Away from home: Egyptian student discusses protests in home country, p. 3
ResLife: Snowing in the South postponed indefinitely, p. 3
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Theater: ‘King Lear’ opens in Shaver Theatre, p. 11 Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 • Volume 115, Issue 82
University student found after disappearing for 4 days Buford went missing in New Orleans Celeste Ansley Staff Writer
A 20-year-old University student who disappeared in New Orleans early Sunday was found Wednesday afternoon. Leslie Buford, pre-veterinary junior, went missing after leaving the Tequila Room on Bourbon Street around 4 a.m.
Kendi Murungi, communication studies junior and creator of the “Have you seen Leslie Buford????” Facebook event, said she and five of Buford’s friends went to New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon to look for Buford and post fliers with his information. They found Buford after five and a half hours of searching, Murungi said. “Leslie Buford has been located. He was found back on Bourbon St. in good health,” Officer Hilal B. Williams of the New
Orleans Police Department Public Affairs Division said in an e-mail Wednesday. Murungi said Buford appeared fine physically but not mentally. “I think something happened to him LESLIE BUFORD that got to his head,” Murungi said. Murungi said Buford would not make eye contact with them when he was found, but she said
Buford had been sleeping on the street since his disappearance. Buford told his friends he couldn’t talk about what happened, but he had tried to contact people and was unsuccessful, Murungi said. Buford went to the NOPD 8th District office to report being found, Murungi said. Murungi said she and Buford were on Bourbon Street celebrating a friend’s birthday with a group of friends. Murungi said the footage from the Tequila Room showed
5-star recruits signed by LSU Anthony Johnson • Position: Defensive tackle • Hometown: New Orleans • School: O.P. Walker HS
Jarvis Landry • Position: Wide receiver • Hometown: Lutcher • School: Lutcher HS
the group walking with Buford at 3:50 a.m. Buford walked out of the footage frame at 3:53 a.m. “Two minutes later we noticed he was missing,” Murungi said. Murungi said a man resembling Buford appeared on the video footage walking in the other direction a few minutes later, but he could not be positively identified as Buford. No one in the group knew what happened to Buford, and he BUFORD, see page 6
CAMPUS LIFE
University switching mail carriers Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
La’El Collins PATRICK SEMANSKY / The Associated Press
LSU football coach Les Miles speaks at a news conference Wednesday about recruits who have signed and submitted their letters of intent to play for LSU. Rivals.com ranks LSU’s recruiting class No. 6 in the nation.
• Position: Offensive lineman • Hometown: Baton Rouge • School: Redemptorist HS *Ratings according to Rivals.com
All signs point to LSU RB Hill doesn’t sign, all other expected signees ink with Miles, Tigers
Hunter Paniagua Sports Contributor
For one day every year, the fax machine becomes the most important piece of technology to football programs across the country. The first Wednesday of February, known to recruiting diehards as National Signing Day, is the day most high school prospects fax their letters of intent to their college of choice. For LSU, the day went according to plan. LSU coach Les Miles received signatures from 22 players. Isidore Newman wide receiver Odell Beckham became the first to fax his letter
Wednesday at 7:45 a.m., and Evangel defensive end Jermauria Rasco closed the day when he signed at 3:42 p.m. Miles said he was pleased with the quality of the finished class that Rivals.com ranks No. 6 in the nation. “LSU has everything in place,” Miles said. “This class really met some needs, needs that we set out to answer and needs that need to fall in very quickly behind the team that we have.” Rasco was the only player to announce his commitment during National Signing Day, doing so in front of friends and family in his high school gymnasium. The Scout.com five-star recruit stood
in front of a table decorated with Florida and Texas gear. Instead, he donned an LSU hat and jersey and announced he would be taking his talents to Baton Rouge. Miles praised Rasco during his National Signing Day press conference. “We only took one defensive end, but he’s a very good one,” Miles said. “He has the kind of athletic ability that will get him to the field in his
Watch videos of National Signing Day at lsureveille.com. SIGNING DAY, see page 6
Students and faculty will have a new option for mail service on campus in the coming months. The University will choose a new mail service provider this week after the United States Postal Service office on campus was one of six Baton Rouge locations recommended for closure by USPS, according to Director of Campus Auxiliary Services Jason Tolliver. “The University is dealing with budget cuts and looking for ways we can be more efficient, and one of the areas we identified is campus mail,” Tolliver said. The University is currently in the process of choosing between UPS and Ricoh to take over mailing operations on campus with a choice coming as soon as today. Tolliver said by consolidating mailing operations to one location, the new service would save the University $400,000 annually and actually contribute a “modest gain” back to the University. The new company will also MAIL, see page 5
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
WikiLeaks nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian lawmaker
La. recruit’s mom signs letter of intent, player not attending Ole Miss
Democrat Caldwell to switch parties because of beliefs
OSLO, Norway (AP) — A Norwegian lawmaker has nominated WikiLeaks for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, saying Wednesday that its disclosures of classified documents promote world peace by holding governments accountable for their actions.The Norwegian Nobel Committee keeps candidates secret for 50 years, but those with nomination rights sometimes make their picks known. Snorre Valen is a 26-year-old legislator from Norway’s Socialist Left Party.
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi coach Houston Nutt said football recruit Floyd Raven’s mother signed his letter of intent and that the highly regarded cornerback will not be attending the university. Nutt declined to get into specifics, but says Raven’s “mom really wanted him (at Ole Miss). Mom wanted him here in the worst way.” Raven played his high school football at East St. John High School in Reserve, La. NYC smoking ban extends to parks, beaches, Times Square
(AP) — Democratic Attorney General Buddy Caldwell said Wednesday he’s jumping to the Republican Party because it’s more in line with his political beliefs, a move that gives the GOP control of all Louisiana’s statewide elected posts. “I understand that many are watching and interested in the dynamics of this change, and will speculate upon it for some time. The truth is that this change of party is in line with thousands of everyday people who simply feel more comfortable with most of what the Republican Party represents locally and nationally,” Caldwell said in a statement.
Cyclone strikes northeastern Australia near resort town CAIRNS, Australia (AP) — A massive cyclone struck northeastern Australia early Thursday, tearing off roofs, toppling trees and cutting electricity to thousands — the most powerful storm to hit the area in nearly a century. The eye of Cyclone Yasi roared ashore at the small resort town of Mission Beach in Queensland state, battering the coast known to tourists as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with heavy rain and howling winds gusting to 186 mph (300 kph).
LEFTERIS PITARKIS / The Associated Press
Pro-government demonstrators watch early Thursday as cars burn during clashes with anti-government demonstrators behind barriers in Cairo.
Blood in Cairo square: Mubarak supporters, protesters clash CAIRO (AP) — Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak charged into Cairo’s central square on horses and camels brandishing whips while others rained firebombs from rooftops in what appeared to be an planned assault on protesters trying to topple Egypt’s leader of 30 years. Three people died and 600 were injured. The protesters accused Mubarak’s regime of unleashing a force of paid thugs and plainclothes police to crush their unprecedented 9-day-old movement.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s parks, beaches and even Times Square will be off-limits to smokers under one of the nation’s toughest anti-cigarette laws passed Wednesday by the City Council. “This summer, New Yorkers who go to our parks and beaches for some fresh air and fun will be able to breathe even cleaner air and sit on a beach not littered with cigarette butts,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said after the 36-12 vote. The smoking ban will cover 1,700 parks and 14 miles of public beaches plus boardwalks, marinas and pedestrian plazas.
North Carolina girl found with man in Louisiana after running away DENHAM SPRINGS (AP) — Louisiana authorities have found a 17-year-old girl who they say ran away from her North Carolina home with a man she met on the Internet. The state attorney general’s office says Faith Manuel was found at the Denham Springs home of 34-year-old William David Jones. Jones was booked on outstanding warrants from Rapides Parish, North Carolina and Texas.
SPEAKING TO THEIR LOYAL SUBJECTS
Black History Month Black Academic Perspectives Lecture Series
Today on lsureveille.com Make sure to pick up Friday’s edition of The Daily Reveille for a tour of an important LSU landmark Visit our entertainment blog LMFAO for some pre-release tracks of Money Making Jam Boys’ new mixtape Watch videos of press conferences from National Signing Day Check out photos from around campus at flickr.com/ photos/thedailyreveillephotos
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Weather TODAY Rain
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SATURDAY
39 28
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62 45
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011 French House, Grand Salon, 12 PM
Black History Month Play: Laugh, Cry, Scream & Shout
Monday February 7, 2011 LSU Student Union Ballroom, 6 PM
DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Chase at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
See photos of speeches by government officials on Snapshot at lsureveille.com.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS In the Feb. 2 article, “Professor, students pioneer new way to measure material strength,” Michael Khonsari was not in the photo on the front page. Both men pictured were graduate students.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 3
EVENTS
Snowing in the South postponed Emily Herrington Contributing Writer
After two changes in date, Snowing in the South was postponed indefinitely Wednesday. The event was postponed because of “poor field conditions on the Parade Ground, inclement weather and security complications,” according to Residential Life. Snowing in the South was originally rescheduled because of rainy weather in November and too-warm weather Monday, said Steve Waller, director of ResLife.
