Academics: 34 University programs at risk of termination, p. 3
Football: Former RB Charles Scott returns to school, p. 7
Reveille The Daily
www.lsureveille.com
SUNO rallies to fight against potential merger
Entertainment: Performance combines music, dance, p. 11 Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 • Volume 115, Issue 76
Joining Forces?
Mixed emotions emerge regarding merger study
Robert Stewart
Sydni Dunn
Managing Editor, Content
Staff Writer
NEW ORLEANS — Packed away in a gym on Press Drive, members of the Southern University-New Orleans community made their message loud and clear — they’re not going to take it. SUNO students, faculty, staff and administrators, among others, filled the gym of SUNO’s Health & Physical Education building Wednesday morning at a forum meant to rally the community against a proposed merger of SUNO and the University of New Orleans. Gov. Bobby Jindal has asked the Louisiana Board of Regents to conduct a study to see if it’s feasible to merge SUNO and UNO, whose campuses are only a few minutes apart. Jindal set the study deadline for March 1. People filled metal chairs in the middle of the gym and the bleachers at the back. Several legislators were in attendance, including Reps. Austin Badon and Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans, and Sen. Cynthia Willard-Lewis, D-New Orleans. Anti-merger sentiment pervaded the crowd as well as SUNO leaders. Joseph Bouie, SUNO Faculty Senate president and former SUNO chancellor, led the crowd in the cry, “I am, because SUNO is; We are, because SUNO is,” among other phrases. Signs adorned the front of the gym, reading “Save SUNO: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo said
Though it has been more than a week since Gov. Bobby Jindal announced his request for the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of merging the University of New Orleans and Southern University-New Orleans, heated debate on the proposal continues to stir. “I want to formulate a plan that optimizes the use of all academic and financial and physical resources in the greater New Orleans area to help our students succeed in their chosen academic paths,” Jindal said Jan. 18. “We need to do what’s best for our students and ... provide students with the best education.” Jindal said the study will examine how reorganization will improve educational outcome and how shared resources will better serve students. But some don’t think merging the two universities will improve conditions. “There is a better approach than closing UNO and closing SUNO and starting a new school for a lot of different reasons,” Southern System President Ronald Mason Jr. told The Advocate on Monday. “There is a great tradition at both schools, and they serve two different populations.” Mason said it is a mission of SUNO to educate the low-income African American community, and he considers Jindal’s proposal an “attack” on the university. UNO sophomore Jade Newman said that argument doesn’t make sense to her.
FORUM, see page 6
ROBERT STEWART / The Daily Reveille
Southern University-New Orleans Faculty Senate President Joseph Bouie speaks Wednesday at SUNO’s Chancellor Forum. Debate is circulating regarding a potential SUNO-University of New Orleans merger.
Read a blog and see more photos from the forum at lsureveille.com
MERGER, see page 6
FACILITIES
Parking garage construction set to begin next week Opening planned for spring ’12 semester Logan Leger Contributing Writer
After decades of conception, the University’s first parking garage will begin to materialize Jan. 31. The 750-space garage will sit across from the Student Union on the corner of Highland Road and Raphael Semmes Road. It was a part of the original parking master plan commissioned by former chancellor Mark Emmert in 2003 and approved by former chancellor Sean O’Keefe in 2005, said Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking, Traffic
and Transportation. The parking master plan, known as Easy Streets, included plans for a garage to be completed in 2010 and for the University to begin evaluating another in 2011, Graham said. Though the project was delayed, the garage is the final and most expensive piece of the plan. “The garage is the crown jewel of the master plan,” Graham said. The University’s master plan called for eight garages to be built throughout the course of 50 years, Graham said. For reasons including planning and the economy, construction on the garage has been delayed about a year, Graham said. The University sold bonds to pay for the garage, but the market was
high in recent years, which delayed construction. However, because of the current economic climate, the University was able to achieve an overall smaller cost. The final cost of the garage is $22.2 million, said Emmett David, director of facility development. “In the end, the delay was actually helpful because we were able to get a better price,” Graham said. Half of the garage’s 750 spaces are reserved for paid visitor parking, much like what is currently available in front of the Union, Graham said. The other half is zoned for faculty and residential student parking, Graham said. CONSTRUCTION, see page 5
photo courtesy of THE OFFICE OF PARKING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
A rendering shows the University’s future parking garage that will be built across from the Student Union. Construction is expected to begin Jan. 31.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
Egyptian protests enter second day, citizens defy public gathering ban
Mosque to be built in Calif. after attempts to halt construction fail
Superdome gets $85M renovation, new concession stands and seats
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Opponents of a proposed mosque in the Southern California city of Temecula collected hundreds of signatures, bombarded city planners with angry letters and e-mails, and staged protests with bullhorns and dogs. None of it worked. Plans were approved Wednesday after a nine-hour meeting that included rants against Islam as well as debates about traffic concerns. The Islamic Center of Temecula Valley is one of several across the U.S. that has seized the nation’s attention in recent months as controversy raged over plans for a $100 million mosque and educational center two blocks from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Metal risers that had supported seating inside the Louisiana Superdome since the stadium’s opening in 1975 were torn out Wednesday, marking the last phase of an $85 million renovation to add more concession stands and thousands of new seats. “There is definitely going to be a wow-factor,” said Doug Thornton, vice president of SMG, the company that manages the Superdome. “When you come in the door, you are going to see a completely different Dome.”
CAIRO (AP) — Thousands of Egyptians vented their rage against President Hosni Mubarak’s autocratic government in a second day of protests Wednesday that defied a ban on public gatherings. Baton-wielding police responded with tear gas and beatings in a crackdown that showed zero tolerance for dissent. Egypt’s largest anti-government protests in years echoed the uprising in Tunisia, threatening to destabilize the leadership of the most important U.S. ally in the Arab world. The ability of the protesters to sustain the momentum for two days in the face of such a heavy-handed police response was a rare feat in this country. One protester and a policeman were killed Wednesday, bringing the two-day death toll to six. Some 860 people have been rounded up, and Facebook, Twitter and cell phones — key to organizing protests — have been disrupted. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called on Egypt to adopt reforms and not crack down on the anti-government crowds. She urged the Mubarak regime to “take this opportunity to implement political, economic and social reforms that will answer the legitimate interests of the Egyptian people.”
BEN CURTIS / The Associated Press
Egyptian police clash Wednesday with anti-government rioters in Cairo, Egypt. Officers used tear gas and violent beatings to control demonstrators.
Afghan president reluctantly swears in parliament officials Wednesday KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — President Hamid Karzai criticized the international community Wednesday for meddling in Afghanistan’s elections as he reluctantly swore in a new parliament. Karzai’s stance threatens parliament credibility as the assembly works to pass laws and budgets. Strengthening the Afghan government is seen as key to the fight against insurgency. A strong government will ideally better be able to take over responsibility for security.
Plane hit by lightning, pilot makes emergency landing with no injuries LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — An airplane with 16 people aboard made an emergency landing in Virginia after being struck by lightning. Airline spokeswoman Valerie Wunder says flight 4376 was struck by lightning Wednesday. She says the pilot declared an emergency and landed at the Lynchburg airport without incident. Nobody was harmed.
Minden to celebrate Mardi Gras with German celebration ‘Fasching’ MINDEN (AP) — Mardi Gras will be taking a German turn. Downtown Development director Pattie Odom says Minden plans to celebrate the town’s German heritage with a Fasching celebration. The Minden Press-Herald reports that the Minden Germantown Festival Commission has received a $410,000 grant for the Minden Fasching Karneval and Parade planned for Feb. 19. Odom says according to German tradition, Fasching begins at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11, and runs until Ash Wednesday.
African American Cultural Center Ground Blessing Tuesday, February 1,2011 2 PM Wednesday, February 2, 2011 French House, Grand Salon, 12 PM
Wat to stay ahead? Try Genesis Tutoring Monday-Thursday, 5PM-9PM, 335 Student Union Call 578-4339 for more information MLK Commemorative Celebration Events MLK and BHM Commemorative Performance featuring Nnenna Freelon 7:30 pm - Manship Theatre Unity Celebration, 6 pm at Southern University Performing Arts Night, 6 pm - Music Recital Hall
DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Michael at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
Watch videos of the Study Abroad Fair, Incense Merchants performance and student opinions on President Obama’s State of the Union address. LMFAO: Read a critique of the Oscar nominations. Tiger Feed: Read blogger Ryan Ginn’s take on Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl’s suspension. Out of Print: Read more about the emotional atmosphere of Wednesday’s SUNO chancellor’s forum.
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See photos of campus hallways and doors on Snapshot at lsureveille.com.
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
page 3
BUDGET CUTS
More than 30 University programs could be terminated Sydni Dunn Staff Writer
The Board of Regents announced Wednesday that more than 450 under performing academic programs statewide are at risk of termination, 122 of them belonging to the LSU System and 34 to the University. The programs, which comprise about one-third of all degree offerings statewide, were identified because of low completion rates and will be strictly evaluated by the Regents starting this month. “Though statewide reviews of the curriculum inventory are historically conducted every 5 to 10 years, the Regents find it both desirable and necessary to conduct a review of low producing academic programs again,” the Academic and Student Affairs Committee’s review
proposal says. enrollment rates, facility space, proThis particular review is the jected completer rates, the uniquethird study conducted since 2009 ness of the program to the region, and also the most accreditation and stringent, as it inthe program’s conPrograms up for cludes an analytribution to the termination sis of duplication state’s economy. programs and will LSU System Total: 122 “We’ve alapply to all state ready been workprograms with no • LSU A&M: 34 ing on some of • UNO: 33 exceptions. the programs, and “This is ex- • LSU - Alexandria: 3 some have already tremely important been eliminated,” because it marks • LSU - Shreveport: 16 said University the first step in a • LSU - Eunice: 3 Provost Jack Hamseries of actions • LSUHSC - New Orleans: 24 ilton about the which will culmiUniversity’s low nate in a post-sec- • LSUHSC - Shreveport: 9 completers. “And ondary education then some were system that delivers services more reviewed last year, and the Board efficiently, yet maintains qual- voted to continue them.” ity and accessibility,” said Regents Regents Vice Chairwoman Chairman Robert Levy. Mary Ellen Roy said the program The review will look into evaluation is not only a way to save
money, but a way to get universities focused on their strongest programs. The next step in the process is communication between the Regents and the system boards and individual campuses. After identifying the programs at risk, the institutions will have until the end of February to submit their responses to the Regents. Each campus will have to agree to terminate the program, recommend consolidation or defend the program’s continuation. “We will require systems and campuses to vigorously defend any request to continue a low-completer
program by the use of clear data and analysis to overcome the presumption against maintaining a low productivity degree,” Levy explained. The staff will evaluate the response until the Board issues final recommendation reports in April. In 2009-10, 283 degree programs were placed under review. As a result, 118 were terminated, and 20 new programs were created through revisions and consolidations. Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Retirement contributions falling Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope plans to push for legislation to remedy what he calls a failing retirement and benefit system for full-time professional University employees. During the past four years, total contribution to employee retirement carriers have slumped as University payments toward a state “accrued liability” have steadily increased. Full-time professional University employees participate in two main retirement programs managed by the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana, or TRSL. The most popular program, according to Cope, is the Optional Retirement Package, or ORP. The ORP sees both employees and the University contribute a percentage of an employee’s salary toward his or her retirement fund. Cope’s dissension with this plan is funds that are actually making it to employee accounts are dwindling. The TRSL is tied to a $10 billion unfunded accrued
liability — or deficit — which is being paid down by contributions from many state organizations, including the University. Jason Droddy, assistant vice chancellor of legislative and external affairs, attributed the hole to certain groups with existing financial liabilities being added to the retirement system along with certain rules within the system that build up unpaid costs. While the employee side of the retirement contribution has remained steady, the employer contribution — made by the University — has increased in the past four years, according to TRSL statistics. At the same time, the amount of the employer contribution going to the unfunded liability has increased by 4.9 percent, and the contribution to employee coffers has decreased by 1.2 percent. Cope equates the decreases to a pay decrease while the University is actually paying more.
