Check out a magical special edition of The Daily Reveille on Friday.
Reveille Women’s basketball loses, 59-55, to Ohio State, p. 5
The Daily
Stores, boutiques offering winter fashions, p. 7
www.lsureveille.com
Volume 115, Issue 61
Is LSU producing value? ‘To Louisiana college students: Our government is spending more than we can afford, and I believe our universities are delivering less value than you deserve.’
LSU’s Operating Budget Expenditures by Function (2010-11) Unrestricted budget: $443 million
Scholarships and fellowships, 11.6%
Instruction, 41.8%
Research, 12.3% Public service, 1.4%
Oct. 21 Facebook post by Gov. Jindal 2009 Louisiana Public-University Graduation Rates
61%
46%
42% 35%
31%
30%
30%
30% 30%
29%
Sources: IPEDS Data Center, National Center for Education Statistics 21%
20%
O rn-N
-S
Student services, 2.8%
Staff Writer
In responding to critics of his higher education policies, Gov. Bobby Jindal has fired back, saying “our universities are delivering less value than you deserve.” But statistics show those broad criticisms may not apply to the University. “As of this May our six-year graduation rate was only 38 percent,” Jindal said in an October Facebook
post addressed to students. “[That’s] far behind the 53-percent graduation rate for other states in the Southern region.” These statistics seem bleak, but some administrators say those rates may be deceptive — and don’t apply to LSU’s Baton Rouge campus. LSU-BR boasted a six-year undergraduate graduation rate of 61 percent in 2009, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Staff Writer
STATISTICS, see page 15
SABBATICALS, see page 15
Institutional Support, 5.8% Operation and maintenance, 11.5%
Source: Office of Budget and Planning
photo by SHEILA DE GUZMAN, graphics by MATTHEW JACOBS and KIRSTEN ROMAGUERA / The Daily Reveille
While Robert Kuhn, associate vice chancellor of the Office of Budget and Planning, says that number is 10 points lower than the average state flagship institution, it’s higher than the 53 percent Southern average cited in Jindal’s Facebook post and significantly higher than the 38-percent state average Jindal laments. Those same NCES numbers show the Baton Rouge campus is far ahead of the rest of the state in graduation rates. The rest range from
Catherine Threlkeld
8 percent to 46 percent. In calculating graduating rates, the University determines its “freshman cohort,” the number of firsttime, full-time students enrolled. The cohort includes those who enroll in the summer and the fall — it does not count transfer students. The University then determines what percentage of the cohort graduates in six years.
Transfers, 0.1%
University’s performance statistics combat Jindal’s higher education criticism Matthew Albright
Governor looks into faculty workloads State Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office is looking into University faculty workloads to see if students are getting the best return for their tuition. “It’s important to make sure resources are focused on the classroom and the students and taxpayers get the most value from investments,” Rainwater said. Rainwater said instructors in the LSU System are teaching 77 percent more credit hours than tenured professors. Instructors at the Baton Rouge campus teach 133 percent more, he said. One area where faculty members do less teaching than instructors is in sabbaticals — a leave of absence to focus on research, writing or acquiring new knowledge. Rainwater said tenured faculty earn the right to have a sabbatical but not during a budget crunch. “At a time when we’re
Academic support, 12.7%
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Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
Sarah Palin to sign books in Towne Center on Nov. 30 Sydni Dunn Staff Writer
Sarah Palin will make a stop in Baton Rouge on Nov. 30 to promote her new book. Palin will appear at Books-A-Million in Towne Center at Cedar Lodge at 11 a.m., according to HarperCollins Publishers. The former Republican vice presidential candidate’s book, “America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag,” is a followup to her best-selling memoir “Going Rogue” and will hit shelves Nov. 23. Store representatives anticipate a large number of people will attend the event. Customers must have a wristband to enter and will have a designated spot in line depending on the color of the band. A Books-A-Million manager
said customers will receive a wristband upon purchasing Palin’s book. The wristbands will be given on a first-come, first-buy basis, but the store hasn’t announced when the wristbands will be available. The first round of bands will be red, guaranteeing customers a space in line to receive an autograph from Palin. After the red bands run out, purple bands will be distributed. This color band will only allow books to be signed if enough time is remaining. Palin’s tour will kick off Nov. 23 in Arizona and will end in Ohio on Dec. 3. While in Louisiana, she will also visit Barnes and Noble in Metairie on Nov. 29. Palin has been in the news lately as she ponders a presidential campaign in 2012. In an excerpt from an ABC
News interview released Wednesday, Palin says she’s considering a presidential run. When asked directly if she thought she could defeat Obama, the former Alaska governor replied, “I believe so.” An Associated Press-GfK poll earlier this month found Palin the most polarizing of the potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates. The poll says 46 percent of Americans view her favorably, 49 percent unfavorably, and 5 percent don’t know enough about her to form an opinion. Among adults who identify themselves as Republicans or GOPleaning independents, 79 percent view her favorably. LM OTERO / The Associated Press
Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks Nov. 10 during an anti-abortion fundraising event in Dallas. Palin will visit B.R. at the end of the month to promote her book.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Captains of both vessels to blame in whaler-protest boat crash
Calif. student body president revealed to be illegal immigrant
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Investigators looking into a collision between a Japanese whaler and a protest boat on the high seas off Antarctica earlier this year said Thursday that the captains of both vessels were to blame.
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — The popular student body president at California State University, Fresno has publicly revealed what he had long sought to keep a secret: He’s an illegal immigrant. Pedro Ramirez, 23, previously told campus administrators in confidence that he had been concerned about going public about his status. But that changed Tuesday after The Collegian, a campus newspaper, disclosed his status after receiving an anonymous e-mail.
Guinea in state of emergency after riots post-presidential elections CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Guinea’s military declared a state of emergency Wednesday, further restricting civilian movement and giving the army permission to deploy in civilian areas as security forces continued to target members of the Peul ethnic group following a tense presidential election. The decree read by the head of the country’s armed forces said the law would be in effect until Guinea’s Supreme Court rules on whether to validate the provisional results from the election.
Experts report BP ignored warning signs and risks on doomed well WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report from an independent scientific panel says BP and its contractors missed and ignored key warning signs and failed to fully recognize important risks in the days and hours leading up to the massive Gulf of Mexico oil well blowout. Guinean police carrying automatic weapons are joined Tuesday by army forces to patrol the mostly Peul suburb of Bambeto in Conakry, Guinea.
JEROME DELAY / The Associated Press
Some of the panel’s conclusions appear more critical of BP, the owner of the well, than preliminary findings issued last week by the presidential oil spill commission. The National Academy of Engineering, which issued the latest report, said BP and others involved in the disaster failed to manage risks and didn’t even have a system in place to weigh safety against costs. Feds: woman indicted for billing $600,000 in false Medicaid claims CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a North Carolina woman submitted more than $600,000 in false Medicaid claims and used the money to buy a Bentley, a Hummer and spa services. Sarah Lavonne Willis of Charlotte was indicted Wednesday on allegations that she billed a state medical assistance program for behavioral therapy services she didn’t provide.
STATE/LOCAL
Jindal adviser calls treasurer’s budget solution unrealistic, faulty
Lafayette police searching for suspect in ULL death and beatings
(AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal’s top financial adviser said Wednesday that a 16-point plan touted by Treasurer John Kennedy as a way to eliminate the state’s budget shortfall is unrealistic and based on faulty figures. Kennedy has been traveling the state touting the ideas, which include cutting 5,000 vacant state jobs annually and eliminating 1,600 consulting contracts. Kennedy says his proposals would save $2.6 billion a year if fully enacted and would avoid damaging cuts to higher education and health care services. Higher education and health care are the two areas most vulnerable to budget reductions. “All this comes down to political courage,” Kennedy told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. “We ought to have the political courage to make changes. The jury’s out on whether we will.”
LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Lafayette police are still interviewing people as part of an investigation into the death of a Louisiana-Lafayette student and the severe beating of that student’s roommate. Twenty-year-old Kenneth Donnelly Jr. was found beaten to death in his home Oct. 28. A roommate was badly beaten and remains hospitalized, although his condition is improving. Cpl. Paul Mouton, spokesman for the Lafayette Police Department, said no suspects have been named. The Advertiser reports investigators have a general idea about the possible motive for the crime, but are not ready to publicly release that information. Police are still declining to release the surviving victim’s name for his own safety, but Mouton said he is doing well.
Weather
FRIDAY
Low:
68 42
SUNDAY
Sunny
TODAY ON
SATURDAY
70 52
TODAY High:
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
74 52 MONDAY 78 58
78 58
lsureveille.com
See a photo blog of the used book sale in Free Speech Plaza Watch a player interview with linebacker Kelvin Sheppard Read a music blog about band Marina and the Diamonds
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Symphonic Band led by Conductor Roy King November 18, Union Theatre 7:30pm Tickets $18 General Admission, $15 Faculty/Staff/Seniors, $12 Students LSU Symphony Orchestra with Conductor Carlos Riazuelo Nov. 19 at 7:30p with guest artist Yova Milanova at the Union Theatre Tickets $18, $15, $12 LSU Opera presents Opera Lagniappe, a double bill of 20th century French Operas - L’Enfant et les Sortileges by Ravel and La Voix Humaine by Poulenc November 21 at 3 pm and November 22 at 7:30 pm at the Claude L. Shaver Theatre Tickets $18 General Admission, $15 Faculty/Staff/Seniors, $12 Students Wind Ensemble performs, conducted by Thomas E. Caneva one of three candidates for LSU Director of Bands position Union Theatre Tickets $18,$15,$12 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 2010 Mr. Delta Gent Scholarship Pageant Thursday, Nov. 18th at 7:13 PM in the Cotillion Ball Room MLK Dance Ensemble T Sunday, Nov. 21 at 7 pm; UREC Studio A Email: kdavi76@gmail.com or kbuggs1@lsu.edu DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Michael at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
SHEILA DE GUZMAN/ The Daily Reveille
See a slideshow of graffiti from the Baton Rouge docks on Snapshot at lsureveille.com
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
page 3
VET SCHOOL
University short on large animal vets More students work with smaller pets Kate Mabry Contributing Writer
Now that budget cuts are affecting less popular University concentrations, many are worried students will be further dissuaded from pursuing a career with large animals. With less than 6 percent of veterinary students graduating in large animal practice — including horses and livestock — this may be the next department affected by cuts. Fewer students are choosing to work with large animals, but the demand for large animal practitioners has remained consistent within the state, said Joseph Taboada, associate dean for student and academic affairs at the School of Veterinary Medicine. A number of vacant faculty positions still have not been filled and will most likely not be filled now that budget cuts are in full swing, Taboada said. Fewer veterinarians with large animal expertise are available to serve as role models for students. The pressure to preserve the small animal experience will be greater because there are more jobs available in this area, Taboada said. Though the large animal practice is smaller than other areas, its existence within the state is essential, and the deficit of large animal practitioners in the state is becoming a serious problem, Taboada said. In a November 2009 survey given to University veterinary students at their entrance into the school, almost half said they wanted to work with small animals, Taboada said. Around 33 percent said they wanted to work with large animals or a mixed animal practice. Once new students started taking classes, they began to show more interest in working with large animals, and the number of students in the area grew. However, once students became seniors, the percentage of students in the large animal area decreased drastically to 6 percent, Taboada said. “Once students reach their fourth year, they’re hit with the reality of the current job market,” Taboada said. Jobs working with larger animals do not pay as well as those with pets, Taboada said, and many students are faced with loan burdens to pay off after graduation. The state offers loan repayment incentives to increase practicing in these “large animal veterinarian deficient” areas, said Patrick Cutbirth, fourth-year veterinary student. “Generally, there is only one large animal veterinarian in an area, and so you are heavily relied on,” Cutbirth said. “You are often faced with having to take emergency calls at all times and perform difficult procedures in less than ideal conditions with little or no help.” To combat negative job qualities and gain experience in both fields, some students work with both large and small animals. Cutbirth said he plans to practice mixed animal medicine following graduation.
Thursday November 18 photo courtesy of LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Chris Nelson, fourth-year veterinary student, feeds a cow at the animal medicine service at the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
“Ideally, my practice will consist of 50 percent livestock and horses and 50 percent small animals,” Cutbirth said. “Although my family doesn’t own cattle, I was able to be around livestock growing up.” Cutbirth said there has been a steady decline of animal-based agriculture around his Louisiana hometown within the last 10 years. Few places can support large animal
veterinarians, Cutbirth said. “Practicing mixed animal medicine would allow me to help producers, hobby farmers and local 4-H groups while also allowing me to pursue my love for small animal medicine,” Cutbirth said. Contact Kate Mabry at kmabry@lsureveille.com
Pluckers Wing Bar Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 3:00:3:30 PM 5:30-6:00 PM 8:00- 9:30 PM 10:00-10:30 PM 11:00-12:30 PM
The Hurt Locker How to Train Your Dragon Newsbeat Newsbeat Home for the Holidays Newsbeat Up in the Air
The Daily Reveille
page 4
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
SG awards $16,000 for service-learning Frederick Holl Staff Writer
Student Government awarded $16,000 for the creation of new service-learning classes and rehashed several old issues Wednesday night in its last meeting of the semester. A bill to allocate $16,000 from the Senate Surplus account to fund the establishment of eight new service-learning courses passed with an overwhelming majority. The money will be used as a stipend for faculty who enroll in the Center for Community Engagement, Learning and Leadership’s Faculty Scholars programs, where they will learn how to establish and run a service-learning course, according to Marybeth Lima, director of CCELL. The money, combined with funds remaining from an allocation made in May, will allow CCELL to bring service-learning courses to animal science, electrical and computer engineering, finance, information systems and decision sciences, international studies, philosophy, psychology, mass communication concentrations advertising and journalism, and mechanical engineering, according to Lima. CCELL would like to bring service-learning to every department, Lima said. Some debate occurred whether to take the money from the Senate Surplus account or the Senate Initiatives account. SG President J Hudson had warned the dean of students may not sign off on the money being taken from the Surplus account, which is for
SHEILA DE GUZMAN / The Daily Reveille
SG Senators David Jones, Paige Kennedy and Brian Baudoin look at the proposed plans for the new bookstore Wednesday night during the last Senate meeting of the semester.
