Reveille The Daily
Year in Review
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The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
Monday, May 9, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
Church burning deepens tumult of Egypt transition
New York lawmakers eye Bin Laden bounty for 9/11 victims
Gov. Bobby Jindal releases birth certificate
CAIRO (AP) — Relations between Egypt’s Muslims and Christians degenerated to a new low Sunday after riots overnight left 12 people dead and a church burned, adding to the disorder of the country’s post-revolution transition to democracy. The attack on the church was the latest sign of assertiveness by an extreme, ultraconservative movement of Muslims known as Salafis. Salafis have been blamed for other recent attacks on Christians and others they don’t approve of. Mexico captures suspected drug gang leader
NEW YORK (AP) — Two congressmen from New York City say that up to $50 million in Osama bin Laden bounty money should go to first responders, survivors and families of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Rewards for Justice Program established a bounty of $25 million in 2001 to help bring bin Laden to justice. In 2004, Congress passed legislation providing the secretary of state up to $50 million to award for information leading to the capture of bin Laden.
(AP) — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who was born in Baton Rouge to immigrant parents from India, has released his birth certificate. The Republican made the move Friday, nine days after President Barack Obama released his own long-form birth certificate to further prove that he was born in the United States. Jindal is considered by some observers as a potential candidate in the 2012 presidential race. His office says they released the document on request, after being asked whether Jindal’s eligibility to run for office would be affected by a “birthright citizenship” bill.
MEXICO CITY (AP) – Äî Federal police have captured a suspected drug gang leader in a central Mexican state where relentless violence prompted hundreds of citizens to set off in a days-long protest march that arrived in the capital Sunday. Jose Zarco Cardenas, 22, had recently begun heading operations in Morelos state for a gang that broke off from the Beltran Leyva cartel following the death of leader Arturo Beltran Leyva in December 2009, the Public Safety Department said in a statement Sunday.
KAHLIL HAMRA / The Associated Press
Egyptian Copts demonstrate against the overnight sectarian violence, in downtown Cairo on Sunday, hours after the Salafis’ attack on a church.
Israel remembers fallen soldiers and attack victims JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel came to a standstill Sunday as air raid sirens sounded across the country for one minute after nightfall to mark the beginning of its annual memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks. Speaking at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem before relatives of fallen soldiers, Israeli President Shimon Peres said the recent calls for democratization in the Arab world offered hope for the future, but Israel would remain vigilant.
Train crashes pulling into New Jersey station, hurting 34 HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP) — A commuter train from New York pulling into the station for its final stop crashed into the bumpers at the end of the tracks Sunday morning, injuring 34 people and shutting down service indefinitely. None of the injuries in the PATH train’s 8:30 a.m. crash were considered life-threatening, though several victims were taken away on stretchers or put in neck braces as a precaution, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said. The injured‚ Äî, mostly sustained cuts and bruises.
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Jury: Grambling State owes fired coach $460,500 (AP) — Grambling State University broke its contract with football coach Melvin Spears Jr. when it fired him in late 2006, and owes him $460,500 ‚Äî plus $130,000 for his attorneys, a Louisiana jury decided. The East Baton Rouge Parish jury, which handed down the verdict Friday, rejected Spears’ claim that the university defamed him. Spears, 51, was named coach at Alcorn State University earlier this year.
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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The Daily Reveille
Monday, May 9, 2011
page 3
ANALYSIS
Future tuition, management at stake in legislative session Jindal’s budget relies on tuition increases Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
Though Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed budget keeps higher education funding on par with last year, swaths of higher education’s proposed state appropriations rely on legislation that would increase appropriations from students’ pocketbooks to fill the funding gap. The measure in Jindal’s legislative packet with the most potential cost to students is House Bill 448, which seeks to increase the full-time tuition cap from 12 to 15 hours for undergraduate students. Students enrolled in 12 or more hours per semester are currently considered “full-time” and pay a flat rate for any additional hours enrolled. HB 448, by Rep. Hollis Downs, R-Ruston, would move the flat-rate cap to 15 hours, resulting in increased costs for students taking 15 hours. The bill would similarly raise the cap for graduate students and will be covered by students’ TOPS awards. Under the governor’s proposal, University undergraduates would pay $189 more per credit hour for each credit hour taken between 12 and 15 hours. Most classes constitute three hours, so this would equate to a $567 increase in students’ tuition for a 15-hour course load. According to Office of Budget and Planning statistics, the number of students enrolled in 15 hours was double the number enrolled in 12 hours last semester. Jindal’s reasoning for sponsoring such legislation is to stem the increasing number of students who begin with a full course load only to drop classes by the end of the semester, leaving wasted space in classrooms. But the importance of this legislation is also financial, as state
universities will lose a large portion of proposed state funding if legislation fails to garner the twothirds approval of both legislative chambers. The increase would be covered by TOPS. LSU’s chief financial officer, Eric Monday, said the situation could get ugly for higher education if Jindal’s proposals fail. The University will lose more than $20 million in proposed funding if that increase fails to pass. “We go from something manageable to something damaging,” Monday said. “Nobody will like the choices we have to make.” Jindal’s budget also seeks to re-index universities’ operational fees. This legislation would result in more modest cost increases for students but would not be covered by TOPS. These proposed increases come on top of an already legislatively approved tuition increase of 10 percent for in-state students and 15 percent for out-of-state students. If legislation tied to Jindal’s proposed budget fails to pass, the University could see a midyear budget cut in the coming semester. Aside from bills tied to the proposed budget, legislators will debate other potential tuition increases, changes to the TOPS program and the management of higher education, among other topics. Jindal’s proposal is not the only one that would change the tuition cap. House Bill 25 by Rep. Jerome Richard, I-Thibodaux, would remove the cap for full-time tuition entirely. This measure would see tuition prorated through 18 hours, so students taking 18 hours pay 50 percent more than students taking the minimum of 12. This is the second year Richard has authored such legislation at the request of Nicholls State
University, located in his district. His bill last year “never saw the light of day,” according to Richard. “I just happen to believe this is a fair way to raise tuition,” Richard said. “If you take 15 hours, that is what you pay for instead of letting colleges raise tuition carte blanche.” Perhaps one of the most hotly contested proposals of the session is the merger of the University of New Orleans and Southern University-New Orleans. House Bill 537, by Jim Tucker, would merge the two institutions and was debated in the House Education Committee for more than six hours May 4 before being passed to the House Appropriations Committee. The funding of students’ TOPS awards will also be debated later in the session. House Bill 390 by Rep. Jane Smith, R-Bossier City, would amend the constitution to dedicate funds to TOPS. With tuition set to increase for the next five years from the LA GRAD Act, the cost of TOPS is set to skyrocket. HB 390 would cap money from the Millennium Trust Fund and revert gains from the trust fund to TOPS. The Millennium Trust Fund is funded by Louisiana’s 1998 Tobacco Settlement. Because Jindal’s budget removes general fund money from TOPS to fund other sections of the budget, failure of the bill could result in a shortfall in TOPS funding. Jindal has reiterated his intent to fund TOPS in any event. Senate Bill 50 by Sen. Butch Gautreaux, D-Morgan City, seeks to cap TOPS awards. As tuition increases, this bill would see TOPS awards insufficient to cover tuition at many schools. Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
Monday May 9 Shady’s
Free drinks 8-10 $1.50 High Life 50 cent shots all night Come have a drink, Don’t be a Dick
Pluckers Wing Bar Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
3:00-3:30 PM Newsbeat 4:00-4:30 PM Sports Showtime 4:30-5:00 PM Newsbeat Repeat 6:00-7:00 PM Sports Showtime Repeat 7:00-7:30 PM Newsbeat Repeat Ch. 19 9:00-9:30 PM Making Moves 9:30-10:00 PM That’s Awesome
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
The Daily Reveille
page 4
Monday, May 9, 2011
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Hudson, Borel tenacious amid Jindal’s budget cuts Flagship Advocates write to legislators Andrea Gallo Staff Writer
Student Government worked both in the spotlight and behind the scenes this year to fight University budget cuts after Gov. Bobby Jindal’s midyear cut to higher education. J Hudson and Dani Borel, former SG president and vice president, were tenacious through the fall semester after several failed attempts to discuss higher education with Jindal. Hudson sparked the chase after the governor by writing “Attention Gov. Jindal,” a letter to a New Hampshire newspaper asking Jindal to prioritize his own state’s problems ahead of traveling the country. The letter incited Hudson’s message to appear in national headlines. The duo met with state legislators, who agreed with their worries about higher education and held their mysterious “WhatNow LSU” event, where they unveiled Flagship Advocates and asked students to write letters to their legislators about budget cuts personally affecting them. When Hudson and Borel tried to deliver the letters, about 450 total, but Jindal was not at the Capitol, and they met with State Treasurer John Kennedy. Days later, Borel and
ADAM VACCARELLA / The Daily Reveille
J Hudson and Dani Borel, former SG president and vice president, speak with Gov. Bobby Jindal on Nov. 1. in Denham Springs.