Droddy said the University’s contribution to this unfunded liability is a heavy majority of the oft-mentioned unfunded mandates. The last increase in employer contribution to the liability cost the University about $10 million at the beginning of this fiscal year. Droddy said the University expects to take another similar unfunded mandate or “hidden cut” in the next fiscal year. “This will become a major problem to the growth and improvement and recruitment operations at LSU because as word gets around of this it will become increasingly hard to recruit employees and increasingly difficult, especially to recruit senior employees,” Cope said.
Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
page 4
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Louisiana named ‘State of the Year’ by business magazine State’s economy healthier than most Rachel Warren Staff Writer
The ballots are in, the decision has been made, and a winner has been chosen. Louisiana has been named Business Facilities magazine’s “State of the Year” for 2010. Business Facilities Editor-inChief Jack Rogers explained the magazine’s choice in the article. “The diversity and growth potential of Louisiana’s top projects in both high-tech and traditional manufacturing, as well as healthy total investments, overall job creation and innovative incentives made Louisiana a clear winner of our annual State of the Year Award,” Rogers said. Gov. Bobby Jindal, quoted in the article, described the award as “yet another example of the better Louisiana we are building for our children.” Robert Newman, chair of the Economics Department, said he believes the state deserves the title. “It certainly reflects well on the state of the economy in Louisiana,” Newman said. Newman said the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in April 2010 might have given Louisiana’s
Ashleigh Turner sociology junior
‘Obviously you want the state you live in to be honored, but it’s surprising.’
economy a break because BP spent a lot of money in the state after the disaster. He said the oil company employed locals to aid in spill cleanup — some of whom may have been unemployed otherwise. But Newman said he’s always careful not to put too much stock in awards like this one because magazines produce new lists each year. “You’ve just got to take these rankings with a grain of salt,” he said. The article describes the magazine staff’s criteria for making such a tough choice. “To determine the winner, Business Facilities reviews each state’s top five projects in terms of overall investment and job creation,” the article said. “The magazine also evaluates the state’s execution of its economic development strategy, and the diversity and growth potential of its target industries.”
Jacob Luby biochemistry senior
‘Louisiana was mostly insulated from the housing bubble, so maybe that had something to do with it.”
Runners-up for the award included Texas, which won in 2007, Tennessee, which won last year for the year 2009, Utah and South Carolina. Newman said he believes the state of Louisiana’s economy depends on whether the federal government imposes regulations on offshore drilling. “That could impact us severely,” he said. “We just don’t know yet.” He said the regulations — which he believes are unreasonable — could extend the previously inplace moratorium on deep water drilling and negatively affect the state’s economy. “I was always under the impression Louisiana was doing well because of our petroleum industry,” said Tristan Arbour, computer science senior. Arbour said the state of Louisiana’s economy doesn’t have any effect on whether he’ll stay in-state
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate approves $12K for CCELL Andrea Gallo Staff Writer
Student Government Senate unanimously approved $12,000 from the Senate Contingency Account to fund six new courses for the University Center for Community Engagement, Learning and Leadership at Wednesday night’s Senate meeting. SG Vice President Dani Borel announced that she and President J Hudson will supplement the Senate funding so CCELL can have a total of eight courses. “We’re trying to get full coverage, and we’ve had a mandate from y’all to make sure service-learning is covered in all majors,” said Marybeth Lima, CCELL director. College of Sciences Sen. Brandon Jones, co-sponsor of the CCELL bill, resigned at the end of the meeting. The Senate unanimously passed legislation from University Center for Advising and Counseling Sen. Cody Wells to allocate $1,800 from the Senate Contingency Account to the Going Global Program at the University. Global is an external company that assists in creating plans for students who wish to move abroad. “Over the past four years, almost 35,000 students that we know of have utilized this,” Wells said. The Senate also passed legislation to appropriate $2,500 from the Senate Contingency Account to help fund Up ’Til Dawn, a St.
Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital awareness program. Speaker Pro Tempore Aaron Caffarel and University Center for Freshman Year Sen. Jackson Voss introduced a bill to pass a Senate Accountability Act at the beginning of each regular session that would “give Senators empowerment over their own requirements and have them set their own standards.” The Senate clashed during the debate, as multiple senators said they worried this legislation would promote laziness. “I have great idealism when it comes to senators,” Caffarel said. “You may have really excited senators who want to push themselves.” Despite Caffarel’s rebutting arguments, the Senate did not pass the bill. SG’s executive staff is hoping to fashion a “baseball season kickoff” pep rally, and the staff discussed potential locations, who would be willing to speak to represent the team, possible performances and if the pep rally should be open to the public. SG considered using the Parade Ground, asking Tiger Band and cheerleaders to perform and requesting LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri speak along with former LSU baseball players. The executive staff also discussed ideas for changing SG, which included adding more cohesion events among branches, changing office hour requirements, altering the meeting room setup,
finding ways to promote SG visibility and asking students what they envision SG doing for them. “I think Student Government is not as much one organization as it is three right now,” said Jeffrey Wale, Director of Academics. “Cohesion can really solve that issue.” Borel also encouraged everyone to remain proactive during the spring semester. “We have about 79 days left in office,” Borel said. “That’s not a lot of time, and we have a lot to accomplish.”
Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
Wesley Davis philosophy junior
‘The cost of living is lower, I can see how that would help businesses.’
when he graduates. Kathryn Calmes, Spanish secondary education junior, said she read on the Internet that Louisiana has a high employment rate compared to other states, but it won’t change her mind about moving. Other factors — like education standards — also play a role. “I’m having a child in May,”
Calmes said. “I don’t want my child to have to be in Louisiana’s public school system.” Vannicea McCray, anthropology senior, was surprised to hear Louisiana had earned the title but said it wouldn’t make her stay in the state, either. “Who’s to say it’ll be the same way when I finish grad school?” she said. McCray said she didn’t think the state of the economy was good enough to receive an award. “I don’t know how,” she said. “People come to Baton Rouge [from across the state] just to find jobs.”
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2010
page 5
BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
Area surrounding downtown Galvez Plaza to be redesigned
got 4,000 to 5,000 people out there.” Rhorer said the redesign will include a large lawn, a stage and a dance area twice the size of the current one.
He said the new stage will also hold a large sculpture that will act as artwork when the stage is not in use. Rhorer said the project isn’t just about beautifying the area.
“We’re making it more functional,” he said. Rhorer said in addition to the “Live after Five” series, he hopes other local bands will choose to use the stage and its amenities for concerts and events. “Live music in Baton Rouge is wonderful,” Rhorer said. “There are so many talented musicians in this region.” The redesign is part of the North Boulevard Town Square project, which will be completed in two phases. Phase I will be funded by $5.7 million in city-parish and Federal Transit Authority funds, and Phase II will be funded by $1.9 million in leveraged federal dollars through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, according to a Town Square project news release. Rhorer said he believes the new design will attract more students and tourists.
able to save the trees surrounding the Union during construction, the The garage also includes a garage was different, David said. 60,000-square-foot bookstore, The construction resulted in the which David said will create a bet- destruction of two live oak trees. ter flow for campus visitors. The The University incurred exspace vacated by the current LSU tra cost planning the construction bookstore will be around existing used for Career trees, David said, Services, which is but two were situcurrently housed ated so that conin three separate struction would buildings, David have been impossaid. sible. Upon fur“We’re tryther investigation, ing to create a the University Gary Graham better-flowing and arbor crew found better-organized the trees had been director, campus by keepParking, Traffic, Transportation damaged by lighting units together, ning and had holwhich is good for everyone,” Da- low cores, David said. vid said. “The live oaks are the jewel While the University was of our campus,” David said. “We
appreciate that and try to mitigate when it’s necessary to tear them down.” The University planted a new tree on the roundabout on Field House Drive to replace the two lost. Tenants of the centers on Raphael Semmes, including the Women’s Center, African American Cultural Center, Agnes Morris House and Old President’s House, will be vacated Jan. 28 in preparation for construction and will be temporarily located in Hatcher Hall, David said. New facilities
for these centers are part of the garage construction, David said. The contractor will receive notice Jan. 31 from the University to proceed, David said. After the notice, the contractor will use the first few months to prepare for construction, which includes fencing, protecting live oak trees and roots, and demolishing the centers, David said. The garage must be completed within 12 months, depending on the weather, with an opening planned for the beginning of the spring 2012 semester, David said.
New plan could lead to more public events Rachel Warren Staff Writer
A year from now, downtown Baton Rouge will be nearly unrecognizable. That’s when construction will be complete on the redesign of Galvez Plaza and a new Town Square on North Boulevard. Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District, said the entire area surrounding Galvez Plaza will be reconfigured. Rhorer said one reason he believes the area needs to be redesigned is because it’s the site of the popular “Live After Five” concert series. “It started out small, and it’s become big,” Rhorer said. “We’ve
photo courtesy of JAMES ANDERMANN / Downtown Development District
A rendering shows plans for the reconstruction of Galvez Plaza downtown. The updates are slated to include a large lawn, a stage and a large dance area.
CONSTRUCTION, from page 1
‘‘
‘We’re all very excited — we’ve been working on this for 29 years.’
“It’s designed to be a better link to the River Center,” he said. Rhorer said the project is set to be completed this time next year. Lauren Macke, biology sophomore, said she has only been downtown two or three times during her time living in the city, but she’s excited at the thought of something new to do in Baton Rouge. “It’s something different,” she said. “A new experience.” Will Buck, biology sophomore, said he feels the same way. “Right now, it’s Tigerland or going to someone’s house,” he said. “This will be something new to do.” Buck added that he thinks the area will be popular among students because the city plans to offer so many free events.