This time, the program was postponed because of scheduling conflicts with the snow provider and security personnel, according to Jay High, ResLife communications manager. High said Wednesday night was the only available time for the snow company, but ResLife was unable to obtain LSU Police Department officers for security. ResLife also announced that it plans to find “exciting ways” to “rejuvenate” Snowing in the South. Snowing in the South has not experienced as much participation
as other ResLife events like Splatterbeat, so ResLife is looking into other options, High said. High said the revised event will still involve snow and ice because of a contractual obligation with The Sno-Mobile of Louisiana. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do yet,” High said. “We’ll be deciding over the next few weeks.”
Contact Emily Herrington at eherrington@lsureveille.com
INTERNATIONAL
Egyptian student supports protest Violence continues to rage in Cairo Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer
As fires burn in Egypt’s capital, Ahmad Mokhtar is glued to Facebook. As he anxiously refreshes the page, he hopes to read of a revolution, but he increasingly fears the worst. His hometown of Cairo is in turmoil today, but Mokhtar, a construction management graduate student, is stuck a world away with homework to do. As millions of Egyptians march into the second week of mass proAhmad tests against Mokhtar graduate student Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s president, Mokhtar has been keeping up with the rapid developments through friends and news organizations on Facebook and other websites. “These eight days have not been very productive for me,” Mokhtar says. “I am with them 100 percent. I actually wish I was there participating in the protest.” The protests reached a tipping point Tuesday when demonstrators organized the “millionman march.” That night Mubarak announced he would not seek reelection later in the year. But the revolution didn’t end — it turned violent. A crowd of protestors were attacked Wednesday by Mubarak supporters. Fires brightened Tahrir Square in Cairo, the epicenter of the revolution for the past week, leading Mokhtar to fear for the safety of his protesting friends. “Until yesterday, I was calling it a revolution,” Mokhtar said. “Until yesterday, I had no fear for the people participating.” Mokhtar said he believes, as several news agencies have reported, that Mubarak’s regime orchestrated the attacks. “He is defending his position with the lives of his people,”
Mokhtar said. Mokhtar believes the president is using the Egyptian media to skew the attacks, making Egyptians more willing to accept Mubarak serving the rest of his term. Although global news agencies were reporting three dead and hundreds wounded Wednesday night, Mokhtar said he hopes the protests continue until Mubarak’s regime is ousted. “I can’t trust him for one more day,” Mokhtar said. “I’m not sure what he will do in the seven months [remaining until elections], but he won’t be working for the people.” Mohktar said the revolution is long overdue because of the “prison” Mubarak has made of Egypt. “The country is not improving,” Mohktar said. “Education is not improving, the poverty is not improving, and there are not any steps done to correct this. ... This is not security. It is prison.” Mohktar said he is proud of
Thursday February 3
the protesters for finally standing up against Mubarak, who has been in power since the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. “Before Jan. 25 no one would be able to go into the streets and say Mubarak is bad,” Mohktar said. “I heard about it on Facebook before it started, but I never expected this many people to participate, and I was surprised it went on this long.” Mohktar said he knew people as an undergraduate in Cairo who were arrested for protesting against Mubarak, and he wants to do something here to help teach people about the situation and show support for the movement. “The hardest part [is] seeing the videos. I feel helpless,” Mohktar said. “I know I would be going to the protests for sure.”
SHADY’S
Baton Rouge’s Best Ladies Night Free Drinks & Cover for Ladies til 10 $3 calls For guys Come have a drink, Don’t be a DiCK
Pluckers Wing Bar Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
3:00-3:30PM Newsbeat 4:00-4:30 PM The Ramen Repeat 5:00-5:30 PM The Ramen Repeat 6:30-7:00 PM Newsbeat Repeat 8:00-8:30 PM The Ramen Repeat
The Daily Reveille
page 4
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate votes against Hudson’s internal review proposal Rules of court, SG scholarship passed Andrea Gallo Staff Writer
The Student Government Senate failed SG President J Hudson’s executive order to create a committee that would internally review and evaluate SG’s effectiveness. Hudson was not present for the vote, and Danielle Rushing, University Court chief justice, spoke on his behalf, acknowledging she was unaware of many of the committee’s details. “This will be a committee that could, and hopefully will, change the face and internal operations of Student Government forever,” Rushing read on Hudson’s request. SG Speaker Pro Tempore Aaron Caffarel said SG has recently reviewed every governing document including the constitution, bylaws and rules of court. He said he didn’t think a committee was necessary. “We have already gone through an extensive overhaul,” Caffarel said. “We’ve already done what the committee was meant for. We’ve just done it over a long period of time. While it would be a great idea to look at other systems, I don’t think they would work here, and we’re taking away time from serving students.” Other senators also expressed
concerns. “I feel like this is doing an audit,” said Sen. Weldon Nipper, College of Agriculture. After the order failed, Sen. Cody Wells, University Center for Advising and Counseling, rose to a point of personal privilege and stated the reason the Senate did not pass the order was not that the Senate didn’t agree with its goal, but because “we think it could be done a better way.” The Senate passed a resolution to create an SG scholarship committee as well. The resolution was sponsored by SG Senate Speaker Brooksie Bonvillain and Sen. Caleb Abshire, College of Sciences. Bonvillian said it was a pre-existing account, and she was told it contained $3,200. The account stipulates that scholarships must be merit-based and go to incoming freshmen. Bonvillain said she hopes to give the award to one of the high school students attending the upcoming SG high school retreat. “This is something we’ve been working on between the branches,” she said. SG also passed the rules of court revisions, which came from the Senate Committee on Rules on Monday night. Rushing stressed the time spent on the modifications and requested the senators maintain a serious and professional demeanor through the debate.
BOARD OF REGENTS
Regents hire firm to assist UNO-SUNO study
Sydni Dunn Staff Writer
The Board of Regents has contracted the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems to assist in a study to analyze the feasibility of merging the University of New Orleans and Southern University-New Orleans. Senate Resolution 123 by Sens. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie, and Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans, has extended a study of higher education in New Orleans. “There will be a significant increase in the efforts ... to answer these questions,” Regents Chairman Robert Levy said Jan. 18. Additional analysis will be conducted by NCHEMS. The state will pay up to $99,000 to complete the study by its March 1 deadline. “NCHEMS is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve strategic decision making in higher education for states and institutions in the United States and abroad,” the organization’s website says. The consultant’s initiatives have been divided into three steps, according to the contract agreement. NCHEMS will assist the Regents by:
Step 1: Conducting a study focused on how the state can best meet the needs of students and the economy through community college services on the North Shore. Step 2: Conducting further study and making recommendations to the Board regarding various program modifications. Step 3: Assessing the effectiveness of the Formula Funding Model for Louisiana’s postsecondary education institutions. According to a tentative deadline, Step 1 will be completed by Feb. 8. Introductory information will also be discussed Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Louisiana Purchase Room of the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge.
Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
“I’ve spent over 175 hours on this,” she said. The 28-page document’s criteria will now be invoked at all UCourt hearings. The documents were last revised in April 2009. During the committee reports section of the meeting, Sen. Sarah Lockwood, UCAC, reported the Committee on Student Outreach is “looking at” the University Student Code of Conduct. Caffarel said they are considering posting a “code of academic integrity” on PAWS, and students would be required to accept its terms. Sen. Carolyn Hill, Graduate School, asked the senators to consider participating in and promoting a “suicide awareness walk” scheduled for April 30. Hill said letters have been sent requesting celebrities, including Drew Brees, Britney Spears and Fantasia, to be guest speakers at the walk. Wells expressed his desire to set a cap on the amount of money in the Senate Surplus Account and move funds to projects that would help students. “We could be doing more with student fees than we’re doing now,” he said. “When we do start spending students’ fees wisely, they will start to care and take ownership in
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Student Government President J Husdon (left) and Vice President Dani Borel (right) speak of their agenda progress Wednesday at the SG Senate meeting.
Student Government.” Hudson continued to emphasize the need to “bust up” initiatives at Wednesday’s executive branch meeting. “In the past, there have been administrations doing a half-ass job,” he said. “We’re not going to have that. There may be some initiatives that are in progress, and I’m OK with that. This is not Dani
and I’s pushcard anymore. This is about our executive staff.” Laura Boggs, SG director of transportation, reported the transportation department has completed all of its initiatives.
Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 5
DEVELOPMENT
Third hotel to join ‘lodging corridor’ in downtown area Options expected to aid BR tourism Rachel Warren Staff Writer
The Downtown Development District is in the process of planning a new hotel that will join the existing two on Lafayette Street in downtown Baton Rouge. The Hampton Inn and Suites, which is estimated to be completed in 2012, will accompany the existing Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center and Hotel Indigo, which is scheduled to open this month. The three will create what developers
MAIL, from page 1
pay for renovations to the old post office area on the first floor of the Student Union. Tolliver called the new location a “onestop shop” for mailing operations and said it will include a copy center. The move will come with some unwelcome changes, as some University departments will no longer receive mail delivered to their desks. Tolliver said options like a department box in the post office are being considered as a vendor is selected.