Hudson joined Chancellor Michael Martin to finally talk to Jindal and articulate three propositions for him. While Hudson said he was happy Jindal agreed to meet with them, Borel said they didn’t get the far-reaching answers for which they hoped. “They were very quick to spout facts and statistics and not make it relevant to higher education,” Borel said. Borel and Hudson continued their efforts during the spring
semester. Early in the semester, both, along with their executive assistant John Parker Ford, appeared on LPB’s taping of “Louisiana Public Square,” where Borel and Ford sat on a panel discussing solutions for higher education. Borel continued to lead Flagship Advocates, while Hudson and Ford moved to create EducateLA, a statewide organization to fight against budget cuts. Behind the scenes, the SG Senate debated controversial legislation
to support the Flagship Coalition, a lobbyist group for the University at the Capitol. SG originally failed the resolution to endorse the Flagship Coalition, as current SG President Cody Wells debated against the resolution, criticizing the coalition for lacking a student voice. The Senate also brimmed with confusion about what exactly the Flagship Coalition advocated as far as increasing tuition and fees, while Wells called fee increases a loophole that allowed for disguised
tuition increases. However, weeks later, University Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services Eric Monday explained the Flagship Coalition’s aims to the Senate and urged SG to endorse the coalition. The Senate then passed a resolution to “urge the Louisiana Legislature to adopt the cost-cutting and efficiencies positions of the Flagship Coalition plan to sustain the competitiveness of LSU.” Most recently, the Senate passed an SG economic proposal written by the SG economic advisers with the assistance of the executive staff and Hudson and Borel, which supposedly represents the “stance of the LSU student body.” The proposal addresses constitutional and statutory reforms, consolidating boards of higher education, mergers and autonomy using the LA GRAD Act 2.0. While Hudson said he hopes Wells and his administration continue the fight against budget cuts, Wells has repeatedly said “we’re not going to let the focus of our administration be combating budget cuts.” However, Wells has also said he and Kathleen Bordelon, SG vice president, will be at the Capitol lobbying for the University during this session. Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Monday, May 9, 2011
DINING
page 5
ENTERTAINMENT
Tiger Lair North Gate developed during 2010-11 school year restaurants, food court New sidewalks added reopens on campus Rachel Warren Staff Writer
LSU Dining adds new restaurants Emily Herrington Contributing Writer
This academic year marked the addition of new food venues on campus and the grand re-opening of Tiger Lair on the second floor of the Student Union. Tiger Lair was closed at the end of the fall 2009 semester, and locations gradually re-opened throughout this semester. The newly renovated food court now houses Community Coffee, Papa John’s Pizza, Panda Express, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, Jamba Juice, Chick-fil-A, Quiznos, Bayou Bistreaux and an On-the-Geaux convenience store. The new Tiger Lair operates similarly to a mall food court — each restaurant is an individual unit, said David Heidke, LSU Dining director. “In the old configuration, if you opened up one, you basically had to open the whole food court,” Union Director Shirley Plakidas told The Daily Reveille on Feb. 2. Community Coffee was the first Tiger Lair location to open on Jan. 31, and Chick-fil-A was the final on March 28. Tiger Lair was projected to open during the fall semester, Plakidas told The Daily Reveille on Aug. 22. Heidke said the Tiger Lair incurs more than 3,000 transactions per day, as compared to the 1,000 transactions per day in November 2009 at the older site. Heidke said even with heavy Tiger Lair traffic, LSU Dining’s other locations have not experienced much decline in business. “We think we’ll see that trend continue to increase,” Heidke said. “Opening late in the semester was a challenge because students have already established their lunch habits. We’ll have a new group of freshmen in the fall, so we’ll have the opportunity to set their habits.” The Magnolia Room on the third floor of the Union opened in October 2010 after fall 2009 closure. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday. “I’m really happy about everything opening,” said Shelly Baker, fashion merchandising freshman. “It took a long time, but it was worth it. It’s so convenient.” Chick-N-Grill, a “fast casual” chicken restaurant, was also added Jan. 31 at the former Pierre’s Landing food mart across from Patrick Taylor Hall. Contact Emily Herrington at eherrington@lsureveille.com
The College Row shopping of the North Gate area saw a large number of developments during the 2010-11 school year, and developers say they believe it will continue. In November, the North Gate Merchants Association closed down the entire block of West Chimes Street from Infirmary Road to Highland Road on a Friday night for its sixth annual North Gate Fest. The festival offered residents food from Louie’s Cafe and Taco de Paco, a display of local art called “Stabbed in the Art” in front of clothing store Storyville and music from bands He Bleeds Fireman, Stage Coach Bandits and Twin Killers.
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
CVS welcomes students back to campus Aug. 19 at the College Row shopping center at North Gate. The area has added many restaurants in the 2010-11 school year.
Clarke Cadzow, owner of Highland Coffees and member of the North Gate Merchants Association, spoke with The Daily Reveille for a story published Nov. 7. “The reason [North Gate Fest began] originally was just to have a
fun, safe, outdoor event to highlight the character of the neighborhood,” Cadzow said. “We’ve put a lot of time in to make it right.” The event kicked off with a “fun run” through campus, which was part of the North Gate
Merchants Association’s plan to make the event enjoyable to all ages, Cadzow said. When students returned to the University after winter break, they may have been surprised to find that the North Gate area had developed even further since they left. Cadzow said some of the area’s new assets included a PJ’s Coffee, new sidewalks and a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. Nick Hingle, a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings on Highland, said he has seen positive responses from students since the restaurant opened in January. Hingle said he’s glad the area around the new restaurant is developing so rapidly. “I remember years ago, there wasn’t much to do here,” he said. “This is definitely a good thing.” Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 6
BUDGET CUTS
Monday, May 9, 2011
BOARD OF REGENTS
After year of budget Merger gloom, fate of higher brings lawsuit, ed. still uncertain State legislature to debate during summer Matthew Albright Chief Staff Writer
After an academic year full of budget wrangling and political positioning, the final fate of higher education funding will be decided during the summer break. Gov. Bobby Jindal’s executive budget, proposed early this semester, keeps the level of funding for higher education at the same level next year. University administrators welcomed that news after receiving wildly varying es‘I am timates of disappointed p o t e n t i a l l y that this cut is catastrophic last seproportionally cuts mester. much higher Going for ... LSU into the fall semester, than for administraother higher tors prepared a hypoeducation for thetical 23 systems.’ percent cut in state fundJack Hamilton ing. In the Executive vice chancellor first week of and provost classes, the Jindal administration instructed them to prepare for a 32 percent cut. Chancellor Michael Martin said at the time such a cut would be “ruinous to future generations.” While ominous cuts loomed, the fall semester also marked the announcement of a midyear budget cut. Tax revenues were lower than expected in the fall, creating a $108 million state budget gap and forcing the Jindal administration to cut higher education funds partway through the fiscal year. LSU administrators originally submitted a plan to cut $2.2 million from the University. But the next week, the LSU System decided to spare cuts to research institutions at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the LSU AgCenter, passing the budget burden to teaching institutions — including LSU. The next Monday, administrators were told the cut had grown from $2.2 million to $5.1 million. “I am glad that Pennington and the AgCenter have been helped,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton said in a news release at the time. “But I am disappointed that this cut is proportionally much higher for the LSU System — and LSU — than for other higher education institutions in the state. That
is unfair to our students.” In January, at the start of spring semester, state officials indicated budget cuts could be less grave than previously thought. Jindal eventually announced that he planned to keep budget cuts to higher education under 10 percent. Jindal kept that promise upon releasing his executive budget. The governor’s proposal prevents cuts to higher education by allowing universities to self-generate revenue, mostly by increasing tuition and student fees. It also relies on “increased efficiencies” throughout state government. Much of Jindal’s higher education budget depends on the Legislature passing certain bills. If those bills fail, the state could face a budget gap leading to further University cuts. If the state can’t find all of the anticipated efficiencies, there will be a midyear deficit and an accompanying midyear cut which will likely affect higher education. The Louisiana Legislature, which began its regular session last week, must tweak and approve Jindal’s budget before it becomes law. The Legislature will debate the budget and all bills related to higher education throughout the summer. The final state budget must be approved by June 26. Once the budget is passed, the state managing boards will distribute the money to individual campuses. Only then will students know the final fate of the University’s budget.
Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
controversy Sydni Dunn Staff Writer
From student-powered lawsuits to a widespread program evaluation, the Board of Regents has had a busy spring semester. The Regents started the year by approving a handful of new members to the Board after Gov. Bobby Jindal selected the appointments to the Board in December. The members included Scott Ballard of Covington; Joe Wiley of Gonzales; Chris Gorman of Shreveport; and Joe Farr of Monroe. Ed Antie of Lafayette was the only re-appointed member. The appointments, which consisted of all white males, resulted in a lawsuit that called the Board’s makeup “unconstitutional.” The suit was filed by former Congressman Cleo Fields on Feb. 14 on behalf of seven Southern University students who said the composition of the Board did not represent the minority populations of the state. The controversial suit also put a halt on the Regents’ study of higher education in the New Orleans area. The study, which was called for by Jindal in January, evaluated the feasibility of merging the University of New Orleans and Southern University-New Orleans. A long-winded court hearing on the matter was held on Feb. 24 and Judge Timothy Kelley of the 19th Judicial District Court denied the injunction. Fields, along with the students, were angered over the ruling and filed an appeal weeks later. The appeal was overruled on April 14. The Regents’ merger study continued after the initial court hearing, and on March 15 the Board recommended an alternative merger. In other action, the Regents unanimously approved the
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Larry Tremblay speaks in front of the Planning, Research and Performance Committee on April 27 at the Board of Regents meeting.
Academic Program Review results, which terminated 109 degree programs statewide. Of the University’s 31 programs under evaluation, four will be terminated and three will be consolidated. Students currently enrolled in the programs will have the opportunity to complete their degree or transfer to a new curriculum, Karen Denby, Regents associate commissioner for Academic Affairs, said April 27.
The programs were identified as “at-risk” because of low graduation and retention rates. Commissioner of Higher Education Jim Purcell, who was hired in February, said on April 27 that “higher education has to morph over time.”
Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Daily Reveille
page 7
CONSTRUCTION
Business Education Complex slated to open fall 2012 Complex will consolidate classes Brian Sibille Contributing Writer
Construction of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Education Complex has run smoothly in the past two semesters and should be open for classes in fall 2012, said Tim Rodrigue, assistant director of alumni and external relations for the College of Business. The 156,000-square-foot complex will consolidate business classes on campus and put the University’s business program on the same level as many others in the U.S., Rodrigue told The Daily Reveille on Aug, 24, 2010. “Right now, our students take classes in maybe 10 different buildings on campus, so this will get us closer together as a college,” Rodrigue said. The complex will house all core undergraduate and graduate business classes as well as a commons area, 300-seat auditorium, dining areas and a quadrangle. Emmett David, director of Facility Development, told The Daily Reveille on Aug. 24 that the complex was one of the biggest construction projects in the University’s history, and, at the
time, construction slated to end Taylor Hall. December 2011 was ahead of Karen Deville, College of schedule. Business seConstruction nior director of costs had not exadvancement, ceeded the $40 miltold The Daily lion construction Reveille more budget as of Januthan $6 million ary 2011, David told was needed to The Daily Reveille reach the $30 on Jan. 17. million goal The entire Coland match that lege of Business same amount will move to the given by the Tim Rodrigue new complex beginstate governassistant director of alumni ning March 2012, ment in a and external relations David said, and the public-private College of Engipartnership. neering will take over Patrick F. “We continue to meet with
‘[The College of Business Education Complex] will get us closer together as a college.’