“We’re all very excited — we’ve been working on this for 29 years,” Graham said. Jeffrey Hathorn, sports administration sophomore, said streamlining on-campus traffic is a good idea. “Parking is terrible on campus, so anything to help make commuting easier is welcome,” he said.
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
Contact Logan Leger at lleger@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 6 FORUM, from page 1
SUNO administrators are “aghast” at the possible merger. Bouie commended students and faculty for working in what he called an “environment unfit for education.” Bouie referenced a Regents study from 2006 that said merging the two schools ‘I’m really was not feasible. sick and He also said the has distired of state cussed merging graduation the schools five times previously. rates. “ C l e a r l y, Graduation the handwriting was on the wall,” rates Bouie repeatedly mean said. nothing. Bouie said there will be a Randolph Scott town hall meeting Feb. 24 in SUNO Alumni Association president New Orleans to discuss saving SUNO’s individual status. He announced that if SUNO’s main option to battle the possible merger doesn’t work — fighting the legislative action that would put the merger in motion — the school will file a federal suit against the state for
MERGER, from page 1
“If that card is going to be pulled, it seems counter-productive,” Newman said. “Segregating the two schools is not a history that needs to be upheld.” Newman said she disagrees with opposing the merger simply based on SUNO’s reputation as a historically black college. She said there are bigger issues at hand. “If the university was doing well, I’d be right there fighting with them, but it’s not,” she said. “SUNO
denial of equal access to education for blacks. SUNO Student Government Association President Eugenie Tobin briefly spoke at the event, encouraging those gathered to register to vote and rally at the Capitol when the potential merger comes up in the Legislature. “When this piece gets brought up into the legislative session, it’s pretty much a done deal as far as this study is concerned,” Tobin said. “When it is brought up in front of the House, we want all of these students to come to Baton Rouge.” The SUNO SGA hosted Wednesday’s rally to educate students on what could happen to their school, Tobin said. “A lot of students didn’t know what they can do to help,” Tobin said. “They don’t want this to happen, but they weren’t sure what they can do and who they can go to to ask these questions.” SUNO Alumni Association President Randolph Scott said alumni will “stand tall” and do “everything necessary” to save SUNO. Scott made clear his disapproval of the indicators state officials use for higher education success. “I’m really sick and tired of graduation rates. Graduation rates
mean nothing,” Scott said. SUNO’s graduation rate is 5 to 8 percent, while UNO’s is 21 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Bouie said putting a limit of six years in calculating graduation rates misses the point. He said certain circumstances prevent students from graduating within that time, like dropping out of school to take another job to pay for school. W.C. Johnson, a member of Community United for Change in New Orleans, challenged the students in the audience, saying they weren’t informed on what was going on with their school. “There’s a lot of ‘I don’t care’ among the students,” Johnson said. “Believe me, [the state wants] you gone.” SUNO SGA Activity Director Bryan Braneon told students they “have to fight” for SUNO in the face of a potential merger with UNO. “We have to be the voice,” Braneon said. “Without us, there is no SUNO.”
only has a [5-8] percent graduation rate.” But Newman also admitted that UNO’s graduation rate, which is 21 percent, is not acceptable. “If the [merger] will help, it may be a good thing,” she explained. “But I’m waiting to see what the results are before I form an opinion.” If the merger is passed, Jindal said the new institution would be transferred to the University of Louisiana System. LSU System Vice President of Communication Charles Zewe said
UNO, which currently belongs to the LSU System, is a valuable part of the system and an active urban research institution. “Engaging in speculative questions is not very productive,” Zewe said when asked how losing UNO could impact the system. “The entire thing still has to be studied by the Board of Regents and acted on by two-thirds [of the Legislature] before it even moves forward.”
Contact Robert Stewart at rstewart@lsureveille.com
Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Today in sports: Women’s basketball against Arkansas at 7 p.m. in the PMAC.
Sports
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
page 7
FOOTBALL
Hilliard cleared to enroll in school Staff Reports
Back to the Books DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Former RB Charles Scott returns to campus after year in NFL Hunt Palmer Sports Contributor
Charles Scott’s football career at LSU abruptly ended when he was helped off the field in Tuscaloosa, Ala. After a year in the NFL, he’s back finishing things up in the classroom. Scott sat out the final four games of his LSU career with a fractured clavicle, ending a brilliant run as a Tiger. Scott’s 2,317 rushing yards rank seventh in school history, and his 32 touchdowns put him at fourth all time. For Scott, watching from the sidelines was a disappointing end to a remarkable career. “I was mad at first,” Scott said. “The only thing I could do was try to continue to be a leader on the team and motivate my teammates to improve, so that’s what I did.” Following the season, Scott continued to rehabilitate his shoulder and began training in Atlanta in preparation for the 2010 NFL Draft. Scott’s name was called in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles, a sigh of relief for the Saline native who wasn’t sure what his draft status was following the injury. “I knew I was going to drop with the injury, and I wasn’t really concerned about where I went,” Scott said. “I just wanted a chance to be on a team, and I knew that once I got an SCOTT, see page 9
SCOTT, see page 9
File photo
[Top] Former LSU running back Charles Scott leaves campus Tuesday. [Above] Scott (32) is helped off the field Nov. 7, 2009, after breaking his clavicle during the third quarter of the Tigers’ 24-15 loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Scott was out for the rest of that season.
LSU football signee Kenny Hilliard has been cleared to play, according to a report. Hilliard, a running back from Patterson, planned on enrolling at LSU at the beginning of the semester, but the NCAA hadn’t cleared him at the time. TigerSportsDigest.com first reported Hilliard being cleared. Hilliard is now the premier running back in LSU’s 2011 Class after Redemptorist running back Jeremy Hill’s legal troubles. Hilliard racked up 1,804 rushing yards his senior season at Patterson High School and gained 8,603 during his career. Hilliard holds the state record for most career rushing yards. He is a four-star recruit, according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com, and he participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 8. He is also the nephew of Tiger legend Dalton Hilliard, LSU’s second all-time leading rusher after amassing 4,050 yards in his career. Kenny Hilliard led Patterson to the LHSAA 3A state championship game this year, but his Lumberjacks fell to Parkview Baptist, 24-20. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Offensive woes continue as LSU suffers third-straight loss Volunteers never trail Tigers in matchup Michael Lambert Sports Writer
LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson doesn’t mince words. The third-year coach didn’t hold back Wednesday night after Tennessee trampled his injuryriddled team, 75-53, for the Tigers’ third-consecutive blowout loss. “Nobody likes to admit this more than me, but Kentucky, Ole Miss and this team — they’re better than we are,” Johnson said in his postgame radio interview. “We need to deal with that and move forward.” LSU (10-10, 2-3) has lost by
an average of 29 points in its threegame skid, shooting a meager 31 percent from the floor in the three conference games. “We’ve got to get this behind us,” Johnson said. “We haven’t played very well three times out.” The Volunteers (13-7, 3-2) dominated from the opening tipoff in Thompson-Boling Arena, never trailing the Tigers in the contest. Freshman guard Matt Derenbecker, who scored a team-high 13 points, drained a 3-pointer to put LSU on the board early to begin the game, 3-3. But the Tigers went on to miss three treys and didn’t score another point until the 13:14 mark in the first half. Freshman forward Eddie Ludwig, Derenbecker’s former teammate at Country Day High School,
notched a career-best 12 points in his sixth career start. Johnson emphasized the need to take more risks during Monday’s media session. Ludwig seemed to be one of the only players to heed the warning. “That’s Eddie’s best game in terms of being aggressive, not turning down shots,” Johnson said. The Country Day connection of Derenbecker and Ludwig accounted for 47 percent of LSU’s total points. Tennessee went into the halftime locker room with a 16-point
Pearl’s wins more valuable than lies. Read more on Tiger Feed. LOSS, see page 9
WADE PAYNE / The Associated Press
LSU sophomore guard Aaron Dotson (45) grabs a loose ball as he is defended by Tennessee’s Josh Bone (24) on Wednesday. The Tigers fell to the Volunteers, 75-53.
The Daily Reveille
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Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
FOOTBALL
LSU docked scholarships, faces recruiting dilemma Top recruits on LSU’s radar Rowan Kavner Sports Writer
Let the number crunch commence. Each Division Football Bowl Subdivision college football team is allowed 25 scholarship athletes per recruiting class and 85 total scholarship athletes. Now, following recruiting violations, LSU will have only 23 scholarship athletes in the 2011 class and 83 total scholarship athletes. The Tigers can sign a maximum of 26 players but must have only 23 on scholarship by the start of fall camp. LSU revoked two scholarships and limited recruiting visits following violations between former defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and former assistant coach D.J. McCarthy. The violations included improper phone contact, transportation and housing. LSU documented the violations in a 53-page report presented to the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference in 2010.
Shea Dixon, managing editor the class when you go on scholfor TigerSportsDigest.com, said arship,” said Derek Ponamsky, the repercussions shouldn’t be publisher and recruiting analyst devastating for the Tigers. for BayouBengalsInsider. “They reDixon and Recruiting Woes: cruited for 23 the Ponamsky said whole time, so they expect Jerthey knew they • LSU’s number of scholarship mauria Rasco, would probably a defensive end athletes for the 2011 class down be in a situation from Evangel in like this,” he said. from 25 to 23 Shreveport, to LSU already •LSU’s total number of scholarship sign with LSU. has 21 players athletes down for the 2011 roster “If he comverbally commit- from 85 to 83 mits and he’s the ted in the 2011 •2011 class has 21 commitments 23rd, you’re lookclass, including •Signing day is Feb. 2 ing at going beRedemptorist runyond that if you ning back Jeremy Hill, who is bring anyone else in and then dealing with legal issues. having to grayshirt,” Dixon said. LSU lineman Cameron Ford- “The other big name is Tim Jerniham will likely count as an addi- gan, the defensive tackle out of tional scholarship athlete, Dixon Florida.” said. Rasco and Jernigan, a defenFordham signed with LSU sive tackle from Columbia High last season but was not offered a School in Lake City, Fla., are scholarship, so he walked on and both five-star recruits on Scout. paid for his fall semester after re- com and four-star recruits on Riportedly being offered a grayshirt. vals.com, though Jernigan is rated A grayshirt delays a player’s higher at his position. enrollment by a semester so his Dixon said it’s possible eligibility doesn’t count immedi- Hill or defensive tackle Quentin ately. Thomas, who sat out this season “The rule states that if you at Breaux Bridge High School, sign a letter of intent but you could be grayshirted. walk on you have to count against “Those are two guys who
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Barrett chases milestones tonight Lady Tigers to face Arkansas in PMAC Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer
History is at stake tonight for LSU junior forward LaSondra Barrett. Barrett, the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, is just seven points shy of 1,000 and eight rebounds away from 500 for her career, which spans 81 games. If she reaches those milestones tonight, when LSU (14-7, 4-3) faces Arkansas (15-4, 3-4) at 7 p.m. in the PMAC, she will be the first player in LSU history to achieve both benchmarks in the same game and the 17th LSU player with 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. “A lot of players reach 1,000 points, but not a lot reach 1,000 points and 500 rebounds,” said LSU coach Van Chancellor. “[LaSondra Barrett] has been a real special player for us here at LSU. We got her committed early [in 2008], and that became one of the cornerstones for our future. Barrett has been really good inside and in the high post.” Setting the records will not be nearly as sweet for Barrett and the Lady Tigers if LSU does not beat Arkansas, who sports three of the top 12 scorers in the SEC with junior guard C’eira Ricketts (No. 7 with 13.6 points per game), sophomore forward Sarah
SHAINA HUNTSBERRY/ The Daily Reveille
LSU junior forward Lasondra Barrett (55) takes a shot Jan. 23 during the Tigers’ 7258 win against the Florida Gators. Barrett is trying to achieve two milestones tonight.