are calling a “lodging corridor” — an area that will cater to visitors and tourists looking to experience downtown Baton Rouge. Paul Arrigo, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said when the boutique-style Hotel Indigo opens this month, there will be nearly 400 rooms in a single downtown area. Arrigo said it’s good the hotels are all being built near one another because more visitors can stay near downtown attractions. He said most of the lodging options in Baton Rouge are far from downtown and sometimes keep visitors from venturing there. “It will really open up the
downtown area for more leisure travel,” he said. Arrigo said he feels it’s necessary to offer more lodging options downtown because it’s important for Baton Rouge to keep up with other cities across the country. “Any city our size has at least what we have downtown or more,” he said. Arrigo said he’s confident the new hotels will draw more people downtown. “It’ll act as a magnet attracting business to the area,” he said. Davis Rhorer, executive director of the Downtown Development District, said downtown developers were conducting a feasibility study for phase two of the expansion of
Since the closure of the Union post office in 2009, USPS has been operating out of a series of gray trailers behind the Faculty Club on Raphael Semmes Road. Tolliver said the new company will host post office boxes at a rate no greater than $70 per year for the basic box. The basic P.O. box with USPS cost students $44 per year. Tolliver said the shipping rates for the new office have yet to be set, but the University will have discretion to approve prices. “Students should not be paying more on campus for like
services off campus,” Tolliver said. “It will not exceed the rate if you ship elsewhere.” Tolliver said the University will negotiate the transfer of current P.O. boxes to the new location once the new vendor is selected. Tolliver said he hopes the new vendor will be installed in the renovated location by late spring or early summer.
the River Center and decided they’d need about 1,000 hotel rooms to accompany the expansion. Hotel grouping was then proposed. Rhorer said the Lafayette Street lodging corridor will have 850 rooms to offer visitors once all three hotels are up and running. Michael Nelms, sales director for Hotel Indigo, said developers decided to place the new hotel in that area because the buildings there were once hotels. “It just makes sense,” Nelms said. “And it really helps build downtown.” Rhorer said the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center building cost $70 million to renovate and Hotel Indigo is estimated to cost about
$22 million to complete. Rhorer said he hasn’t received an estimate for how much the Hampton Inn and Suites will cost. Nelms said he doesn’t believe having three hotels so close to one another is undesirable. “It’s almost friendly competition because we will be working together on certain things,” he said. Rhorer said he thinks the grouping is good news for downtown Baton Rouge. “You just can’t ask for a better situation,” Rhorer said.
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com
English junior Tim Jones checks his P.O. box Wednesday at the temporary post office behind the Faculty Club. The University will soon be switching mail service providers.
The Daily Reveille
page 6 BUFORD, from page 1
didn’t appear to be incoherently intoxicated on the night he went missing, Murungi said. “We were all drunk, but he didn’t seem too drunk,” Murungi said. Murungi said the group looked for Buford before going to
the NOPD 1st District office. NOPD told Murungi that people have to be missing for 24 hours for them to take action, so she reported him missing the next day, she said. Upon reporting Buford missing, NOPD checked jails and police reports looking for him, Murungi said.
Murungi said she created a Facebook event Tuesday around 9 p.m., and it rapidly grew, with 2,583 people attending the event as of Wednesday night.
Contact Celeste Ansley at cansley@lsureveille.com
SIGNING DAY, from page 1
freshman year. We’re excited about the addition.” Rasco joins a defensive line that already includes four-star defensive tackle Mickey Johnson and the No. 1 overall defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. Johnson, who garnered the nickname “The Freak” as he broke the national career sack record, enrolled early and will compete for playing time as a freshman. Miles commended Johnson for his leadership, his help in recruiting and one other special talent. “Besides being a five-star and an All-America, he can sing,” Miles said. “We’ll enjoy his abilities, especially around Christmas time.” Patterson running back Kenny Hilliard and former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger join “Freak” Johnson as early enrollees. Miles said Mettenberger’s experience will allow him to compete for the starting quarterback position next season. LSU also added Athens, Ala., native Stephen Rivers, brother of San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. At 6 feet 7 inches, Miles said Rivers has the tools to develop into a successful Southeastern Conference quarterback and will benefit from newly appointed offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe. “Kragthorpe will take Rivers and really improve him day after day,” Miles said. “He’s got the kind of mentality you want from a quarterback. I think he’ll get nothing but better.” Miles said his coaching staff placed an added emphasis on locking up the best Louisiana recruits. LSU found success, as 17 of the 22 signees hail from the Pelican State.
photo courtesy of THE RED & BLACK
Former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger waits for a snap April 10 during the Georgia G-Day spring game. Mettenberger is an early enrollee for the 2011 class.
“This is a state where football is awfully important,” Miles said. “Recruiting this state is imperative. The great teams we’ve had and the leadership has always come from this state.” Because so many players come from Louisiana, the class built a camaraderie that developed into “The Fam,” the nickname given to the close-knit group of recruits in this class. Miles said the foundation for “The Fam” began at summer camps. “We’ve always considered the strength of our team to be a core group that developed in that camp,” Miles said. “There’s a real comfortable foundation of getting to know your teammates. That’s how ‘The Fam’ came to be.” Miles especially commended recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson for his efforts in building this class. “I think Frank has a wonderful view of the recruiting coordinator’s position,” Miles said. “He understands the responsibility. He is a
tremendous judge of talent. He gives our coaches a great resource in how to approach some of the prospects.” One member of “The Fam” was missing from the list of signees. Jeremy Hill, a four-star running back from Redemptorist, was arrested Jan. 12 on charges of oral sexual battery after allegedly pressuring a 14-yearold to perform oral sex. His commitment status remains in question. Because Hill has not yet signed, Miles could not comment on the situation during his news conference. Miles said even though the day lacked any big surprises, he still found positives in things going as planned. “The good news is there were no defections,” Miles said. “The people that were committed stayed committed.”
Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
Tiger Feed: Read a blogger’s diary about the experience of attending the Bayou Bash.
Sports
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 7
Midweek Tailgate
National Signing Day’s Bayou Bash offers Tiger fans an offseason ‘Saturday Night’
It may not be a Saturday night in Tiger While there may not have been a football Stadium, but for LSU fans looking to get their game, the crowd noise would have indicated college football fixes in the offseason, the otherwise. Bayou Bash recruiting party is about as close The way Bashers erupted at the anas they can get. nouncement of each LSU signee was reminisAnd judging by the drunken Tiger fans cent of a game-winning touchdown in Death donning their gameday attire Valley. Mark Clements and stuffing their faces with “It speaks for how aweSports Contributor jambalaya and other Cajun some LSU is,” said Dane Decuisine, the difference is latte, a first timer. “I think this hardly noticeable. is what brings kids here — the atmosphere of “It’s almost like a mini tailgate,” said a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium and things Trey Dominique, a three-year veteran of the like this.” Bayou Bash. “It’s like a mini Saturday night. BASH, see page 10 It’s very similar, but there’s no game.”
TENNIS
Weather postpones match to today Staff Reports
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU fans look at and bid on LSU-related items Wednesday during a silent auction at the Bayou Bash for National Signing Day at the Baton Rouge River Center.
The weather has not taken kindly to the LSU tennis teams this week. One day after forcing the LSU men’s tennis team to postpone its Thursday matches, frigid temperatures nixed the LSU women’s tennis match set for Wednesday at W.T. “Dub” Robinson Stadium. The Lady Tigers were slated to play Texas Tech. The match has been moved to today at 8:30 a.m. at New Orleans’ Hilton Indoor Tennis Center. The women’s team had two matches scheduled for Wednesday — against the Red Raiders and Prairie View A&M, respectively, but postponed the match against the Panthers on Tuesday. LSU women’s coach Tony Minnis decided to postpone the Texas Tech match around noon on Wednesday. The teams were scheduled to play at 1:30 p.m. The Red Raiders (2-0) come into the match after defeating Wichita State, 4-3, and New Mexico, 7-0. The Lady Tigers have not participated in a dual meet yet this season.
Check lsureveille.com for the results of the match. BILL FEIG / The Associated Press
LSU football fans celebrate Wednesday during National Signing Day at the LSU Bayou Bash as Jermauria Rasco,on screen, announces his LSU commitment.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Tigers lose by single digits to SC Losing streak now extends to 5 games Michael Lambert Sports Writer
The LSU men’s basketball team is making strides — albeit during losing efforts. The Tigers were blown out in the second half by 83 points against their past four Southeastern Conference opponents. In Wednesday night’s game, LSU held its own in the second half against South Carolina even though the result was the same. The Tigers lost, 64-56. Sophomore guard Aaron Dotson drained a 3-pointer from the left
side of the court with 4:48 remain“We never felt like we were out ing, and freshman point guard Andre of the game,” Stringer said. “We cut Stringer made it, and we kept playa layup on the ing hard. A couple of team’s next posturnovers kept us from session, cutting pulling it out.” South Carolina’s LSU coach Trent (13-7, 4-3) lead Johnson was noticeto the lowest of ably upset and abruptthe night. ly left the postgame But the press conference afTrent Johnson four-point defiter his team’s losing cit was the closstreak was extended to LSU men’s basketball coach est LSU (10-12, five games in front of 2-5) got as the a quiet PMAC crowd second-half improvement wasn’t of 7,311. enough to take care of business “We have a tendency when against the Gamecocks. things are going bad, it’s like an avaDotson and Stringer sunk clutch lanche,” Johnson said. “We have to shots, but each of them committed a play our way through situations in turnover in the final three minutes to LOSS, see page 10 eliminate a chance of a comeback.
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‘We couldn’t come from behind. Losing is losing. The growing pains are painful.’