SHAINA HUNTSBERRY / The Daily Reveille
Construction of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Education Complex is on track for completion by fall of 2012. The BEC is funded by both private and state dollars.
donors and tell our story,” Deville said. Rodrigue said construction is still on schedule as the College of Business continues toward the $30 million goal. The “Mike the Builder” blog on the College of Business’ website is constantly updated for
anyone interested in construction progress, he said, and has documented recent milestones including the installation of many glass walls. Contact Brian Sibille at bsibille@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 8
FOREVER LSU
Monday, May 9, 2011
ENVIRONMENT
Campaign University sees increase in ‘green’ initiatives exceeds Horticulture class $750M proposes composting objective Kevin Thibodeaux Contributing Writer
Fundraiser raised $798 million Josh Naquin Contributing Writer
The University completed this year its highest grossing fundraising campaign to date, exceeding its $750 million goal. The Forever LSU campaign raised $764 million and, combined with an additional $34 million in state-matching funds, reached a total of $798 million, according to Former Congressman W. Henson Moore, Forever LSU Campaign chairman. “Money raised through the campaign will be used to fund 794 new scholarships, 429 professorships, 36 endowed chairs and the construction of the Business School Complex and Band Hall,” Moore said. The campaign, which began in June of 2006, encountered a few rough periods because of the sluggish economy, according to Moore. “We encountered some slow donation periods, especially toward the beginning,” Moore said. However, donors rallied to meet and exceed Forever LSU’s fundraising goal. “One of the things that defines a great university is its ability to successfully fundraise,” said LSU System President John Lombardi. The campaign funds will go to help students both now and in the future, said Charlie W. Roberts, president and CEO of LSU Alumni Association. A celebratory block party was held for students, staff, alumni and donors on April 8. The event included speeches from campaign leaders and Miss LSU-USA as well as free food, giveaways and performances from Tiger Band and the LSU cheerleaders. Looking forward, Forever LSU shows no signs of slowing down regarding fundraising. “We are looking to push more of an ongoing campaign to fund more scholarships and professorships,” said Sarah Clayton, alumna and co-chair of the campaign in Atlanta. Moore said he is looking to target a younger group of donors because the University is missing donations from current students and recent graduates. “Our aspirations are to build a culture of giving among current students,” Moore said.
Contact Josh Naquin at jnaquin@lsureveille.com
Efforts to raise environmental awareness and become a more environmentally friendly campus have increased at the University. The Daily Reveille reported Jan. 20 that the University averaged 122 tons of recycled material per month in 2010, which was a 400 percent increase from 2005. The Daily Reveille also noted an increase in non-traditional methods of recycling across campus. Denise Scribner, campus sustainability manager with the Office of Sustainability, said workers have been recycling concrete from construction projects to be re-used in future projects such as road construction. The Daily Reveille reported Jan. 20 that 367.78 tons of concrete were recycled in 2010. “We have a lot of different programs going on all over campus,” Scribner said. The University is also using cooking oil to make biodiesel fuel that is used in many campus lawnmowers, according to the Jan. 20 issue of The Daily Reveille. The Daily Reveille reported in February that Horticulture 4012 students strive to institute a composting plan on campus. William Carney, associate professor and head of the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center, told The Daily Reveille on Feb. 25 about the benefits of composting on campus, which include eliminating waste-removal fees and keeping waste on campus instead of putting it in landfills. “Mother Nature already does
it, so why not us, too?” Carney said. The Daily Reveille reported on April 16 that the seventh annual Louisiana Clean Energy Expo was held in the LSU Energy, Coast & Environment Building to promote alternative fuels for transportation. The event championed the use of emerging alternative fuels like propane, natural gas and biodiesel. “We just wanted to see where the technology is and where the future is,” finance senior Michael Canseco said. The Daily Reveille reported May 2 that the Horticulture 4012 class presented its plans for campus sustainability. One section’s suggested sustainability plan involved composting. Amanda McWhirt, an agronomy graduate student who helped write the composting plan, said the proposal would take about two years to be approved and another year after to be implemented on campus. The Daily Reveille also reported May 2 that the class suggested a student-run farm, a bikesharing program and a wildlife habitat as part of its campus sustainability presentation. Elizabeth Jenkins, an agricultural economics graduate student involved with the composting presentation, told The Daily Reveille the University’s annual expenses for waste removal total around $115,000. She said composting would cost a one-time startup fee of about $52,000 and an annual fee of $77,000.
Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at kthibodeaux@lsureveille.com
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Natural resource and ecology junior Elizabeth Hingle discusses a proposal for a University composting program at a class presentation on May 2.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Daily Reveille
page 9
The Daily Reveille
page 10
CONSTRUCTION
Monday, May 9, 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
African Theatre Department thrills spring audiences American Club moves to Hatcher Jeanne Lyons
Entertainment Writer
Claire Caillier Contributing Writer
Four months have passed since the ground blessing of the African American Cultural Center and Women’s Center. The former buildings have been demolished and the construction plans are underway. The centers are temporarily relocated to rooms 319, 323 and 325 in Hatcher Hall while the centers’ new, permanent facilities at the bottom level of the parking garage are constructed. Niya Blair, coordinator of African American Student Affairs, said the temporary center provides her with more office space. Blair said she is working on informing students where the new location is and encouraging them to utilize the Center’s services. The Center has used Facebook, e-mail and ambassadors to let students know what’s going on. “The Center is still here, thriving and providing the same resources and services that were provided at the previous location,” Blair said. “By being across campus, we are able to reach a larger demographic of faculty and students.” Blair told The Daily Reveille on Feb. 8 there are hopes for national projects with the coming of the new center. “When we have the new center, we hope to host a national conference for the [Association for Black Cultural Centers],” Blair said. The original African American Cultural Center was established in 1993 and reflects the concept of the Harambee House, which is “coming together,” according to the African American Cultural Center. The $1.5 million expansion project is underway and will almost double both centers’ square footage, according to a news release. The new African American Cultural Center will have a multipurpose room, a conference room, six offices, an open reception and lounge areas, as well as a library and artifacts room, an open outdoor courtyard, a unisex dressing room, a work room and a kitchenette. The new space is projected to be completed in 2012. Katrice Albert, vice provost of Equity, Diversity and Community Outreach, told The Daily Reveille on Feb. 8 as the University becomes more modern, updating the centers becomes more necessary. “Letting go is required,” Albert said. “The time has come for students to experience a better space.”
Contact Claire Caillier at ccaillier@lsureveille.com
The LSU Theatre Department delivered diverse displays of artistic expressions this semester. “In Between,” a multifaceted physical performance, explored humanity through the abstract representation of daily life told through dance movements performed on aerial silks on Jan. 25. The performance embraced the “in between” of reality and fantasy, as well as chaos and tranquility. Ashley Gieg, choreographer and University alumna, said Nicholas Erickson, associate theatre professor, brought aerial silks to the University in 2003. “It’s very rare for a university supporting an aerial silk program, especially in the South,” Gieg said. “The more people hear about aerial silk performances, the bigger it becomes at LSU.” William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” launched Swine Palace’s
spring season Feb. 2 and gave audiences a contemporary look at one of the most famous tragedies in the English language. The title character, performed by George Judy, head of the Department of Theatre’s master of fine arts acting program, descends into madness after foolishly dividing his estate among two of his three daughters, revealing the tribulations of family relations. Judy described the play as an incredibly relevant contemporary piece. He said “King Lear” reflects the divisiveness of the current political scene and complexities of family relationships. “The show is the most beautiful production in terms of setting and costumes,” Judy said. “It’s a play running with veins of humor and excitement. It’s not just the dismal side of what tragedy can be — it’s enticingly human and passion-filled. Students explored censorship and controversy in small-town America with Pulitzer Prize finalist
playwright Adam Rapp’s thoughtprovoking play “The Metal Children,” performed March 24 through April 10 at the Reilly Theatre. “The play follows young-adult novelist Tobin Falmouth and his emotional journey to overcome the heartbreak of his wife leaving him for another man,” said Joanna Battles, director of “The Metal Children” and master of fine arts student. With an attention-grabbing title and culturally relevant theme, “The Electronic Nigger” tackled race and education through an interactive performance at the Music and Dramatic Arts’ Studio this February. The tragicomedy examined the miseducation of African Americans and the subsequent ramifications through the journey of black intellectuals who struggle with the effects education places on their racial identity. Renaldo McClinton, performance theatre senior, made his directorial debut with “The Electronic Nigger” and said it was an honor
directing a work by Ed Bullins, legendary African-American playwright, and wanted to do justice to the heavily titled piece. “The performance represents the constraints of certain ethnic groups who can’t escape being identified by their skin color rather than their education,” McClinton said. “Outworks 2011” extended an invitation of love through the festival’s seven short plays based on themes of different sexualities in the Music and Dramatic Arts Studio Theatre this March. “Outworks is an invitation to love. It contains seven short plays that invite the audience to witness a different kind of love from a different perspective,” said Sarah Ford, theatre senior. Ford directed “Leave Me Alone,” a piece about two boys struggling with their sexual identities and relationship. Contact Jeanne Lyons at jlyons@lsureveille.com
Sports
Monday, May 9, 2011
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Oh, we’re halfway there
My top 10 moments of the 2010-11 school year SCHWEHMMING AROUND Andy Schwehm Sports columnist It wasn’t a huge year athletically for LSU. There were moments for certain sports, but not a whole lot of positives have gone down. That means while some of these moments may have a shining light on them, others are moments the programs would rather not remember.
BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille
Sophomore first baseman Mason Katz eyes a throw May 3 during LSU’s 6-2 win against Tulane. Katz and the Tigers lost two out of three this weekend against Alabama.
Tigers still have postseason hopes looming after up-and-down regular season start Rowan Kavner Sports Writer
If the LSU baseball season was a play, it’s just intermission. The Tigers have only two more Southeastern Conference series remaining and have played 46 of their 56 games in the regular season, but their postseason fate is far from determined. A hot start and a sweep against then-No. 6 Cal State Fullerton had many believing youth wouldn’t concern the Tigers. SEC play was another story. LSU struggled to begin conference action, getting swept by Florida and losing five of its first six SEC series before sweeping Kentucky and losing two out of three
against Alabama. Still, the mediocrity of the SEC West has the Tigers just four and a half out of first place as no teams have a record over .500 in conference play. LSU possesses 13 freshmen, including consistent starters in second baseman JaCoby Jones and catcher Ty Ross, and just two seniors. Jones was originally pegged as the starting third baseman before LSU coach Paul Mainieri decided to switch him to second base with junior Tyler Hanover. The main location of the youngsters lies in the bullpen and pitching staff. Freshmen pitchers Kurt McCune and Kevin Gausman are the weekly Friday and Saturday night starters, respectively.