Watkins (No. 8 with 13.3) and jnior guard Lyndsay Harris (No. 12 with 12.8). Barrett is right behind Harris at No. 13 with 12.7 points per game in her 20 games, which were all starts. Barrett, a 6-foot-2-inch native of Jackson, Miss., said the difference this year is that everyone plays to each other’s strengths, particularly the perimeter shooting of sophomore guard Adrienne Webb and freshman guard Jeanne Kenney. “No disrespect to last year, but we didn’t have that personnel. ... The only 3-point shooter we had was Allison Hightower,” Barrett said. “Having two now, if Webb is off one night, you can bring in Jeanne Kenney and vice versa. It’s fun to be out there and see Jeanne bust their zone [defense] and make them get out of zone.”
The Arkansas game is the third of LSU’s four-game homestand before traveling on the road for five of its final seven regularseason games. The Razorbacks have dropped two straight SEC games to Vanderbilt and Ole Miss after winning their first 12 games. They have also dropped out of the top 25. LSU has beaten Arkansas 16 straight times since 2003, but Kenney said it will still take work to fell the Razorbacks. “Arkansas has been a top 25 team, and that always catches your attention,” Kenney said. “They have drivers, they have shooters and they play very hard man and zone.”
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
probably aren’t going to be immediate impact guys, so grayshirts make sense,” he said. “I couldn’t see them jumping ship for anywhere else, because their situation wouldn’t really change.” Jumping ship is exactly what lineman Elliott Porter did last season after LSU coach Les Miles signed more players than he could offer scholarships to. Porter, who had verbally committed to LSU, declined a grayshirt offer and signed with Kentucky. After a year at Kentucky as a redshirt freshman, Porter decided to return to LSU as a walk on. Ponamsky said he doesn’t expect Miles to mess with grayshirting again this year. He also said he doesn’t expect Hill to sign, which would leave room for at least two more scholarship recruits. He said the staff “feels good about” signing Rasco, which could leave one or
two more spots. “If it’s one more spot, you’re looking at Timmy Jernigan and Mickey Johnson competing for that,” Ponamsky said. “If there’s two spots, maybe LSU takes both guys to try to replace some of the depth that they’ve lost at defensive tackle.” Johnson, a defensive tackle from Covington, is a four-star recruit. Ponamsky said five-star defensive end Ray Drew from Thomasville, Ga., who has LSU on a list of five potential schools, could also sign with the Tigers. The LSU staff has almost a week to lure recruits before National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
LOSS, from page 7
WADE PAYNE / The Associated Press
LSU freshman guard Matt Derenbecker (21) drives into Tennessee defender Josh Bone (24) on Wednesday during the Tigers’ 75-53 loss to the Volunteers in Knoxville, Tenn.
plays just as well as they do.” Look no further than Super opportunity to be on a team that I Bowl XLV for the proof. Packers running back Ryan could show my true worth.” If Scott’s first few months in the Grant went down in week one with league proved anything, it was not to a season-ending ankle injury. The blow thrust unget comfortable. knowns John Kuhn On Aug. 30, and James Starks after three preinto action. They’ll season games with be doing most of the Eagles, he was the work for Green traded to the AriBay’s running zona Cardinals in game in two weeks exchange for corat Cowboys Stanerback Jorrick dium. Calvin. Charles Scott “Anybody “Even though former LSU running back can become a key I got in and worked hard, I think the Eagles felt it wasn’t player on a team,” Scott said. “It’s a good fit,” Scott said. “They made all about who really wants to play. the decision that they needed a cor- You see guys that they pay a lot of nerback and that they could swap me money to that don’t do as much as guys that they don’t.” for one.” Scott’s absence on Sundays surJust three days later on Sept. 3, the Cardinals waived Scott, only to prised many students that saw him place him on the practice squad the tear through opposing defenses in the purple and gold. following day. Finally, the New York Giants signed Scott to their practice squad on Sept. 6. “It was like a roller coaster,” Scott said. “I go from the Northeast to Arizona, which was a world of difference, and then I go back up. Everything happens for a reason, and I think I’ve landed in a great spot in New York. I’m very comfortable, and they’re comfortable with me.” Scott spent the season on the practice squad in New York. While the assignment isn’t as glamorous as the guys who dress out every Sunday, the work is all the same. “It’s no different from the active guys,” Scott said. “Any practice, any game, some guy could go down. If a running back got hurt, I was the next guy in, so I had to know all of the
SCOTT, from page 7
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‘Anybody can become a key player on a team. It’s all about who really wants to play.’
lead after ending the first half with a 13-5 run. “We didn’t finish the half right,” Johnson said. “That hurts you in a game like this. We gave them a cushion because of our mental breakdowns.” Tennessee junior guard Scotty Hopson already had 17 points after the first 20 minutes and finished with a game-leading 22. “I just wanted to get the team going on all cylinders and keep the team going,” Hopson said in a postgame interview. “We wanted this one tonight.” The third-straight loss comes after the Tigers started SEC play with two victories. “This ship’s not going downhill,” Johnson said. “The only people that thought we were going to be good were ourselves.” The slump paralleled a period of injury problems as the LSU training staff continues to be popular “It’s not easy to make a roster. It’s the best of the best out there,” said Matt Glover, computer science junior. “Give him some more time. We saw the third-string quarterback for the Bears look like a star the other day. It all depends on how bad he wants it.” The Giants failed to qualify for the playoffs, so the window opened for Scott to return to LSU to finish his degree in general studies with minors in business administration, sociology and communication studies. It’s Scott’s first time back on campus since leaving last spring. After receiving his diploma in May, Scott expects to return to New York in early August for training camp, barring any complications with the NFL collective bargaining agreement that could halt play in 2011. Contact Hunt Palmer at hpalmer@lsureveille.com
page 9 with the players. Freshman guard Ralston Turner dressed out but didn’t play against Tennessee, still recovering from a stress reaction in his foot. But the Muscle Shoals, Ala., native is no longer wearing a boot on his foot, and he could see his first game action since Jan. 2 on Saturday when LSU plays Alabama. The offense also didn’t get production from another team leader. Junior forward Storm Warren sat the bench with an Achilles tendon injury. Warren played through the ailment the past four games, but he took a step back this week in practice.
“Quite frankly, we’re just undermanned against a team like this,” Johnson said. Junior forward Malcolm White did take the floor despite troubling knee problems, contributing nine points in 26 minutes. “I just got to feel good about us getting our full bodies back,” Johnson said. LSU’s road trip continues Saturday as the Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face the Crimson Tide at 7 p.m. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
page 10
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Entertainment
Up in the air
page 11
STUDENT ORGS
Students honor MLK with arts night
Aerial silkists achieve acrobatic feats in dance theater performance ‘In Between’
Kittu Pannu Entertainment Writer
In aerial silk performances, art- human nature. ists grace the floor and nimbly climb “In Between,” a multifaceted the timid heights of the silk, appear- physical performance, explores huing as though gravmanity through the ity were merely a abstract representaJeanne Lyons suggestion, not retion of daily life. Entertainment Writer ality. Told through dance This version of dance and the- and aerial movements, the perforater met mid-air Tuesday as the LSU mance embraced the “in between” of Lab Theatre Season premiered “In reality and fantasy, as well as chaos Between” in the Music and Dramatic and tranquility. Arts Building. The movements exThe University is one of the pressed through aerial silk exhibit various emotions and realities of SILKS, see page 14
See more photos from “In Between” at lsureveille.com
photos by EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Silkists perform in “In Between,” the first silk climbing performance put on by the Theatre Department, on Tuesday in the Music and Dramatic Arts Building.
The Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration will conclude its two-week festivities with the MLK Performing Arts Night tonight at 6 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall. The night is dedicated to promoting art forms like dance, music and poetry, as well as creating a conducive environment for diversity and learning. The performing arts night will showcase many University students and Baton Rogue residents’ talents, said Paige Chenier, human resource education senior and student coordinator for the MLK Commemorative Celebration Committee. “MLK was all about diversity and bringing people together, so the MLK Performing Arts Night is a great way to bring the different talents that people have all together,” Chenier said. “Some people dance, some people sing, some do like spoken word poetry, so that’s just like a different way to show the talents people have.” The last event in a four-part series commemorating the legacy of King, the MLK Performing Arts Night is “different and the most relaxed event,” Chenier said. “It’s last because it has the biggest student participation, so we like to go out with a big ‘bang’ every year,” Chenier said. Students who attend will be MLK, see page 15
MATTICUS FINCH
Oscars honor ‘King’s Speech’ with most nominations The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday its 83rd list of Oscar nominations, and with it came the usual influx of both yawns and gasps. “The King’s Speech” fared the best with 12 nominations, but alongside it came a plethora of snubs. Here’s a look at the nominees and some predictions for who will nab those little gold men Feb. 27. BEST PICTURE This category offered no shocks this year, which is surprising now that the Academy has revved it up to include an inflated 10 nominations. The only shutout was Ben Affleck’s “The Town,” but how many people really care? Will win: It’ll be hard to top “The Social Network,” which has
grabbed almost every precursor Best Picture award to date, including the Golden Globe. Unless another entry — particularly “The King’s Speech” or “The Fighter” — takes the top prize at SunMatthew day’s Screen Jacobs Actors Guild copy desk chief Awards, nothing can beat “Network.” Should win: I say “bah, humbug” to “Network’s” ubiquitous dominance and an impassioned “yes, please” to several other contenders, namely indie dramedy “The Kids Are All Right” and psychological thriller “Black Swan.” The list of
nominees is altogether pretty stellar, and I can only hope “Speech” might prevail after all. It deserves to. BEST ACTOR Bye-bye, Ryan Gosling. The predicted “Blue Valentine” nominee was shut out in favor of Javier Bardem (“Biutiful”), much to endorser Julia Roberts’ likely satisfaction. It’s nice to see Jeff Bridges ended up being included, though, for his rambunctious performance in “True Grit.” Will win: Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”). It’s no contest whatsoever, so I won’t bore you with monotony. Should win: Firth clearly had the standout male performance OSCARS, see page 14
MATT SAYLES / The Associated Press
Actress Mo’Nique and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announce Oscar nominations Tuesday. The ceremony will be Feb. 27.
