The Daily Reveille — November 25, 2009

New York, New York

Want to work for The Daily Reveille? See lsureveille.com for hiring information.

The men’s basketball team travels to Madison Square Garden to play in the NIT tournament, page 5.

THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 65

WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

lsureveille.com

Log on to see what students are doing for Thanksgiving break and how to impress everyone with a side dish for Turkey Day.

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

University celebrates Thanksgiving despite being closed

Alexis Starr, mechanical engineering freshman, Day plans. said she’s decided to stay in her dorm, away from her “Thanksgiving is a big holiday in the United States, family and friends in Alexandria, Va., this Thanksgiving and many of our students won’t have a chance to go back because travel expenses are not worth home to see their families over Thanksthe short holiday. giving,” said Harold Leder, Academic

By Mary Walker Baus “It’s weird,” Starr said. “It’d be Programs Abroad director. “We figured Staff Writer the first time I’d get to see them [since it’s a rather sad day for students if they coming to the University], but it’s not terrible. I miss don’t have an invitation to go to Thanksgiving dinner, so them, but I’m not going to die.” why not do a Thanksgiving dinner for them.”

Whether students are skipping Thanksgiving dinner This is the tenth year the ICC and IHF have held with their families because of cost, time and studies or the Thanksgiving meal, Leder said in an e-mail to The because they’ve never celebrated the holiday before, the Daily Reveille. He said 160 students have RSVPed to University offers opportunities for students to receive a come this year, which is the maximum number the ICC warm meal and a Thanksgiving experience. can have.

Every year, the International Cultural Center and the The Thanksgiving meal, provided by Piccadilly International Hospitality Foundation organize a ThanksMEAL, see page 11 giving meal for all students who don’t have Thanksgiving

BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

Zane Konvicka, accounting senior, right, grabs a piece of Cajun-fried turkey Tuesday during the Faculty Club’s annual Thanksgiving Buffet.

SG lets students appeal University closing at 12:30 p.m. dead week violations Ash Wednesday to

By Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer

Students now havea new way to appeal violations of the University’s dead week period committed by professors.

Student Government created a form so students can appeal the transgressions.

“Doing something about dead week was one of Stuart and Martina’s main initiatives as far as academics go,” said SG Assistant Director of Academics Krista Allen.

“This is because at the end of every

semester the SG e-mail account is flooded with students complaining of dead week violations.”

Allen said she received more than 150 e-mails in a matter of hours last semester complaining about violations.

“The biggest complaint is teachers are doing tests and projects during the period,” Allen said. “So instead of being able to settle down and study, students are having to complete major assignments right before finals week.”

ASSIGNMENTS, see page 11

make up half day

By Mary Walker Baus Staff Writer

The Thanksgiving holiday will begin earlier this year.

The University will close at 12:30 p.m. today for the holiday.

Last year, the University was open the entire day on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. “[The new closing time] came from the students,” said Robert Doolos, University registrar. “It

was part of a package of recommendations that went through Student Government, Student Senate and Faculty Senate.”

Doolos said the recommendations made changes to the Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras and spring break holidays.

Doolos said in order to meet the minimum requirement of class days this year, the resolution passed required the University calendar to have a half-day this Wednesday and a half-day on Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, with classes starting at 12:30 p.m. and later.

“That was the only way we could make this work,” Doolos

said.

Doolos said the decision to move spring break to the week after Easter Sunday was more of a faculty initiative than a student initiative.

He said having spring break the week of Good Friday caused hardships for faculty with respect to daycare, since the East Baton Rouge Parish school system’s spring break started a week after the University’s spring break.

Doolos said the University will still close on Good Friday because it is a state holiday.

HALF-DAY, see page 11

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009

Nation & World

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Icebergs split from Antarctica, head to New Zealand

Obama to unveil plan to add troops in Afghanistan

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A flotilla of hundreds of icebergs that split off Antarctic ice shelves is drifting toward New Zealand and could pose a risk to ships in the south Pacific Ocean, officials said Tuesday. The nearest one was 160 miles southeast of New Zealand’s Stewart Island.

WASHINGTON (AP) — War-weary Americans will support more fighting in Afghanistan once they understand the perils of losing, President Obama declared Tuesday, announcing he was ready to spell out war plans virtually sure to include tens of thousands more U.S. troops.

Eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks led the U.S. into Afghanistan, Obama said it is still in America’s vital national interest to “dismantle and destroy” al-Qaida terrorists and extremist allies. “I intend to finish the job,” he said.

Iran’s leader gets backing in Bolivia during goodwill visist LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Iran’s president inaugurated an Iranian-funded hospital and two milk-processing plants Tuesday in a goodwill visit in which his leftist host defended Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear aspirations.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Bolivian President Evo Morales also signed an agreement in which Iran committed itself to help Bolivia investigate industrializing lithium, the lightweight metal used in electric car and other batteries.

South Carolina governor’s lawyer: Impeachment standard not met COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s lawyer says the events surrounding the Republican’s June absence from the state to meet with an Argentine lover don’t warrant impeachment.

Attorney Ross Garber said

Tuesday impeachments are extremely rare and only eight governors in the nation’s history have been removed from office. Garber said the only two removed in the last 80 years had also been indicted on felony charges.

He says Sanford’s five-day absence does not meet the high standard for impeachment.

Palin’s book tour stops in Florida town that feted her in 2008 THE VILLAGES, Fla. (AP) — Sarah Palin, who says the 2012 presidential election isn’t on her radar, took her “Going Rogue” book tour to the biggest of the battleground states Tuesday, including a stop in the retirement community where tens of thousands of people gave her star treatment in the 2008 presidential election.

The crowd was far smaller than when she made a September 2008 campaign stop as Republican John McCain’s running mate, but no less passionate for the former Alaska governor.

PAGE 2

STATE/LOCAL

Federal judge clears Perkins Rowe property foreclosure

State Representative Juan LaFonta launches bid for Congress

(AP) — An Ohio bank is permitted to pursue its $165 million foreclosure action against developer Tommy Spinosa and his Perkins Rowe multiuse property in Baton Rouge federal court, U.S. District Judge James J. Brady ruled.

KeyBank National Association of Cleveland, sued Spinosa and his multiuse development in July, alleging no payments on the debt had been received since October 2008.

Attorneys for Spinosa and Perkins Rowe asked Brady to kick the case out of federal court, because KeyBank sold loan participations to eight other lenders. Spinosa’s attorneys argued there could be no guarantee the other banks would not file separate suits against Perkins Rowe.

Brady rejected that argument in a ruling he signed late last week.

“The loan agreement expressly contemplates that the loan would be parceled out to other lenders,” Brady wrote.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State Rep. Juan LaFonta has formally launched his bid for the 2nd Congressional District seat now held

by Anh “Joseph” Cao (GOW).

Cao is a Republican and the first Vietnamese member of Congress. He defeated Rep. William Jefferson last year after Jefferson was indicted on corruption charges.

TODAY ON

lsureveille com

Former dean of Louisiana school for blind named interim director (AP) — A former dean of students at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired has been named interim director at the school.

The Louisiana Special School District announced Bobby Simpson’s appointment Tuesday. He has been working as chief operations officer for a Realty company; before that, he was mayor/president of East Baton Rouge Parish and mayor of Baker.

7:20 a.m.

8:20 a.m.

Find The Daily Reveille on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lsureveille.