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU freshman guard Andre Stringer drives down the court Wednesday during the Tigers’ 64-56 loss against South Carolina in the PMAC. Stringer scored 19 points.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU faces Commodores, difficult road test in Nashville Teams battle for No. 5 SEC spot Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer
The LSU women’s basketball team has a tall task ahead tonight against Vanderbilt — winning on the Commodores’ home court. The Lady Tigers (15-8, 5-4) have not won in Nashville, Tenn., since Jan. 23, 2005. The Commodores (14-7, 5-3) are 11-0 at Memorial Gym this season. The two teams square off at 7 p.m. with just a half-game separating the teams between No. 5 and No. 6 in the Southeastern Conference. LSU coach Van Chancellor said the reason Nashville is such a challenge is simple. “Where the benches are is a tremendous advantage to them,” Chancellor said. “You really have no way to communicate with your players, not even on a free throw, because they can’t break that plane. Your point guard has to really have a great game … knowing when they change defenses, when they press
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior guard Katherine Graham dribbles past Georgia sophomore guard Jasmine James on Sunday during LSU’s 47-41 victory against Georgia in the PMAC.
you, where to get the ball and what to run.” With that in mind, Chancellor said effective shooting and “playing matchup zone” will be critical for LSU. The teams split two matchups last season, as the Lady Tigers held the Commodores to 39 points — their lowest scoring output ever —
but then lost in the quarterfinals of the 2010 SEC Tournament, 63-61, after giving up a 12-point lead. LSU junior forward LaSondra Barrett described Vanderbilt as a “crafty” team. “They have a lot of players who can shoot and drive,” Barrett said. “They play a lot of guards, pretty
THE JOOSE IS LOOSE
Quiet signing day good news for LSU Two years ago, LSU finally took a deep breath after a tumultuous National Signing Day. Newly hired defensive line coach Brick Haley stole defensive end Sam Montgomery from North Carolina and Tennessee. In a last-minute decision, Montgomery picked Michael up an LSU hat Lambert and gave a shotSports Writer in-the-arm to fans. Scout.com five-star wide receiver Rueben Randle stayed in the Bayou State, signing with LSU around 6 p.m. on Signing Day after being a tight-lipped recruit throughout the process. But the drama wasn’t all in the Tigers’ favor — cue the DeAngelo Benton and Janzen Jackson sagas. Benton, a wide receiver from Bastrop High School (the same school as Randle), signed with LSU the previous two years but failed to qualify. His grades were in shape in 2009, and he was finally set to join the Tigers. Instead, Benton’s scholarship was reportedly revoked by the LSU coaching staff after Randle’s father told a Monroe radio station about a depth-chart issue. Jackson, the No. 2 cornerback in the nation, eventually inked with Tennessee the day after Signing Day, although he had been committed to LSU for months. There wasn’t quite as much drama Wednesday — and that’s a positive sign. Don’t let the silence fool you, though. This year’s class has all
the punch of past classes but with none of the prima donnas (besides Jeremy Hill, of course). The best news of the day: no attrition from the class. Twentyone of the commitments LSU expected to sign did so Wednesday. Defensive end Jermauria Rasco was an added bonus. Nobody pulled a Janzen Jackson and made a last-minute change, and LSU didn’t have to pull a single scholarship because of the numbers crunch. The day worked out for everyone. The reason this crop of Tigers signed without issues is because they were unified. Everyone knew what they wanted — LSU. They didn’t need to parade for months, making fans wonder where they were going to go. Excuse the overused phrase, but they had purple and gold in their blood. This class is different, and these players didn’t need to put on a show. Three of the five best players in the class are already walking the LSU campus — Zach Mettenberger, Anthony Johnson and Kenny Hilliard. Offensive tackle La’El Collins was the first member of the 2011 class. He committed early, and many players followed. Patterson running back Hilliard became No. 2. Baton Rouge native Corey White was the third. Johnson from New Orleans verbally committed fourth. Commitments continued until 22 high school players united to become “The Fam.” The 17 recruits from the Pelican State are the most elite group in the Les Miles era. They were
responsible for the a calm 2011 Signing Day. Yes, Rasco created a scene at Evangel Christian Academy, putting Texas and Florida gear in front of the table before announcing his choice. He uttered the phrase that seems never to get old in some people’s minds, “I’m taking my talents to” and then donned an LSU hat and ripped off his jacket to unveil a No. 7 LSU jersey. Other than that, the day was largely uneventful. There’s nothing wrong with a player making his choice on National Signing Day. And it doesn’t take anything away from the class if that doesn’t happen. Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter @TDR_Lambert. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
much four perimeter post players. They do a lot of shot fakes and jab steps, so they’re very skilled.” Vanderbilt senior guard Jence Rhoads leads the Commodores with 13.1 points per game and 4.7 assists per game. She has 497 career assists. “It seems like Rhoads has been there all my life,” Chancellor joked. Four other Vanderbilt players average in double figures for the No. 3 scoring offense in the SEC (72.5 points per game). Vanderbilt is also No. 2 in 3-point percentage at 35.8 percent, while LSU is No. 2 in 3-point percentage defense at 28.7 percent. Shooting from behind the arc was an area where LSU struggled mightily against Georgia, converting just 2-of-21 for the game and 0-of-15 in the second half. “That’s a stat I can’t get over,” Chancellor said. “We had a little John Wayne in us. We found true grit. We had a little toughness about us and found a way to win.”
LSU junior forward Courtney Jones was a significant factor in the Georgia victory with eight points and nine rebounds. Her prior average entering the game was 4.9 points and 2.9 boards. Chancellor said LSU will have a better chance of beating Vanderbilt if Jones can continue her production. “You ever open up a Coca Cola out in the hot when you’re in the country, out in the summertime when you open it up it kind of spews?” Chancellor said. “All that little stuff coming out, that’s what Courtney Jones gave us [against Georgia]. Her points and rebounds and her defense were good, but it’s her spirit — she made Barrett and [senior guard Katherine Graham] play a little harder.”
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 9
NFL
Students struggle with absence of Saints in Super Bowl Rodgers looking for first championship David Helman Sports Contributor
When it’s all said and done, the New Orleans Saints’ stint as world champions will have lasted less than a year. Either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers will hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night in Dallas — exactly 364 days after the Saints did the same thing in Miami. This fact isn’t lost on many University students, as the Saints’ early exit in this year’s playoffs has understandably curbed some enthusiasm for Super Bowl XLV. “I care about it like it’s a game I can watch, but I’d rather watch the Saints in the Super Bowl,” said Taylor Roy, communication studies junior. Of course, the local favorite can’t win the Super Bowl every season, which raises the question whether LSU students can bring themselves to care about a nonBlack and Gold Super Bowl.
CHARLIE RIEDEL / The Associated Press
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is interviewed Tuesday during media day for NFL Super Bowl XLV. Many LSU students hope to see Rodgers win his first title.
“Unless the Saints are in it, professional football kind of sucks,” said Leigh Anne Evensky, marketing freshman. For those fans with a less severe point of view, there are at least a few reasons — aside from the commercials — to tune in Sunday. The history involved in the matchup is cause enough for interest. The Steelers enter the game with a league-best six world titles,
while the Packers claimed the first two championships and are going for their fourth. “I like both teams. I’m a big fan of [Pittsburgh coach] Mike Tomlin, and obviously Green Bay has some LSU ties with Matt Flynn,” said Adam Waguespack, theatre sophomore. “I’m just hoping it’s a good game, since it’s not the Saints.” Many people are rooting for
SOCCER
Small recruiting class of three top players signs letters of intent Staff Reports Football wasn’t the only sport on campus knee-deep in recruits Wednesday. The LSU soccer team also partook in the festivities. Three new players signed National Letters of Intent. The new trio comes a year after LSU signed 10 players in the class of 2010. “While we don’t have the numbers in this class that we’ve had in the past, we are very excited this season with the quality we have joining our program,” LSU coach Brian Lee said in a news release. “These three young ladies have a chance to build upon the foundation we’ve already laid and help us compete for championships for years to come.” Lee didn’t disappoint. Each recruit — center midfielder Alex Arlitt (Houston), forward Alex Cook (Petal, Miss.) and forward Lexi Gibbs (Prairieville) — ranks as the top recruit in their respective states. Cook rates as a four-star recruit, while Arlitt is a three-star athlete, according to TopDrawerSoccer.com. Gibbs is not rated. Gibbs is from Dutchtown High School, where she helped the Griffins to back-to-back state quarterfinals appearances in her last two seasons. She totalled 159 goals and 48 assists in her career at Dutchtown. Meanwhile, Cook comes in as the No. 88 prospect in the
TopDrawerSoccer Top 100 and the No. 2 player in the South Region. Arlitt has a few personal connections with Lee and Cook. The Clear Lake High School product played on the same club team in Houston as current Tigers forward Addie Eggleston and goalkeeper Megan Kinneman, both sophomores. The trio joins the gargantuan 2010 class that included
Eggleston, Kinneman, midfielders Alex Ramsey and Emily Cancienne, among others. Ramsey and Cancienne started all 21 games of the season, while Eggleston started 20. Kinneman started all 14 games she played at goalie. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
the Packers in the hopes of seeing something new. This is Pittsburgh’s third Super Bowl appearance in six years, and the Steelers won in both of those trips — in 2005 and 2008. “I don’t like Pittsburgh,” said Craig Clement, international business senior. “Their uniforms are black, they’re playing the intimidation factor, and plus they’ve won it before. And I just don’t like them.” Others hope to see Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers enter elite status among NFL quarterbacks after he completed 65.7 percent of his passes this season for 3,922 yards and 28 touchdowns. “I like Aaron Rodgers. He was my fantasy quarterback all season long — didn’t disappoint,” Clement said. Others hope a Packers win will help Rodgers overcome the legacy of Brett Favre, who played 16 seasons in Green Bay and brought the
Packers their most recent world title in 1996. “I’d like to see Rodgers get his ring and shit all over Brett Favre’s legacy,” Clement said. There’s also an important fact for many Saints fans regarding the Packers. One week after New Orleans bowed out of the playoffs, Green Bay dismantled the Saints’ biggest rival — the Atlanta Falcons — in the Georgia Dome to advance to the NFC Championship Game. “I respect the Packers, since they beat the Falcons. That takes some talent,” said Michael Broadwell, biochemistry senior. “I like what Aaron Rodgers has done since Brett Favre left. They’re the next best choice after the Saints.”
Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com
page 10 BASH, from page 7
Delatte said the whole experience is unique to LSU, and he wanted to make sure his first time at the Bayou Bash won’t be his last. “It’s awesome,” he said. “I told my friends I’m not going to miss any more after this.” With booths of beer, food and LSU memorabilia galore, the 16th annual Bayou Bash was a good one for Delatte to start with. Along with the Tigers reeling in yet another top-10 recruiting class, LSU fans saw appearances from former Tiger greats like Demetrius Byrd, Jack Hunt and Charles Scott. “It’s crazy to see the energy in here and seeing how much these fans love the game and how much these fans appreciate it,” said Scott, who is back at LSU to finish his degree. “It makes you feel good to be a part of it.” Scott made his first trip to the Bayou Bash this year and said the atmosphere surrounding the event was “like a little piece of Tiger Stadium.” He described the whole scene as “crazy.” “You see guys commit to LSU, and everybody goes crazy,” said Scott, who will rejoin the New York Giants’ practice squad in early August. “It’s a lot of people hanging out, having fun, drinking a little beer and just enjoying life. They’re enjoying being a part of this amazing thing we call LSU.” From first-year guys to seasoned veterans, the annual affair featured an array of bash-goers young
LOSS, from page 7
times like that.” The Tigers continued their slump, but they broke their fourgame streak of losing by at least 20 points. “We didn’t quit,” said junior forward Garrett Green. “That’s the only positive we can take from this game. We fought all the way to the end.” South Carolina, led by freshman guard Bruce Ellington’s 20 points, never trailed in the game. “Ellington’s a good player,” Johnson said. “He played beyond his years as a freshman. He made some nice plays.” LSU freshman guard Ralston Turner returned to the PMAC for the first time in more than a month. He last played in front of home fans Dec. 27 against Southern. Turner scored four points in his conference debut against Alabama on Saturday, and he only got two against the Gamecocks in 16 minutes. “We couldn’t come from behind,” Johnson said. “Losing is losing. The growing pains are painful.” South Carolina held LSU junior forward Storm Warren scoreless during his six minutes on the court. Johnson said Warren will be limited for the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury. “I probably could have played him more, but I couldn’t put that kid in that situation,” Johnson said. “This game is hard enough to play when you’re healthy.” The Tigers will continue their two-game homestand when Mississippi State comes to town Saturday at 3 p.m. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille and old, all looking to unofficially the frenzied crowd at the end of the kick off the 2011 football season. bash and applauded the one-of-a“As soon as the season gets kind rowdy, raucous celebration. over, this is what we have to look “No place in America does it forward to,” said Randall Dykes, get done in a post-signing Wednesa former LSU day where you can get student who has 6,000 of your closest been attending friends to come celthe Bayou Bash ebrate your Tigers,” since 2000. “It’s Miles said. “My hat is typical LSU. off to this crew here.” Whatever they Miles spoke briefdo, they’re goly on each recruit and ing to go out couldn’t help but grin first class with when thinking about Randall Dykes it.” the future of the LSU former LSU student Dykes also football program. said his favorite “This should be part of the event is seeing the former a great class,” Miles said. “I like Tigers come back and relive the re- where we’re at, and the future is cruiting process. very bright for this football team.” “It’s amazing,” he said. “I think LSU finished with the No. 6 reLSU kind of sets the pinnacle for re- cruiting class on Rivals.com, No. 9 cruiting. It’s really nice.” on Scout.com and No. 10 on ESPN. While many fans attend the com’s rankings as of Wednesday Bayou Bash for the football festivi- night. The strong finish marks the ties, others go for the true Tiger tail- fifth time in the last six years the Tigating atmosphere. gers have signed a top-10 class. “It’s a big pregame for the basketball game tonight,” laughed Dominique. “But it’s basically the Contact Mark Clements at kickoff for the 2011 season.” LSU coach Les Miles spoke to mclements@lsureveille.com
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‘[Bayou Bash is] amazing. I think LSU kind of sets the pinnacle for recruiting.’
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
Entertainment
The King’s Speech
page 11
LITERATURE
Instructor explores magic in new book
Novel tells tale of traveling circus Taylor Balkom Entertainment Writer
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “King Lear” opened Swine Palace’s spring season Wednesday. The play is directed by Deb Alley, artistic director for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. It is slated to run through Feb. 20. Read more about “King Lear” on page 13.
The word “magic” often conjures images of wands and spells, but in English instructor Milton O’Neal Walsh’s book, all the magic is real. “The Prospect of Magic” begins with the ringmaster of a traveling circus dying outside of Fluker, La. The rest is a collection of stories about how the carnies try to integrate into modern society. But Walsh never thought of his book as just a carnival story. “I always thought of the characters as insiders and outsiders, and who’s to say which is which?” Walsh said. “There is a saying that only two stories are ever told: a stranger comes to town and a hero goes on a journey. But it really depends on your point of view. If you’re a hero going on a journey, to everyone else you’re a stranger coming to town.” Walsh wrote the first story, which is the last chapter of the book, while he was in graduate school at the University of Mississippi. “Once I started writing those stories, I felt really comfortable there,” Walsh said. “I got really MAGIC, see page 15
BATON ROUGE MUSIC
Local bands dominate music scene, students take notice BR musicians build community support Cathryn Core Entertainment Writer
Baton Rouge, the time has come to meet the local bands. The city has a plethora of talented musicians that can be found getting their groove on in local bars and dives most nights of the week. Matthew Sigur, University alumnus and lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist for The Widowers, said his music is “loud” alternative rock. “I don’t mind the big sounds,” he said. “My music is pretty
rocking, and if people think it’s Sigur is enthusiastic about sexy, and it sounds like other other local artists. bands, I’ll take it.” “England in 1819 — their The best part songwriting is just about the Baimpeccable,” he ton Rouge music said. “It’s the closscene is the supest thing Baton portive musicians’ Rouge will ever community, Sigur get to Sigur Rós. said. When I saw them “What I see at The [Spanish] now is a group of Moon, they had people who want this one song that to see each other was just pummelJames Hobgood succeed,” he said. ling. It could bring “Gone are the a man to tears.” Onion Loaf bassist days where I used Andrew Calto hear people rag on bands. The laway, pianist, singer and songscene is growing, and everybody writer for England in 1819, conwants everybody to have a good siders the band’s sound to be show, make a good CD and be a LOCAL, see page 14 part of it. I really like that.”
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‘We’re just trying to expose people to raw, real music instead of something somebody made on a laptop.’
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
The Widowers members Will Doon (left) and Matthew Sigur perform Saturday at The Spanish Moon. The Widowers are among several emerging local bands.
The Daily Reveille
page 12
FASHION
Website offers users personal style advice, charges about $40 Members can choose shoes, jewelry, bags Rachel Warren Staff Writer
Every month, mass communication senior Lauren Brown reviews an assortment of shoes, handbags and jewelry personally selected for her by celebrity Kim Kardashian and a group of stylists. And she’s not the only one. Brown is just one of thousands who peruse the website ShoeDazzle.com. ShoeDazzle offers high-fashion items to users for a fixed price of $39.95 per item. Users select a new pair of shoes, handbag or jewelry set each month, and it’s delivered to their door. Site members can also earn points toward free items by making purchases and inviting their friends to use the service. Brown created an account last December after seeing multiple advertisements for the website on Facebook. The site has more than 550,000 fans on Facebook. Brown said she took a survey that required her to pick her favorites from groups of shoes, handbags and designers. Once a person finishes the survey, they’re given a description of their personal style and celebrities they’re similar to, Brown said. She said her style was described as “sophisticated and classy.” Brown said once she established her account, a page was created for her on the site called her “personal showroom.” She said the showroom offers users an assortment of shoes, handbags and jewelry to choose from, and if users don’t like their options, they can request more. “You don’t have to look at 100 pages of shoes to find what you like,” Brown said. “It’s done for you.” Brown said the only problem she has had so far with using the website is its monthly cost. “I’m poor,” she said. “I keep waiting for those money management skills to kick in, but they haven’t yet.” The website allows users to create a showroom for free and doesn’t charge them until they place their first order. Once a
Gabriel Franks
‘I’m of the opinion that paid style advice is foolish.’
mathematics junior
user’s credit card has been charged, it will be charged monthly unless the user chooses to skip that month or cancels his or her account. “If you have the money to spend, why would you not want a pair of shoes delivered to your door?” she said. In a video on the site, stylist Anya Sarre described the process as “the Hollywood treatment.” Sarre also said in the video that selections are accompanied by tips on what to pair with certain items to create specific looks. “Because we’re your stylists, we want you to look your best,” Sarre said. Oliver Galloway, mechanical engineering junior, said he doesn’t see any problem with women paying for the monthly service. “If a girl wants to look good and that’s her means of doing it, I’m all for it,” he said. Galloway said he’d be willing to subscribe to the service if it catered to men, as well. “If they had new sneakers each month, I’d definitely do that,” he said. “And if it was selected for me, I’d feel like a superstar.” But not everyone agrees. Gabriel Franks, mathematics
Christian Bondy
mass communication freshman
Emma Dozier history senior
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
MOVIES
‘I had a friend who did [Shoedazzle]. She had to stop because she was broke.’ ‘I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to not be in the mall crowd.’
junior, said he would never use a service like the one ShoeDazzle offers. “I’m of the opinion that any paid style assistance is foolish,” Franks said. Jessica Kempainen, manager of Tattle Tales boutique on Highland Road, said she and the shop’s employees help customers find their personal style every day. Kempainen said she thinks it’s better for customers to get help in the store instead of through a website. “It’s definitely easier to see it in person,” she said. “Things are different on every person.”