The Daily Reveille
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Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
NIGHTLIFE
Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s showcases local artists University students display talents Devon Walsh Entertainment Writer
University comedians, artists and writers have the chance to showcase their talent at “Totally Original Tuesdays,” a talent showcase hosted by local bar Boudreaux and Thibodeaux’s. Totally Original Tuesday is hosted twice a month at the downtown bar. There is no cover charge to the event, and all ages are encouraged to come out and support local aspiring artists. The event usually begins at 7 p.m. with an art lounge featuring some of Baton Rouge’s young adult artists. The art work is displayed upstairs at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s for all to admire
throughout the night. underground art that usually goes Salami Vice Productions unappreciated and gives local artpresents Laugh Attic at 8:30 p.m., ists a chance to showcase theman open-mic night for local aspir- selves in a fun supportive atmoing comedians where each come- sphere,” said Bryan Wooldridge, dian gets 5 minSalami Vice Proutes to amuse the ductions mancrowd. ager and business C h e l s e a management juMoreaur and nior. Daniel Raborn, Jeffrey Buck, both mass coma local comedian munication juwith big dreams, niors and paris now the host Bryan Wooldridge ticipating Laugh of the show. He Attic comedians, said he has his business management junior said they continue own comedy proto come back for duction company Totally Original Tuesdays be- called Funniest Buck, and he is cause it has the “most receptive pushing to one day be a profesaudience,” and its most enjoyable sional comedian. for the comic in comparison to “I love comedy because it other local places they have per- has instant gratitude,” Buck said. formed at. “With all other jobs, you put in “Totally Original Tuesdays work, and results come later, but is great because it ties in all the with comedy, as soon as I say
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‘Totally Original Tuesdays is great because it ties in all the underground art.’
ZACH BREAUX / The Daily Reveille
Jeffrey Buck, a comedian, performs at Totally Original Tuesdays. It’s hosted twice a month at Boudreaux and Thibodeaux’s bar.
something funny I get laughs.” The River Writers take the stage at 10 p.m. River Writers is a gathering of young adult writers, both aspiring and professional, who read excerpts from their latest works. Vincent Cellucci, College of Art and Design academic coordinator, is the founder of River Writers. According to Cellucci, it all began on the Mississippi River bank where he and his friends used to read their works of art to each other after a night out on the town. The River Writers have been participating in “Totally Original Tuesday” for three years, according to Cellucci. They can also be seen collaborating with Highland Reading at North Gate from time to time. Totally Original Tuesday has been going on for three years, and organizers only plan to
expand They encourage all aspiring writers, comedians and artists to come out and participate. Contact Devon Walsh at dwalsh@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
page 13
TELEVISION
MTV’s racy new series ‘Skins’ stirs controversy with grit Show may break child porn laws Grace Montgomery Deputy News, Entertainment Editor
Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are not only garnering a flurry of controversy for MTV’s new series “Skins,” but they may also be a potential violation of federal law. The Americanized adaptation of the British series of the same name is attracting criticism for its racy portrayal of the lives of its teenaged characters. Viewers and organizations like the Parents Television Council have blasted MTV for aiming a show depicting minors having sex, using drugs and drinking at underage audiences. But some believe the controversy surrounding “Skins” is undeserved and the show portrays reallife teenage activity. “‘Skins’ is a show that was first broadcast in the U.K. and was far more graphic than the U.S. version and met with much less criticism,” said Steve Giannino, mass communication doctoral student. “America has a long-standing history of debating sexuality in ways that make it seem dirty, wrong
and amoral.” characters as teachers and take part Caroline Plumlee, English lit- in similar behavior if no negative erature sophomore, said the grit- consequences are presented or partiness of the British version of ents or mentors do not discuss the “Skins” was what first sparked her behaviors with them. interest in the show. Plumlee said she thought “It was so unapologetic, the show was geared toward an graphic and real,” older audience Plumlee said. “To that would not be pretend that teensusceptible to the agers don’t act like show’s influence. that, America is reGiannino said ally taking a show people who sugand making it editgest shows like ed and censored.” “Skins” encourage Yet it is delinquency and Caroline Plumlee younger viewcause stable teens English literature sophomore ers’ attachment to to become sex and these characters drug fiends is “irthat may be the cause of concern responsible.” for some parents and viewers, ac“This country must stop hiding cording to Meghan Sanders, assis- sexuality in the closets and basetant mass communication profes- ments and allow not only young sor and director of the University people, but all people to express Media Effects Lab. it in open and responsible ways,” “People will ‘friend’ and ‘fol- Giannino said. low’ the exploits of media characPlumlee said by toning down ters in social media and can some- and “Americanizing” the show, times experience real emotional “Skins” will become just another distress when a favorite character high school series. dies or a show ends,” Sanders said. “Part of what attracted me to “The fact that these behaviors oc- ‘Skins’ was the exposure to a difcur thus increases the possibility of ferent culture but the same age learning from these ‘individuals.’” group,” Plumlee said. “Everyone Sanders said viewers at im- is fascinated by different cultures, pressionable ages might look to so setting it here makes it not
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‘It was so unapologetic, graphic and real.’
MUSIC
Bands create visual, audio experience at The Spanish Moon Array of genres to appear Saturday Cathryn Core Entertainment Writer
Students craving a night of mind-bending musical mayhem can finally fuel their desires Saturday night. The Spanish Moon is housing three bands — Mobley, The Widowers and The Have-Nauts — bound to please the masses with performances from an array of genres ranging from indie and alternative to grunge and punk. Mobley, the headlining indiepop band born in North Carolina, boasts an electrifying multi-sensory experience that includes both audio and visual components. Anthony Watkins II, lead singer, guitarist, keyboardist and percussion player for Mobley, said each song is accompanied by a video and light show. “The show is a multimedia extravaganza,” he said. “I studied film in college, so I’m really interested in the visual component as well as the auditory.” Local bands The Widowers and The Have-Nauts are thrilled to be performing with Mobley. Matthew Sigur, University alumnus and lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist for Baton
Rouge-based band The Widowers, said playing with Mobley is an honor. “They are it,” he said. “They’re one of the best bands I’ve seen live in a while. Just to be playing on the same stage as them — thank God I’m not following them. I feel bad for any band that has to follow them.” The show is going to be a blast, Sigur said. “Mobley has a lot of tricks up their sleeve. We’ve got a few tricks, and I’m sure The Have-Nauts do, too,” he said. “It’s a couple of energetic bands, good music and I think it’ll be a really great night.” Sigur said The Widowers’ sound “has its roots firmly planted in alternative rock.” “I’m a disciple of Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth and The Replacements, so I try to put stuff like that into my music,” he said. “As far as lyrics go, I’m a big fan of people who don’t just write music for the hooks but put some meaning behind their words.” Jason Ourso, lead singer and guitar player for local band The Have-Nauts said the band has a unique combination of sounds. “I guess I’d describe our genre as psychedelic Motown punk music with some Doo-wop mixed in,” he said. “It’s very ’50s and ’60s kind of California music, but it’s angry and modern at the same time.”
Ourso said The Have-Nauts’ music complements The Widowers’, which makes for a great performance. “[The Widowers’] music is very ’90s-sounding,” he said. “It’s very Pixies, and while it’s a little more distorted than what we play, it still has that same feeling. Our punk roots make it mix together, but we’re more on the retro end with a lot of reverb and heavy bass, and they’re more modern.” Ourso said the show is cutting edge and brings a different style of music to Baton Rouge. “This is the new sound,” he said. “What’s been done for so long before — and this is including the bands that I’ve played in — is really dark music, a lot of really down tempo, serious brooding, poetry kind of stuff, and this new sound that’s emerging is positive and upbeat.” Ourso said if anything, students should attend the show for the experience. “When you put together bands where everybody is having a great time and everybody’s enjoying the music, it emanates from the bands,” he said. “And, I think if the people come out and check out the new sound, it’s going to bring joy to them.” Contact Cathryn Core at ccore@lsureveille.com
interesting anymore.” Speculation has also arisen that the show may violate federal child-pornography statutes. The PTC requested the show undergo an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 20, according to a PTC news release. Federal law defines child pornography as “the visual depiction of a person under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit conduct,” according to the Department of Justice’s Website. The show’s reception amid controversy is unclear. More than 3 million viewers watched the premiere episode Jan. 17. Of the 3.3 million viewers, 1.2 million were under the age of 18, according to Nielsen Co. ratings. The show’s second episode gathered 1.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen Co. ratings. Giannino said negative media attention sometimes helps a show gain popularity.
“When you look at a show like the ‘Jersey Shore,’ which met major criticism for its portrayal of young Italian Americans, and how it has now become the most popular reality television show [...] you can see how negative media attention can help a show,” Giannino said. Sanders said other factors, like the storyline from episode to episode, may also affect viewer numbers. However, ratings, not controversy, will ultimately decide the fate of a show, Giannino said. “These debates are not going to do much in terms of the show remaining on the air,” Giannino said. “If people watch, it will be on.”
Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 14 SILKS, from page 11
only schools in the region that offers aerial silk classes. Ashley Gieg, choreographer and University alumna, said the closest school that practices the art form is Florida State University. Gieg said Nicholas Erickson, associate theater 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.” Preparing for the performance that mirrored the physical intensity of acts seen in “Cirque du Soleil” differed from traditional theatrical rehearsals, director Ryann Pinkerton said. “In Between” rehearsals are more difficult than classic theater because of the necessary physical training and conditioning, Pinkerton said. Michael Scott, performance theater senior, is an aerialist for the performance. Scott’s background in powerlifting enabled him to lift the
OSCARS, from page 11
this year. This award will certainly be put in the right person’s hands. BEST ACTRESS “Blue Valentine’s” Michelle Williams managed to sneak in despite Gosling’s snub, but only at the dismissal of Lesley Manville (“Another Year”), Halle Berry (“Frankie and Alice”), Hilary Swank (“Conviction”) and Julianne Moore (“The Kids Are All Right”). Will win: As every awards pundit knows, it’s an arms race between “Black Swan” star Natalie Portman and “The Kids Are All Right” mom Annette Benning. Both women won Golden Globes (Portman for drama, Benning for comedy), but Portman has a slight edge after winning the Broadcast Film Critics Award, as well as many others. Perhaps the Academy might award the more experienced Benning for the first time, but in the end, expect drama to prevail as usual. Or maybe “Rabbit Hole’s” Nicole Kidman, in a last-minute twist, could add a new mantelpiece decoration thanks to Academy members not wanting to decide between Portman and Benning. Probably not, but don’t give up hope yet, Nicole. Should win: It’s a strong
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Silkists perform on silks Tuesday during the Theatre Department’s “In Between.”
girls while mid-air on the silks and perform floor gymnastics. “Every member of the cast contributed to ‘In Between’ with their different backgrounds in movement skills, ranging from ballet, dance,
martial arts and powerlifting,” Scott said. Madison Holcomb, theater performance sophomore, said a large aspect of preparing for aerial silk performances is physical
list, but Portman’s soft yet fervent performance is a true winner, literally and figuratively.
