and sales. High school education or equivalent required. Please fax qualified resumes to (225) 303-
$525. Ideal for LSU student working near Essen/ Mall of Louisiana. No Pets. $300 deposit. 978-1649. Leave a message.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
LSU TICKETS WANTED Top dollar paid for Premium seats to all LSU home games! Please contact Scot or Kevin. 800.678.8499
$AVE $$ WALK TO LSU! ! LARGE 1 BR APT. ON SITE MGR. 769-7757 / 978-3123 / 767-4128 RESIDENT NEEDED For Veterinary Hospital studio apartment. 15 min from LSU. Call for more info. 225.387.2462 MOVE IN SPECIAL 2BR 2.5 Bath. Brightside Park Townhomes. W/ D, Pool. 937-4849 southlandpropertiesinc.com
PET AND HOME CARE SERVICES DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PET(S) WHILE YOU ARE IN SCHOOL OR OUT OF TOWN? - 225.329.9754 YOGA WORKSHOP Anatomy of Yoga workshop 9/26 12:30-3:30 Tres Bien, 2935 Perkins Rd. 30.00 before 35.00 day of. To register: 225.333.1499
Thursday, September 17, 2009 PLANETARIUM, from page 1
D.C.; Osaka, Japan; and London. Next year’s convention will be held in Alexandria, Egypt. “It takes a team effort to get the word of this city to Toulouse, France, where a committee must decide between so many other great cities,” said East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden. Holden said the team effort includes the planetarium staff and the museum’s extraordinary facilities, which include state-of-the-art digital projectors with digital sur-
CONSTRUCTION, from page 1
said “loopholes the law” and “lowers area standards.” Moreau’s labor supplier was Mauro Aguirre, owner of Lafayettebased Escapade Acoustic Drywall. Aguirre and his wife, Keren Aguirre, were arrested last week on charges of workers’ compensation premium fraud following an investigation by the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Office of Workers’
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round sound speakers. The planetarium is regarded by the IPS as the premiere exhibit in the state. It also didn’t hurt their chances that planetarium director Jon Elvert served on the IPS board and visited France to petition for the city. Paul Arrigo, president of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Louisiana is an attractive location for international conventions because of its unique atmosphere. The city has been actively expanding its capacity to support
conventions as part of its long-term plans for city growth. “We have been real good at putting on conferences,” Holden said. “We want our visitors to become ambassadors, to go back to say how friendly we are and that we never meet a stranger.” Holden said the delegates from more than 35 countries will help to put an international spotlight on a city hoping to expand rapidly in the next few years. “When you look at the fact that this conference is being held in cities around the world, you find people
are finding the diamond in the rough called Baton Rouge,” Holden said. “And people are starting to polish that diamond.” The 400 attendees from 35 countries do not seem like a particularly large convention when compared to the some 66,000 bowlers who will arrive for a Baton Rouge convention in the same year, but Holden said he cannot remember a convention with so many international visitors. The IPS is made up of about 700 members worldwide. Baton Rouge officials expect the conference to have a more than
a half-million dollar impact on the city’s economy, according to Elvert. Gikas said the next two years will be spent in preparation for the convention. She said the equipment will be upgraded with the most up-to-date technology as often as possible. Gikas also said the 6-year-old facility will be expanded during those years to make room for more guests.
Compensation. “We received the information and began our investigation,” said Chris Broadwater, Office of Workers’ Compensation director. “Our investigation lasted several months, at which point we thought there was enough information to turn it over to the attorney general’s office and the state police.” The key to understanding what crime Aguirre committed is understanding how workers’ compensation
premiums are determined, Broadwater said. Premium amounts are based on three factors: the amount of payroll a company pays its employees, the amount of accidents the company has had in recent years and the job classification code, which measures how much risk for injury is found in different occupations. Claiming to have a smaller payroll would lower a company’s insurance premiums, said Tina Bourensbourg, assistant attorney gen-
eral for the Louisiana Workforce Commission. “That would be fraud because he’s not honestly telling the insurance carrier what he paid [in payroll],” she said. Broadwater said the investigation on the Aguirres did not involve construction on the PMAC. But based on an investigation by the carpenters’ union, Manning said the same type of fraud is happening on the PMAC project.