Noon 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

Follow The Daily Reveille on Twitter: @TDR_news, @TDR_sports and @lsureveille.

THE PRE-KWANZAA CELEBRATION Tuesday, December 1st, 2009, 6:00PM LSU Student Union Atchafalaya Room African or ALL Black Attire Encouraged ONGOING IN NOVEMBER BESO SWEET POTATO AND RICE SALE!!

On the corner of Highland and S. Stadium Nov. 16-20 and 23-25 from 8:00am-6:00pm

TODAY

Weather 67 40

WALK THE LINE

Sunny

THURSDAY 65 37 SATURDAY 67 52

Log on to see the TDR’s blogs.

FRIDAY 63 43 SUNDAY 73 60

JENNIFER MATLOCK / The Daily Reveille

Log on to see a slide show of lines going up, down and all around campus.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

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

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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

THE DAILY REVEILLE B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803

NICHOLAS PERSAC Editor JERIT ROSER Managing Editor, Content GERRI SAX Managing Editor, External Media ELLEN ZIELINSKI Managing Editor, Production J.J ALCANTARA Production Editor LESLIE PRESNALL News Editor ROBERT STEWART Sports Editor CASEY GISCLAIR Deputy Sports Editor MATTHEW ALBRIGHT Opinion Editor MEGAN WILLIAMS Photo Editor JAMES HARALSON Reveille Radio Director LAUREN ROBERTS Advertising Sales Manager

Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009

PAGE 3

HOLIDAY

Campus Crime Briefs

lsureveille.com

STUDENT CAUGHT WITH BAG OF GARDEN SUPPLIES Officers patrolling East Campus Apartments at about 10 p.m. Nov. 22 arrested 20-yearold student Kevin Shudes for misdemeanor theft of supplies from the University Gardens.

Shudes, of 3475 Claiborne St., Sulfur, was stopped by campus police after they saw him hide a garbage bag in the bushes outside ECA, according to Capt.

Russell Rogé, LSU Police Department spokesman.

W h e n questioned, Shudes told officers he was a horticulture Log on student lookto see a ing for insects, map of Rogé said. where Rogé said crime happened officers dison campus. covered the garbage bag in the bushes filled with peat moss, half a bag of fertilizer and assorted gardening tools. He said Shudes denied knowledge of the goods.

After LSUPD started investigating the incident, Rogé said Shudes admitted to stealing the items. He was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

HERGET RESIDENT CAUGHT WITH MARIJUANA Alexander Roeling, an 18-year-old student of 21 Spinnaker Lane, New Orleans, was arrested Nov. 18 at about 1:30 a.m. for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Roeling was arrested after LSUPD searched his room and discovered a bag and pill bottle containing .14 grams of marijuana and a modified humidifier used for smoking.

Roeling was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

MAN FOUND WITH MARIJUANA, ANABOLIC STEROIDS Jacob Lennox, a 23-year-old man unaffiliated with the University from 8825 Eagle Drive, Denham Springs, was arrested Nov. 19 at about 5:40 a.m. for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a Schedule III substance.

LSUPD found and approached Lennox when he was in the Alaska Street parking lot by West Campus Apartments.

When asked to empty his pockets, officers found a glass pipe and a bag of marijuana, according to Rogé. They also discovered a bottle of Winstrol, an anabolic steroid, in his vehicle.

Lennox was later booked in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

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

Average Thanksgiving dinner cost decreases La. price could be higher than nation

By Lindsey Meaux Contributing Writer

Though Black Friday is notorious for starting the Christmas spending season, another day may have consumers in Louisiana reaching for their wallets — Thanksgiving.

While an American Farm Bureau Federation survey indicates the price for a traditional Thanksgiving feast decreased since 2008, estimates suggest the national average for preparing Thanksgiving dinner will be $42.91 — a price Jeanette Tucker, human ecology professor, said can sometimes be higher in Louisiana.

Tucker has been working with the AFBF for more than five years to conduct the Louisiana portion of the survey.

“Typically, the cost of food in Louisiana — particularly in Baton Rouge — is less than the national average,” Tucker said. “[But] the market basket that we’re collecting data on is the traditional Thanksgiving dinner

and not the Louisiana Thanksgiving dinner.”

Louisiana Thanksgiving dinners are often more “bountiful” feasts, which Tucker said sometimes includes gumbo and oysterladen stuffing.

More than 200 shoppers in 30 states work with the AFBF to compile an informal survey of the prices of a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people, including a 16-pound turkey, three pounds of sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries and pumpkin pie mix, according Stefphanie Gambrell, domestic policy economist for the AFBF. The national average cost for a 10-person meal is down from $44.61 in 2008, according to AFBF’s Web site.

The 2009 national average is higher than the 2007 average, which saw one of the highest increases since the survey’s beginning. And the 2009 numbers mark the largest year-to-year price decrease seen in this survey since before 2000, Gambrell said.

The stores surveyed in Louisiana included national big-brand discount stores, national chains and independent grocers, Tucker said.

graphic by J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

The total price is based on the lowest-priced Thanksgiving items, not including sale prices.

“Whenever our shoppers do the survey, we don’t have them use any coupon prices,” Gambrell said. “There’s still a definite possibility for prices to be even lower ... Whenever you’re preparing the meal yourself, you putting the labor into it just save a lot of money.”

Traditional Louisiana Thanks -giving feasts also includes potluck dinners which typically feature each family member or attendee bringing a couple of dishes to Thanksgiving dinner, which Tucker said can also significantly decrease the cost per person.

Contact Lindsey Meaux at lmeaux@lsureveille.com

HOLIDAY

Turkey Trot to be held on Thanksgiving forehand at marchofdimes.com/ louisiana. Registration costs $22 before the event and $25 the day of the event.

“The Turkey Trot has grown throughout the years to include

By Kyle Bove more local and out-of-town famiSenior Staff Writer lies that come in for ThanksgivBefore the turkey hits the ing,” said Stacey Parker, comtable this Thanksgiving, about munity director for the Louisiana 600 people are expected to “trot” branch of March of Dimes. “Not only is it a local downtown for a race — we have good cause. people from all Thursday over the nation.” will mark the Parker said March of Dimes’ the event typi23rd annual Turcally raises about key Trot in Baton $20,000 for March Rouge — a walkof Dimes. ing and running Stacey Parker The organizaevent that raises community director for the Lousiana tion’s mission is money for premabranch of March of Dimes “to improve the ture babies. health of babies The Turkey Trot will start on 3rd Street at by preventing birth defects, preNorth Boulevard near the Old mature birth and infant mortalState Capitol. Registration begins ity,” according to its Web site.

Parker said one in every eight at 6:30 a.m. for the 1-mile walk/ run at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K walk/ babies in the U.S. is born premature, and in Louisiana, one in evrun at 8 a.m.

People can also register be- ery six babies is born premature.

Event to raise funds for March of Dimes

‘‘

‘Not only is it a local race — we have people from all over the nation.’

Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the national organization in 1938. He called for Americans to donate their dimes and other spare change to help fight polio, a disease from which he suffered.

Since then, the group has evolved to help support premature babies and their mothers.

Parker said the Turkey Trot has such a large turn out because people are interested in supporting March of Dimes, and it’s easy

for them to do so because they are off school and work.

“We do it in enough time so everybody can get back home to enjoy their Thanksgiving lunch,” Parker said. “You can run off your turkey before you eat it.”