one-time expenditures. But an amendment by College of Humanities and Social Sciences Sen. David Jones to take the money from the Initiatives account, which would only require SG approval, was voted down. Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope came to the meeting to dispel “rumors” about graduation regalia. Cope said no change in policy had been made by Faculty Senate, but it was planning to enforce a previously-existing rule from the ’90s that does not allow students to wear cords at the main commencement ceremony. “We are concerned with the quality of commencement overall,” Cope said. “Commencement serves many other purposes other than conferring degrees.” Cope said commencement should be a “moment of happiness to the parents of those students and perhaps even the grandparents of those students who came through
with a D+ average” and who have no cords to wear. Cope said the Faculty Senate was looking into adding a separate “honor ceremony” to hand out awards to students either the night or in the morning before commencement. The SG Senate also debated at length the “trinket bill,” which came up for override after being vetoed by Hudson. “We should think about it as much more than trinkets,” said Brooksie Bonvillain, SG Senate speaker and one of the bill’s coauthors. “This opens the door for creativity.” The veto was overridden by a vast majority. SG also passed a concurrent resolution to urge and request the state government to protect the University from budget cuts. Contact Frederick Holl at fholl@lsureveille.com
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
Sports
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
page 5
FOOTBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU hosts UT-Martin 2 days after historic loss
Blackwell, Hurst on road to recovery
Rowan Kavner
Rob Landry
Sports Writer
Sports Contributor
The LSU men’s basketball team doesn’t have to wait long to move past its first home loss against a Louisiana team since 1988. LSU (1-1) hosts TennesseeMartin (2-0) tonight in the PMAC just two days after falling 62-53 to Nicholls State on Tuesday night. “It was definitely a wake-up call,” said freshman guard Andre Stringer. “I wouldn’t say we took that team lightly. They’re a great team. I just feel like we came out flat.” The Tigers are shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range this season but have 18 more turnovers and 18 fewer offensive rebounds than their first two opponents. LSU coach Trent Johnson said it bothers him that the only players with more assists than turnovers — guards Andre Stringer and Ralston Turner — are both freshmen. “The majority of our turnovers, the majority of our breakdowns defensively, are coming from guys who have been in the program two or three years,” Johnson said. Johnson said veterans could see their minutes dwindle if they don’t show more intensity and play better defense. “When guys don’t start to put a maximum effort in terms of trying to put a body on some guys and go rebound and react to the ball, all those little things that are driven with your heart and your head, then I’ll try
The No. 5 LSU football team will be getting some much-needed help on the offensive line. Junior offensive guard Will Blackwell will be in action Saturday, the first time he has been healthy since the season opener. “Blackwell is practicing every snap, so I would expect that he would play,” LSU coach Les Miles said Wednesday. Blackwell ‘Blackwell broke his leg in is practicing three places on the season’s first every snap, play from scrim- so I would mage when junior running expect that he would back Stevan Ridley was tackplay.’ led into the back of his leg. Les Miles The Tigers LSU football coach are also hoping to get sophomore offensive tackle Alex Hurst back on the field soon following an injury to his right leg. But his outlook is not as optimistic. “Hurst is also getting some snaps, but I don’t know that he is also ready to play,” Miles said. Should Blackwell and Hurst not be able to play, the Tigers will look to junior offensive tackle Greg Shaw, freshman offensive tackle Chris Faulk and others to pick up the slack.
DEFENSE, see page 6
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior safety Jai Eugene talks to junior cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) on Nov. 6 after the Tigers’ 24-21 win against Alabama.
Father Figure
Jai Eugene mentors young DBs on the field, son off the field Hunt Palmer Sports Contributor
One last time. Saturday marks the final time that 15 LSU seniors will take the field in Tiger Stadium. For Jai Eugene, it will cap a roller coaster of a career. The former Destrehan High School standout and one-time Michigan commitment ultimately chose to stay close to home and his newborn son to play college football. Eugene was rated a five-star prospect and the No. 1 cornerback in the country by Scout.com. He spent his first years as a Tiger
watching from the sideline behind Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon, waiting for his turn. After four years as a cornerback, the coaching staff asked Eugene, a senior, to move to safety, a position he had never played. He didn’t bat an eye. It was an opportunity to stay on the field. Early in the year, his role changed once again. The Tigers have played five freshmen in the defensive backfield in 2010, and Eugene was called upon to guide the youngsters. “He’s looked at those young players as guys that he can help mentor,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “He
does a great job in helping [defensive backs] coach [Ron] Cooper and helping the young guys learn exactly what we need to have learned.” Junior cornerback Patrick Peterson has played alongside Eugene for three seasons at LSU. Even though Peterson grabs the majority of the headlines, he knows who the leader of the pack is. “The old head Jai, he brings a lot to the team. He knows the defense, he knows where guys have to be, he knows the checks,” Peterson said. “This game is going to be very, very special for Jai. This secondary EUGENE, see page 6
Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Lady Tigers fall to No. 7 Ohio State, 55-59, in PMAC LSU drops to 0-2 for first time since ’75 Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
LSU sophomore guard Adrienne Webb screamed with elation when her 3-point shot swooshed through the net and tied the game at 53-all in the final minute Wednesday against Ohio State. But that feeling was fleeting in LSU’s home opener, as the No. 7 Buckeyes defeated LSU, 59-55, before a crowd of 2,893 in the PMAC. The Lady Tigers are 0-2 for the first time since their inaugural season in
1975-76. Webb had previously tied the game at 50-all on a jumper with 2:24 to play, bringing LSU all the way back from an 11-point deficit in the second half. She led LSU in scoring for the second-straight game with 16 points. But the momentum swung back to Ohio State with 2:09 left when LSU players thought the Buckeyes had called a timeout. As a result, guard Alison Jackson was left wide open to convert a jumper for a 52-50 lead. The LSU bench then drew a technical foul for having six players on the court when junior forward LaSondra Barrett attempted to substitute in the game, and Ohio State
guard Tayler Hill sunk the ensuing free throw. “I guess we all were a little excited,” said LSU senior guard Latear Eason. “We saw [Ohio State coach Jim Foster] motioning for a timeout, and we saw the point guard heading over to the bench, and instead of waiting until the whistle blew, we started celebrating a little early. Our sub was who was coming in off the bench started coming on the court because she thought the referee had already called a timeout, but we got the technical foul for coming on the court.” Indeed the whistle never blew, and Eason called the early LOSS, see page 6
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman guard Jeanne Kenney (5) dribbles down court Wednesday away from Ohio freshman forward Martina Ellerbe during the Lady Tigers’ 59-55 loss in the PMAC.
The Daily Reveille
page 6
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
DEFENSE, from page 5
somebody else,” he said. Stringer said LSU has to figure out how to limit its turnovers. UTMartin forced 41 combined turnovers in wins against Centenary and MacMurray colleges. “You can’t beat a team if you don’t rebound and you don’t take care of the ball,” Stringer said. The Tigers haven’t lost to the Skyhawks in three previous matchups. Sophomore guard Aaron Dotson said it’s essential LSU turns its season around tonight. “We’ve got some tough games coming up, so we’ve got to get this win,” Dotson said. Junior forward Malcolm White played only 10 minutes against Nicholls State after getting in early foul trouble and has only six rebounds this season. White said at times he feels he can’t play physically or he’ll get in foul trouble. “It’s frustrating because I’m a physical guy, and I feed off my energy when I play,” White said. Nicholls State didn’t have a player listed over 6 feet 6 inches. UTMartin’s probable center is 6-foot-9inch sophomore Ron Spencer. “I’m looking forward to being down low in the block defending,” White said. “I’m not too comfortable running around guarding smaller guys.”
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille MARTIN MCCALLISTER / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior safety Jai Eugene looks up at the crowd Sept. 25 during the Tigers’ 20-14 win against West Virginia. Eugene said he will miss the fans most after graduation.
