Check Inside For:
a story about the removal of the opt-out clause from SG class gift proposal, page 3, and the Editorial Board’s opinion, page 20.
Suspension Situation
BASEBALL Pitcher Ranaudo out for another week with elbow discomfort, page 7.
Dennis Harris will not be suspended for altercation involvement, page 5.
THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM
Volume 114, Issue 104
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Internet phenomenon Chatroulette creates experience with strangers By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer
Chatting Online: It’s a Gamble
The new Internet phenomenon Chatroulette, which connects users to characters of all kinds from every corner of the map, has exploded in popularity. The webcam-based chat site randomly pairs two people from anywhere in the world for a conversation and has caused online buzz for the strange happenings there, including appearances by celebrities like Paris Hilton and a user who displays the image of a person who has hanged himself. The concept is simple: Users go to the site and are randomly connected to strangers without having to sign up. Each user’s webcam image is displayed next to a text box for typed conversation, and users can press “next” anytime to be disconnected and paired with a new person. Prentice Evans, political science senior, said she has been using Chatroulette for about a month, and it’s an amusing way to pass the time. CHAT, see page 23
‘If I was bored, I might check it out for the novelty factor.’ Zack Dever computer science and philosophy senor
‘You pick a random person on the planet and see how they react. It could be fun.’ Daniel Martinez psychology senior
‘If you give people the technology, [exposing themselves] is the first thing they do — it’s this voyeur thing.’ Prentice Evans political science senior
photos by J.J. ALCANTARA; graphic by ELLEN ZIELINSKI / The Daily Reveille
FUNDING
University considering housing partnership By Xerxes A. Wilson Senior Staff Writer
Handicapped by dwindling funding, the University is planning a public-private partnership to subsidize new housing. The University is considering entering a public-private partnership to fund new graduate housing to replace the Nicholson Apartments, which have reached the end of their use, said Eric Monday, associate vice chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services. University Auxiliary Services Director Jason Tolliver said the University will have a private business partner which would invest capital to build the facilities. The company would lease the land from the University to recoup the investment. The exact business model hasn’t been decided, but the end result would be a residential area mixed with private businesses, Tolliver said. “There is only so much you can raise through student fees, and there is only so much you can get from the state,” Tolliver said. “So how can we do these things to enhance our campus without spending precious PARTNERSHIP, see page 23
SG ELECTION
Hudson, Borel strive to put students’ needs first Editor’s note: This story is the second in a four-part series on the Student Goverment campaigns. The candidates will be presented alphabetically by last name. By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
Students will expect Student Government presidential candidate J Hudson and vice presidential candidate Dani Borel to put their needs first if elected. Hudson and Borel announced their candidacy last Wednesday in Free Speech Plaza with the slogan “StudentsFIRST.” The pair picked the slogan as a short, catchy phrase to describe their
goal of putting students’ needs back on top. Hudson said he first had the idea to run for office when former SG President Colorado Robertson was in office. Hudson was then serving as chief justice and had an appointment with Robertson in his office. “[Robertson] got on the phone and started calling students and asking them what their problem was and doing the solution right there,” Hudson said. “I thought, ‘This is how Student Government should be, putting students first.’” Hudson said he approached Borel to run with him because her intelligence struck him. “I knew she cared about campus organizations,” Hudson said. “I
approached her, and she shared the exact same passion with me.” Borel said she remembers working on an election campaign last year and the respect candidates received. “I just realized how much I can actually accomplish,” Borel said. “I had solidified everything I wanted to do with student organizations, and I didn’t feel as involved as I could.” Hudson said the ticket has more than 60 candidates, with backgrounds including “Ambassadors to Judo Club.” And the pair has served in all three branches of SG. Hudson served as University Court chief justice in the judicial CAMPAIGN, see page 19
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
SG presidential candidate J Hudson, center, and VP candidate Dani Borel, right, hand out fliers Monday in Free Speech Alley. Hudson and Borel head the “StudentsFIRST” campaign.