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
graphic by CAITLYN CONDON, compiled by KITTU PANNU / The Daily Reveille
As “Breaking Dawn” filming continues in Baton Rouge, many University students and local residents have had memorable run-ins with the in-demand “Twilight” cast. Saleta Brewer, biology junior, ran into star Ashley Greene at CVS while she was swarmed with fans. Brewer said the actors’ presence attracts a lot of unwanted attention, but her run-in with Greene showed her Greene was calm and friendly. “She seemed like really nice and normal nice person,” Brewer said.
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
page 13
COVER STORY
Contemporary ‘King Lear’ kicks off Swine Palace season Director calls show great political thriller Jeanne Lyons Entertainment Writer
William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” launched Swine Palace’s spring season Wednesday, giving audiences a contemporary look at one of the most famous tragedies in the English language. The title character, performed by George Judy, head of the Department of Theatre’s master of fine arts acting program, descends into madness after foolishly dividing his estate among two of his three daughters, revealing the tribulations of family relations. Judy described the play as an incredibly relevant contemporary piece. He said “King Lear” reflects the divisiveness of the current political scene and complexities of family relationships. “The show is the most beautiful production in terms of setting and costumes,” Judy said. “It’s a play running with veins of humor and excitement. It’s not just the dismal side of what tragedy can be — it’s enticingly human and
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Interim Artistic Director George Judy (left) performs as King Lear in Swine Palace’s production of the famous Shakespeare play in the Shaver Theatre.
passion-filled.” Deb Alley, director of “Lear” and Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director, said the play contains some of the most beautiful language ever written. “People are nervous about seeing Shakespeare because they’re afraid they won’t understand,” Alley said. “This is a play with a
big name, but the actors made the language accessible and the story interesting and engaging for audiences.” The visiting director called the story a great political thriller that is relevant to the current civil discord and divisiveness in the U.S. Alley also found the family dynamics in the story interesting,
portraying themes of family ambi- for everyone. tions and jealousy through com“Swine Palace performances plex characters. range from tragic pieces like ‘King The cast includes MFA can- Lear’ to more contemporary prodidates, faculty and equity artists. ductions like ‘The Medal ChilJudy called the group one of the dren,’” Sosnowsky said. most professional casts seen at Jacquelyn Craddock, Swine Swine Palace, raisPalace director of ing the bar for fudevelopment, said UPCOMING SHOWS ture performances. the upcoming pro“Lear” is duction of “The made up of strong- • ‘King Lear,’ written by William Medal Children” willed women, and Shakespeare: Feb. 2 - 20 (Shaver is a thought-proJudy said it was Theatre) voking play from fantastic to work • ‘The Metal Children,’ written by acclaimed contemwith the actresses Adam Rapp: March 23 - April 10 porary playwright and with Alley. Adam Rapp set to (Reilly Theatre) Judy met Al- • ‘HEIST!’, conceived and created premiere in March. ley two summers by Sean Daniels and Deborah Stein: The new ago when two of coming in May (Shaw Center) thriller “HEIST!” his former stuis also premierdents performed in ing. Part party, a production directed by Alley at part live-action cartoon and part the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. amusement-park ride, “HEIST!” Judy said he invited Alley to direct is an over-the-top theatrical caper “Lear” at the University. happening in three dimensions “King Lear is one of the great with audiences actively participatroles in Shakespeare,” Judy said. ing, Craddock said. The production “It’s virtually impossible to do, is set to premiere in May. which is a good reason why to do it.” Kristin Sosnowsky, managing director of Swine Palace, said the Contact Jeanne Lyons at spring season offers lots of variety for students and offers something jlyons@lsureveille.com
FOOD AND DRINK
University alumnus creates protein drink, coffee combination Projo contains 28 grams of protein Andrew Price Entertainment Writer
Gym rats and workaholics alike can rejoice — a new beverage that packs a protein punch and a burst of caffeinated energy will be released soon in Baton Rouge. Projo, a combination of protein drink and coffee, is the creation of University alumnus Mike Young. Young said the drink boasts 28 grams of ‘One of the protein, as well as the caffeine main equal to about benefits for two cups of cofthe drink is fee. Y o u n g as a moved to Housmetabolic ton after colto work in stimulator.’ lege the oil and gas industry, but Mike Young he said he alProjo creator ways harbored a dream to start his own company. Young said he created the drink mostly by accident. “I start my day by mixing some coffee and protein, and for about four years I did that every morning,” Young said. “Then one day it dawned on me that there might be a need out there for this kind of convenient product.” Young shared his idea with friend Jeff Jenkins and discovered
Jenkins also enjoyed coffee and a protein shake in the mornings. After trying the two together, Jenkins was convinced there was potential for the product. The company launched in August 2010 with sales in a few Houston stores and product information on its website. Young said the product is aimed at a “health-conscious person.” “One of the main benefits for the drink is as a metabolic stimulator,” Young said. “A lot of people skip breakfast, which is a mistake if you’re trying to lose weight.” Rene Daigle, club director and sales coordinator of Spectrum Westside gym, said he thinks the shake would be beneficial as a preworkout drink. “Taking protein before a workout can help in building muscle, so I can see how a protein drink with extra energy would be a plus,” Daigle said. Kyle Evans, business senior, said he hits the gym five to six times a week, but he avoids
caffeine when he can. “I don’t like drinking a lot of caffeine because I don’t think it’s very good for you,” Evans said. Brandon Harvey, elementary education senior, also said he’d avoid Projo as a preworkout drink, but he could see drinking Projo in addition to a meal for added protein.
Daigle said he thinks the drink would help those looking to get in better shape as a meal replacement. “It would be good for people trying to get in shape to have it for breakfast,” said Daigle. “I’ve heard of people who put protein powder in their coffee in the mornings, and this would be similar.” The beverage is currently only
sold in Houston, but Young plans for Projo to be available in Baton Rouge soon. “It should be in Louisiana and Baton Rouge specifically by the end of the year,” Young said. Contact Andrew Price at aprice@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 14
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
MUSIC
Techno becoming prominent in Baton Rouge bars, concert halls Devon Walsh Entertainment Writer
Techno music has quickly risen in popularity through radio play, concerts and raves throughout Baton Rouge. Electronica music website Synthopia defines techno as pure electronic music, originally designed for dances, that combines the sound of classic German electronica with an American urban feel. It originated in Detroit in the ’80s, but its popularity was shortlived until now. Now, techno’s comeback can be seen throughout the Baton Rouge area in bars and concert halls
LOCAL, from page 11
“chamber rock.” “It was a term used in the ’80s,” he said. “A chamber ensemble in classical music just means ‘small group.’ It’s definitely indie rock with more of an emphasis on emotion and meaning.” Callaway said some of the biggest artists of this generation helped mold England in 1819’s sound. “I’m influenced by Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, Keane and Ben Folds,” he said. “I think those are the bands that I was really into when I was first shaping a sound, and if I was going to design some type of sound for a rock band, those are the people that are doing the things I really want to be doing with my music.” Callaway said he appreciates the size of the Baton Rouge music community. “On one hand, it’s difficult because it’s hard to get big names out here and book big shows,” he said. “But on the other hand, for being in the music scene, it’s really nice in a way because everyone is able to keep up with each other, can catch every show and see how bands grow and change.” James Hobgood, bassist for Onion Loaf, a band that blends funk, reggae and jam band style music to create its sound, said his band is trying to expose Baton Rouge to something other than rap music. “I guess we’re just trying to expose people to raw, real music instead of something somebody made on a laptop,” he said. It’s important that people in Baton Rouge open their minds to local musicians, Hobgood said. “What’s better than having a band out of your town get huge? And it all starts with the fans from your city,” he said. Jordan Earles, marketing junior and lead singer of alternative rock band Winbourne, said his band is all about making music that is both creative and catchy. “We’re mainstream enough to be on the radio but not too mainstream to be typical,” he said. “We like Kings of Leon, John Mayer and Dave Matthews and stuff that plays on a lot of college radio stations.” One of Winbourne’s goals is to make music with a good
that hold techno-themed events. because unlike all other music you Techno group Archnemesis don’t just hear it, but you can feel it and Baton Rouge natives High Top with the bass and the fast beats, and Kicks played at the Varsity Theatre you can see it with the LED lights,” this past Friday. Howeth said. “You Baton Rouge resican’t get that with dent Christopher any other genre.” Howeth attended Reggie’s Bar the show and dein Tigerland now scribed it as “inholds “Techno sane.” Tuesdays” each Howeth said week with no covhe had not previer charge. Danny ously known of Marx, geography Christopher Howeth either band, but he freshman, said the BR techno music enthusiast attended the convenue plays “sick” cert because of his interest in the techno music throughout the night genre. and have LED light shows that go “Techno music is great along with the music.