EUGENE, from page 5
has a little surprise for him Saturday, so I just can’t wait to see him go out there with his football before the game.” Freshman Eric Reid has played in every game thus far for the Tigers. Eugene’s presence in practice and in games has been huge for the young safety. “Jai knows everything,” Reid said with a smile. “He knows, I think, every position out there at DB. If he has to be somewhere, he’ll do that and tell me to make sure I have my head on straight.” Eugene has embraced his role as the father of the secondary. “I’m something like a coachplayer,” Eugene said. “I’m there from a corner standpoint and safety. I’ve been around great players who have been here before like LaRon [Landry] and Jessie Daniels and Chevis.” The fatherly role comes naturally. Eugene has juggled his football career with being a father off the field. His son, Jai Jr., is now 5 years old and playing football himself. Eugene got emotional speaking about his son and the responsibility of being a father while playing college football. “It’s been a great experience, being a role model for him and a leader, being a hero to him,” Eugene said. When his name is called before the game, Eugene expects a very emotional four hours in Death Valley. “I’ll cry. I’ll do the basic, I’m going to cry,” Eugene said. “I hope the game lasts forever because it’s my last time. I’m going to cherish every second of it.” Though the path has been a bumpy one with unexpected
obstacles, Eugene wouldn’t change a thing. “I’ve had a great career here. I don’t regret any moment of it,” he said. “I don’t regret my decision coming here. It was the best decision for me, my son and my family. I’ve loved it. I’ve been around a great staff and great players.” Eugene was asked Monday what he would miss most. For the man who is famous for having a white towel in his hand, the answer was easy. “The fans,” he said. “Staying in tune with the fans, electrifying with the fans and having a connection with them — that’s what I’ll miss most.” Contact Hunt Palmer at hpalmer@lsureveille.com
LSU sophomore guard Adrienne Webb shoots a jumper Wednesday during the Lady Tigers’ 59-55 loss to Ohio State at the home opener in the PMAC.
LOSS, from page 5
celebration “a lack of discipline.” “We were all pumped up. We should have waited on the whistle,” LSU coach Van Chancellor said. “We left the player [Jackson] wide open. In the Southeastern Conference, the officials have all the power, and you just have to take what they tell you.” Foster said he wasn’t sure exactly what happened on the confusing play, but he ventured a guess. “At this time of year, for four or five weeks we are practicing and just subbing on the run,” Foster said. “I think maybe people just drifted on the court and someone messed up. I think they had six players on the court from what I could see.” LSU’s shooting performance was cold again, as the team converted just 33 percent of its attempts and
18 percent from 3-point range. Senior guard Katherine Graham played just 14 minutes and did not score a point, and Barrett played 23 minutes with four points. Eason reached double figures with 12 points in 35 minutes of action. “I don’t want to name any names, but we need to get some low block presses from somebody,” Chancellor said. “That is why we’re not consistent. Everyone is out there playing on the perimeter.” Ohio State All-American center Jantel Lavender led the Buckeyes with 17 points on 7-of-24 from the field and 13 rebounds. She played all 40 minutes, as did Hill, who scored 15 points and seven rebounds. Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
Entertainment
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
What to Wear
Winter fashion trends include gender-switching styles, prints, boots “Our store is entirely eco-friendly,” she said. “People Chilly November nights and crisp days in the campus shade call for a change of wardrobe, and local shops, bou- who like stores and lines like Free People, Anthropologie tiques and students have the know-how on what to wear for and Urban Outfitters will love what we have to offer, especially since we have great prices.” the pending winter season. Gremillion said the Southwest look is The winter fashion trends of 2010 offer Cathryn Core popular this season, but Noelie Harmon a diverse palette of new and exciting everyEntertainment Writer has a plethora of up-and-coming trends for day wear for both men and women. From men and women. prints and lush, velvety fabrics to army-in“For women, we have cool fur, velvet blazers, sequins, spired structured jackets and boots, getting dressed has never really cool Southwest-inspired sweaters,” she said. “We’ve been so much fun. This season, women are wearing men’s clothes, men are got prints, cardigans, sweaters, and a lot of our stuff, unless donning skinny jeans and headbands, and the fashion world is it’s a collector’s brand, is under $50.” Gremillion said her winter wardrobe includes Native approving it all. Jordan Gremillion, University alumna and American-style high boots with fringe. “I always wear fringe boots for sure,” she said. manager of local store Noelie Harmon, said her store is featuring winter wardrobes and eco-friendly style. FASHION, see page 10
page 7 Danyelle Mackie: • English freshman • Wearing: Blue auto boots, distressed jeans from American Eagle and a multicolored sweater from Forever 21. • “I like boots, jackets, scarves, stockings and dresses — short dresses.” • “For guys, I like jeans, probably like skinny jeans, Nike shoes, Jordans, beanies and letterman jackets.” • “Kim Kardashian is my style inspiration.”
Peter Twal: • Electrical engineering senior • “I’d say I wear nerd writer clothes. I wear a lot of skinny ties and sweaters.” • “A lot of girls will still wear the running shorts, but they’ll just add tights in the winter. That’s a summertime thing, the tights with running shorts. If you’re actually going to go running, it’s cool, but you’re not running on campus.”
photos by SHEILA DE GUZMAN
/ The Daily Reveille
Molly Marino: •Accounting graduate student • Wearing: Old Navy offwhite sweater, purple scarf, Gap jeans. • “I really want a cute pair of boots. I want a stylish pair of boots, not cowboy boots, but black, sleek boots.”
Katelyn Wood: • English and Spanish junior • “I really like the style of the women of the ’40s and ’50s.” •“I really like skinny jeans, leggings and jeggings too, but I don’t like the leggings when people don’t wear something over it, like girls with their backsides exposed.”
ART
CASA holds biannual sale to showcase ceramics, pottery Faculty, student artists sell works Andrew Price Entertainment Writer
Proposition 19 may have been defeated in California, but the pot sale outside the Student Union is still going strong. The Ceramic Arts Student Association holds the art and pottery sale twice a year in November and in April. The sale, which ends today, features original ceramic art such as cups, flasks and even the occasional gnome made by students and faculty in the Ceramics Department. CASA is a student-run organization whose mission is to promote
‘‘
‘[The ceramics sale is] a really good opportunity to buy high-quality work at a good price.’ Brooke Cassady
ceramics graduate student
ceramic arts within the University community, and unlike other art shows, the pot sale was designed with students in mind. “It’s a really good opportunity to buy high-quality work at a good price,” said Brooke Cassady, ceramics graduate student. “The pricing is really affordable.” Cassady said not only are the cups and other ceramic wares
priced affordably, half of the proceeds go toward bringing in guest artists as well as sending students to the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, a yearly conference. The pot sale also gives students in the Ceramics Department an opportunity to learn how to sell their work and what consumers are interested in buying. Rebekah Gastinel, ceramics and art history senior, said she has learned a lot from selling her pieces in the pot sale. “It teaches you a lot about what’s presentable and how to present your work,” Gastinel said. Ceramics professor Michaelene Walsh said the pot sale is a valuable educational tool for students. CERAMICS, see page 10
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Stephanie Hedrick, English sophomore, shops for pottery and ceramics Tuesday at the Ceramic Arts Student Association’s biannual sale in front of the Student Union.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
PHILANTHROPY
EXHIBIT
Biology student creates pop art
Amacker’s creations on display Friday Kittu Pannu Entertainment Writer
SHEILA DE GUZMAN / The Daily Reveille
Local painter Carolyn Breaux speaks Wednesday about the “A Brush with Burden” art contest fundraiser at LSU AgCenter Burden Center while completing a painting.