McCune, a former teammate of junior left fielder Trey Watkins at Destrehan, was not even projected to be in the rotation before the season but turned into a consistent weekend starter with a 3.51 ERA. Gausman leads the Tigers in strikeouts with 62. Other freshmen pitchers include Kevin Berry, a potential closer who had a 3.00 ERA in 24 innings, and Ryan Eades, who became the typical midweek starter late in the season and who Mainieri said is capable of becoming a weekend starter in upcoming seasons. One characteristic defining LSU’s season has been its commitment to small ball after former Tiger sluggers Blake Dean and Micah BASEBALL, see page 22
10. VOLLEYBALL CAPTURES SEC WEST LSU volleyball coach Fran Flory’s squad captured their sixthstraight Southeastern Conference Western Division title in the 2010 season. The volleyball team would be the only team (as of now) to win an SEC West crown in this academic year. 9. BASKETBALL LOSES TO NICHOLLS LSU’s basketball team fell to Nicholls State, 62-53, on Nov. 16, a loss that was indicative of the 11-21 season that was to come. But it was more than just a loss. It marked the first time the Tigers lost on their home court to an in-state team since Dec. 6, 1988, when LSU lost to Louisiana Tech, 111-109 in overtime. 8. FICO TOSSES PERFECT GAME For just the third time in program history, LSU softball had a MOMENTS, see page 22
FOOTBALL
Changes to staff, roster highlight LSU spring practice Tigers lose star defenders to draft Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer
An 11-2 finish and victory in the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M last season were long-forgotten events when the LSU football team began spring practice March 11. The Tigers have a different look on all sides of the ball and on the coaching staff. Their head man, Les Miles, is back for a seventh season, as is defensive coordinator John Chavis, but offensive coordinator
Steve Kragthorpe and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey are new to the party. Fifteen players, including six potential defensive starters, did not play in the National L Club Spring Game on April 9. The defense next season will be without the services of four former players who were selected in the NFL draft — cornerback Patrick Peterson (No. 5 overall to the Arizona Cardinals), linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (third round to the Buffalo Bills), defensive lineman Drake Nevis (third round to the Indianapolis Colts) and defensive lineman Lazarius Levingston (seventh round to the Seattle Seahawks).
Sophomore defensive end Sam Montgomery, senior linebacker Karnell Hatcher and senior safety Brandon Taylor all wore green non-contact jerseys throughout the spring. Junior defensive tackle Josh Downs and junior defensive end Lavar Edwards also did not play in the spring game. LSU coach Les Miles said he simply did not want to risk any further complications to injured players. “We’re a little nicked right now, certainly at the back end of the spring,” Miles said. “The ones that are there have really paid the price SPRING, see page 22
GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille
Former LSU running back Stevan Ridley (34) dodges Texas A&M defenders Jan. 7 during the Tigers’ 41-24 win against the Aggies in the Cotton Bowl.
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Monday, May 9, 2011
TRACK & FIELD
LSU stumbles through rough season LSU gears up for finals, championship meets Michael Lambert Sports Writer
The LSU men’s basketball team showed minimal improvement during the 2010-11 season. The Tigers struggled to win games, claiming only three Southeastern Conference victories, with four freshmen and no seniors on the roster. LSU finished in the cellar of the SEC for the second-consecutive season with a 3-13 conference record after going 2-14 in the SEC during the 2009-10 campaign. This season was billed to be a rebuilding year with the addition of a highly-touted recruiting class. But it seemed more frustrating than fulfilling as the freshmen had a rough time adjusting to the college game. LSU hit a low Nov. 16 when Nicholls State beat the Tigers, 62-53, snapping an 82-game home winning streak to in-state schools. The Tigers went on to go 7-6 in their remaining out-of-conference games. The first two SEC games gave a glimmer of hope to the Maravich Maniacs. LSU handled Auburn, 62-55, on the road and then Arkansas, 56-53, at home to start the SEC slate with a surprising 2-0 record. “It sounds a lot better than 0-2,” LSU coach Trent Johnson said after the Arkansas game. “This is shortlived if we don’t play with a sense of urgency and do those things that we talk about — rebounding, defending and taking care of the ball.” Junior forward Garrett Green came out of nowhere to combine for 28 points and 15 rebounds in the two games. “We’re all just competing, and we know that it is really hard to win,” Green said after the game. “It feels good to win.” But the winning ways were short-lived as the Tigers failed to find a “W” in the next 42 days. LSU lost 10 conference games in a row, including a 38-point loss to Kentucky in Rupp Arena and a 27-point beatdown against Ole Miss in the PMAC. The Tigers finally snapped their losing streak Feb. 23 when Mississippi State came to Baton Rouge and LSU took care of the Bulldogs, 8482. The season ended when a second-half comeback was cut short against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament, 62-50, drawing to conclusion another forgettable season. The men’s basketball program hasn’t experienced as much futility in a two-year stretch since 1996-98.
Team snares two individual titles Luke Johnson Sports Contributor
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman forward Matt Derenbecker attempts a jumpshot Feb. 5 during the Tigers’ 58-57 loss against Mississippi State in the PMAC.
The final year of former coach Dale Brown’s 25-season career and the first year of the John Brady era also combined for five SEC wins. Freshman guard Ralston Turner developed into a leader on the court, averaging a team-high 12.3 points a night, but a foot injury kept him out of five games. Freshman point guard Andre Stringer was second on the squad with 11.2 points a game, but he committed 82 turnovers and struggled to distribute the ball in clutch situations. Production decreased from junior forward Storm Warren, going from an average of 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds a night in 2009-10 to 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds this past season. Next season LSU will be without sophomore guard Aaron Dotson,
who is transferring to Utah and walkon point guard Daron Populist, who is pursuing a scholarship. But the Tigers will welcome freshman center Johnny O’Bryant, guard John Isaac and point guard Anthony Hickey. Hickey, a Hopkinsville, Ky., native, signed with LSU on May 3. “Now we have enough players in the program,” Johnson said during his postseason press conference. “There’s not a game we’ll play next year that if we play well, we shouldn’t be able to compete with teams on the road or at home.” Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter @TDR_Lambert. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
For most students, the arrival of finals week signals the end of the school year and the beginning of a lazy summer break — but not for the LSU track and field teams. It’s championship time, and they’ve got work to do. The No. 1 Lady Tigers and the No. 2 Tigers will travel to Athens, Ga., at the conclusion of finals week for the Southeastern Conference championship meet. The NCAA Championship takes place June 8-11, and a handful of LSU’s national contenders will make the trip to Des Moines, Iowa, to try to claim LSU’s fourth outdoor team championship in the last decade. “I’m confident that we’re going to have good meets. We’re a contender at the SEC meet, and we’re a contender at the NCAA meet,” said LSU coach Dennis Shaver. “If we take care of business on a daily basis I expect both teams to represent LSU very well in those championship meets.” Shaver said he understands the added stress his athletes experience during finals week, but he conveyed
a message to his teams to ease their stress. “I told the team yesterday that they need to take care of business to go to the championship meets and do what it is that they had done to get themselves in that position, and they’ll be fine,” Shaver said. Both the Tigers and the Lady Tigers have been near the top of the national rankings throughout the indoor and outdoor seasons, and both had an athlete claim an indoor title this spring. Sophomore sprinter Kimberlyn Duncan burst on the scene to claim a title in the 200-meter dash after finishing 13th in the event in her freshman season. Duncan, who was the world’s top-ranked performer in the event before the championship meet, cruised around the track in 22.85 seconds to secure her first collegiate title. Senior Walter Henning won his third collegiate title at the NCAA indoor meet, winning the weight throw with a mark of 72-8 1/2. “This season has gone as well as we anticipated it to,” Shaver said. “I’m extremely pleased with the competitive nature of both teams and how they’ve been able to get things done when the pressure was there.” Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
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Women’s tennis, football represent academic highs, lows
2009-10 was nearly identical. Uni“We’ve had some work to do versity women averaged a 3.022 and demands have been put on our and the men a 2.797. guys,” he said. “Are we where we Minnis tried to pinpoint why need to be? By no means we’re women’s sports historically tend to not.” be higher than men. GPAs aren’t the only measure Sean Isabella “The opportunities are limited the athletic department looks at. Deputy Sports Editor for female student They also moniTony Minnis has made a living athletes to go pro tor the Academic LSU Sports GPAs of getting the most from his play- and make a lot of Progress Rate and 2009-10 ers. money,” he said. Graduation SucNot only has the LSU wom- “It’s easier to say cess Rate. FALL en’s tennis coach been a mainstay when you walk Johnson said Men: 2.789 on the court at the University since on campus, I’ve Chris Bass, Storm Women: 3.012 1992, but he has groomed one of got to really focus Warren, Garrett the school’s most successful aca- and get my degree. Green and MalSemester Avg: 2.903 demic programs. On the men’s side, colm White are Last season wasn’t any dif- they’re more opall on track to SPRING ferent, as his team posted a 3.373 portunities.” graduate next year, team grade point average, the highOverall, LSU which will make Men: 2.804 est among 16 varsity sports, ac- athletics finished him more proud Women: 3.031 cording to grade reports obtained with a 2.728 GPA. than any GPA Semester Avg: 2.92 by The Daily Reveille from LSU That figure has number. through an open records request. been nearly equiv“I stay hard The numbers are from the alent the past deand firm on not YEAR AVERAGES 2009-10 season, which is the most cade. In 1999-00, the figures, not the Men: 2.7965 recent compiled by the University. the teams comstats, but the indi“I’m very hard on them,” Min- bined for a 2.719 vidual and makWomen: 3.0215 nis said. “Obviously you’re here to average. ing sure we can do Total: 2.9115 be an athlete, but more importantNear the botwhat ever we can ly, you’re here to get a degree.” tom of the list are to supply him with While Minnis is a fierce in- baseball (2.687), women’s bas- the resources so he can graduate structor on the court, he under- ketball (2.577), men’s basketball and … have a good degree,” Johnstands the rigors of a full-time stu- (2.477) and football, which had the son said. dent athlete. lowest GPA with a 2.329. The GPAs of baseball, basket“What’s always been great “What we use GPAs for is not ball and football grades at LSU are about Tony … if so much for a com- on par with national averages. we ask for practice parison amongst Smaller sports tend to harbor off to study for a teams, we look athletes that play at the collegiate test, he’ll give that at it more along level for their own personal satisto us because he the lines of where faction, like Minnis described with knows how hard to identity where women athletes, while those play[school] is to balpeople need ad- ing baseball, basketball or football ance,” said senior ditional assistance have dreams of playing professionKylie Adamek, or teams who need al where money comes in bundles. who is in the proto focus more on These dreams could be a reacess of applying study habits,” Se- son GPAs tend to be lower. for medical school. nior Associate Educational upbringing also Besides the Athletic Director plays a part. Tony Minnis women’s tennis and Senior Wom“It’s not like everyone is comLSU women’s tennis coach team, the gymnasan Administrator ing in here with the same standards tics (3.27), softball Miriam Segar said. … there are some that have to work (3.163), volleySports Infor- their living tail off just to get C’s ball (3.105), soccer (3.085), men’s mation Director Michael Bonnette and B’s,” Johnson said. golf (3.039), men’s tennis (3.034), and LSU football coach Les Miles Even so, some things can’t be women’s swimming (3.033) and didn’t respond to multiple inter- corrected. women’s golf (3.023) teams all view requests, nor did Executive During the past 10 years, baseposted GPAs of more than 3.0. Director for the Cox Academic ball, men’s basketball and football In fact, eight of the top 10 Center for Student Athletes Ken have hovered around a 2.5 GPA. highest team averages were wom- Miles. For that matter, every sport has en’s sports, which correlate with Meanwhile, LSU men’s bas- stayed relatively the same. University averages. Women’s ketball coach Trent Johnson, who But Johnson even admitted sports averaged a 3.06 GPA while came to LSU from Stanford, said the numbers nationally for the mathe men came in at 2.715. his team has a long way to go to jor spectator sports are unlikely to The University average for enhance their grades. change in the future.