(both from “The Fighter”) and Helena Bonham Carter (“Speech”). But expect Leo to prevail after having inched ahead via the precursor awards, including the Golden Globes. Should win: Leo is fierce and highly deserving, but Carter’s delicate maneuvers as she watches her kingly husband suffer give Leo a good run for her money.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR None of the “Social Network” boys prevailed here — not even the favored Andrew Garfield, allowing two surprises to sneak in: John Hawkes, for his gritty performance as a meth head in “Winter’s Bone,” and Mark Ruffalo, for playing an upbeat sperm donor in “The Kids Are All Right.” Will win: It’s between Christian Bale, who gave a performance unlike any of his others as a crack addict in the boxing drama “The Fighter,” and Geoffrey Rush, who shined as King George VI’s speech therapist. Should win: The Academy has it right here — it truly was Bale’s and Rush’s year. But Bale’s tenacious turn will give him the leverage he needs to prevail next month. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS The only glaring snub here came in not awarding Mila Kunis for her smart turn as Portman’s ballet rival. Instead, little-known Jacki Weaver landed in the finals for the little-seen “Animal Kingdom.” Will win: It’s a three-way race between Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
BEST DIRECTOR The Coen brothers (“True Grit”) triumphed after all, shutting out both Christopher Nolan (“Inception”) and Danny Boyle (“127 Hours”). Will win: In actuality, thanks to David Fincher’s unbeatable supremacy in what seems to be every award possible, it doesn’t especially matter who was or wasn’t nominated. “The Social Network’s” driving force is a guaranteed win. Should win: Fincher’s portrait was clever and strikingly modern, but Darren Aronofsky’s psychological complexities could have been enough to thrust him to the top of the race in a less Facebook-centric year. Contact Matthew Jacobs at mjacobs@lsureveille.com
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 conditioning for climbing and performing on the hanging silks. “I had 16 years of dance experience but no upper body strength, so the process was initially overwhelming, but everyone was encouraging,” Holcomb said. “Climbing helped build body strength, as well.” Holcomb said learning skills on the silks was repetitive, but each strength leads to another equally fun but challenging skill that pushed the performers. “In Between” has no script or dialogue, so the movements and physicality of the actors were imperative for the story, Gieg said. The rehearsing began at the end of November with extensive practices lasting two hours a day, five days a week, Gieg said. “I listened to the music to see how movements would go,” Gieg said. “Then we choose moves that look best on the different body type.” The movements chosen for female cast members were based on flexibility in motion, according to Gieg. The male movements centered on the power and overall strength of their bodies, describing their
movements in an almost animalistic way. “The greatest part of ‘In Between’ is it’s a show for everyone. Ages ranging from 4 to 84 would have good time watching. It’s a spectacle you don’t see anywhere close to Baton Rouge,” Gieg said. “Exciting and fun, it’s a show where everyone can walk away with something different.” “In Between’s” stream of consciousness can be interpreted in different ways by different people, meaning everyone can take something new from the performance, Pinkerton said. “It is an interpretive story that portrays the limbo between real life and fantasy and everything people experience on a daily basis,” Pinkerton said. “In Between” runs in the Music and Dramatic Arts Building’s movement studio Jan. 25 to 28 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Jan. 30 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, visit theatre.lsu.edu. Contact Jeanne Lyons at jlyons@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2010
Reveille Ranks
Iron and Wine, “Kiss Each Other Clean”
MLK, from page 11
Sub Pop Records
Iron and Wine’s “Kiss Each Other Clean” is more than an album. It is an experience in which listeners can join frontman Sam Beam on his melodic journey through a spectrum of sounds as he experiments with melding multiple genres to create tunes reminiscent of golden oldies like Bob Dylan and Elton John. Beam also incorporates a Yeasayer-esque power and sleepiness that adds a perfect punch to the album that’ll either push listeners over the edge of confusion or suck them into the trippy world he creates with sound.
[B]
CATHRYN CORE
No Strings Attached
Paramount Pictures
Movies that apply realistic relationship rules usually epically fail or immediately become immortalized (“He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Mean Girls,” respectively). However, “No Strings Attached” broke this pattern, confirming that chick flicks can be enjoyable and still remain true to life. Natalie Portman shines through, playing a woman afraid to commit to any type of relationship, while Ashton Kutcher fulfills his “nice guy” typecast with ease. Though it may not be the best, “No Strings Attached” combines more graphic intimacy than most “chick flicks” and one-liners to be a satisfying movie.
[B-]
KITTU PANNU
Downton Abbey
PBS
The breathtaking new PBS Masterpiece series “Downton Abbey” takes audiences to 1912 Edwardian England. The Crawley’s country estate caters to the lifestyles of 20th century aristocrats as well the social unrest of the working class servants. The stunning cast includes Maggie Smith as the matriarch of the Crawley dynasty and young English actresses who capture the leisurely yet isolating culture of upper-class women. The historical context of post-war England mixed with the struggle between antiquated values and changing social norms makes “Downton Abbey” a must see.
[A+] JEANNE LYONS
The Decemberists, “The King is Dead”
Capitol Records
The sixth album from folk-rock band The Decemberists, “The King is Dead,” is a unique blend of folk, blues and modern indie influences. The album opens with “Don’t Carry it All,” a Bob Dylan-esque track rich with harmonicas and soulful story-telling lyrics. Many of the songs on the album have a hopeful tone, but several tracks are slower, and lead singer Colin Meloy’s voice paints mesmerizing pictures throughout. The album also benefits from collaborations with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, which adds a unique touch to their already solid sound.
[A]
ANDREW PRICE
Kourtney and Kim Take New York
E!
E!’s new series starring Kourtney and Kim Kardashian, “Kourtney and Kim Take New York,” is yet another ridiculous reality spinoff of “Keeping up with the Kardashians.” The girls, now in Manhattan, are opening another location of their family-owned clothing boutique “Dash.” This spinoff comes with the same Kardashian sister petty drama, but it is slightly more entertaining than “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami” now that conceited drama-queen Kim replaced more humble sister Khloe. Although the show’s premiere did pull in 3 million viewers, it is hard to imagine this show will last for more than one season.
[D+]
DEVON WALSH
Cold War Kids, “Mine is Yours”
DGC records
“Mine is Yours,” the third full-length release from Cold War Kids, sounds more like a band aspiring to be the next Kings of Leon than the group that delivered the irresistible groove of “Hang Me Up To Dry.” The songs reach for a fuller, more mainstream sound, a change in direction from the soulful, indie style that initially popularized the band. Tracks like “Sensitive Kid” and “Cold Toes on the Cold Floor” echo the band’s more successful work, but the rest of the album leaves much to be desired.
[C]
RYAN BUXTON
EDITOR’S PICK: Amos Lee, “Mission Bell” EMI’s Blue Note Records
Fans of Amos Lee’s folky, mellow sound will enjoy his fourth album, “Mission Bell.” Lee is at his best with soulful and impassioned vocals and music throughout the album’s 13 tracks. The song “Windows Are Rolled Down” stands out on the album and would make a good addition to any road trip playlist. Lee is worthy of the company of country greats Luncinda Williams and Willie Nelson, who make appearances on the album.
[A-]
GRACE MONTGOMERY
surprised to see some of the performers, Chenier said. “Some people may have classes with the participants,” Chenier said. “They’ll be like, ‘Wow, that person is in my class, and they’re an awesome dancer.’ It’s just a great show, and the participants love to do their stuff.” Participant Dana Dolliole, communication studies senior, said she loves performing for the show. “This is my fourth year doing it, and it is an amazing experience,” Dolliole said. “With the MLK Dance Ensemble, we practice and love to perform for the commemorative celebration.” The show also features performances by the University Gospel Choir, Chenier said.
“The LSU Gospel Choir is going to sing at the event, and they are great,” Chenier said. “The MLK Dance Ensemble is doing a Beyonce song that they’re really excited about. They’ll have their attitudes, and they’re going to ‘whip their hair’ everywhere.” Other performances include rapping, duets and a group of other diverse acts, Chenier said. “The performers range from freshmen to seniors, and it’s a great feeling to how everyone is getting involved,” Chenier said. “There’s just a lot of great acts going on.” Student response has been exceptional in the past, Chenier said. “This is usually the event most students are excited about,” Chenier said. Dallas Amond, mechanical
page 15
engineering junior, said the learning and entertainment values will attract many students, including himself. “It sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun,” Amond said. “Learning something I wasn’t aware of, it’s an educational experience that students should look into.” The event is just about celebrating life and having fun, Chenier said. “The event is more fun, laid back and just about showing your support for your fellow students,” Chenier said. “It’s a free show, so everyone should come.”
Contact Kittu Pannu at kpannu@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 16
THE C-SECTION
Opinion
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
Gun-control laws only affect the law-abiding
The morning of Jan. 8 in Tucson, Ariz., started violently. Around 10:10 a.m. Jared Loughner, a deranged 22-year-old, carried a pistol into a crowd of people listening to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords speak in front of a supermarket. Loughner opened fire in an attempt to assassinate Giffords and successfully emptied one magazine (the compartment in which a gun houses ammunition), killing six and injuring 13. The number of casualties seems high considering Loughner only fired one magazine. As it turned out, Loughner did not use the standard 15-round magazine with which his GLOCK 19 was sold. Loughner used a high-capacity magazine that held more than 30 rounds — that explains why he was able to shoot so many rounds without having to reload. Following the incident, lawmakers focused more attention on the issue of gun control. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, DN.Y., proposed a bill to set the maximum size of a gun’s magazine to 10 rounds. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., proposed it should be illegal to carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a high-ranking government official. Proposals like these seem appropriate following such a tragic loss of life. In reality, both laws
SHOW ALL COMMENTS As usual, the Opinion section of our website, lsureveille.com, has been absolutely buzzing with reader comments. Check it out today, and let your voice be heard.