Burden Center to hold art contest fundraiser Morgan Searles Entertainment Writer
In addition to the University, two State Capitols and a host of recreational parks, Baton Rouge is also home to a piece of land open to the public and more than half the size of New York City’s Central Park. The Burden Horticulture Society is holding its first art contest, called “A Brush with Burden.” The contest will serve as a fundraiser for the center, as well as an invitation for people to get to know the grounds. All art media will be accepted into the contest. Submissions must be related to the Burden Center, and there is a $15 fee per entry. Pieces must be offered for sale, and 20 percent of the profit will go to the LSU Foundation for the Burden Center. The winning entries will be displayed in the Shaw Center for the Arts after the show. Opening receptions will take place Feb. 4, and the exhibition closes Feb. 6. The Burden Center is located on 440 acres of land off Essen Lane where people are welcome to visit, relax, walk and learn more about agriculture and horticulture. It’s the perfect setting for art and music, said Ginnie Bolin, chair for the Burden Horticulture Society. Volunteers had their first meeting about the contest and other potential events a few months ago and decided to host the contest pieces in the Orangerie on the grounds. “This is a very motivated group of people that got together and wanted to see this happen,” Bolin said. “We looked at the Orangerie and thought we’d like to see the public enjoy that building.” Submissions will be accompanied at the opening of the art show by 18 traveling works from a similar art contest hosted by Garvan Woodland Gardens in Arkansas. Painter Carolyn Breaux said Brush with Burden is an opportunity to be involved in a fundraiser for a good cause. “I do enjoy painting out there, and it’s a lovely area,” Breaux said. “It’s a beautiful venue and a wonderful opportunity to exhibit work.” The Burden Center is unique in that it is a research station where the public can see progress happening in the fields of horticulture and agriculture, said Jeff Kuehny, assistant director of the Burden Center.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
“The Burdens donated the land to create a permanent green space for the city of Baton Rouge so that the public could enjoy horticulture and get away from the trappings of urban life,” Kuehny said. The land cannot be used for any other purpose other than agricultural research, public gardens and the Rural Life Museum, Kuehny said. “A lot of people don’t know the Burden Center exists,” Bolin said. “We really want people to know about Burden and what a wonderful gift it is to the city and the state.” This contest is one piece of a plan to make the Burden Center a more popular site for locals to visit and to raise money to for the grounds. “We will continue to provide more opportunities and increased access to Burden woodlands,” Kuehny said. If all goes well, the contest will return again next year. Contact Morgan Searles at msearles@lsureveille.com
Biological sciences junior and artist Sarah Amacker relieves stress from class and work by creating art. Her art is about not taking life too seriously. “I make this stuff as a hobby,” Amacker said. “The art is supposed to be fun because it’s bright and bold. It’s not serious at all.” These products of her imagination will be on display at Red Star Bar this Friday starting at 10 p.m. The name of her exhibit, “The Pop Virus,” came from her old computer, Amacker said. “Me and my sister came up with it,” Amacker said. “We started with ‘pop’ because of the pop art, and we got ‘virus’ because the old laptop I would make the art on has a crazy virus.” Patrons will be in for a surprise, said Brady Crane, event producer and founder of Juba Media. “Amacker’s art really caught my eye when I first saw it because it’s so interesting,” Crane said. “This is not your standard pop art.” Amacker will have 10 to 12 pieces on display at the show, which
Crane said students can learn from. “Art is very inspiring,” Crane said. “If you are an art student, you can gain so much by seeing the art.” Popular culture and retro fashion are Amacker’s main influences. “A lot of music, like Lady GaGa, influences me, too,” Amacker said. “’80s retro culture and fashion, like leggings, they’re just so part of our daily life.” Pop art is different than most other art types, said Paul Dean, associate graphic design professor. “It’s part punk rock and part Dadaism,” Dean said. “Many critics thought it was shallow at first, but the public didn’t care at all.” The combination of various art forms is what attracts students to pop art, Dean said. “Pop art just combines different things,” Dean said. “It reproduces really well because of the contrasting colors.” Amacker said her creations began when she started altering her
existing photographs. “All of it is based on photographs,” Amacker said. “I manipulate the images using computer media like Paint and Photoshop.” Amacker’s story is unique, Crane said. “Sarah is not an art major,” Crane said. “Her story will show others that you don’t necessarily need to have formal schooling. It’s all about channeling your inner artist.” Being a graphic artist has given Amacker a new realization about life after college. “I don’t think I’m going to do med school, and it’s definitely opened my eyes to other career paths,” Amacker said. “Biology can be monotonous, but art is just so exciting.”
Contact Kittu Pannu at kpannu@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
page 9
MUSIC
Live@Chelsea’s begins fifth segment Program promotes blues music interest Ferris W. McDaniel Entertainment Writer
Chelsea’s Cafe, one of the more impressive music venues in Baton Rouge, is staying on top of the local music scene by hosting the Live@Chelsea’s concert series. The fifth installment in the Live@Chelsea’s series, presented by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, began Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and featured two Baton Rouge blues guitar greats Chicago Al and Larry Garner. The series runs through April. The Live@Chelsea’s program started in 2007 when East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Head of Reference Services Emilie Smart worked with Cox Communications to fund musicians and Chelsea’s Cafe to host the shows, Smart said. Smart said Chelsea’s Cafe was picked as the venue for the library’s musical endeavors because it’s the best live music venue in Baton Rouge and it welcomes all ages. “We felt like this particular program should be for everyone in order to best serve our mission,” Smart said. “Chelsea’s fits the bill.” Chelsea’s manager and bartender Kris Webb said customers asked for earlier shows for years prior to Live@Chelsea’s. The program begins earlier than most shows. “The first series was so popular that we kind of had to do it again,” Smart said. Smart said the event serves
the library’s mission to provide around town and enjoy the music educational and recreational that Baton Rouge is known for insources to East Baton Rouge Par- ternationally. ish citizens. “Blues is an interesting genre She said children and teens of music, but there aren’t many rarely get the opportunity to hear opportunities to see live blues perjazz and blues music in a setting formers,” said Steven Kuzy, mewhere the music is the focus. chanical engineering freshman. Live@Chelsea’s and the library “That’s why Live@Chelsea’s is has had many parents confess beneficial to the music scene in their gratitude for Baton Rouge.” the program. Larry Garner, ‘We felt like this ... The library Live@Chelsea’s also supports program should be for blues performer, small businesses the program everyone in order to said in Baton Rouge helps spread the and working with best serve our mission.’ blues to a wider Chelsea’s allows area by providing Emilie Smart them to show that shows at a popular support within the venue at an earlier head of reference services, business and arts East Baton Rouge Parish Library time. community, Smart The Live@ said. Chelsea’s series will continue Smart, who is also on the to provide live shows as long as Blues Foundation Board, said she it stays popular with patrons and thought having the foundation funding for the program remains partner with the library would be secure, Smart said. beneficial to each organization, “We want LSU students to be which led to the blues series. aware that the Live@Chelsea’s The foundation’s purpose in shows have no cover charge and partnering with the library is to the music will be incredible,” promote Baton Rouge blues and Bryan said. “We’ve got some reuse the library’s marketing ma- ally great blues artists in Baton chine to spread the foundation’s Rouge, and they know how to message and blues music, said throw down.” Baton Rouge Blues Foundation President Bill Bryan. Bryan said he would like to see the Live@Chelsea’s blues Contact Ferris W. McDaniel at installment encourage more people to attend other blues shows fmcdaniel@lsureveille.com
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ZACH BREAUX / The Daily Reveille
Guitar greats Chicago Al and Larry Garner perform Wednesday night for the Live@Chelsea’s fifth installment of blues shows in Baton Rouge.