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009

BR COMMUNITY

University students design elementary school playground Project becomes finalist for a grant

By Ryan Buxton Staff Writer

The playground at Brusly Elementary School in Brusly will get a major overhaul by the LSU Community Playground Project, and the University students’ design could be the winner of a $10,000 grant.

The new Brusly playground, designed by the Community Playground Project, is a national finalist for a grant from KaBOOM, a non-profit organization dedicated to building playgrounds.

The Community Playground Project was founded in 1998 by Marybeth Lima, biological engineering professor, who wanted to develop a project for a freshman-level biological engineering

course with a real-world compo- during the design process. nent.

“Kids are little biological beLima chose playgrounds ings, so you think about how you and partnered with a local public design an environment to meet school to design and build one. their basic biological needs,” The idea took Lima said. off, and Lima The students apwas inundated proach the design with requests from a biological for partnerviewpoint, said Niships, she said. cole Walker, bioMore than 10 logical engineering years later, the senior and lead deproject is busisigner for the Brusly er than ever. project.

Marybeth Lima “We part- biological engineering professor “We’re thinking ner with public about how to get the schools in the Baton Rouge area kids to think and be able to use and work with kids at the school their physical attributes to the best to get them to develop their dream of their abilities,” Walker said. playground ideas,” Lima said.

Brusly Elementary assistant “My students take those ideas and principle Sheila Goins said she translate them to an actual techni- heard about Lima’s work and cal design.” thought a partnership would be The student designers are all perfect for Brusly as the school’s biological engineering majors, population was growing and the and they keep biology in mind playground became inefficient.

‘‘

‘My students take those ideas and translate them to an actual technical design.’

FASHION

Student competes for free trip Contest sponsored by fashion designer

By Emily Holden Contributing Writer

Katelyn O’Quinn strolls down the banks of the Seine chatting quietly with friends on a Sunday afternoon. She heads toward Paris’ bustling Jewish business district in Le Marais to visit the few open shops and bakeries in town. She stops on the way home to watch the famed street performers.

These are just a few experiences O’Quinn would like to relive if she wins a contest for a free trip to Paris for New Year’s.

“I love the culture,” O’Quinn said. “I love the people. And I have some friends I’d love to visit.”

The Yves Saint Laurent Experience Parisienne contest promotes the company’s new fragrance, Parisienne, and rewards the winner with round-trip airfare and three nights in a hotel for two.

O’Quinn is one of 10 finalists selected by “a panel of fashion and beauty experts” to compete for the

trip, according to the contest Web site. The contestant with the most votes by 11:59 p.m. on Monday will win.

O’Quinn, a 24-year-old French senior, said she entered the contest a few weeks ago on a whim at the suggestion of a longtime friend, who will accompany her to Paris if she wins. She was notified by e-mail she was a finalist less than two weeks ago, she said.

“I thought it was a joke, so I just put something,” O’Quinn said. “I’m surprised I even typed something up.”

But O’Quinn started taking the contest more seriously when she became a finalist. She now has about 5,000 votes — more than any other contestant.

O’Quinn’s main competitor studies journalism at Western Washington University. As of Tuesday, “Leah S.” was trailing closely behind O’Quinn with 4,409 votes. All the other contestants have fewer than 800 votes.

Contact Emily Holden at eholden@lsureveille.com

Mellow Mushroom Team Trivia @ 8pm. $5 Pitchers. Karaoke @ 10pm Friday: Karaoke @ 10pm. $100 Cash for Best Singer 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

9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 4:30-5:00 PM 7:00-8:30 PM

Underworld Blade Van Helsing The Forsaken

But Brusly lacked funding, so Goins knew she would have to work hard for the new playground, she said.

She teamed up with faculty members and parents of her students on a number of fundraisers, including teachers staffing a Burger King for a day and raffling off New Orleans Saints memorabilia, which includes tickets to an upcoming game and autographed merchandise, donated by New Orleans Saints cornerback Randall “Blue” Gay, former LSU football player and father of a Brusly student.

So far, Brusly has raised about $15,000, Goins said. The additional $10,000 from KaBOOM would allow the school to build its dream playground.

Because the funding is still uncertain, Lima and her students have created several different designs for various funding levels, she said.

Once the funding is secured, members of the Community Playground Project, and the Brusly community will volunteer to assemble the playground under professional supervision, Lima said.

Walker said constructing the playground with volunteers makes a big financial difference.

“We can knock off about $10,000 from the cost with volunteers,” she said.

Brusly is one of five finalists for the KaBOOM grant. The winners of the award will be determined by Internet vote. The two finalists with the most votes will each receive $10,000.

Anyone can vote for the Brusly playground once per day at kaboom.org/playday. Voting closes Dec. 1.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009

MEN’S BASKETBALL

PAGE 5

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Tigers to play UConn at the Garden

LSU to start road schedule at Tulane

By David Helman

By Rachel Whittaker

Sports Writer

Chief Sports Writer

The LSU men’s basketball team is indeed in an “Empire State of Mind.”

If New York is “a concrete jungle that dreams are made of,” and “there’s nothing you can’t do,” then the Tigers (3-0) should have no problem conquering No. 13 Connecticut (3-0) in the hallowed Madison Square Garden tonight.

If only it were as easy as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys would have us believe.

“They are probably as quick a team as we will face all year in terms of their ability at all five positions to get up and down the floor,” said LSU coach Trent Johnson. “It’s a good challenge for us, and I think the guys are looking forward to it.”

Johnson is probably hoping the lights of the Big Apple will inspire the Tigers, who successfully navigated the first two games of the NIT Season Tip-Off despite returning only two starters from last season and losing senior guard Alex Farrer to a knee injury before this season’s start.

“We’ve got some guys stepping up,” said senior forward Tasmin Mitchell. “Everybody’s been stepping up. This is what team basketball is.”

The trip itself is a thrill for LSU’s young roster. Only a few players have ever made the trip to New York, let alone played on the floor of such a famous venue.

“We’re going to a Mecca of basketball. Playing in the Garden — it’s a college basketball player’s dream come true,” Mitchell said. “There’s not a great basketball player that hasn’t played at MSG.”

The LSU women’s basketball team has won 75 percent of its road games in coach Van Chancellor’s coaching career at LSU. The No. 7 Lady Tigers (4-0) will try to continue winning away from the PMAC as they open their 2009 road schedule tonight at Tulane (2-1) after starting the season 4-0 for the first time since 2006-07.

Chancellor has never started 4-0 in his previous two seasons at LSU. He said Tulane is a tough team to beat on the road.

“LSU has really struggled with Tulane on the road,” Chancellor said. “We have to come out realizing this is going to be a battle. [Tulane] does a great job of dribble-driving execution and shooting the ball very well.”

LSU has not dropped a game against Tulane since a 76-72 road loss on Dec. 31, 1999, a streak of seven consecutive games. Despite LSU’s dominance, Chancellor said two particular things worry him about the Green Wave.

“They are a very athletic team.

An athletic team is always going to bother me,” Chancellor said. “They run the ball good, and they press it more than they’ve ever pressed. That style of play really bothers me.”

One Lady Tiger displayed some athleticism of her own in setting a personal milestone Sunday.

Senior guard Allison Hightower reached the 1,000 point plateau in LSU’s 86-49 victory against Nicholls State, and Chancellor said Hightower has always been “a leader by example.” “[Hightower] plays so hard and so tough that you have to respect what she says on the court,” Chancellor said.