Regarding Devin Graham’s column, “Training church parishioners to use guns is in the wrong Spirit,” readers had this to say: “I just want to point out a flaw in your argument. You are saying more guns means more violence. You are saying with more weapons out there, there will be more lethal fights. You are comparing the situation to how practically every country has nuclear arms... but that doesn’t make sense. Remember, the only nuclear arms ever used in war were used when ONLY ONE COUNTRY HAD THEM.
would cease to reduce gun crimes. McCarthy’s bill clearly shows her disregard of reality. Did prohibition stop people from getting drunk? Does the illegality of marijuana keep people from getting high? Are most gun crimes committed with registered, legal guns? Nope. So would making high-capacity magazines illegal keep people from using them? If someone is determined to shoot a crowd of people, he will carry out his mission even if that involves doing something illegal. (God forbid someone who plans to CHRIS GRILLOT commit murder Columnist would consider acquiring an illegal magazine.) The National Rifle Association commented on McCarthy’s bill, saying the only effect of banning high-capacity magazines would be keeping them out of law-abiding hands — which is true. I don’t think it would be ignorant to say most people who own high-capacity magazines don’t own them for mass murder. Let’s move to King, whose proposition is even more unrealistic than McCarthy’s.
Now everyone has them and we are WAY more hesitant to use them. Other countries having nuclear weapons made them more safe from our nuclear attacks, bottom line. Remember that one of these ‘sides’ in the current situation is a priest, who will have more respect for a deadly weapon than your average Joe and who will naturally want to avoid violence. It isn’t like he will be picking a fight. And as far as everyone else carrying weapons into churches goes, how many people have you seen fighting, or even arguing in church, for that matter? People don’t have a reason to be worried.” - Anonymous “‘It’s the same reason why the world carefully monitors who has nuclear weapons.’ And please
It would be stupid to expect people to know where high-ranking officials are at all times. Here’s why this wouldn’t work: To inform people of officials’ whereabouts, you’d have to assume all people have the means of acquiring information on a moment’s notice through cell phones or television. Many people don’t have the means to be informed. And would those who have the means receive messages on their iPhones saying, “Gov. Bobby Jindal may or may not be in Perkins Rowe between the hours of 1 to 4 p.m.?” Aside from the fact it would be impossible to get information to everyone, how can a law restricting carrying a firearm keep people from carrying? If another Loughner comes along, do you really think he won’t shoot up a politician because he’s not supposed to carry his gun within 1,000 feet of him or her? Murderers aren’t supposed to murder, but if murder is the goal, an asinine law won’t prevent it. What the proposed gun control laws boil down to is a bunch of pointless, unrealistic talk. A few laws won’t save lives. There probably aren’t many existing laws that affect the rate
inform me of how often these nuclear weapons get used? How often do you REALLY think that a fight will escalate to lethal terms when both people know that everyone within earshot has a high potential to be carrying a firearm and how quickly they could be staring at multiple barrels pointing at them if the offender pulls the trigger. ‘An armed society is a polite society.’” - Anonymous Regarding Andrew Robertson’s column, “Coming out of the atheist closet isn’t easy in the Bible Belt,” readers had this to say: “I’m openly Atheist and reside in the ‘Bible Belt’ — I live in the State of Oklahoma. Being ‘out’ is not an issue. I reject any openly shown prejudice toward me. And,
of crime with guns involved. Most states administer background checks before people can legally buy a gun. Though this law should keep guns away from criminals, it doesn’t. According to the website Gun Facts, “more than 70 percent of armed career criminals get their guns from ‘off-the-street sales’ … 71 percent of these firearms are stolen.” Criminals clearly can get things people are restricted from buying. To prevent another Tucsonlike attack, all we can do is beef up security. Had Giffords been in a building with metal detectors, Jan. 8 may have had a different outcome. Restrictions only take rights from law-abiding citizens. Against criminals, laws have no affect.
sophomore from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_CGrillot.
Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old English and mass communication
Contact Chris Grillot at cgrillot@lsureveille.com
in fact, I invite it. My vanity plate, issued by the state, says ‘ATHEIST’. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the statement, ‘You got balls to be puttin’ that on yer car!’ Really? Why? Should I be afraid of ‘Christian love’? The fact is that while some Atheists might find it difficult to be open about their lack of deity belief... IMHO, those that choose to remain silent and in the ‘closet’ give religious bigotry a free ride. Come out of the shadows! Stand proudly!” - RJ Evans
Any arguments for gods could also be used to believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.” Anonymous
“I have never heard of an atheist who would not reconsider if strong evidence for a god were discovered. They are all agnostic atheists in the same way that what is accepted in science is always conditional and subject to change with more information.
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.
“Having ‘seen the light’ back in college years ago, I longed for a book that could help put it all together. It wasn’t really written until just recently. ‘Jesus, Interrupted’ by Bart D. Ehrman is that book and I welcome every atheist, proselyte or doubting Thomas to enjoy it. It’s a view of Christianity from a historical, rather than devotional, perspective.” - Anonymous
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
Quote of the Day “A man with a briefcase can steal millions more than any man with a gun.”
Don Henley American musician July 22, 1947 — present
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE
Opinion
page 17
Our national gun-control laws are full of bullet holes Many Americans place great value on the Constitution and the intentions of the Founding Fathers. While I respect them and the innovative system of government they were able to create, there is no reason to believe they could have foreseen every social, economic and technological development of the past 235 years. One of their most contentious choices was the wording of the Second Amendment. Most gun rights proponents take these words to mean the government cannot prohibit its citizens from Andrew owning firearms, Shockey but they miss the Columnist context entirely. These words were written to ensure a well-armed militia in times of crisis and, depending on your interpretation, to protect a citizen’s right to overthrow an unjust government. But changes in our military have rendered both of these points moot in modern America. The militia has morphed into the National Guard and the Army Reserve, but these organizations do not allow members to furnish their own firearms. It is also absurd to believe a group of citizens armed with semi-automatic handguns and rifles could successfully overthrow our trillion-dollar military. While I believe the Second Amendment is no longer relevant to the discussion, hunters and
other lawful users of guns need not despair. Even without the protection of the Second Amendment, a national firearms ban is as impossible and ill-advised as alcohol prohibition. The debate is not whether to sell guns. The debate is how to sell them responsibly. Jared Loughner’s actions in Tucson, Ariz., and Seung-Hui Cho’s actions at Virginia Tech make the case for a reasonable increase in our nation’s gun-control laws, especially because they apply to the mentally handicapped. Good-intentioned lawmakers and ardent gun supporters have completely misinterpreted the lessons of these tragedies. The proposition from U.S. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., proposition to create an invisible no -gun bubble around lawmakers not only creates more legal problems than it solves, but also makes any attempt at gun control seem ridiculous by association. Gun proponents argue guncontrol laws are ineffective because criminals like Loughner can just buy illegal, unregistered guns. But Loughner did not buy his GLOCK in a black market or back alley. He bought it from a Sportsman’s Warehouse. Gun proponents are quick to point out the retailer did nothing wrong according to the law, which is absolutely true. But if our laws allow men like Loughner to obtain firearms, then our laws need to be changed. Sportsman’s Warehouse required Loughner to fill out an
ATF form 4473 for use in a background check, which included the questions “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana,” and “Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective?” Should we trust men like Loughner to answer these questions honestly? Loughner, a known marijuana user, committed a felony by asserting he had never used marijuana, but his answer to the second question was technically accurate. Despite being suspended from community college for posting a clearly deranged YouTube video accusing the school of genocide and torture, and being the subject of 51 pages of police reports including one warning, “there might be a mental health concern involved,” no legal action was taken to determine Loughner’s mental health. Our screening system is clearly broken if it allowed a
man with this kind of past to walk into two stores and walk out with a gun and extended magazine. It is possible Loughner could have obtained these items illegally. But if he didn’t have a gun on Jan. 8, or if it could not hold 31 bullets, the death toll may not have been as terrible. Dangerous people will always find a way to get guns. Shouldn’t we be willing to accept minor inconveniences to
possibly save innocent people from the bullets of a deranged gunman?
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
POP GOES THE CULTURE
Tyler and Lopez are an awkward fit for ‘American Idol’ Have you heard? “American Idol” hired two new judges. Just some low-profile pundits by the names of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez — no one special. If you went underground for the past year, during which the musical-talent-show-turned-popularity-contest’s judge drama occurred, don’t worry. The race to replace Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi ended in September, but the Jan. 19 premiere spent more than 10 minutes unveiling the “superstar judging panel.” OK, so Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez aren’t exactly nobodies. They are, however, an odd choice of judges for the aging yet youthtargeting show. After nine seasons, “Idol” needed a facelift. Steven Tyler has had a facelift. The show’s male demographic ratings needed rejuvenating. So did J. Lo’s career.