“I’m glad to see the rise of techno in Baton Rouge,” Marx said. “Holding techno events is a great way to attract college students.” Techno is not only growing in Baton Rouge, however. Zak Goossens, business freshman, said techno is even larger back in his hometown, Chicago. “Back home, techno is huge and has been for a few years,” Goossens said. “Me and my friends often went to raves or just threw lights at parties.” The genre is sweeping the nation, with songs like “Hold it Against Me,” “Bass Down Low,” “Stereo Love” and others hitting the Billboard charts.
Techno artists like Deadmau5, David Guetta, DJ Tiesto and Basshunter are also raking in recordbreaking album and concert ticket sales. DJ Tiesto, one of the largest techno disc jockeys in America and Europe, will play at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans on March 7. Techno music’s growth doesn’t seem as if it has reached its peak in Baton Rouge, Marx said, with many upcoming local events yet to come.
message, according to Earles. “We want all people to be able to listen to our music — from kids to teenagers to old people — without their parents trying to screen it,” he said. “We want to send a positive message, and we want our music to actually influence people.”
about it as they are in front of people.” Janis said she is a big believer in local music. “I think that for one, being able to support the people around you brings forth the whole
community-unity type thing, which is really important,” she said.
‘‘
‘Techno music is great because ... you can feel it with the bass and the fast beats.’
Cecilee Janis, mass communication sophomore, said she is a fan of Winbourne’s music. “I enjoy watching them play because it’s obvious that their music is something that they love,” she said. “Honestly, I think they’d play that way even if no one was watching and still be as excited
UP-AND-COMING LOCAL BANDS •He Bleeds Fireman (sounds like Portugal. The Man, Oasis) •Pushing Pandas (sounds like Incubus, Sublime) •Relatives (sounds like Off Minor, The Mercury Project) •Joe Arnette (sounds like Swingin’ Utters, John Prine) •The Kids in Sandbox (sounds like Sublime, 311) •The Have Nauts (sounds like The Cure, The Cascades) •The Stage Coach Bandits (sounds like Phish, Widespread Panic) •Twin Killers (sounds like The Mars Volta, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) •Startisan (sounds like Matchbox 20, Switchfoot)
Contact Devon Walsh at dwalsh@lsureveille.com
Contact Cathryn Core at ccore@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
Reveille Ranks
“127 Hours”
Fox Searchlight Pictures
A mixture of adrenaline and anxiety possesses writer and director Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed film “127 Hours.” Boyle, who directed the award-winning “Slumdog Millionaire,” described the film as “an action movie with a guy who can’t move.” Based on the true events of the adventurous Aron Ralston, what starts as a solo hike turns into living nightmare. James Franco’s Oscar-nominated performance showed how vulnerable people are to Mother Nature’s elements but also the strength of the human spirit. “127 Hours” has breathtaking cinematography, and its outstanding performances are painfully pleasurable to watch.
[A]
JEANNE LYONS
Talib Kweli, “Gutter Rainbows”
Javotti Media
Talib Kweli tries to fill the void in socially conscious hip-hop with his new LP “Gutter Rainbows,” but he ultimately falls short. Inspired by older albums like Kanye West’s “The College Dropout,” “Rainbows” sounds out of place with its melodies and structure. Lyrically, Kweli rallies listeners to live better lives, but his melodies do not hold enough weight to keep listeners interested. Kweli tries too hard to seem jaded and “above it all” throughout the album. It incorporates hip-hop, jazz and R&B to create a barely listenable album.
[D+]
KITTU PANNU
“The Rite”
New Line Cinema
“The Rite,” the much-anticipated film starring the king of creepy himself, Anthony Hopkins (aka Hannibal Lecter), turned out to be yet another disappointing excuse for a film about exorcisms. At first glance, all the elements for a totally freaky flick seemed to be present: priests, the church, secrets of the Vatican, demons and possession. In fact, the trailer held everything one could hope an exorcism film would to scare the daylights out of thriller lovers. Anthony Hopkins can’t really do wrong, but this film was a flop.
[D]
CATHRYN CORE
Destroyer, “Kaputt”
Merge Records
“Kaputt” is an album that would easily fly under most people’s radar, but Canadian indie-rock artist Destroyer has made something truly spectacular. Songs like “Blue Eyes” and “Kaputt” stand out with a soft, foot-tapping drumbeat, and the other songs, like “Poor In Love,” are only a hair less memorable. This is, without a doubt, the most mellow album to come out in some time. Overall, it is a perfect album for walking to class, riding a bike or just sitting outside and relaxing.
[A]
TAYLOR BALKOM
The JaneDear Girls, “The JaneDear Girls”
Reprise Nashville
The country duo’s self-titled debut “The JaneDear Girls” is fairly good but extremely twangy. Fans of bands like The Wreckers will love these girls because their sound is similar, though with slightly less talent. Songs on the album have typical country-girl themes like love, revenge and living on an old dirt road. The girls’ cute style makes them likable, which makes up for their mediocre voices and lyrics.
[C+]
DEVON WALSH
“The Mechanic”
CBS Films
The latest action flick from Jason Statham is exactly the overthe-top chaotic explosion that makes action fans feel warm and fuzzy. “The Mechanic” follows the story of an assassin out for vengeance, and cliche and worn as it might be, it does the job of keeping the audience interested between fight scenes. Statham plays the part well, considerably better than Charles Bronson, who starred in the original, and co-star Ben Foster delivers a satisfying performance, as well. Overall, “The Mechanic” delivers a lot of action and a lot of fun.
[B]
ANDREW PRICE
EDITOR’S PICK: Bobby Long, “A Winter’s Tale”
an assignment.” Jessica Lowe, English junior, into the characters and spent three said Walsh was the best professor years writing nothing but stories she has had at the University. that took place in “He chalthat town.” lenges his stuIn the classdents to think room, Walsh foabout writing and cuses on teachfiction in unique ing his students ways,” Lowe said about stories and in an e-mail. how they affect Walsh said people. he sees writing as “I try to teach a unique experithem how to read ence. Milton O’Neal Walsh and write good “All writing English instructor stories,” Walsh is, is a bunch of said. “By the end black marks on a of it all, I want my students to page,” Walsh said. “Twenty-six realize that what they are doing letters is all we’ve got access to, is participating in a very large but somehow we arrange those and wonderful miracle, not just in a particular way and make a
MAGIC, from page 11
ATO Records
Bobby Long fulfills the folk-rock stereotype on his new album “A Winter’s Tale.” The thoughtful lyrics and acoustic sound of the album make for a soundtrack for cold, rainy days. While his voice is pleasant, with traces of Long’s British accent present in his singing, no tracks on the album are particularly memorable. Long’s album is good but does not stand out.
[B]
GRACE MONTGOMERY
‘‘
‘I got really into the characters and spent three years writing nothing but stories.’
page 15 person you’ve never met in your life feel something, see something. That’s kind of a miracle.” “The Prospect of Magic” is an example of that miracle. Walsh mentioned that a major problem with today’s fiction is readers don’t feel anything positive after they finish stories. “He believes that, in order to write something different, something good, one must figure out first their perspective on life — on the things that go on around us,” Lowe said. “Only then will they have something to set their stories apart.”
Contact Taylor Balkom at tbalkom@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 16
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Going to LSU football games is for lightweights Dear Les, I’ve been a professor at LSU since 1982. Yesterday, I got a job offer from a university up North. LSU finances being what they are, I had to entertain the idea. Someone told me a jet with their school colors landed in Baton Rouge during the weekend, but it didn’t get much media coverage.