Female teams have highest averages
‘Obviously you’re here to be an athlete, but more importantly, you’re here to get a degree.’
“Right now in the sport of football and the sport of basketball, especially basketball, those figures are probably never going to move
up,” he said. Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com
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Monday, May 9, 2011
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Monday, May 9, 2011
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Roller coaster season ends with signs of bright future in Caldwell Chancellor replaced as head coach Mark Clements Sports Contributor
The 2010-11 season was without a doubt a memorable one for the LSU women’s basketball team. Most of the memories weren’t too pleasant, however. LSU started the season off on the wrong foot, dropping its first two games of the year. The Lady Tigers rebounded from their 0-2 start, improving their record to 10-4 to cap off the non-conference slate that featured three top-10 teams, including No. 1 Connecticut, No. 7 Ohio State and No. 9 UCLA. It wouldn’t be the last time LSU would have a run in with UCLA. Heading into the Southeastern Conference season, the Lady Tigers were searching for a spark. “The SEC is a whole different season,” said freshman guard Jeanne Kenney. “You could have a terrible preseason and then come out with everybody clicking.” The conference slate brought another roller coaster of emotion for LSU. The Lady Tigers trudged through the SEC schedule lacking any sort of streak, going 16 games without winning or losing three consecutive contests. “When the pressure gets on, we can’t get it done. It isn’t just about this or that. We’re struggling under pressure to get what we want run,” former LSU coach Van Chancellor said after a Feb. 20 loss at Arkansas. “We have our work cut out for us.” LSU finished the season with a 19-13 overall record, an 8-8 conference record and vying for a spot in the NCAA tournament. Fifteen SEC teams have posted exactly a .500 record in league since the conference expanded to a 12-game schedule in 1997, and 10 of those teams
made the NCAA tournament. Despite the odds, the Lady Tigers were left out of the tournament for the first time in 13 years, dating back to 1998. “I never envisioned we’d be faced with a day like today,” Chancellor said after hearing the news. The rocky 2011 campaign for Chancellor spelled the end of the road for the Hall of Fame coach. He stepped down as head coach in mid-March and accepted a position in LSU’s athletic administration under the title of “assistant to the athletic director” to finish out his LSU contract. On April 2, LSU hired former UCLA coach Nikki Caldwell to take the reins as head coach. Caldwell, who won a national championship as both a player and a coach at Tennessee, compiled a 72-26 record in her three years at UCLA and was named Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in 2010 after a 25-9 season.
“Nikki is one of the best and brightest coaches in the country, and LSU fans will be proud of the way she will represent this program,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said in a news release. “She has all the qualities to bring our program to national prominence.” Caldwell began her coaching career as an assistant at Virginia in 1999 before returning to her alma mater under legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt in 2003. During her tenure in Knoxville, Caldwell helped the Lady Volunteers reach the Final Four five times, including a pair of national titles. “I never would have presented LSU to my staff if I didn’t think it would be great for all of us,” Caldwell said. “I want this to be my home.” Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior guard Katherine Graham drives to the basket Jan. 30 in the PMAC during the Lady Tigers’ 47-41 win against the Lady Bulldogs.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
GYMNASTICS
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SOFTBALL
Tigers Tigers reach SEC tourney for 14th time in a row Girouard coaches struggle final season at LSU with lack of experience Hunter Paniagua Sports Contributor
Rob Landry Sports Contributor
Before the season began, the LSU gymnastics team was already facing an uphill battle. The Tigers were faced with the task of attempting to replace four seniors from the 2010 squad — including three time National Champion Susan Jackson. Then in the team’s first meet of the season, Sam Engle, the team’s lone senior, went down with an ankle injury. The injury put the Tigers down a solid performer, but most importantly, left the Tigers without their most experienced competitor. But when LSU’s youngsters, especially the freshmen, were thrown into the fire, they responded by overachieving on a regular basis. Freshman Sarie Morrison became an early staple of the Tigers’ all-around lineup. She averaged a 38.880 in the all-around for the season and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team and was named SEC Freshman of the Week once during the season. Despite struggling in the win/ loss column during the season — the Tigers finished 8-15 — the Tigers qualified for the NCAA Regional in Athens, Ga. In the Athens Regional, LSU finished in third place, so it did not qualify for the NCAA Championships, but redshirt freshman Kaleigh Dickson qualified for the individual championships in the all-around. “We’ve shown some kinks in the armor this season, and we never got any momentum going tonight,” said LSU coach D-D Breaux. “We showed our youth and inexperience, but we were as prepared as we could have been. Next year we are going to be a force to be reckoned with.” The Tigers’ roster will again contain only one senior in 2012, but they will have two returning AllAmericans, Dickson and senior Ashley Lee. At the 2011 NCAA Championships, Dickson finished in seventh place and was named a Second Team All-American. She marks the 10th gymnast in LSU history to garner All-American honors. “I am as proud of her for the accomplishment and type of competition she put together as I have been for any athlete we have had,” Breaux said. “The fact she came back from a serious injury, stayed in the process the whole time and never wavered is amazing. She was a leader for us all season long, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com
The 2011 season began with business as usual for the LSU softball team. LSU coach Yvette Girouard opened her 11th season with LSU, and the Tigers rolled through the early nonconference schedule, winning 12 of their first 17 games. The high point of the early season came Feb. 16 against Southeastern Louisiana. Sophomore pitcher Rachele Fico threw the third perfect game in program history, striking out seven of the 15 batters she faced. “Being in this atmosphere, surrounded by my teammates, it’s just a great day to be a Tiger,” Fico said after the game. “I love it here. My teammates mean the world to me,
and it amazes me that I was able to accomplish something like that with my teammates behind me.” But on March 4, the season took a surprising turn. Girouard announced she would retire at the end of the season, leaving most of the players in shock. “It was a really sad moment,” said junior outfielder Ashley Langoni. “It was shocking to us that she was going to be leaving us this year. There were a lot of tears shed.” The Tigers rallied behind their legendary leader to win all three games following Girouard’s announcement, but the season began slipping away when LSU opened its Southeastern Conference schedule. LSU dropped five straight games against then-No. 2 Florida and then-No. 1 Georgia. The Tigers continued to struggle, falling to Southern Miss and Kentucky. That skid dropped LSU out of the rankings for the first time since 2005. But the Tigers rebounded to
take two out of three from Kentucky, and they haven’t looked back since. Since that opening loss to Kentucky, the Tigers have won 20 of their last 23 contests. LSU’s only three losses during that period came in a three-game sweep by then-No. 6 Tennessee. The high point of Girouard’s final season came when the Tigers swept then-No. 1 Alabama, the program’s first series sweep of a topranked opponent. The wild series saw 31 innings and two extra-inning walk-off home runs by junior infielder Anissa Young. “That weekend was phenomenal,” Girouard said. “We had always dreamed of sweeping them, but at that point we weren’t playing well, and they were.” LSU closed the season on a 12game winning streak, taking its final 11 SEC games to finish second in the SEC West and clinch a spot in the SEC tournament for the 14th consecutive season.
Despite the success LSU had this season, the offense struggled to find its stride. The Tigers were unable to record a hit against Alabama in a 2-0 victory for LSU. But Fico and junior pitcher Brittany Mack fueled LSU with dominant pitching efforts. The duo combined for a 29-14 record and struck out 322 batters. They also recorded five consecutive shutouts from April 20-27. But for sophomore catcher Lauren Houston, the most critical part of the season is sending out Girouard on a high note. “All we’re going to try and do is keep playing well and keep playing hard the way we have been,” Houston said. “We’re on a winning streak, so we’re just going to keep playing Tiger softball.”
Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com
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Monday, May 9, 2011
Alleva’s performance does not merit 3-year contract extension FIRST AND GINN Ryan Ginn Sports Blogger
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in four years of journalism classes, it’s to question and evaluate every quote, action or explanation. With that in mind, I’d like to examine the latest show of support for LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva. On April 15, the LSU Board of Supervisors voted to extend Alleva’s contract three more years through the end of the 2015-2016 athletic year. Pardon me while I embrace my inner skeptic. Why? What has he possibly done to merit such an extension? Based on the timing of the announcement, it’s not a stretch to infer that the extension was a gift-wrapped pat on the back for his hiring of new women’s basketball coach Nikki Caldwell. Make no mistake, Caldwell is a good basketball coach. She took UCLA from a perennial doormat to NCAA tournament participant in an extremely short span, winning 2010 Pacific-10 Coach of the Year in the process. However, she’s not an elite coach — which would be fine if she hadn’t gotten elite money. Caldwell jumped up from $300,000 at UCLA to $700,000 at LSU, more than any coach during LSU’s run of five consecutive
Final Fours made. She couldn’t even beat the man she’s replacing. One of the few highlights of LSU’s season was beating UCLA 55-53 in Los Angeles. Also, her next Sweet 16 appearance will be her first. What are they going to pay her once she starts winning? That is, if she wins. Three years ago, Alleva’s first hire at LSU was a Pac-10 coach who’d recently won coach of the year honors, and his tenure hasn’t exactly been a slam dunk thus far. For a department that talked about the need for fiscal responsibility when introducing new football parking fees, Caldwell’s contract is markedly irresponsible. And then there’s Alleva’s undying love of the non-revenue sports. Without a doubt, there have been improvements. The complete renovation of the University Club golf course was needed, as was the new outdoor track surface. But other than that, it’s been all big sports, all the time. LSU is the only school in the Southeastern Conference without an indoor tennis court. Carl Maddox Fieldhouse doesn’t even have a banked track, and the Natatorium is one of the worst venues in the conference. At least Tiger Stadium is getting new windows. Which reminds me — when are those coming in? If money and facilities aren’t
File photo
LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva discusses student football tickets Jan. 29, 2010, at the Board of Supervisiors meeting.
your thing, maybe results are. In 2007-08, the year before Alleva arrived, LSU finished eighth in the Director’s Cup, a
competition that ranks athletic programs based on all sports. In Alleva’s first year, LSU fell slightly to ninth, but it was
still the school’s best two-year stretch in the history of the competition. Last year, LSU dropped all the way down to 19th. Time for a comeback? Not so far. In the latest standings for 2010-11, LSU is ranked 26th. The Tigers could make the postseason in every sport remaining, but other than track, it’s hard to imagine any big point totals out there. But wait until he gets his own players and coaches, right? I’ve yet to understand how a national-championship winning baseball coach can draw such ire from a message board, but an athletic director who has never hired a national champion coach in his entire career is above reproach. If you aren’t concerned about the direction of the Athletic Department, you’re asking the wrong questions. Or, worse yet, asking none at all.