When put in those terms, Tyler and Lopez seem like the ideal addition to the panel anchored by music mogul Randy Jackson. They’re so appealing, however, when one considers the former is a 62-year-old graduate of the Betty Ford Center and the latter is a 40-yearold mother trying to make it “On The Floor” in the dance club. Yes, you read the last bit Kelly Hotard correctly: Jennifer Lopez has Columnist released a new single, which just so happened to “leak” the same week as her judging gig debuted. The next day, it aired officially on “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest’s radio show. Ah, synergy. This sort of publicity stunt is nothing new for “Idol” — former judge Paula Abdul also promoted
a new song of her own on one episode. But “American Idol” is turning into more of a has-been hotspot than “Dancing With The Stars” — a scary thought. Viewers tune in to vote — not to see the judges perform, cause a spectacle or, as Jackson so eloquently put it, bring “wild energy” to the show. That’s what the stage is for. After the first week of auditions, I feel compelled to make a few modest proposals I know no “Idol” big-wig will ever read. Tyler doesn’t need to make a loud-mouthed wisecrack after each performance. He’s becoming to “American Idol” what Mary Murphy is to Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” (If you’ve never heard of the “Hot Tamale Train”, YouTube it — but turn your volume very, very low). Someone should remind Lopez this is not the “J. Lo Show,” though she frequently narrates to
the camera as if it is. During one particularly rowdy audition, Lopez told the others, “You couldn’t just let me have my show?!” The two celebrity newcomers actually seem too musical for “Idol,” because they can’t resist breaking into song or beatbusting with each contestant. The comeback kids must, for once, relinquish the spotlight to aspiring artists. Despite its numerous pitfalls and missteps, “American Idol” retains cultural currency as one of television’s best offerings in both the genres of music and reality. The show highlights genuine, raw talent, even if we must sift through an hour or two of rubbish to find it. Many of these contestants can actually sing well in a live setting, which distinguishes them from most modern chart-toppers. “Idol” has also come to reinforce a valuable life lesson: The
best do not always win. But for runners-up like Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, things turned out pretty well. If nothing else, the decadedefining show’s decline will boost viewership for ABC’s growing fan-favorite “Modern Family” on Wednesdays and CBS’ stellar Thursday lineup of “The Big Bang Theory,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “The Mentalist” — all of which give this columnist something to smile about. 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
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CAMELOT CLUB DOWNTOWN RECEPTIONISTS & SERVERS Private Club environment. Great Members. Email your resume or inquiries. jimmy.ward@camelotclubbr.com CYCLONE LAUNDRY Looking for a Mature/Reliable person to work weekdays & weekends. Customer service oriented. Flexible hours. 623 E. Boyd Apply “In Person” today! 225.767.5720 STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE NOW HIRING DELIVERY DRIVERS & CREW MEMBERS. DRIVERS MUST HAVE A GOOD DRIVING RECORD. SUBMIT APPS B/N 2:00pm & 5:00p 225.763.9797 WELSH’S CLEANERS Counter clerk position at Welsh’s Dry Cleaners. PT flexible afternoon hours and days. Basic computer skills required. Apply at 17732 Highland Rd. At I-10 Location by C. C. La. 225.756.0470 PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Afternoon Teachers needed 3-6pm flex days. no degree required. Please email your resume to parkviewbps@gmail.com DENTAL OFFICE with friendly staff & doctor needs dental assistant, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY FT or PT Email resume to resume70806@yahoo.com 4 TEMPORARY WORKERS La Escalera Farms Gene Lyda P. O BOX 1553 Fort Stockton Texas 79735 Duties: Farm workers Farm & Ranch Animals 03/10/2011-01/10/2012 Pay rate $9.78 per hour Farm workers Guaranteed æ of contract hours. All tools, supplies, equipment and housing will be provided at no cost to the worker. Duties Farming, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. Transportation and subsistence expense reimbursed Interested applicants can send resumes nearest State Workforce Agency office using job listing number TX6144393 SEEKING F/T ASST. MANAGER Local apartment complex is seeking a full time
INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE Looking for an intern to assist with financial & tax related projects. Computer/ General Office Skills/ Strong MS Office & Excel Skills Email resume to: jobs@advantous.com CAMELOT CLUB DOWNTOWN COOKS - PREP & LINE Daytime and Nightime Private Club Environment Email resumes & inquiries to brady.broussard@camelotclubbr.com ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING AVAILABLE. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-9656520 ext127 DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours. Equal Opportunity Employer BATON ROUGE P-T OFFICE JOB Runs errands as needed, processes incoming mail and phone calls, keeps files organized, and performs simple bookkeeping. 10 hours/wk during normal business hours, including summer. Email resume and hours avail to jobs@ puryear-it.com SALES ASSOCIATE Seeking design oriented sales person centered on customer service for locally owned small business dealing with antique, custom lighting, and other home furnishings. Full or part time. Please apply in person at Lamps and Lighting, 7275 Highland Road, Baton Rouge 70808 EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com PT MANAGER START @ $12/HR Smoothie/daiquiri company at LSU & River Center. Friday-Sundays plus 1 weekday. 225.335.4984 DEMPSEY’S POBOYS HIRING friendly waitstaff for both Jefferson Hwy and Coursey Blvd. locations. Lunch availability required. Great pay and flexible schedules! Apply in person M-F 2pm-3pm at 7327 Jefferson Hwy or call Jamie at 225-229-8686 and leave a message. EARN EXTRA MONEY Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience
Required. Call 1-888-615-5245 PART TIME TEACHERS’ AID NEEDED Childcare center near LSU looking for floater M - F 9:00-12:30. Call 225.7675259 or email resume to holly@countrydayschoolbr.com THE CHIMES ON HIGHLAND Now hiring servers and hosts. Apply Mon - Fri between 2 and 4. 225.383.1754 PART-TIME SALES Have you seen the cool handles on board the Tiger shuttle buses? High Five Advertising is looking for students to sell advertising to local businesses. This is a great way for advertisers to get their messages in front of the students. Please send your resume to Gregg Brogdengregg@h5advertising.com PHYSICAL THERAPY TECH PART TIME TECH NEEDED FOR LOCAL CLINIC. PLEASE FAX RESUME TO (225)383-5023 OR CALL TO SET UP INTERVIEW (225)383-5021. MOCKLER BEVERAGE COMPANY Sign production & finishing. Part Time, Flexible Schedule, Fun Environment. Hard worker with attention to detail please apply in person and note this ad 11811 Reiger Rd. 70809 SALES / MKTG SPORTS GROUP Parttime Admin / Sales Assistant- 4 hr/day. AM or PM. Near LSU. SEND RESUME TO DAVID@NOFAULT. COM
CONDO FOR SALE at the Gates at Brightside Apt D8... on LSU bus route...3 BR 2 Bath... NEW PAINT AND CARPET... $175,000...if interested, please call 504.347.3277 2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Limited edition, lots of preventive maintenance. 92k miles. Asking $15k OBO. Call 225.235.1005
GREAT APT 1BR, huge, remodeled, beautiful neutral colors.. 4536 Earl Gros Ave. $450 Available immediately. 225.297.4009 BRIGHTSIDE COMMONS 1 BR in gated community 1984 Brightside. $600. pool. 225-955-6480
2 BD 2.5 BATH CONDO Available immediately. Renovated, W/ D. $900/ mo. Very secluded, backs up to Meadow Bend Subdivision. 8091 Bayou Fountain Unit 203. 225.330.9286 or 225.757.0494 ATTENTION STUDENT: Rooms for rent 3 miles south of Baton Rouge Campus. (318) 222-7343; (318) 464-0795 3 BED 1.5 BATH HOUSE FOR RENT Like New! 2544 Iowa, Engle Realty, rentlsu. com 225-937-4003 2 CONDO ROOMS FOR RENT -LSU 3BR/2B CONDO near Tigerland. GATED/ POOL.; $450/ Mo+Util Each; W/ D;LSU BUS Line; Call Mike 504.463-2984. 504.451.0707
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cable, wireless internet. Non-smoker. Rent $650 Deposit $200. Call 225-9272250 BRIGHTSIDE MANOR TOWNHOME LARGE 2 BR 1 1/2 B TH. IN 4PLEX OWNER- MANAGED. $750 767-3935 OR CELL 772-2429 READY FOR MORE SPACE? 1100 sq-ft 2-br townhouse, $700. Big closets, fenced patio. Reserved parking, video security. Leave the car; walk to class. 757-8175. http://riverroadapartments. tripod.com S. GATES CONDO, EASY WALK, YRD Like new-2bd/2ba, condo, near s.gate, yard/ pool $950,733-8306
TIGER MANOR 2BR. 1Ba. Grd. Flr. W/D Newly Renovated, Gated, Security Cameras 225.622.1909
FOR RENT 4 bedroom, 2 bath, with Washer & Dyer. Yard services provided. Fenced in yard. Call Today 225.928.9384
CHATEAU DU COUR TIGERLAND Spacious 1&2 BR flats in gated small complex. Owner managed. $475-575 767-3935 or cell 772-2429
$690 SUBLET APARTMENT Campus Crossing Northgate 1bedroom private bath of 2bedroom fully furnished Female only. 225.337.3147
1/2 OFF FEB RENT! VARN VILLA Move in today and pay only 1/2 rent for Feb! 1br 1ba $650 per mth and 2br 2ba $900 per mth. Water, garbage, and CABLE included! 225-767-2434 varnvilla@cox.net
BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES Large 2BR 2.5 Bath w/d, pool. $800 9556480 or 588-3070 southlandpropertiesinc.com
WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $325.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789 LSU Walk to Campus New Orleans style Courtyard -pool- 2BR all appls. inc w/ d $695 1BR $495 Studio inc ul’s $445.. More! 766-5511 $650 ALL UTILITIES PAID! 1 BR. Garage Apt w/Power, CableTV/Net, H2O & Alarm. A Mid City jewel that rents fast! 225-772-2267 BRIGHTSIDE VIEW TOWNHOUSE 2Br 1.5Bth, 2 story, wood floors, W/D, all appliances, wet bar, patio, on the bus route! $900 rent $1000 deposit. Email amuhleisen@gmail.com or call 917.992.2714 AVAILABLE NOW! 2 BR/2 BA apt for rent on S. Brightside View Dr. Access to LSU Campus Bus route $500 dept/$750/ mo. Call 225939-8101. TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. Accepting reservations now for Spring 2011 & Fall 2011! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Walk to class. Free Breakfast. Fitness Center. 3000 July St. 225-383-0143. www. tigermanor.com ROOM FOR RENT Spacious Home on E. State. Private Entrance and Bath. Includes all utilties,
ROOMMATE NEEDED! 2 bedroom/1.5 bath condo Close to LSU $600 includes utilities Call for more info: 504.237.2756 ROOMMATE NEEDED! seeking roommate to share 2br 1.5bath lease at Highland Plantation. Quiet personalities preferred. Call/ txt for details 979.373.8427 ROOMMATE NEEDED Immediate Sublease in Lake Beau Pre. Master Bedroom w/ Private Bathroom. $550 plus utilities. Call Garrett 985.373.2769 ROOMMATE NEEDED IN MIDCITY Roommate wanted to share a 2br/1.5bth townhouse located off Government St. Available early March. No pets. $600/ mo all inclusive. 225.276.0061 HOUSE NEAR CAMPUS Need male roommate to share 3bd/2ba house 1/2 mile from S. Gate. $500/mo + 1/3 utilities. Bill 985-264-0642 FEMALE ROOMATE 3BR/2B - $467/mo + 1/3rd of cable. Brightside View area lcjterry@yahoo.com
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Anime Nerd Seeks Soulmate I’m a guy looking for a gf whose intelligent and creative. If you like Code Geass, Kuroshitsuji, or Tales of Symphonia or have other Nerdish interests, that is good also. If you are a dreamer or a romantic then we should be compatible. Being weird or eccentric is also a plus. Must be protestant Christian. Ninjaninjaninjaninja@hotmail.com Girl seeking girl that’s creative and likes twisted manga & anime (like Battle Royale or Ichi the Killer or something like those), Final Fantasy, / e/ , and Japanese food. If you’re interested, email me at gildthelily4@yahoo.com. Movie buddy 5’6” black haired brown eyed male student. seeking female movie lover to attend movies with. Must have good sense of humor and enjoy life. If interested: coxman54@yahoo.com Normal guy looking for a girl who enjoys playing Frisbee Golf and appreciates spending time outdoors. Bonus points for brains. If interested, email lsucetiger@gmail.com SEEKING HILLARY LOOK-ALIKE I love the environment, vegetables, recycling, books, gays, and protesting everything, so pretty much just a normal, run-of-the-mill democrat. If you want to meet up over a non-fat, dairy-free, sugarfree, caffeine-free latte’ and talk about how much we love taxation just send me an email at bdonne3@lsu.edu
Miscellaneous WORLD SUPERMODELS USA PAGEANT WORLD SUPERMODELS USA PAGEANT seeking state and local delegates to compete in the national “WORLD SUPERMODEL USA” pageant in Florida. July 17-19. Winners move on to compete Internationally in Australia for “WORLD SUPERMODEL”. Request application at www.worldsupermodelsusa.com GREAT PRIZE PACKAGE!! 407.497.8121
The Daily Reveille
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011