None, to be honest. They don’t send jets after professors. That’s cool with me, because your job is more difficult. Frankly, I couldn’t take it. Tiger Stadium looms directly over my office, and I can tell you a few things about football and academics. First, games have always been painful and fans in the stadium have always booed, but the true LSU fan doesn’t go to games. Take it from me: Games are for lightweights. The true fan can’t bear it. After tailgating, we go home and clean house. I’d live in a pigsty if it weren’t for LSU football. Every now and then we backslide and turn on the radio, but try not to
listen. Unless LSU has just scored. Then we turn on the TV, but only to watch the replay. If we’re up by three touchdowns in the final two minutes, we watch. Risky, of course. LSU’s financial problems are like that. In 1983 they were going decimate the University because of the oil bust. This was my first job, and I was scared to death. It happens every few years for the simple reason that LSU does not control its tuition. It’s painful and some of the top professors leave every time, loyalty not being a strong suit for professors or coaches. When the first reports arrive, most of us stop paying attention and just keep working —
have you ever seen a faculty parking lot on a Saturday when there’s no game? Always full. Athletics and academics aren’t far apart. Your players take our courses and we watch your games — or clean house. It was great to see that you’ve got both class and loyalty. Don’t worry about the lightweights. I do have a problem with your national championship. There was no reasonable warning that LSU would be playing with two losses. I was in Scotland at a meeting funded by Europeans who neither broadcast nor webstream American football. I “watched” the game after midnight in a sub-zero luggage closet, shivering for three
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 hours and waiting for text updates every few minutes. I enjoyed it immensely but caught pneumonia. Maybe for the next championship, you could arrange a heads up? For my part, I hereby announce my intention to remain at LSU. The house will need cleaning come August. Wesley Shrum Chair and Professor of Sociology Louisiana State University
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
POP GOES THE CULTURE
Olbermann fails to report truth, latest in line of insiders You don’t need the latest poll figures to see suspicion toward the journalism profession has reached an all-time high. Given such surveys are primarily conducted by the press themselves, the results would probably be fixed anyway. In recent years, incidents of impartiality from all the self-appointed “most trusted news networks” have everyone — media members and consumers alike, from both ends of the political spectrum — Kelly Hotard crying bias. It Columnist happens so frequently it’s hardly news anymore. Some “forward-thinking” mass communication experts have even suggested prejudice is unavoidable and should therefore be embraced. But whether you believe objectivity is obsolete, the basic principles of American media ethics are as timeless as their constitutional provisions — especially the First Amendment’s creation of an adversarial press-government relationship. In the threefold political system of checks and balances, journalism has formed “the fourth estate,” occupying the roles of societal muckraker and watchdog. Its duties include reporting the truth to the public and holding all leaders accountable, regardless of party affiliation. Former MSNBC “Countdown” host Keith Olbermann is only the latest in a long line of industry insiders to fail that mission. In an age where there’s no business but show business, journalistic
neutrality is more easily preached than practiced. Just ask Juan Williams, the news analyst fired from NPR in October for expressing his personal, politically incorrect phobias. But the next month, Olbermann went beyond voicing his preferences: He attached a dollar value to them — $2,400 toward each of three Democratic Congressional candidates, to be exact. One donation even transpired the same day its recipient appeared on “Countdown.” So, unlike the NPR fiasco, much more than freedom of speech was at stake for MSNBC. Money changed hands while Olbermann flagrantly flouted both the Constitution’s “adversarial press” model and his employer’s campaign contribution policies. Yet, for these grave transgressions, Olbermann merely received a two-day suspension that amounted to little more than a weekend grounding — most of which he spent on Twitter, lamenting his “exile” to thousands of fervent followers. Two months later, his sudden, permanent departure from the network has reignited the furor of those same fanatics, among whom conspiracy theories run rampant: Did he quit? Was he fired? Is NBC Universal’s recent business transaction with Comcast Corp. to blame? In the wake of Olbermann’s exit, people have scoured the frequent tweeter’s posts, expecting him to enlighten them on the situation. His former bosses anticipated this, too. Their parting deal stipulates his hiatus from television must be at least six months, and neither side can discuss the decision’s rationale on any medium.
The Daily Reveille
So for now, it remains a mystery why the left-leaning outlet allowed the contract of its top-rated personality, around whom MSNBC built its brand, to expire two years early. If the organization did dismiss Olbermann, my only question would be, “What took them so long?” Perhaps even the channel reputed as the liberal equivalent of Fox News realized ratings weren’t everything. Amid a news culture of deserved distrust, tolerating one less rhetoric spouter is a small step toward better discourse.
Considering our increasingly fragmented media world, these polarized networks aren’t disappearing any time soon. In fact, they’re more popular than ever. People flock to attractive anchors who reinforce what they want to hear, and audience numbers lead company executives to believe they’re doing something right. But tuning solely into the nonstop propaganda of either ideological extreme just isn’t healthy — it’s self-brainwashing. Maybe we should force ourselves to watch MSNBC and Fox
News and — heaven forbid — try to form our own opinion after hearing both sides. Now that’s what I call “fair and balanced.” 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
BEST AND WITTIEST
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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.
Quote of the Day “America is the best half-educated country in the world.”
Nicholas M. Butler American Philosopher April 2, 1862 — December 7, 1947
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE
page 17
Science teacher leaves his mark on former student
John Freshwater, a middle school science teacher from Ohio, was terminated Jan. 10 from his position two years after the Board of Education of the Mount Vernon (Ohio) City School District first began its investigation. Freshwater was accused of failing to teach the school’s science curriculum while preaching young-earth creationism to his students. Freshwater was brought before the Board of Education after nearly Andrew a decade of Shockey objections, Columnist including repeated complaints by a Mount Vernon High School teacher. The teacher claimed students had to be retaught biology and evolution after taking Freshwater’s class to pass the Ohio Exit Exam. He probably could have continued neglecting his classes for years to come if he hadn’t gone
over the line with one student. While demonstrating the ability of an electrostatic generator to ionize gases, Freshwater invited students to feel the effect of the handheld high voltage device. According to student Zachary Dennis, Freshwater held his arm against a table and quickly passed the generator over it, leaving a large cross shaped mark on Dennis’ forearm. The painful mark, which persisted for three weeks, compelled the Board of Education to finally take disciplinary action against Freshwater. Freshwater appealed his termination and has been in and out of courtrooms for two years before finally being fired once and for all last month. There’s a reason evolution is in the public school science curriculum and why every major university teaches evolution to its students. A comprehensive understanding of biology is impossible without understanding the unifying theory of evolution, and the evidence for evolution is so great, not teaching it would be
scientifically unsound. A recent study from Pennsylvania State University found roughly 13 percent of public high school biology teachers openly endorse creationism in the classroom. However, about 60 percent teach it as an unsettled issue. The numbers get even worse in the Bible Belt, where nearly 40 percent of public biology teachers rely on creationism to explain speciation and the diversity of life. Louisiana is leading the charge on evolution in public schools — but in the wrong direction. In 2008, Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the Louisiana Science Education Act (LSEA), which allows teachers to “use supplemental textbooks and other instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique and review scientific theories in an objective manner.” The law seems reasonable at first glance — until we realize it was co-authored by David DeWolf of the Discovery Institute (a pro-intelligent design think
tank), who at the very least has a conflict of interest, because the Discovery Institute writes some of the “supplemental textbooks” allowed under the law. Contrary to their stated goal, these supplements misrepresent basic tenents of evolutionary theory rather than teaching any of the real issues debated by biologists at the top of the field. There is debate among scientists about how best to apply evolutionary theory to certain anomalies, but the hackneyed examples given by the Discovery Institute have been explained and debunked so many times, framing them as legitimate concerns in a “textbook” intended for students is academic fraud. If the goal of the LSEA is to allow children to improve their critical thinking skills in middle and high school by exposing them to scientific debate, why not teach students about dark matter and other problems with the theory of gravitation? Why do we bother teaching Newtonian physics when
students could learn so much more by exploring the controversies of quantum physics? Pre-university science education is intended to expose students to information supported by so much evidence most scientists treat it as fact. Most high school teachers do not have the time or expertise to teach students these issues, and most high school students lack the background to accurately frame the debate. If our education system can’t teach science properly; or even fire a wacko like Freshwater in less than two years, maybe it’s time for a change. 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
Caffeine and aspirin are a student’s best friends Brittany Graham Daily Forty-Niner
LONG BEACH, CALIF. (UWIRE) —We’ve all experienced it before. That queasy, gut-wrenching moment when your legs suddenly turn into jello and the wave of elation you’ve been merrily going along swiftly disappears. Your heart begins to pitter-patter as you struggle to
maintain your dignity and quickly make your way to the nearest restroom or exit. Whichever one is closest. You’re drunk and miserable on top of that. However, what’s worse than almost losing your dinner in front of all your friends and the cutie from biology class — whom you’ve been crushing on for weeks — is what will inevitably occur whenever
you awake from your alcoholinduced coma the next morning. Hopefully, you won’t open your eyes and discover that you’ve fallen asleep next to the toilet. Undoubtedly, you’ll awake with a pulsating head that feels as if it’s been hit by a baseball bat. Okay, I’ll admit the drunken scenario I’m describing may be a tad bit dramatic, but the dreaded,
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
next-day hangover is something not too many college students can deny having experienced. This is the case especially when someone gives you a pretty pink bottle of Nuvo liqueur for your birthday, and you guzzle it down like champagne because of the sparkling bubbles and fruity flavor, only to later discover that the alcohol proof is 15 percent. But enough about me. Lucky for you and me, Michael Oshinsky, a research scientist and assistant professor of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson U. in Philadelphia has proven that a simple dose of caffeine and a painkiller may be all it takes to soothe a throbbing head and ringing ears. According to Dr. Oshinsky, ethanol — also known as pure alcohol — contains the active chemical acetate, or the culprit responsible for those nagging headaches. By injecting rats with small doses of ethanol — about the equivalent of one drink in humans — Dr. Oshinsky and Christina Maxwell, a student in the neuroscience program, were able to induce headaches, which they later cured by giving the rats caffeine and anti-inflammatory ingredients found in aspirin to block the acetate; thus relieving the rats’ “hangovers.” However, what was particularly interesting was the discovery that the rats used in Dr. Oshinsky’s study were not dehydrated after their alcohol injections. This suggests that contrary to popular belief, the amount of
water consumed the night before doesn’t necessarily result in better hydration. Dehydration is not necessary to induce the headaches,” Oshinsky said. “I’m not saying that dehydration is not a cause [of headaches], I’m just saying that in alcohol it is not the only issue.” Dr. Oshinsky, whose findings have since been published in the New Scientist Journal, says the best time to take your dose of caffeine and aspirin is around four hours after drinking, when the acetate levels begin to reach their peak. So the next time you wake up on the wrong side of the bed — or the toilet — with a halting headache due to one too many Jager Bombs the night before, march straight into the kitchen, brew yourself a strong cup of coffee and sing, “a spoon full of coffee makes the aspirin go down” in your best Mary Poppins voice. And — I assure you — you’ll feel as good as new. In fact — just a brief warning — you may even feel “new” enough to repeat the previous night’s events. That’s your risk to take, but remember, there’s no test that proves it works two days in a row.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
The Daily Reveille
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Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011