Another group Chancellor has enjoyed this season is two freshman guards Adrienne Webb and Bianca Lutley. Webb led the team with 17 points in LSU’s 72-54 win against Houston.

“I just met with them after practice and told them how much I like how they play,” Chancellor said.

“Sometimes when freshmen play on the road, they struggle. I don’t think these two will — they play so much AAU ball in the summer, so they’re much more used to it.”

LSU rose four spots to No. 11 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 poll, the league office announced Tuesday.

GARDEN, see page 7

ALEX BOND / The Daily Reveille

LSU junior cornerback Patrick Peterson is blocked as her tries to tackle Arkansas sophomore wide receiver Jarius Wright during the Tigers’ 31-30 loss Nov. 28, 2008, to the Razorbacks in Little Rock, Ark. LSU faces Arkansas on Saturday as the Tigers look to regain “The Golden Boot” in Tiger Stadium after losing to the Razorbacks in the past two years.

MADE FOR WALKING

LSU to ‘Battle for the Golden Boot’ against Arkansas during first Saturday night game between the two teams since 1996

lsureveille.com

By Luke Johnson Sports Contributor

The LSU football team would do well to ignore recent history of its series against the Arkansas Razorbacks as the teams prepare for the Battle for the Golden Boot on Saturday in Tiger Stadium.

The last two times the teams met on the gridiron, Arkansas, in dramatic fashion, won the two games by a combined three points.

In 2007, a game that many thought the Tigers needed to secure a spot in the national championship game, a heavily favored LSU squad allowed Arkansas to amass 513 yards of offense, 385 of which came on the ground.

The game resulted in a triple-overtime, 5048 shocker that only ended when Arkansas corner back Matterral Richardson intercepted an LSU

Log on to see the top stories about the Tigers on the Season Tracker. two-point conversion to seal the game.

Last season, the Tigers came into the game trying to end their late-season swoon and stabilize what had become a rocky second half of their season.

But the Razorbacks had different plans.

Facing a fourth-and-one from the LSU 24yard line, then-Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick fired a game-winning touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining on the clock.

Arkansas averaged nearly 100 more yards of BOOT, see page 7

VOLLEYBALL

LSU to travel to Houston to face Rice Tigers may be lone SEC champs with Ky. loss

By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer

SAHIR KHAN / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior outside hitter Marina Skender (12) hits the ball against two Alabama players during the Tigers’ 3-0 win Sunday.

LSU’s volleyball team won’t be playing tonight, but its focus will be just as intense as a game night, as the Tigers will have a chance to capture the Southeastern Conference title outright when Kentucky travels to Tennessee.

A Kentucky loss means LSU will be

the outright SEC Champions.

“We will all be gathered around Sunshine’s [sophomore libero Lauren Waclawczyk] computer keeping track of the match,” said senior middle blocker Brittnee Cooper.

LSU has not won the SEC regular season championship outright since 1990. The Tigers shared the title in 1991 with Florida.

The Tigers will return to work tomorrow morning when they travel to Houston for a Friday night match against Rice.

There is good news for many of the RICE, see page 7

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6

HOLIDAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009

FOOTBALL

Athletes to celebrate Fri. game tradition cast aside despite busy schedule game be on Friday, but the Saturday time slot does provide an upside.

“At least with a Saturday game, Tradition in sports is a thing of we’ll get more tailgating time,” the past, and the main culprit for kill- Adair said.

Another issue is the attempt to ing it is television.

The Chicago Cubs played all increase student attendance.

Roben West, potheir home games in litical science freshthe afternoon until man, said playing the 1989, when television To see the game on Saturday networks encouraged game, tune in to gives students a better them to get lights to ESPN at 6 p.m. chance to get back to show games in prime Saturday.

Baton Rouge for the time. game.

For a long time, “[Playing the Alabama and Tennessee faced off on the gridiron on game on Saturday] is better for peothe third Saturday in October, until it ple who have to travel long distances was decided by the athletic directors to come back,” West said. “Because and television executives that the of Thanksgiving and Black Friday matchup would get higher ratings if and all of that, it can get very hectic.” it were played later in the season.

But Adair disagrees, saying he LSU and Arkansas have played each other the Friday after Thanks- believes attendance will actually giving since 1996. But this season, drop because of the change.

“People are going to want to because CBS preferred to put the Alabama-Auburn game in the Fri- go spend time with their families,” day afternoon slot, The Battle for the Adair said. “They’re not going to Golden Boot will be played Saturday want to interrupt the weekend. With [the game being played on] Friday, night.

Students seem to have varying people will still have Saturday and Sunday to spend with their family, opinions on the date change.

Jonathan Adair, general educa- but the ball game on Saturday will tion junior, said he would rather the interrupt everyone’s family time.”

By Rob Landry

Sports Contributor

By Amos Morale Sports Contributor

lsureveille.com

Aside from just a few days out of class, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time when students get to return home to families and enjoy time together.

But some students won’t have such an opportunity.

Members of LSU’s various athletic teams are finding ways to celebrate the Log on holidays despite to see a video busy schedules. of what LSU senior athletes defensive lineare doing man Charles during the Alexander and holiday senior linebackbreak. er Jacob Cutrera said the football team is having a little meal together then practicing on Thanksgiving Day. Both Cutrera’s and Alexander’s families are not too far away from Baton Rouge, and they both said they’re looking forward to seeing their families.

“We are trying to convince coach [Les] Miles to let us go home early,” Cutrera said with a laugh.

“He said he’d look into it.”

The LSU men’s basketball team is in New York for the Preseason NIT Tip-Off and will play games Wednesday and Friday. Team spokesman Kent Lowe said the teams at the NIT will celebrate Thanksgiving together.

“There will be a brunch for all four teams at the Marriott where we are staying where people can watch the parade,” Lowe said. “Then there will be a traditional Thanksgiving meal for all four teams that night.”

The LSU volleyball team will travel to Houston on Thursday for Friday’s match versus Rice.

Sophomore libero Lauren Waclawczyk said the team is going to senior middle blocker Brittnee Cooper’s home in Houston for Thanksgiving dinner.

“Her family has been so generous,” Waclawczyk said. “[They’re] offering a really good Thanksgiving, we are hearing, so we are going to

head there for dinner and then play Rice on Friday.”

Many of the athletes on the LSU swimming and diving team are from other countries, meaning they don’t celebrate the U.S. form of Thanksgiving.

LSU freshman swimmer Craig Hamilton is from Edinburgh, Scotland. He said he is going to Mississippi with his roommate, freshman swimmer Timmy Dasinger.

Hamilton said Thanksgiving is not celebrated where he is from and is excited because this Thanksgiving is his first.

Other international swimmers are joining their teammates for the celebrations as well.

LSU junior swimmer Kannon Betzen said a few of her international teammates are going to her mother’s house in Dallas for the holiday.

“There’s three other people on the team from Dallas, and we’re taking four international students,” Betzon said. “It’s going to be fun.”

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

Since Arkansas joined the Southeastern Conference in 1992, 14 out of the 17 games between LSU and Arkansas have been played on a Friday. LSU holds an 8-6 advantage in those Friday games.

LSU has also won five of the last eight games despite dropping the last two.

The Tigers lead the all-time series, 33-19-2, though the two teams did not play from 1966 until 1992.

Saturday will also mark the first time the Golden Boot trophy, which resembles the Louisiana and Arkansas state borders, will be awarded on a Saturday. The inaugural trophy was given in 1996 following LSU’s 17-7 victory on a Friday.