Contact Ryan Ginn at rginn@lsureveille.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
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TENNIS
Men’s team to play in postseason stretch from Feb. 12 to March 6. Three of those losses came to top-15 teams — No. 4 Ohio State on Feb 12., No. 14 Texas A&M on Feb. 27 and No. 11 Florida on March 4. Katherine Terrell The Tigers had one of their Sports Contributor best moments of the season in There was no question the their win against the Aggies. LSU tennis teams struggled this LSU’s No. 14 ranked doubles pair semester. of junior Neal Skupski and senior The Lady Tigers ended a Sebastian Carlsson defeated the transition season with an 11-13 No. 1-ranked duo of Jeff Dadamo record and a loss to Kentucky and Austin Krajicek, 8-6. on April 21 in the Southeastern “We fought really hard in Conference Championship tour- doubles, and we would take that nament. effort on the road every time,” The Tigers (11-13, 5-6) also LSU men’s coach Jeff Brown got ousted in the SEC tournament said following the match. “[Skupby No. 5 Georgia but will con- ski and Carlsson] are going in the tinue into postseason play with a right direction, and anytime you spot in the NCAA Championship beat an opponent of that caliber tournament. LSU will face Indi- it’s a big win.” ana on May 13 at the Mitchell The Tigers began to find their Tennis Center in College Station, stride at the end of the road skid Texas. with a 5-2 victory against South LSU found itself facing a Carolina. They picked up wins tough schedagainst No. 22 Ole ule and a few Miss, No. 16 Michiweeks of bad gan and No. 18 Auweather early burn before ending in the spring. the regular season Without the with a 6-1 victory benefit of an against Arkansas. indoor tennis The Lady Tigers Tony Minnis facility, the started the semesTigers were ter on a three-match LSU women’s tennis coach forced to move losing skid before their practices to places like the getting their first win against TuCountry Club of Louisiana. lane on Feb. 16. It wasn’t until a The Lady Tigers found them- 2-5 loss to Oklahoma State that selves in a similar predicament, Minnis forced the team to make practicing in airport hangars or some changes. wherever they could find a suitMinnis placed sophomore able place. Keri Frankenberger and fresh“It’s been a very, very tough man Yvette Vlaar together on a spring as far as weather is con- doubles team, breaking up the cerned,” LSU women’s coach duo of Frankenberger and junior Tony Minnis said at the time. Whitney Wolf. “It’s made it tough on our playWolf and Frankenberger ers. ... They’ve had good atti- had experienced success in the tudes about it.” fall but couldn’t find a win in The combination of the the spring, prompting Minnis to weather and schedule took its toll shuffle the lineup. on the Tigers early on. They lost The Lady Tigers won five four of five matches during a road matches in a row following the
Lady Tigers limp to finish line
‘[The weather has] made it tough on our players.’
change. They got some help late in the season with the addition of junior college transfer Olivia Howlett, who played in the last seven matches of the regular season. Howlett’s presence ultimately didn’t help an injury-plagued team. The Lady Tigers won two of their last seven matches, ending the regular season with a 4-3 loss to No. 19 Arkansas.
BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille
Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com
LSU junior tennis player Mark Bowtell competes in a match Feb. 8. The men’s tennis team has earned a spot in the NCAA Championship Tournament.
The Daily Reveille
page 22
SPRING, from page 11
BASEBALL, from page 11
Gibbs jetted to the pros. “It was pretty easy the last four years,” Mainieri said. “When I started to write out a lineup I always started with the No. 3 hole where I always put Blake Dean’s name.” The Tigers’ famous “gorilla ball” style has been replaced by bunts and steals, due in large part to LSU’s athleticism, speed and a new style of bat that is supposed to act more like a wooden bat. LSU already has more sacrifice bunts this season than in any previous year. “We don’t have as much home run power, but I think we’ve got a lot more speed this year,” Hanover said. Junior center fielder Mikie Mahtook seems to be one of the few athletes whose power hasn’t subsided. Mahtook leads LSU and the SEC with 12 home runs this season. Mainieri said before the season sophomore Mason Katz would get the “first shot” in right field, and so far he has made the most of that opportunity. After breaking his hand against Auburn, Katz came back a week earlier than anticipated and went 8-for-11 with a home run and five doubles against Kentucky. He is hitting .322 this season. “I worked real hard with my injury doing everything I could do to make sure when I came back my swing would be as good as possible, and it’s paying off,” Katz said. “We have a chance to do something great this season and make a run late.” The Tigers have lacked consistency at first base and left field. Four different players have played left field, with the most starts going to Watkins, while five Tigers have played first base, with the most starts going to sophomore Alex Edward. LSU is first in runs scored (313) and RBIs (278) among SEC teams for the season but are seventh in runs scored (97) and eighth in RBIs (82) in the conference in SEC games. Follow Rowan Kavner on Twitter @TDR_Kavner.
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
LSU coach Les Miles and his players celebrate Jan. 7 after winning the Cotton Bowl.
MOMENTS, from page 11
pitcher throw a perfect game. This time around, it was sophomore Rachele Fico who threw a 5-inning perfect game with seven strikeouts in a 9-0 victory against Southeastern Louisiana on Feb. 16. 7. RECORDS FALL ON NEW TRACK SURFACE The new Mondo track surface at Bernie Moore Stadium provided an extra boost to the Tigers at the LSU Relays, as three stadium records fell during the meet. 6. TREPP WINS FIRST SEC INDIVIDUAL TITLE SINCE 1997 LSU senior swimmer Jane Trepp set an SEC record en route to winning LSU’s first individual SEC title since 1997. Trepp shattered the previous SEC record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 59.29 on Feb. 18 at the SEC Championships. She later became the only swimmer in LSU history to make three individual “A” finals at the NCAA meet. 5. SOFTBALL SWEEPS ALABAMA In LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard’s last season at the helm of the Tigers, they got what was arguably the biggest series sweep in program history. LSU swept Alabama for the first time since 2004 with a pair of extra-inning victories and a 2-0 shutout to finish off the Crimson Tide. The series also had a threegame attendance total of 5,931, an LSU record for an SEC weekend series. 4. FOOTBALL TAKES DOWN A&M IN COTTON BOWL It wasn’t quite the bowl game the Tigers were looking for, but Les Miles’ squad took care of business against Texas A&M in Cowboys
Stadium, defeating the Aggies, 4124. Senior wide receiver Terrence Toliver had his biggest game as a Tiger, catching three touchdowns from junior Jordan Jefferson. The Tiger running backs got in on the action as junior Stevan Ridley and freshman Spencer Ware combined for 207 yards on the ground with each eclipsing the century mark. 3. BASEBALL SWEEPS FULLERTON, TAKES PLUNGE The Tiger baseball team started off the season with a 16-1 record that included a sweep of then-No. 6 Cal State Fullerton. Then things got rocky, as the Tigers dropped 16 of their next 24 games. 2. CHANCELLOR STEPS DOWN, CALDWELL HIRED Shortly after the end of a disappointing 19-13 season that had the Lady Tigers fall just short of a bid to the NCAA Tournament, LSU women’s basketball coach Van Chancellor stepped down. Athletic Director Joe Alleva took little time to find a replacement, hiring then-UCLA coach Nikki Caldwell to the helm of the program. 1. LES EATS GRASS, BEATS BAMA It is a moment no LSU fan will forget for a long time. Les Miles ate grass off the turf in Tiger Stadium, and he beat Alabama and former LSU coach Nick Saban, 24-21. Andy Schwehm is a 21-year-old English and psychology senior from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_ASchwehm.
Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
and improved. Sam Montgomery really could have played some this spring, but why would you? Just let him have another strong summer and be ready to play in the fall.” Quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee are seniors now, but they will need more than just experience to propel the passing game out of the cellar of the Southeastern Conference next season. Jefferson was a woeful 4-for-14 in the spring game. Sophomore transfer quarterback Zach Mettenberger provided a new face in spring practice, and he rifled a 60-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second half in the spring game. Miles said during spring practice that there’s still more to do. “In the back half of the spring, Lee and Mettenberger have continued to press,” Miles said. “Zach is certainly improving in the knowledge of his play, and his throws are really good. ... I feel the same way about Lee. Jefferson is a more complete quarterback.” Sophomore running back Spencer Ware picked up right where he left off by capping the spring with 94 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving. He immediately went back to baseball after the spring game. Stevan Ridley was the third
LSU player drafted this past week, as the New England Patriots picked him in the third round. Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale went in the fourth round to the Oakland Raiders. Former LSU wide receiver Terrence Toliver went undrafted, as did kicker Josh Jasper. Juniors Rueben Randle and Russell Shepard will be the veterans in the receiving corps with Toliver’s departure. McGaughey also has a young group of special teamers to work with. He said several players have a chance to be active in the return game, namely Randle, running back Jakhari Gore, and cornerbacks Ron Brooks, Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu. Drew Alleman and Brad Wing are new at kicker and punter, respectively. “Drew has a great temperament, and that’s key to have as a successful field goal kicker,” McGaughey said. “Brad Wing has tremendous talent, a very focused young man. He has the ability to punt in the NFL.” Follow Rachel Whittaker on Twitter @TDR_RWhittaker.