The Daily Reveille
page 10 CERAMICS, from page 7
“It gives them experience in dealing with accounting, business and promotion,” Walsh said. “It mimics what they might do if they were to continue to pursue selling their work outside of getting a degree.” Hannah Armstrong, studio art freshman, said she heard about the sale through classmates and was impressed by what she saw. Armstrong said she appreciated how affordable many of the pieces were and that she believes the sale is a great way to publicize the Art Department. Armstrong also believes having the sale outdoors increases the number of potential customers, as an outdoor tent is easier to spot than if it were tucked away inside a building. Jayce Nguyen, biology freshman, said she also heard about the pot sale through a friend, and after visiting the sale herself, she made a purchase. Nguyen said she enjoyed perusing through the various cups and items for sale, and the sale itself showcased some of the unique talent within the University. That talent extends beyond graduates and undergraduates and even includes a few students not majoring in ceramics. One such student is Ransome Little, a mechanical engineering sophomore with a ceramic art minor whose work was on sale this year. “I did ceramics in high school and wanted to continue doing ceramic art in college,” Little said. “I spoke to the administration in the Art and Design College, and they were very understanding.” Little said he is one of few students with a minor in ceramic arts and he enjoys the opportunity to pursue his passion while at the same time working toward a minor. Little also said his experience so far with CASA and the pot sale has been positive. “The enthusiasm of the general University population has been great,” Little said. “There are people who return every year for the sale and look for new pieces by artists whose work they’ve purchased before. It’s a great way, especially in the local community, to become known.” Contact Andrew Price at aprice@lsureveille.com
FASHION, from page 7
“I’m always into that, and really cozy sweaters and ponchos, highwaisted shorts and tights with overthe-knee socks and boots. Oh, and biker jackets. There are so many things to wear.” Noelie Harmon also caters to men’s winter fashion needs, Gremillion said. “We have a lot of really cute button-up cardigans, jean jackets and biker jackets for men,” she said. “We also have reconstructed bow ties in really cool fabrics like sequins and plaid and skinny ties, too.” Debra Tongue, owner of Purple Rocks Contemporary Boutique, said summer wear can easily be transformed to winter wear. “We still have summer dresses and a few rompers that can still be worn with tights,” she said. Purple Rocks also has some of the season’s hottest winter items, Tongue said. “Leather jackets always become popular when it’s cool outside,” she said. “Obviously, people want to look good while staying warm.” Layering allows an easy style, Tongue said. “You can wear some leggings and a tank, cami or shirt underneath a jacket and look like you have an incredible fashion sense but still be comfortable and warm at the same time,” she said. Katie Annessa, fashion merchandising sophomore and Frock Candy’s visual merchandiser and sales associate, said androgynous looks are popular for women this season. “We have a lot of boyfriend styles right now,” she said. “So, we have a lot of blazers, jackets and
sweaters that are oversized or have a lot of masculine tones to them, but they’re really, really cute on women.” Animal-inspired clothing and fabrics are all the rave at Frock Candy, Annessa said. “We also have what we call ‘primal instincts,’ which is like faux fur and a lot of animal prints,” she said. “I know a lot of people don’t like the whole fur coat idea, so we have a lot of things with different aspects of the primal instincts on them.” Peter Twal, electrical engineering senior, said he has an old-school sense of style. “I’d say I wear nerd writer clothes,” he said. “I wear a lot of skinny ties and sweaters.” Steven Eckert, painting and drawing senior, said he has an easygoing style. “I mostly just like to wear corduroy pants and a sweater — something that’ll keep me warm,” he said. Eckert said running shorts shouldn’t be a part of women’s winter fashion. “Honestly, I hate the really short sorority shorts with the Ugg boots or whatever they’re called,” Eckert said. “I’m not a fan of those at all, and some girls will wear that when it’s 45 degrees. There’s no way that’s comfortable.” Danyelle Mackie, English freshman, said she likes boots, tights and dresses. “Kim Kardashian is my style inspiration,” she said. Mackie said she likes to see boys dress a specific way during the winter. “For guys, I like jeans, probably like skinny jeans, Nike shoes, Jordans, beanies and letterman jackets,” she said.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 Katelyn Wood, English and Spanish junior, said she’s inspired by classic styles. “I don’t dress like this because not many people do, but I really like the style of the women of the ’40s and ’50s,” she said. “They were so elegant. If people dressed like that, I would dress up every day.”
Christina Biondo, Spanish junior, said she buys all her clothing at exchange stores. “I love scarves,” she said. “I don’t care what you’re wearing a scarf with. I automatically love it.” Contact Cathryn Core at ccore@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
Reveille
Ranks
MUSIC * MOVIES * BOOKS * TELEVISION
Rihanna Loud
Nelly
Unstoppable
5.0
20th Century Fox
Def Jam
Motown
Beginning with her ode to sadomasochism, Rihanna’s “Loud” lives up to its name with its in-your-face lyrics and beats. On songs like “Cheers” and “Man Down,” Rihanna channels her inner island native. One song, “Fading,” brings closure to the “Rated R” era. The melody is recycled from “Rated R” while its lyrics are about moving on. Ending with “Love the Way You Lie Pt. II,” the female version of Eminem’s hit, Rihanna proves she can sing with conviction. The album may not reinvent the wheel, but it’s a damngood wheel.
“Unstoppable” is the new action-drama by director Tony Scott. The movie is Scott’s second go-around at a train movie and tells the story of Will, a rookie conductor played by Chris Pine, and Frank, a veteran engineer played by Denzel Washington, in their attempts to stop a runaway train before it derails and causes massive destruction and death. Watching events unfold keeps viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. “Unstoppable” is a suspenseful action-drama from start to finish and will leave customers satisfied as they exit the theater.
Nelly recruits an all-star cast to sing his sticky hooks and add punch to his oddly melodic flow on “5.0,” Nelly’s mainstream “comeback” album. While he was never one of the hardest hip-hop artists, he spends most of “5.0” teetering between aiming for street credibility — “1000 Stacks” — and regaining commercial viability — “Nothing Without Her.” With Keri Hilson, T.I. and T-Pain singing the best hooks on Nelly songs since at least 2003, Nelly has regained some relevance in hip-hop while still remaining a dumbeddown version of the genre’s best artists.
KITTU PANNU
FERRIS W. MCDANIEL
CHRIS ABSHIRE
Josh Groban
Annie Lennox
Reba McEntire
Reprise Records
Dezza/Island Records
Valory
[B+] [B-] [B-]
Illuminations
A Christmas Cornucopia
All the Women I Am
Josh Groban once again delivers a beautiful album of pop classical tracks to melt away stress. “Illuminations” is the first time Groban has worked with producer Rick Rubin, and the result is a delicate balance of sweeping operatic ballads and the occasional pop-driven song. “Illuminations” also does an excellent job of balancing the big, sweeping, overthe-top moments that Groban is so fond of with tempered, stripped-down moments that showcase his incredible vocal talents. Overall, this album is a fine addition to Groban’s body of work.
Annie Lennox, superstar vocalist and member of the popular ’80s duo Eurythmics, takes a break from her offthe-wall music and videos to spread some folky holiday cheer with her new release, “A Christmas Cornucopia.” The album definitely isn’t meant for nights of crazy Christmas party times, but it’ll do the trick for the background sound to a family event or a low-key soiree with a 50+ crowd. Traditional tunes like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “The Holly and the Ivy” make “A Christmas Cornucopia” the perfect stockingstuffer for the grandparents.
Reba McEntire’s 26th studio album, “All the Women I Am,” delivers much of the bold singer’s usual style but falls behind the shadow of her previous work. The first single, “Turn On the Radio,” is a fastpaced track that can keep up with a younger crowd but has lyrics that are laughable upon examination. McEntire’s cover of Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy” is surprisingly acceptable — swapping it from one genre to the next without attempting to overwork the sound. Overall, the album upholds her wellestablished name in country music.
ANDREW PRICE
CATHRYN CORE
MORGAN SEARLES
[A] [C] [C+]
Editor’s Pick Girl Talk All Day
Illegal Art
[B+]
Mash-up master Girl Talk — aka biomedical engineer Gregg Gillis — drops his fifth album of ADHD mixes with “All Day.” By now, Gillis is a veritable musical chemist who creates genre-bending concoctions bringing together artists like Outkast and Nirvana, Lil Wayne and New Order, and Radiohead and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The combinations are captivating, but “All Day” falls slightly short of the electricity and climactic moments of his last release, “Feed the Animals.”
RYAN BUXTON
Entertainment Editor
page 11
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 12
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Men’s basketball team outplayed, out-coached I realize tonight was just the second game of the season for a young team, but the fans who make an effort to attend men’s basketball games deserve better. What concerned me most was not that LSU was outplayed, it was that LSU was unequivocally out-coached. When Nicholls State had the ball, there was constant motion on offense.