Another change for the game will be LSU’s new uniforms.

The Tigers are one of 10 teams taking part in Nike’s Pro Combat line. The alternate regalia drew mixed reactions from students.

“I like the colors and the way it stands out,” said Ryan Early, psychology freshman.

Adair is not a fan of the change.

“I’d rather stick with tradition on [the uniforms],” Adair said.

Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009 GARDEN, from page 5

Johnson acknowledged the excitement around the Tigers’ locker room but said the team shouldn’t have a problem performing under such a bright spotlight.

“It’s competition,” he said.

“Yeah, you enjoy Broadway for a day ... But when the ball goes up, it’s competition.”

UConn is off to a similarly fast start under long-time coach Jim Calhoun, though the Huskies have yet to look remotely like the group that reached the Final Four in Detroit last spring. The team’s resumé so far includes wins against William & Mary, Colgate and Hofstra by an average margin of just 10 points per game.

“Knowing coach [Calhoun] like I know him, I don’t think he’s very pleased with the way they’ve been playing, so we’re going to get a maximum effort,” Johnson said.

A big reason for the Huskies’ struggles could be a frontcourt with some major holes to fill. UConn lost dynamic center Hasheem Thabeet to the NBA Draft in June and graduated forward Jeff Adrien, who took his career average of 12 points and eight boards per game with him.

UConn has been outrebounded in two of its three games, which must be encouraging for a surprisingly productive LSU post game. Sophomore forward Storm Warren has achieved a double-double in all three games to start the season and could frustrate the Huskies if he maintains his level of play.

“I’m just going to take the information my coaches give me and try to be prepared,” Warren said. “[UConn] knows what it’s like to be there. For us, it’s a new experience, and we have to be ready to step up.”

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

BOOT, from page 5

total offense than LSU in those two games and converted five of six fourth down plays.

“It gives you some confidence. When you watch the video, you’re watching the same guys you played against last year.” said Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino at his Monday news conference. “You look at their defense, and most of those guys are the exact same guys that were there last year with the exception of a great defensive end and really good linebacker.”

The 2009 Arkansas squad will enter Death Valley riding a fourgame win streak and one of the hottest quarterbacks in the nation.

Sophomore quarterback Ryan Mallett was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks after his 313-yard five-touchdown effort against Mississippi State last weekend.

Mallett has embraced the pass-happy offense implemented

by Petrino for the 2008 season.

In his lone season as the Arkansas starting quarterback, Mallett has set or matched 12 different school records.

“We’ve got to put pressure on Mallett,” said senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander. “We’ve got to go out there and put pressure on him and get him uncomfortable in the pocket.”

Mallett has thrown for 3,195 yards and 28 touchdowns this season and leads the SEC in every category for quarterbacks.

“We’ve won four in a row, and we are going into a tough game,” Mallett said Monday at a news conference. “This week, we are going to have to play our best football. We are going to have to go in there and play physical and tough.”

With Mallett leading the way, Arkansas is ranked as the No. 1 offense in the SEC, both in total offense and scoring offense.

“Coach Petrino has done a great job there,” said LSU coach Les Miles at his weekly Monday news conference. “They have a high-powered offense and a good defense.”

The Razorbacks have had their troubles on the defensive side this season, giving up an average of 25.1 points per game. Arkansas is the ninth-ranked scoring defense and is ranked last in total defense in the SEC. Opponents have been able to find a way to move the ball through the air against the Razorbacks’ defense, amassing 2,842 yards this season.

The matchup should be an intriguing one for the Tigers, who haven’t been able pass the ball consistently this season.

The Tigers have lacked consistency at the quarterback position this season. Sophomores Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee have combined to throw for 1,982 yards this season, which ranks 100th in the NCAA. LSU will have to rely heavily on the passing game after losing their top three running backs to injury throughout the season.

With seniors Charles Scott and Keiland Williams and junior Richard Murphy all lost for the game, the LSU ground attack will rely on sophomore Stevan Ridley, freshman Russell Shepard and senior Trindon Holliday to stabilize a rushing attack that has been stagnant for most of the season.

Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com

PAGE 7

As a No. 4 seed in the conference tournament, Rice knocked off Tigers — seven players on LSU’s No. 1 seed Southern Mississippi, roster hail from the Lone Star 3-1, in the semifinal round before State, two of whom are from defeating No. 2 seeded Tulsa, 3-1, Houston, where Rice’s campus is to take home the tournament title. located.

Just like in collegiate basketThat means many of the Ti- ball, a volleyball tournament title gers will get to earns an automatic spend Turkey Day bid to the NCAA with their famiTournament. lies.

Because the All it took pairings for the was the mere tournament are mention of Texas based on geogfor Waclawczyk’s raphy, there is an face to light up. outside chance Fran Flory “Texas! I’m Friday’s match LSU volleyball coach so excited,” the may be a preview San Antonio naof things to come tive said. “It feels good to have in the NCAA postseason. your family around you. I love “Rice is a very good team,” Texas, so it’s fun to be playing in said LSU coach Fran Flory. “They Houston.” are a team that is going to chalThe No. 17 Tigers (23-5, lenge us defensively because they 18-5 SEC) will have to watch out keep a lot of balls off the floor. I how much tryptophan they ingest would put them on the category of though, as Rice isn’t a team for a South Carolina or Tennessee in LSU to sleep on. terms of backcourt defense.”

The Owls (22-8, 11-5 CUSA) finished fourth in ConferContact Andy Schwehm at ence USA’s regular season with aschwehm@lsureveille.com an 11-5 record.

RICE, from page 5

‘‘

‘[Rice] is a team that is going to challenge us defensively.’

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 8

wednesday, november 25, 2009

AGE OF DELIGHTENMENT

Students should learn not to be obnoxious in classrooms EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth and final column in a series about good behavior on and around campus. To see Sara’s previous columns, check out our Web site, lsureveille.com.

My mother spent a lot of her time trying to raise a good Southern belle. Seeing how I’m as much my father’s daughter as I am hers, she definitely had her work cut out for her. I didn’t quite turn out a prim debutante who loves to host teas and never raises her voice, but Mama managed to at least instill a good sense of how to act in public and a respect for other people.

My November columns are dedicated to those classmates who weren’t quite so lucky.

Speaking of classmates, here’s a brief guide for how to behave during those classes we share. Granted,

there are many different kinds of classes, each with its own unwritten rules of conduct, but consider these general guidelines for classroom behavior in general.

1. Put your phone on silent. This rule goes for you, too, teachers.

It’s telling that I have to list this Sara Boyd in every single Columnist “manners” column I write, no matter the setting.

2. Learn the difference between “answering a question” and “telling a long story that is only funny to you and vaguely related to a topic briefly mentioned in class.”

However compelled you feel to brag about yourself, 200 people do not need to hear about the time you

fashioned solar panels from your toenail clippings and used them to heat your indoor pool.

3. If you’re late for class, sit as close to the door as you possibly can. Try not to walk all around the classroom searching for the perfect spot like a dog that needs to pee.

4. Being the first to turn in your test/paper/project doesn’t mean you’re a genius. It means you’re a nerd, so wipe that smug grin off your face, nerd.

5. If you didn’t have time to shower during the last three days, that means you also don’t have time to come to class, OK? Take a personal hygiene day, please.