Eddie Nunez, associate athletic director for facility development, said while the controversy is not good for a University project, the University has no control over it. “It’s unfortunate, and I don’t want that associated with one of our projects,” Nunez said. “The thing is I have no choice. They are my subcontractor given to me through the state, and I just hope they do the project right from the moment they get on campus to the time they leave.” Emmett David, director of facility development, said the University has no plans to re-evaluate the construction despite the protests against Moreau. The construction on the PMAC — the addition of a locker room and two gymnasiums — has a long chain of command which is out of the University’s hands, he said. The contractors on the project were selected not by the University, but by the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control. The project’s general contractor, Guy Hopkins, was appointed by the state, David said. Hopkins then subcontracted some of the work to Moreau, who worked with Aguirre to find laborers. Manning said both Hopkins and Moreau are responsible for the fraud which may be happening. “In the Louisiana state licensing law booklet, it says the general contractor is responsible,” Manning said. “We’ve addressed Guy Hopkins with that. We said, ‘You hired [Moreau], you should know what’s going on with your job.’” But Hopkins’ firm denies responsibility. Andy Hall, Guy Hopkins’ project manager for the PMAC construction, said the hiring done by a subcontractor is not his concern. “We accept bids, and that’s it,” Hall said. “We don’t get into their hiring practices.” Broadwater said criminal liability could potentially fall on Moreau if the allegations of the carpenters’ union are true, but it would depend on several factors — most importantly, whether Moreau was aware of Aguirre’s wrongdoing. Manning claims Moreau was fully aware of Aguirre’s business practices, which is why the carpenters’ council is protesting. “The person we primarily hold responsible is the company that is knowingly and willingly committing these violations,” Manning said. “Moreau knows exactly what is going on. Aguirre has worked with Moreau for a number of years and has been supplying him labor.”
Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com
Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009 EXPO, from page 1
positions involving her major within those companies. “I had to dig by asking if they had a corporate wellness program for their employees,” Daray said. “A lot [of companies] tried to give me direction within their company. If I can mesh my field with something different and fun, then I’ll do it.” Daray sought out companies like Chevron Corp., the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the FBI. This fall’s expo had less company participation than the Career Expo last fall, which hosted 220 companies. Crow said Career Services invited around 7,000 companies to participate in the expo. Crow said the decrease in companies is because of the current economic state. Douglas Weimer, economics instructor, said companies trim certain departments and cut back on expenditures like travel when there is a recession. “During a downturn, companies tend not to hire as much, so they aren’t recruiting,” Weimer said. “[The decision of some companies to not participate in the expo] is driven by not needing to do as much hiring and a cost control measure.” Justin Bayer, Chevron production engineer and ’06 University alumnus, said his company has attended the expo for more than 10 years. He said Chevron is hiring. “It’s a great turnout,” Bayer said. “People feel there will be a tight job market, so they’re trying to get their face out more.” Bayer said although he did not attend the Career Expos when he was enrolled at the University, he found his job through Career Services’ Careers2Geaux, which was then known as Tiger Tracks. Crow said students whose majors were not well represented at the expo or who want to explore the job market more in-depth can take the job market into their own hands with the employee directory in the Careers2Geaux service. Justin Alfred, industrial engineering senior, said he attended the expo to get an internship for the summer. Alfred said as an engineering major, he is not worried about getting an internship. Jessica Johnson, college recruiting coordinator for J. C. Penney and Co., said the University is a school they like to target. Johnson said even though J. C. Penney is a retail company, they are a stable business with more job openings this year than last year. Cherie Hardouin, J. C. Penney store manager and 1997 LSU alumna, said she got her start with the company through the different career fairs on campus when she was enrolled. Hardouin said even though J. C. Penney is a retailer, they get job applicants from a variety of majors like fashion merchandising, marketing, mass communication and sociology. “Students are looking to see what opportunities we have to offer,” Hardouin said. “They’re looking outside the box.” Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com
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