The ball hardly touched the floor, and a player never hesitated to make a decision. When LSU had the ball, it was stagnant and players seemed to wait around hoping someone else would take some initiative. “I’ve never been concerned about the offensive side because we have some guys who can shoot the ball, and we have some guys who can pass,” said Trent Johnson, LSU men’s basketball head coach, following the win over Northwestern State. Well Trent, quite frankly it looked like this team had never concerned itself with offense tonight. Nicholls State was a team
and LSU was a collection of individuals. I hardly even saw a screen being set. It makes me seriously wonder what exactly Johnson is getting paid over $1 million dollars to do. It makes me wonder if it was not for Nick Fazekas, the Lopez twins, and Marcus Thornton, would Trent Johnson be earning a salary over fifteen times that of the average University professor? There are viable excuses as to why LSU would lose a game like this. The team had to start over from scratch essentially last year, lost its two leading scorers from last year’s team, and plays three true freshman significant minutes. There is no excuse as to why
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
LSU would be dominated in every facet of the game by an in-state school a quarter of its size. This was not just NBA prospect Anatoly Bose playing his brains out. This was a comprehensive annihilation in every facet of the game. I hope we see some improvement or else I fear the small crowds will get even smaller as time passes. Steve Wolf mass communication senior
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
Jindal Count Days Bobby Jindal has ignored our concerns:
36
Will higher education hold any priority with the administration in the coming budget crisis? Would the governor put pressure on the Legislature for constitutional amendments to protect higher education and allow for more “across the board” cuts?
THE C-SECTION
Sponsorships could alleviate University’s budget cut woes With budget cuts threatening the future of the University, every department seems to be scrambling to find funding in an effort to keep professors and instructors employed. The cuts will prove devastating to both teachers and students alike if money can’t be found to alleviate the lack of finance the University is experiencing. But during this turmoil, an obvious solution has been overlooked. Professional sports teams have it. Actors have it. Even Justin Bieber has it. The answer: sponsorships. Millions of dollars in aid would surge its way into the University if only some large corporations or wealthy individuals would find it in their hearts to fund some of the many programs the University offers. But who should undertake such a righteous cause? How about some organizations involved in scandal and crisis in recent years who could use positive action to help their images? Let’s start by going back to the 2008 financial bailout. An easy contender would be AIG, who received $85 billion in taxpayers’ money. How about they give us our money back by funding our business school? Few would probably argue if AIG and E.J. Ourso combined forces to form the “AIG E.J. Ourso College of Business. “ Another bailout buddy of AIG, Citigroup, could provide funding for the accounting and finance professors and instructors. With business taken care of,
the Manship School of Mass Communication could look to Apple for some extra dinero. In September, Apple CEO Steve Jobs addressed a college student who asked why Apple’s media relations department won’t answer e-mails by telling her to go away. While he may lack people skills, I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard for him make sure our graduates are dealt with by Chris Grillot funding Manship’s public Columnist relations major and renaming the Manship to the “iMassComm College.” One universal business, The Catholic Church, could donate some of its hard-earned donated money to the College of Education to fund professors who teach elementary education. This kills two birds with one stone — indirectly touching the lives of children and providing jobs. Moving into sports, Brett Favre can also “sext” over some love to the University. But not to the Athletics Department because they already have enough money. Brett could reinvigorate the flaccid image of his fleshy pylon and his reputation by sponsoring the Department of Kinesiology. Besides, he’ll be glad he has some suitable personal trainers from the new Brett Favre Department of Kinesiology to help him off the field when he breaks a hip in five years.
The Daily Reveille Editorial Board Sarah Lawson Robert Stewart Stephanie Giglio Steven Powell Andrew Robertson
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Managing Editor, External Media Opinion Editor
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could even pretend he respects women and pay to create the “Big Ben Department of Women’s and Gender Studies.” A New Orleans favorite, FEMA, could flood the University’s Disaster Science and Management Program with some cash. Preventing the quality of education offered in this department from suffering could easily lead to the quality of FEMA’s future disaster responses. And to top off the sponsorships, the University could look to the company responsible for the biggest man-made disaster in recent history — BP. Cleaning up oil for the next 20 years may never clean up the reputation BP has earned itself. But investing in a noble cause — the rescue of higher education — could possibly speed up its image recovery. Because BP has taken such a large toll on the region, the oil company would be an obvious candidate for the biggest sponsorship contributor. As fellow columnist Cody Worsham put it, the University could be home to the “British Petroleum School of the Coast and the Environment.” BP could also leak money into the College of Engineering to teach students how not to let massive oilrigs explode. And if BP really wanted to get generous, the corporation could simply fund the entire University. As English professor Lisi Oliver said, the University could be called the “Louisiana State British
Petroleum University.” With cuts ready to unleash their fury upon the University, colleges and departments alike should be looking to sponsorship as a source of funding. Looking to the Legislature has proven ineffective. We need to look to creative sources of funding. Who’s more creative than Steve Jobs, Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger and Tony Hayward? The University already has the Exxon Quadrangle in front of the Hill Memorial Library, so why haven’t we looked into more sponsorships?
Sponsorships from some of the best and brightest corporations around the world would easily alleviate much of the cuts and allow departments to remain intact — and give our colleges some cooler names. Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old mass communication and English major from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Cgrillot.
Contact Chris Grillot at cgrillot@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
Editorial Policies & Procedures The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
Quote of the Day “When you are through changing, you are through.”
Bruce Barton American author Aug. 5, 1886 - July 5, 1967
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE
page 13
Zapping your brain can provide boost in mathematical ability Most students would probably rather get electrocuted than go to Calculus. Thanks to modern medicine, this dream has moved one step closer to reality. Transcranial direct current stimulation, or TDCS, basically involves running a painless electric current from one side of a subject’s brain to the other. This treatment can give neurons a boost, and according to research from the University of Oxford, actually improve a subject’s mathematical abilities. In a period of six days, researchers lead by Roi Cohen Kadosh alternated teaching subjects an imaginary numerical system and administering TDCS to their parietal lobe, the section of the brain associated with numerical understanding. As the treatment progressed, subjects scored better on tests used to determine the mathematical aptitude of children. Impressively, the test subjects still retained their heightened numerical skills after six
months with no other detectable cognitive side effects. Kadosh hopes to one day use TDCS on patients who struggle with basic math and calculations as a result of brain damage or stroke, but I’m sure most students would rather see this technology used to potentially improve their grades. There’s no Andrew Shockey way to know Columnist if undergoing TDCS would improve a student’s calculating, but if the black market for Adderall and other illicit study aids is any indication, a TDCS practice would probably do quite well on campus. There’s an obvious ethical dilemma here, but in practice, even if TDCS worked perfectly, it would have a minimal effect on student life. Let’s face facts: Most of the students who would line up for TDCS want nothing
to do with math. People who choose degrees in math and physics usually do it because they are good with numbers, and a little electric shock probably wouldn’t elevate them above their peers. Business and kinesiology majors battling general education requirements are more likely TDCS candidates. However, most majors simply don’t require many math classes. Even if TDCS could boost these grades, they have a pretty insignificant impact on a student’s GPA over four or five years. Even a “math-based” major like engineering only requires three or four dedicated math classes, and the math in many intense engineering classes often boils down to simple algebra. Engineers have a reputation for being mathematical eggheads, but the reality is quite different. Engineering is more about concepts and critical thinking than amazing math skills.