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Monday, May 9, 2011
GOLF
Peterson, Loupe highlight successful spring for Tigers McChrystal ties for first at Regionals Chris Abshire Sports Contributor
The LSU golf teams entered the spring with high expectations and even a bit of pressure. It turns out the hype was deserved, as both the men’s and women’s squads spent the duration of the semester in the top 10 of the polls and in contention at nearly every tournament. The No. 9 Tigers won four tournaments during the year — the most by any LSU team in one season since the men’s team won four in 1988-89 — and finished inside the top five of all seven spring tournaments against consistently stellar competition. Seniors John Peterson and Andrew Loupe led the way all spring, collecting top-10s and earning impressive individual accolades. Peterson, who is a Ben Hogan Award candidate, took runner-up at last month’s Southeastern Conference Championship, four top-10 finishes in the spring and added an individual title at the Jones Cup Invitational, a prestigious amateur event in Sea Island, Ga. Loupe finished second in the Bulls Bay Invitational and qualified for the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic in New Orleans in April and won the SEC Golfer of the Week Award for his consecutive top-five finishes at the Bulls Bay and LSU Invitationals. Senior transfer Ken Looper gave the Tigers another top-shelf player, as he’s ranked 61st in the country. Juniors Austin Gutgsell and Sang Yi and freshman Andrew Presley provided LSU with the quality depth necessary for the Tigers’ consistent play. LSU will compete in NCAA regionals on May 19-21 at a site to be determined, with the top five teams from each regional advancing to the national championship the following week. The No. 6 Lady Tigers earned their best SEC Championship finish since 2004, as freshman Austin Ernst and senior Megan McChrystal spurred the team to a third-place result. Ernst won her first collegiate tournament at the Central District Invitational in February, finished in a tie for ninth at the SEC Championship and was named to the All-SEC second and freshman teams, but still struggled at times with inconsistent play and high scores. The All-American McChrystal was ranked No. 1 for much of the spring, placed second at the Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate in March, posted the second-lowest scoring average in the conference and earned her third-consecutive
All-SEC first team honors. McChrystal grabbed comedalist honors at the NCAA Regionals on Saturday in South Bend, Ind., leading the Lady Tigers to a second-place finish. With the performance comes a ticket to the NCAA Championships. McChrystal checked in at two-over-par to tie with UCLA’s Stephanie Kono for top honors. The rest of the team wasn’t far
behind either, with freshman Austin Ernst tying for third and senior Amalie Vall tying for 22nd. As a team LSU shot an 30-over-par 894, finishing four shots back of UCLA.
Contact Chris Abshire at cabshire@lsureveille.com
page 23
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 24
SEEMANN SAYS
BEST AND WITTIEST
Next decade will bring gains in civil rights
courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
ROCKING THE CRADLE
Arab Spring culminates in discontent The 2011 Arab Spring revolutions have been most significant political shifts of the decade, if not our generation. For years we have awaited such bold action while our leaders shook hands with dictators and did business with royal criminals. After all, it was not our place — nor in our best interest, for that matter — to intervene. Ten years ago, we attempted just that in Iraq — to topple a dictator and give the people a government of their own. But as the saying goes, “If you teach a man to fish, you have fed him for a lifetime.” We now see how potent a public acting upon its own volition can be. A decade ago, we were the
victim of violent religious extremism fresh out of the Middle East, and after years of festering stereotypes and prejudices the Arab Spring now throws all of the misguided antagonism back in our faces. Finally, we witness grassClayton roots disconCrockett tent for the Columnist fundamentalists who target our country and any others that hope to join the modern era. We have seen the people of Iran protesting for an end to theocracy, and we have even seen women, who are
typically shunned from the political sphere in Arab states, itching to stake claims in their reborn countries. As the battles for freedom persist in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Algeria, Morocco and Zimbabwe, to name a few, we see that the decade ahead is sure to provide more surprises than the last. Clayton Crockett is a 19-year-old international studies freshman from Lafayette. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_ccrockett.
Contact Clayton Crockett at ccrockett@lsureveille.com
SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE
Don’t get info from oil companies
Few scientific issues in the past 10 years have affected and polarized us as intensely as climate change. A growing scientific consensus points to human production of greenhouse gases as the cause, but many Americans disagree with climatologists, believing the consensus to be Andrew Shockey less than overColumnist whelming. In actuality, about 90 percent of climatologists accept man-made climate change, compared to about
half of the general public. Oil companies and other businesses reliant on greenhouse gases have been quite effective at convincing politicians and the public the scientific consensus is incorrect. Their success is frustrating but not surprising. Climate change may have started as a scientific issue, but as soon as industries realized it could affect profits, it was pushed into the political limelight. As human beings, we generally are not fans of change, and accepting the consensus could oblige us to change everything in our lives from the car we drive to the food we eat. On the other hand, trusting
The Daily Reveille
Monday, May 9, 2011
the oil companies means we don’t have to change a thing. But it does mean we have to trust the same people responsible for the worst environmental disasters in our nation’s history to have our best interests at heart. Andrew Shockey is a 20-year-old biological engineering sophomore from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Ashockey.
Contact Andrew Shockey at ashockey@lsureveille.com
With the death of Osama bin Laden bringing an unofficial end to the “aughts” decade one week ago, it would be easy to overlook the importance of one social movement in the United States during that time frame. Decades of advocacy led to the Supreme Court decision Lawrence v. Texas in 2003, which declared states’ sodomy laws unconstitutional and invalid. It was a first step for a movement that has struggled to gain traction nationwide since its initial intensification in the 1960s. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, and Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire soon followed. The end of the decade brought the repeal of the military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, as well as two attempts at the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. However, there is still much
progress to be made. Louisiana’s non-discrimination provision for LGBTQ persons was allowed to expire in 2008, and our state, along with 44 others, still refuses homosexuals the right to marry. Though these past 10 years constitute the most promChris Seemann inent progress for same-sex Columnist equality yet, the next decade will likely be one in which true strides can be observed. Chris Seemann is a 20-year-old mass communication senior from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_CSeemann. Contact Chris Seemann at cseemann@lsureveille.com
POP GOES THE CULTURE
Harry Potter culture defines a decade Ten years ago, I was an awkward fifth-grader with embarrassingly round glasses, feeling like an outcast in Mississippi. At age 11, I encountered a magical place where I fit in — Tiger Stadium. Around this time, a movie premiered paralleling my situation. The release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in 2001 altered pop culture forever. The on-screen depiction of this imaginary world made anything seem possible, espeKelly Hotard cially for Harry, whose literary Columnist life had three installments left. I already explored Pottermania last semester for the first half of the “Deathly Hallows” film finale, and I abhor the abused adjective “epic” — but even the trailer for “Part Two,” due July 15, deserves this descriptor.
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 CommuniEditorial Board cation. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, Sarah Lawson Editor-in-Chief 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 Robert Stewart Managing Editor, Content number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily ReveilStephanie Giglio Art Director le reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the origiSteven Powell Managing Editor, External Media nal 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 evDevin Graham Opinion Editor ery semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
And it won’t really end there. In December, I visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando — and almost applied to be a house elf at the magnificently recreated Hogwarts. Stepping into this theme park feels like immersing yourself into the films. Its creators spared no intricate detail. I will spare you any spoilers, however. Just start preparing for one of the best vacations ever. Even visitors who aren’t hardcore fans of the phenomenon can appreciate the park (I went with two Muggles), proving the bloody brilliance of “Harry Potter” isn’t just J.K. Rowling’s novels or their cinematic equivalents — it’s the massive, timeless subculture they inspired. Kelly Hotard is a 19-year-old mass communication junior from Picayune, Miss. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_khotard. Contact Kelly Hotard at khotard@lsureveille.com
Quote of the Day “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi Indian ideological and political leader Oct. 2, 1869 - Jan. 30, 1948
The Daily Reveille
Monday, May 9, 2011
PRESS X TO NOT DIE
Opinion
page 25
SOUTHERN DISCOURSE
Nintendo to unveil new console at E3 Hurricanes have shaped Louisiana
When it comes to technology, 10 years is a lifetime. The same timeline also applies to video games. In the past decade, we’ve gone through almost two generations of video-game consoles. Spanning from 2000 with the launch of the PlayStation 2 to 2006 when the Wii was released, the gaming world has seen the release of six home consoles and five handhelds, if we count all versions of the Nintendo DS. Nintendo has dominated the console wars recently with Wii and DS lineup. However, Nintendo isn’t just going to sit on top of its giant wad of cash. The house that
Mario built is leading the way into a brand new generation of home consoles. Not satisfied with the recent release of the 3DS, Nintendo plans on unveiling its brand new home console at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo with a tentative 2012 Adam Arinder release. Columnist W h i l e only rumors and speculations are flying around right now, the console seems impressive, and I can’t wait to see what Nintendo
has to bring to this year’s E3 conference. Be sure to continue reading The Daily Reveille this summer as I report all of the new and exciting things from Nintendo and everyone else at this year’s E3 expo. Adam Arinder is a 21-year-old communication studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
FAILURE OF DIPLOMACY
War on terror’s impact unknown Undoubtedly, when we look back on the 10 years between 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden’s ultimate demise, some things will stick out in the world of politics. Of all the events, though, one in particular seems to be easily the most important: the declaration of the War on Terror. Declared nine days afZachary Davis ter the tragic Columnist events of Sept. 11, 2001, President George W. Bush first used the term “War on Terror” in a joint speech to Congress.
According to Bush, it only begins with al-Qaida, but it will not end until “every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.” Furthermore, Bush did not seem to be lying when he discussed the lengths we would take to wage this war. Nearly 10 years later, his claims of “we will direct every resource at our command” certainly seem to ring true. In the end, though, can we really say this war has made us safer or allowed us to keep the ideals we hold true? Since 2001, we’ve invaded Iraq, used waterboarding and wiretapped our own citizens— and who knows what else has
been kept from us. Perhaps, when we finally are able to look back on all the facts, we’ll finally see just how big an event this declaration was. Maybe then we’ll see just how un-American the lengths we’ve gone to have really been. Zachary Davis is a 20-year-old history junior from Warsaw, Poland. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_zdavis.
Contact Zachary Davis at zdavis@lsureveille.com
WALKING ON THIN ICE
Take responsibility for climate change Decades ago, environmentalists were frequently seen simply as tree-huggers or vegan hippies — fringe outcasts worshipping Mother Earth. But with this new decade, it seems like everyone is starting to care about the environment a little bit more. Apparently, despite the fact that few students actually understand global warming, many people are making an effort to maintain the planet — recycling, avoiding unnecessary waste and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. But many of us are not taking responsibility for climate change. We are still in denial. Even in the face of
Hurricane Katrina, along with countless other hurricanes and tsunamis around the world that have left us all shocked and mournful, many still refuse to see the connection between excess carbon dioxide Priyanka Bhatia emissions and drastic weather Columnist changes. Aside from “natural” disasters, we pose a serious threat to ourselves. The Deepwater Horizon spill, for example, was one of the largest environmental disasters of the decade — not just
because of its overall and lasting damage, but the sheer number of people effected. You had enough time, naysayers. The evidence is overwhelming now — when the animals and the land suffer from our stupid mistakes, so do we. Priyanka Bhatia is a 19-year old pre-veterinary science freshman. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_Pbhatia.