6. Coming to class wearing last night’s makeup, a wristband and a bar stamp doesn’t make you cool.

It makes you a dirty skank. I don’t care how hungover you are. Wash your face and hands before you give

anyone else mono.

7. Pajama pants are for your house, not my school. High heels are for places where you might get a job or get laid. Or jobs where you get laid, if that’s your style.

8. Why did you come to class to play “World of Warcraft” or chat with your friends on Facebook? You know you can do that at home and be naked at the same time, right?

9. In the same vein, there’s no reason to come to class still drunk or high. You’re not going to get anything done and really, it’s just unseemly.

10. Talking with your neighbor/friend during a lecture is rude and obnoxious. People don’t hear you talking during class and think, “Oh, so-and-so must be so smart and interesting and popular!” They think, “I wish so-and-so would shut the hell up. I hate that guy.”

It’s generally pretty easy to be polite at school. Show up clean, on time and mind your own business during class. Try to be considerate of the people around you no matter where you are.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my ideas on etiquette and you think of me next time you’re at a movie, a bar, on a date, or in class — whether fondly because you agreed or with malice because I called you out on your rude, obnoxious behavior.

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

BURNS AFTER READING

A tale of two subsidies: Athletic vs. academic funding It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

It was the football season of hope. It was the academic season of despair. It was the purple and golden age of athletic conquest and victory.

It was the dark ages of budgetary constraints and academic defeat.

All told, the aura at LSU today is quite mixed. On one hand, the University has a thriving athletic department. On the other hand, our academic department has been sinking beneath the depths of budgetary debacles.

One can interpret these conditions in many ways. But it all comes down to the tale of two separate departments — the athletic and the academic — and how they are subsidized.

First, there’s the Athletic Department.

For years — the past decade specifically — our athletic program has provided fans with a successful and competitive product. The football team won two BCS titles in five years. The baseball team just earned its sixth national championship. The basketball team won the SEC championship coach Trent Johnson’s first season at LSU. The list goes on.

All sports considered, the University placed ninth in the 2009 Learfield’s Directors Cup rankings, according to LSUsports.net.

The success of all the sports — the top three especially — has

helped make LSU one of the nation’s premier athletic venues, attracting the best athletes from both Louisiana and around the country.

Thanks to the high quality of the Athletic Department’s product, funding hasn’t been nearly as much of a problem. Leading Athletic Department officials don’t have to solely rely on public grants or the benevolence of a few wealthy alumni to attain their financial objectives. Instead, they’re able to capitalize on the success of their Scott Burns product and the willingness of Columnist the University’s fans to voluntarily support their burgeoning athletic program.

But then there’s the other side of the equation — the academic branch of the University — funded in large part by state subsidies.

For years — the past decade specifically — the academic department has made a concerted effort to enhance the University’s ranking and attract Louisiana’s best and brightest.

The University has certainly taken some strides in the right direction. But the University’s progress has been relatively limited when you consider the massive amount of money that has been tossed toward

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor

ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Columnist

MARK MACMURDO

Columnist

enhancing our higher education system.

In all fairness, the athletic administrators aren’t totally at fault.

Many of the problems plaguing the state’s academic system stem from state-sponsored grants that have flooded four-year universities and consequently bolstered the cost of higher education.

The end effect of these initiatives is simple. By trying to make access to higher education more accessible, state programs have actually made the entire point of getting a college degree — attaining a better

job — more costly and undesirable.

And with the recession-induced higher education cuts, the public funding system has backfired on the University.

In short, the University’s academic system is anchored to the state’s budget. And thanks to the massive budget cuts the state has issued to higher education, the University has been forced to make even more drastic cuts.

Perhaps Chancellor Michael Martin is right. Maybe he could run the University better if it were more like the privately funded athletic

department. Perhaps collectivism and redistribution aren’t such great long-term solutions after all.

Hey, I’m sure there’s a big-picture lesson in there somewhere.

Scott Burns is a 20-year-old economics and history junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_sburns.

Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author.

Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

Will Rogers American comedian and actor Nov. 4, 1879 — Aug. 15, 1935

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

wednesday, november 25, 2009

PRESS X TO NOT DIE

PAGE 9

No matter how great, no sale is worth killing over The semester is winding down, students are pulling all-nighters wrapping up end-of-the-year projects and tests, and this week’s Thanksgiving break will give students that little pit stop needed before tackling the beasts that are final exams.

With around 30,000 students enrolled in the University, everyone will celebrate this holiday differently.

If you’re like me, your Thanksgiving consists of family, eating turkey, watching football, eating more turkey, naps on the couch and finally complaining about how full you are of all the turkey you just ate.

But some people like to spend Thanksgiving in other ways — such as inside a tent camped outside of their favorite retail store.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday,” is a day when most retail stores have large sales and discounts for consumers

to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The exact origin of the term “Black Friday” is a tad fuzzy, but this shopping holiday has gained notoriety among consumers and retailers alike since 2000.

Many believe the term originated as an accounting phrase. People believe most retail stores are financially in the “red” (or losing money) for a majority of the year, and the big sales numbers brought in on this particular Friday help push those numbers into the “black” (or positive profits).

Many stores open at 5 a.m. or earlier, running special “doorbuster” deals for those dedicated enough to camp outside in the cold (or here in Louisiana, somewhat warm) weather.

I have always refused to leave my couch — or, most recently, Tiger Stadium — on “Black Friday” because of the LSU-Arkansas football

game every year played that afternoon. Also, no sale is worth fighting off the horde of crazed consumers.

But this year, I get to experience my first “Black Friday” — except I won’t be spending it as a shopper. I will be spending the holiday as an employee.

That said, Adam Arinder I strongly urge Columnist those who will participate in this frenzy of a shopping experience to remember where your head is.

A Long Island Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death last year as customers broke through the glass doors minutes upon the store’s 5 a.m. opening. Many workers were trampled by the mob, but it was 34year-old Jdimytai Damour who lost his life that day.

I realize the holiday season can be a stressful time for people, and that $200 laptop or $450 HDTV might make your mouth water, but it’s not worth someone’s life so you can save a few bucks.

Every year, there are numerous stories of store tramplings, fights and even gun shots over items during a one-day sale.

If you’re determined enough to save money on that laptop or TV you’ve always wanted, then by all means pitch your tent outside your favorite store and wait until those doors officially open.

But the one thing everyone in that line needs to remember is there are many other tents in front of or behind yours, and many of your parking-lot campers are running on short tempers and little sleep.

Be considerate not only to your fellow shoppers but also the stores’ employees — they are there to assist the customers and also keep

everyone under control.

If you’re in line early enough, you’ll get what you’ve been waiting to buy. If you end up at the end of the line, don’t push or fight because someone got there earlier than you — use this as a lesson for next year.

This Friday will be a new experience for me. I hope my customers aren’t too rowdy of a group and I’ll survive to write next week’s column.

But you never know — some people will kill to get that shiny new PSPgo for Little Jimmy.

Adam Arinder is a 20-yearold electrical engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.

Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com

FREKE FRIDAY WEDNESDAY

‘New Moon’ loses fun side, needs director reboot

Midnight opening tickets sold out weeks in advance. Matinee events quickly filled to capacity, giddy teenagers hugged pails of popcorn in one hand and their moms in the other. Everyone was out to see the most anticipated movie event of 2009, “New Moon.”

Featuring heartthrobs Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and additional young stud Taylor Lautner, “New Moon” is the sequel to “Twilight,” both adaptations of the best-selling books by Stephenie Meyer.