Engineers are notorious for their love of approximating and looking up values in a table rather than going through a lengthy calculation. Overall, TDCS would have an insignificant impact on college students and their grades. However, if the technology proves safe and effective, its effects on younger students could be enormous. I personally attribute much of students’ opinion of math to the early years of their education. We tend to attribute a child’s success to some innate mathematical ability, but we fail to acknowledge some children get a head start in school whether through early exposure to academic subjects at home or simply through age-related maturity. Regardless of the reason, this initial ability gap is magnified over the years. The good students succeed and receive praise that motivates them to work harder, while bad students are discouraged and reprimanded
for their shortcomings. This performance gap fuels a self-fulfilling cycle of underachievement as failing students blame their deficiencies on a lack of talent or ability rather than reapplying their energy to the subject. TDCS could potentially level the playing field by giving lagging students a boost in ability and confidence. Appropriate use of TDCS could help millions of students embrace math and majors founded on mathematical reasoning. Enrollment in engineering programs around the country is declining, but maybe all we need to learn math is a little electroshock therapy. 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
VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL
Serious health risks come with using birth control patch Sarah Bregman University of Kansas
LAWRENCE, Kan. (U-WIRE)— A common birth control patch, Ortho Evra, has been the target of intense scrutiny in the past several years, because many young women have developed — or died as a result of — side effects that were previously overlooked. Zakiya Kennedy, a freshman at Berkeley College in New York, is one of 23 women whose deaths have reportedly been caused by Ortho Evra, according to Jim Edwards of Brandweek, a business journal. The number of women who have died after using Ortho Evra has not yet been made public, according to Edwards, because of the ongoing litigation between the drug’s manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson, and the 1,500 women and their families who are suing because of the adverse effects they have experienced. Kennedy was a healthy, 18-year-old woman with aspirations of becoming a member of the fashion world. She even had an audition scheduled for America’s Next Top Model. Kennedy died of a pulmonary thromboembolism (i.e. a blood clot in the lungs) caused by Ortho Evra. This raises a serious question in regards to the safety of Ortho Evra. Kennedy died back in 2004, when the safety of Ortho Evra was first seriously questioned,
but even after more and more women have died or suffered severe health consequences, such as strokes or heart attacks, and the number of lawsuits are ever increasing, Ortho Evra continues to be prescribed and women continue to be injured. According to an article by Jeff Rossen and Robert Powell of NBC News, women who use Ortho Evra are 12 times more likely to have a stroke and 18 times more likely to have blood clots, in comparison to the pill. Rossen and Powell reported that just last year another college freshman, Adrianna Duffy, died of a blood clot while on Ortho Evra. Again, Duffy was a healthy, 18-year-old-woman. The difference is Duffy’s death could have been prevented had the FDA pulled Ortho Evra off the market after learning of the previous problems associated with the patch five years earlier. Instead, Ortho Evra continues to be prescribed because doctors trust the FDA’s ruling. Back in 2000 Dr. Joel Lippman, who was the vice president of clinical trials on Ortho Evra, voiced concerns regarding the safety of Ortho Evra. Johnson and Johnson ignored Dr. Lippman’s opinion on the matter, and Ortho Evra was officially contrived. In the next 17 months, 9,116 adverse reactions were reported to the FDA, which included everything from nausea to death, according to Edwards.
Rossen and Powell cite experts who attribute many of these problems to Ortho Evra’s high estrogen content, which is 60 percent higher than the pill. Proponents for Ortho Evra argue that it has helped more women than it has hurt — but at what cost? Surely there is a way to make medicine both safe and effective. Because of the pending litigation it is unknown how many women have actually died
from Ortho Evra, and it may be impossible to ever know. There is the possibility that many families never connected the dots of their loved one’s death or they didn’t have the means to attempt to bring down the renowned Johnson and Johnson in a lawsuit. But ultimately it is still a woman’s choice what kind of birth control she chooses, if at all. So I pose this question ladies: Would having a child really
alter your future so drastically that you would rather assume you won’t be a statistic of Ortho Evra, like Zakiya or Adrianna? Consider the vast array of options available today, and then consider the risks associated with Ortho Evra. Your health is in your hands.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 STATISTICS, from page 1
But external factors might mean graduation rates aren’t a perfect measure of performance. Kuhn said one of those factors is the state’s relatively new — and underdeveloped — community-college system. Kuhn argues that students not ready for a university could prepare themselves at community college instead of struggling and eventually dropping out. Though transfer students don’t factor into graduation rates — something Kuhn says probably hurts the Baton Rouge campus — more community colleges would probably decrease the number of dropouts. The second factor that impacts graduation rates is how easily students can take necessary classes. Kuhn said many students don’t necessarily fail out of school. They just don’t take the classes they need to graduate. The University, for example, has a first-year retention rate of 84 percent — which Kuhn says is close to the national flagship average — despite graduation rates that are much lower. Kuhn argues the problem isn’t simply academic because most dropouts happen after students’
SABBATICALS, from page 1
facing a very large deficit, I think it’s important that we justify what sabbaticals are taken,” Rainwater said. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Stacia Haynie said tenured faculty have different responsibilities from instructors. While instructors’ primary job is teaching, professors generate new knowledge and research dollars. Haynie said faculty members work on articles, books, research agendas, technology transfer or the development of patents during sabbaticals. “Sabbaticals provide a concentrated period for faculty to make significant progress on their research agendas,” Haynie said. Haynie said the process to earn a sabbatical must be approved by a number of individuals on campus. The University currently has 19 faculty on sabbatical, a number Haynie said is average with peers. Unlike other four-year institutions in the state, the University has a different role, scope and mission, especially in research. “The fact is, I understand — and the governor obviously understands — the importance of research, and we support it,” Rainwater said. Rainwater said some Louisiana universities have come to him with plans to increase faculty classes so everyone is “maxed out on workload.” He said some administrators are already making adjustments based on the Division of Administration’s guidance. Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said the governor’s evaluation of the faculty workload shows naivety or malice. “If it shows naivety, it shows he’s not qualified to be governor,” Cope said “If it shows malice, it also shows he’s not qualified to be governor because he’s not observing his duty to care for his people.” Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
freshman years. “We need more counseling, more mentoring and more assistance for students,” Kuhn said. Administrators say budget cuts are preventing efforts to do just that. In an Oct. 20 news release, University administrators said money raised from a larger incoming freshman class would not be used to provide more “counseling and tutoring hours” to keep up, but rather to meet the recent $5.1 million midyear cut. Jindal’s second criticism of higher education centers around how much universities spend on classroom instruction. “Another fact you may find
interesting is that only 37.8 percent of higher education funding — or $934 million — goes to the classroom,” Jindal wrote in the Facebook post. LSU, however, spends a higher percentage on instruction. According to reports from the Office of Budget and Planning, LSU budgeted 41.8 percent of this year’s $443 million operating budget for instruction. While that 41.8 percent is only 4 percent more than Jindal’s average figures, Kuhn said classroom instruction isn’t the University’s only goal. “The official mission at LSU is teaching, research and service,” Kuhn said. “That’s what makes us
page 15 different from a two-year institution or community college.” Around 12.3 percent of LSU’s budget goes to research, and 1.4 percent goes to public service. Because LSU’s mission includes all three, Kuhn argues those should be to the teaching percentage. If they are, 55.4 percent of the University’s budget goes directly to support the mission — 12.4 percent more than Jindal’s figures. Kuhn says many of the remaining budget “pie slices” do not directly fulfill the University’s mission but provide support to that mission. “You really can’t separate the two,” Kuhn said. “You can’t just
have teachers say, ‘Meet me at The Chimes’ and go from there. You have to have buildings, you have to have infrastructure, you have to have payroll.” About 5.8 percent of the budget goes to institutional support, or administrative overhead, which includes payroll, human resources and administrators. University administrators routinely cite this figure as evidence LSU operates efficiently — especially when criticisms of their sometimes six-figure salaries surface. Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010