Contact Priyanka Bhatia at pbhatia@lsureveille.com
In the first decade of the new millennium, nothing shaped Louisiana quite as drastically as Hurricane Katrina. The government’s failure to respond to Katrina e m p h a sized Macy Linton the inadequaColumnist cies of those responsible — former President George Bush, former Gov. Kathleen Blanco and FEMA director Michael Brown. Not one leader involved in the response is currently in office or, for that matter, made it out unscathed. Damages caused by Katrina reached $81 billion dollars, according to the National Hurricane Center. The population in Louisiana decreased by about 100,000 people, according to a comparison of the 2000 and 2010 censuses. Louisiana was only one of two states (the other being North Dakota) to decrease in population from
2000 to 2008, according to The Advocate. In a literal sense, Katrina shaped the coastline – but not for the benefit of the state. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated 217 square miles of land were transformed to water by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which put the coastal land loss in 2005 at about 700 percent greater than estimated. Both literally and figuratively, disasters like Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Rita, oil spills and corrupt politicians have shaped the Sportsman’s Paradise, and if unchecked, they threaten to damage our coastlines and cripple our economy permanently. Macy Linton is a 19-year-old international studies freshman from Memphis, Tenn. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_Mlinton.
Contact Macy Linton at mlinton@lsureveille.com
A BETTER PILL TO SWALLOW
Human Genome Project will change everthing Declared finished by 2003, the completion of the Human Genome Project was heralded as one of the greatest victories achieved by the scientific community in the past decade. Faced with the unprecedented task of determining all 3.3 billion base-pairs of the human genome, the HGP required the collaboraChris Freyder tion of scientists across the Columnist world. The scientific technology and techniques developed through the HGP have reduced what was once a $3 billion undertaking to a somewhat fiscally feasible endeavor. As relatively affordable as it has become now, personal genome sequencing is expected to plummet in the upcoming decade — a notion that is almost as frightening as it is exciting. Sooner or later, sequencing
one’s genome will become quite fashionable and commonplace. The information we have already gleaned from genome sequencing has brought about numerous advances in medicine. In the hands of capable scientists, the treatment of disease has become increasingly flexible and less reliant on guesswork. But what will be done with such information when it is placed into the hands of laypeople or those with vested interests? Without the direct guidance of those with expertise, there will be many of those who live and die by the information locked away in their genome, for better or worse. Chris Freyder is a 21-year-old biological sciences junior from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Cfreyder.
Contact Chris Freyder at cfreyder@lsureveille.com
Classifieds
page 26
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4-BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT 4-year old house at Nicholson Lakes, available June 1. Washer/ dryer. $1,680/ month + utilities. (Gardener paid for). 5 miles to campus 225.572.6303 THE WILLOWS!!! www.lsubr.com for pictures and floorplan. Across from Mellow Mushroom/Illegal Burrito. No pets. $300 dep. Call for move in special. 978-1649
BRIGHTSIDE MANOR 2Br/1.5Ba W/D no pets $600. 383-4064. Available June.
COMPLETE MEDIA GROUP is looking to fill our Mobile DJ and Photo booth attendant positions. We are looking for outgoing and reliable personalities with weekend availability. Fill out applications at www.batonrougedj.com or call our office for more info. 225.769.2229
Monday, May 9, 2011
ROOM FOR RENT Seeking clean, responsible non-smkr fml to share 3 bd/2ba house in Sharlo neighborhood. 6 mins from LSU. 425/ mo + 1/3 utilities. W/ D, small yd, carport. Monica @ 251.423.2425 SHARLO TOWNHOUSE 3BR/2BA Security System W/D $975 No Pets 383-4064 Available June. STORE YOUR STUFF STUDENT SPECIAL Get first month FREE. Climate Control of LA Self-Storage and Stor-it Mini Warehouses. 3147 College Dr. just past the RR tracks. Enter thru College Creek Shopping Center. Various sizes, covered loading, video recording cameras, and alarms. 24/7 service with our Insomniac machine (rent a unit, make a payment, buy a lock) - very cool. We Love Students. Drop by 24/7. climate.control@att.net. 225.927.8070 BRIGHTSIDE MANOR 2br 1.5 bath condos on LSU Bus Rt $800-1000 W/D, fenced.225-588-3070.acome1700@yahoo.com SUMMER SUBLEASE 1 bedroom 1 bath available for sublease. Close to campus. $535 month 337.764.9724 LSU TIGERLAND 1 & 2 br, Flat & T/ H, W/ F, Pool, W/ S pd, $450 - $675, 225.615.8521 1 BR 4065 BURBANK $525 but call for move in special. You will love living at Williamsburg. Near Walk-Ons and Taco Bell. www.lsubr.com for pictures and floor plan. No Pets. $300 Deposit. 978-1649 WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $325.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 UNIVERSITY VIEW APARTMENTS 1 & 2 BR. Right outside south gates at 324 West Parker. Pool & laundry on-site. 767-2678 UniversityViewLSU. com 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet 225.978.7400 RESERVE NOW FOR 2011-2012 3 Bed/3 Bath @ $1650/ Month, Free Optional Monthly Maid Service! Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included Fantastic Pool Available for 1 Year Lease Beginning June 1st & Aug 1st. hollisleech@yahoo.com 310.989.4453 3 BR. 2 ba house for rent. Meadowbend subd. near LSU. All appliances. Pets allowed. $1200. mo $500. deposit. Avail. June 1. 985.688.2757
BRIGHTSIDE COMMONS 1 BR Condo. Gated. $575 1984 Brightside. 225-588-3070. southlandpropertiesinc.com 3 BR CONDO FOR RENT Available June 1. 3 BR, 2 BA townhouse condo. $1100/month plus utils. Water pd. Washer/ dryer. Wood floors. Gated parking. In Tigerland, near Bob Petit Blvd. and LSU bus line. Pool. Very good condition. 504.864.9283 3BD/2.5BA HOUSE w/ d, frpl, alarm, walk-in closets, carport, fenced, clean. $1300mo. $1300 sec. 225.279.0545 CONDO 4 LEASE AT THE CRESCENT 2BR/2BA WITH STUDY MUST SEE! BALCONY VIEWS OF THE LSU LAKES AND POOL ! $2350/MO CALL KEYFINDERS REALTY TO VIEW AT 225293-3000 OR 225-252-8645 225.293.3000 NOW ACCEPTING DEPOSITS Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos & More! 2 & 3 Bedroom Floorplans Available Now, Summer/ Fall 2011 Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 FOR LEASE IN NICHOLSON LAKE 4 BR/2BA House for Lease in Nicholson Lakes. $1450/ mo Pet friendly. Call Keyfinders at 225-2933000 or email us at keyfinders@yahoo.com 225.293.3000 3BR,3BA TOWNHOUSE Lakes At Bluebonnet, W/ D, 2 car garage, unfurnished. Can be ready before June 1. Small pet ok. $1500. 225.354.9183 FOR RENT!!! CONDOS, APARTMENTS & HOUSES FOR LEASE IN ALL AREAS. TO VIEW INVENTORY VISIT WWW. KEYFINDERSBR. COM OR CALL KEYFINDERS AT 225-293-3000 EMAIL INQUIRIES TO KEYFINDERS@YAHOO. COM BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES Large 2 BR 2.5 Bath. $800/mth. W/D, Pool. Near Bus Rt. 225-588-3070. acome1700@yahoo.com
Roommate Wanted ROOMMATE NEEDED Looking for a female roommate for next school year, lease starting August 7th. In Arlington Trace,3 Bedroom 3.5 Bath Condo! $550 + utilities If interested call/ text 225.270.2978 or email: tess.2978@yahoo.com
ROOMMATE NEEDED (M/F) 3BR/2BA GARDEN DISTRICT HOME $433 W/O UTILITIES 832.483.9908
SPORTY GUY LOOKING FOR GIRL looking for: fun, outgoing girl who likes sports or just laying on the grounds. confident, but not self absorbed, must have a good personality. email at: paradegroundsports@yahoo.com LOOKING FOR A TSM I frat hard: All day, Every day. I look at TFM during class and annoy everyone sitting behind me. Come frat with me at Bogie’s. TFM069@yahoo.com PRETTY, SMART, IN ENGINEERING Chemical engineering freshman who loves to party looking for a man to take her out, show her a good time, and cuddle afterwards. Must be able to put up with my mindless rambling and flirting with everyone and take care of me when I’ve partied too hard. oneshottwoshotthreeshotfloor@yaho o.com TALL, HANDSOME guy seeks sweet, fun-loving, Christian girl for friendship and maybe more. Must love scenic sunset walks, Louisiana festivals, and watching movies...email me at 1tallguy7@gmail. com SPORTY GIRL LOOKING FOR GUY looking for a fun outgoing guy who likes sports and is confident, but not cocky. must have a good personality. email lsutigersoccer14@aol.com TERRIBLY BORED So text me! Anybody, everybody. About anything. 985-259-7101 LONELY LOGOPHILE LOOKING for fellow word lover. Must enjoy scrabble, crosswords, and words with friends. Math majors need not apply. seventypercentwater@gmail.com YOU THERE. want to ride around listening to music? wander the park at night? play stupid games that don’t make much sense to anyone else, sound interesting? text 225.636.1230 or email whiteknightblacktie@gmail.com. CUTE GAMER GIRL SOUGHT Do you like to kick back, relax, and play games til dawn? Wouldn’t you like to have a kind, fluffy teddy bear to give you a challenge and a big, fuzzy hug? E-mail me at mcspanky101@yahoo.com if you want Teh Fluffy!
ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME Senior in air force about to graduate looking for a girl who can finally make him feel like the man in the relationship. When we go out to Happy’s, you can’t make fun of my leather jacket, abundance of cologne, or my semi feminine mannerisms. I am a Debby Downer, so you need to be tolerant of my constant complaining. Cargoshorts4eva@yahoo.com
Miscellaneous ALL NATURAL BASKETS Picnic baskets, bushel/ peck baskets, wood hampers, field/plant baskets. All NEW! Perfect for farming, arts/crafts, gift baskets. Lowest price ANYWHERE! $3.25 each or 2/$5.00. Call (225) 205-4101. GOLF CLUBS. Ping full set of clubs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, S, and W. $220.00. Other clubs available at various prices. Owner was 5’11. Call (225) 938-2183.