In this installment, Bella has just had her 18th birthday. She hangs with her friends in high school, but remains smitten with Edward, her vampire boyfriend.

Fearing for her safety, Edward leaves town and swears he won’t come back to see her, lest she be taken from him forever.

Depressed, Bella sits on a couch as a revolving camera shot — digitally spliced — denotes the passage of time: November, December and on. When she gets tired of being alone, Bella decides to hook up with childhood friend Jacob. He plays the rebound guy, the one-month, romantic squatter who keeps the apartment occupied until the original tenant returns. The relationship between Bella, Jacob and Edward turns to a love triangle, which, lacking in sex, seems less subversive than geometric.

“New Moon” is a meditation on growing old and the strength of familial ties. Bella’s devotion to Edward might seem evident and her insistence on going under the fang appears a form of self-sacrifice. However, several

scenes point to a despair of aging, a fascination with skin devoid of wrinkles. One scene has Bella staring apprehensively at an older image of herself, an aged woman who mimics all her motions and speaks in her voice. Another has Bella boasting to Edward she’s technically a year older than he is.

It’s curious she only dates wolves and vampires, creatures with the elixir of life, boys who revel in their naturally endowed armorplated breast Freke Ette plates.

We see the Columnist tension within the wolf and vampire communities and anticipate the conflict between these communities and a world unaware of their existence.

It is through membership in these groups that Jacob, Edward and their families get their identities.

Hence, the mutual animosity.

I doubt anyone expects the “New Moon” to be a cinematic marvel. The books by Meyer, after all, are a cultural phenomena, a literary curiosity less J.R.R. Tolkien and more Dan Brown. The “Twilight” series lack the pedigree of the “Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter.” Absent major character actors, the assurance of a distinguished director or a provocative theme, our expectations are modest.

Nevertheless, the audience deserves a spectacle. Catherine Hardwicke directed “Twilight” which exuded a sense of fun. For instance, there were the scenes of a vampire baseball game and

Edward taking Bella tree climbing. Both contributed next to nothing to the overall story, but their addition in the film showed the director winking to the audience.

But with the newest film, we have director Chris Weitz.

Channeling an inner ineptitude displayed previously in “The Golden Compass,” Weitz has transformed a mildly fascinating vampire romance into a flaccid exercise in overwrought melodrama. Weitz smoothed the pro-

vocative atheistic bent of “The Golden Compass” and tacked on tons of CGI, finally releasing offal barely recognizable from the source material — an example of the anti-Midas touch. “New Moon” bears the same signature.

Here we get two fight scenes shot in slow-motion — Guy Ritchie’s technique without the exuberance — and a general lack of imagination. Weitz assumes shooting Stewart moping into space somehow illustrates the loneliness of her character. It

could be argued the long stares were the effect the author strove for in her book; even if true, it doesn’t give the filmmaker the license to be literal.

Freke Ette is a political theory graduate student from Uyo, Nigeria. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_fette.

Contact Freke Ette at fette@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Classifieds

PAGE 10

Help Wanted Survey Takers Needed: Make $5-25 per survey. www. GetPaidToThink.com WINDOWS and LINUX Want to use your Windows and Linux skills? We’re looking for a Windows and/or Linux sysadmin intern or part-time employee. Send resume and hours available to jobs@puryear-it.com.

Help wanted - Dempsey’s PoBoys Now hiring at both Jefferson and Coursey locations. Wait and Kitchen staff positions available. Flexible scheduling and friendly atmosphere! Come in to apply M-F after 1pm at 7327 Jefferson Hwy. 225.229.8686 If you love young children and like to sing and play musical instruments, we have the perfect pt job for you. Approx. 4 hrs per week 225.766.1159 Part Time Secretary/Reception. Law Office.

Part time (20-30 hrs). Afternoons preferred.

Long-term position. Fax resume to 293-8954 or email greggouner@bellsouth.net.

Part-time Receptionist Christian Counseling Ctr downtown BR, $9/ hr, M, T, Th 3-7 pm Send resume 383-2722 or email Maria@brchristiancounseling.com. Must be available daytime to sub.

Iccessorize Energetic and dependable workers needed to work at a kiosk in the Mall of Louisiana. Call Eddie for more details.

225.572.2127 RESEARCH ASSISTANT Research assistant/ office help/errand person needed for Real Estate Appraisal Firm. Please email resume and hours available to work now and during spring semester to Robert at ragui72962@aol.com 225.769.6885 “shadow” needed 8 year old child with mild autism needs “shadow” during school hours. Please call (225) 892-5653. www.louiescafe.com STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue.

100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. we want you! *Hard Workers* *Awesome People Skills* *Looking for “real world” business experience* Work on campus for LSU Student Media! Sales experience a plus but not required. Apply in B39 Hodges Hall or send resumes to salesmanager@lsureveille.com Multinational company expandin in capital area. Seeking to build local team. Experience in sales/ market/ training helpful, not required.

PT/ FT. Email resume to newcareerpath2009@ hotmail.com Now Hiring!!

Child Care Center near LSU hiring Afternoon Teachers for Spring Semester. 2:30-5:30 Mon.Fri. 766-1159

Earn Extra Money Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper. No Experience Required Call 1-800722-4791 The Paula G. Manship YMCA is now hiring for a fitness attendant for the following hours: M-T 5am-12pm, F 5am-9am, and Sat mornings.

Please contact Rebecca Solomon at 225-7679622 or rsolomon@ymcabatonrouge.org ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127

For Sale Great Investment! For Sale, 2 BR 2 BA, house, 1,400 sf. 10 minutes from LSU. Nice yard, quiet neighborhood. Separate workshop. $124,900 225.302.5957 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www. tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location...

Start Living.

House 4 Sale $132,500 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 7 min. from LSU located off Burbank on Pecan Tree Drive 225-803-537

For Rent BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES 2 br 2.5 bath on S. Brightside View. $850-$900. $500 dep.

All appliances plus w/d, pool. now/spring. southlandpropertiesinc.com. 225-955-6480 GREAT 1 BR APT. WALK TO LSU! 6 MO. OR 1 YR 769-7757 / 266-8666 / 978-3123 ROOMATE NEEDED LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOMES 550/mo + util. 3br/3ba. Close to campus. Trey 337.349.0376 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-3465055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

Chateau du Cour in tigerland Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com 1BR/1BATH Condo for Rent at Kenilworth Pkwy/Burbank. Newly Constructed. $900/mth Utilities not included. brody.shores@gmail.com 1BR apartment 175 Burgin Ave, $545$589rent/$400 deposit, located Highland and Lee. 225.252.3163 3BD/2BA HOME OFF BRIGHTSIDE @ 5037 AMBERALYNN DR $1550.00/ MONTH 5 MIN TO CAMPUS 225.276.0393 Garden District Bungalow Unique 2 bed-

room, 1 bath garden district bungalow. Ideal for grad couple or faculty. $1000/month. Available Dec 1. 225.270.2825 Camelot Apts. Large 1BR water & sewer pd.

Swimming pool $465-$300 Deposit 766-3047 Walk to LSU Campus 2BR/1BA duplex $650-725. Fenced yards, pets ok. Available now. Good condition. McDaniel Propeties 225.388.9858 WALK TO CLASS 1BR at 3265 Carlotta $395/ mth 379-8653 WalK To Campus 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes.

Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 5252 Brightside View 3BR 2 BATH W/D $950 avail now/spring 955-6480southlandpropertiesinc.com

Roommate Wanted ROOMMATE NEEDED @ Campus CrossingBrightside for Spring 2010! $424/mo. 4 BR/ 2 BA, email kjudd2@gmail.com or call 504.298.9494 Roomate needed Arlington Plant $500/ mo plus utilities (usually $65) 3Bed/3Bath.

Near Campus, Bus-Route, Preferably Male. Darren 504-382-5603 1 male roommate needed in a 4 bdrm 4 bth apt. on Brightside. $505. monthly; share electric bill; sublease; 601.798.5005

Personals She’s a Keeper, are you? My lovely BFF needs a man that is sure to sweep her off her feet! If you possess one or more of the criteria below email gazin4devotion@gmail.com ASAP or FOREVER hold you peace.

A. Handsome/cute/Attractive/good looking B. Hopeless Romantic C. Funny What Are You Waiting For????????

Big fish nice frat guy looking for a sweet girl to hang out with. Must be into wearing oversized shirts with fish on the back, running shorts with tights, and not brushing your hair. If you’re out there come find me, i’ll be at the lakes with my dog on Friday afternoon. Look for my boat shoes and khakis! fratboyneedslovin@gmail.com WELL HEY!! I’m a government worker thats tight with Supriya. I like CMT, cardigans, texting, New Iberia, SVU, being the center of attention, and Sig Ep. I hate it when everybody’s tryna be me.

So if you’re interested in a lil’ cajun cutie that looks good in camp counselor shorts email me your A/S/L at thelittlebread@gmail.com.

“Le petit pan!”

Imperfections are in all of us, I’m just trying to find an 18-20 y/o girl who understands that... about herself, email me at lessthanhumble@gmail.com

Try Band Kids, So Worth It Mildly attractive band geek looking for a special lady. Communication Studies major who loves music, books, people and humor. Wants a girl that must like Tiger Band, tubas, enjoys hearing funny accents, LOVES Disney and watching Disney movies, and will tolerate crude humor, high-pitched giggles, and random bursts of off-pitch singing. contact: cougarboy15@gmail.com SASSY (3rd cheerleader from the right/ your left) You are my favorite cheerleader. Your fantastic moves at the game this weekend and sassy attitude warm my heart. There’s room for 2 in my LSU snuggie ;) Email me: snuggiewithmelsu@ gmail.com Arachibutyrophobia? Let me help. I see you at the climbing gym, the dining hall and bio

wednesday, november 25, 2009

review. Tell me: do you see me too?

You can see me by the bike racks Tuesday after bio review.

Let’s Play! Fit/very active male, 22. Looking for a Female to run around with! (running the lakes, tennis, basketball, etc) No need to be a super athlete, willing to teach, but must have a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and be comfortable getting a little sweaty. Email: ilikerunaroundmuch@gmail.com when you’re ready to play Are you a redhead girl? A guy looking for a cute / sexy redhead to spend time with. Email NeedARedhead@live.com Freakishly Tall Guy wanted : Well endowed 20 yr old is tired of wearing flats. Facial hair is awesome but not necessary. Must like football.

Send a message to blueeyedsaintsfan@yahoo. com

wednesday, november 25, 2009 MEAL, from page 1

Cafeteria and other donors and volunteers, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the ICC and is free for students, faculty, staff and other guests.

“It’s very festive,” Leder said.

“We decorate the ICC, and then we have volunteers who come in the morning and start working in the kitchen. Everybody is asked to bring something [like dessert or drinks], which is also part of Thanksgiving.”

Leder said before Piccadilly got involved, the International Hospitality Foundation donated money to buy turkeys. He said when Piccadilly learned what the IHF and ICC do for students who remain on campus, they decided to provide all the food.

Last year’s Thanksgiving din-

THE DAILY REVEILLE ner was at Piccadilly because damage from Hurricane Gustav cause building closures, Virginia Grenier, IHF executive director, said in an email to The Daily Reveille. She said this year the dinner will serve as a celebration for Thanksgiving and the restoration of the ICC. David Heidke, LSU Dining director, said the dining facilities on campus will be closed for the holiday.

During the month of November, LSU Dining provided Thanksgiving meals at the 459 Commons, the Faculty Club and the Magnolia Room.

The Faculty Club and the Magnolia Room both served Thanksgivingstyle menus this past week, while the 459 Commons had its Thanksgiving meal during the first week of November to “spread out the tur-

key,” Heidke said.

All LSU Dining facilities will remain open today, but they will be closed Nov. 26 and 27. Limited service will be available Nov. 28 and 29 in the LSU Student Union, the 459 Commons and the UREC Smoothie King.

Jay High, Residential Life communications manager, said even though the University is closed Thursday and Friday, the residence halls will remain open.

“Most of our students are going home [for Thanksgiving], but we do have a staff here for those staying behind,” High said. “Some RAs are going home, but other RAs are staying. They will have two RAs on call for 24 hours a day.”

Starr said she and other friends staying behind for the holiday will

PAGE 11

“attempt to cook a turkey” at one of her friend’s off-campus apartments.

Starr said she feels good knowing the University is providing both international and American students the opportunity to experience Thanksgiving away from home.

“I could [go to the ICC and] eat turkey instead of Ramen noodles, which would suck on Thanksgiving,” she said.

Leder said the Thanksgiving meal at the ICC provides international students with a truly American experience.

“It’s a very important holiday because it reflects what the American society and community stand for,” Leder said.

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

ASSIGNMENTS, from page 1

Dead week — officially called “concentrated study period” — stretches from Wednesday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 6, according to the University academic calendar.

During this period, required course work, which includes exams, quizzes and homework, may at most count for 10 percent of a student’s final grade in the course, according to the University general catalog.

Assignments scheduled on the syllabus within the first two weeks of the semester are exempt from the 10 percent limit assuming the work on the project will be done throughout the semester, according to the catalog.

Laboratory courses are also exempt from the policy.

If students feel that their professors have violated the policy, they can fill out an appeal form on the SG Web site or at the SG Executive Offices on the first floor of the Student Union, Allen said.

Allen said SG will help students find solutions to alleged violations with the forms.

Allen said along with helping individual students with their concerns, the overarching goal of the new appeals form is to give the provost a better idea of which departments are responsible for the violations to establish a more refined process of dealing with future issues.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

HALF-DAY, from page 1

Doolos said this half-day will help students who live outside Louisiana have enough time to travel without skipping class.

Patrick Evans, STA Travel marketing communications coordinator, said the day before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year.

“We’re focused on studentuse travel,” Evans said. “We see a lot of domestic travel during the Thanksgiving break from our audience because they’re younger and they go home. From a travel perspective, it’s difficult for students during Thanksgiving because they only get the day before and the day of Thanksgiving off [to travel].”

Evans said the earlier people can travel to their destinations, the less complications their journey will have.

Jon Bjorling, business administration junior, said he is flying home to New Jersey tomorrow afternoon and is glad he won’t be missing any class since the University will be closed.

Darienne Nicholas, English sophomore, said she’s more inclined to go to her morning classes because of the half-day, but her professors canceled class anyway.

Sam Stevens, English freshman, said she doesn’t get the point of having a half-day this Wednesday or the Wednesday after Mardi Gras. She said the University should “do all or nothing.”

“A half-day after Mardi Gras is just asking for no one to show up [to class],” Stevens said.

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

wednesday, november 25, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 12