Baseball: DH Raph Rhymes earns second chance at LSU, p. 7
Social Media: Facebook adds relationship status options, p. 3
Reveille The Daily
DINING
Soph. dorm residents must buy meal plans
www.lsureveille.com
A new start: Former Tiger returns for a degree after 8 NFL seasons, p. 7 Tuesday, March. 1, 2011 • Volume 115, Issue 99
Let it sneaux
BOARD OF REGENTS
SUNOUNO study deadline postponed
Mandate intended to increase retention
Litigation delays date to March 15
Emily Herrington
Sydni Dunn
Contributing Writer
Staff Writer
Beginning fall 2011, sophomores living in residence halls will be required to purchase meal plans. The new requirement is an initiative to increase retention rates in students returning to the University for their third year, according to Stephen Barr, assistant director of University Auxiliary Services. The 2008 retention rate for freshmen returning for their second year is 83.6 percent, and the rate for sophomores returning for their third year is 74.2 percent, according to the Office of Budget and Planning. Barr believes the difference between these two rates stems from the lack of programs for sophomores in comparison to the abundance provided by First Year
The “snow” is actually shavings from multiple blocks of ice totaling seven tons, according to Steve Waller, director of Residential Life. “It’s like a snow cone,” Waller said about the shavings. Emily Reckenbeil, architecture freshman, said she expected the event to be bigger and have more snow, but everyone still seemed to have fun at the event. Snowing in the South is typically for campus residents only. But this year to receive funding from
The Board of Regents said Monday the study to analyze the feasibility of merging the University of New Orleans and Southern University-New Orleans has been postponed from its original March 1 deadline. The study deadline has been extended until March 15, according to Regents spokeswoman Meg Casper. The Regents are currently discussing a date to schedule a special board meeting, Casper said. The study, which was called for by Gov. Bobby Jindal on Jan. 18, is being conducted by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, a Coloradobased company that has previously worked with the Board. The study is an extension of the Regents’ ongoing initiative
SNOW, see page 15
MERGER, see page 15
MEAL PLANS, see page 15
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Students throw snowballs at each other Monday on the Parade Ground at the Residence Hall Association’s “Snowing in the South.” See a video of students playing in the snow at lsureveille.com.
RHA holds annual event after three postponements Emily Herrington Contributing Writer
Even in 74-degree weather, there was snow on the University’s campus. Snowing in the South, the Residence Hall Association’s sixth annual event, finally took place on the Parade Ground on Monday after being rescheduled three times. Despite the delays, students threw snowballs, made snowmen or simply watched from the sidelines while RHA blasted popular songs from speakers near the flagpole.
Weather concerns caused the first two postponements, and the most recent delay arose because of scheduling issues with security personnel. This year’s rendition was the latest in the year the event has ever been held. Kim Savoy, RHA programming and finance coordinator and elementary education senior, said last year was the only other time the event was held during the spring semester. “I like it better when it’s warmer,” said Joel Taylor, physics sophomore. “You can just step away and warm up.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Union Theater’s acoustical improvements almost complete Josh Naquin Contributing Writer
The Student Union Theater’s acoustical overhaul is almost finished, according to Union Theater officials. In addition to major structural improvements, the theater had a state-of-the-art electro-acoustical system installed, according to Michael Derr, Union Theater associate director. Derr expects the overhaul to be finished within the next week. “Only a handful of colleges have this kind of acoustical technology in place,” Derr said. About 70 small 4-inch speakers and several larger 9-inch speakers have been hung from the theater ceilings, Derr said. The new speakers
will redistribute sound throughout the theater and give every audience member an ideal sound experience, Derr said. “People seated under the balcony in the back will be able to hear as well as people in the front row,” Derr said. While the system relies on microphones and complex computer programming, it doesn’t use amplification, which creates a completely natural sound, Derr said. Audience members will not notice the sound is being redistributed throughout the theater, Derr said. The roughly $600,000 acoustical system will be controlled through a computer program. The system will be tuned this week and will feature four to five different settings to accommodate every type of
performance from opera to orchestra, Derr said. In addition, a large hardwood shell has been erected to improve theater acoustics, Derr said. The shell sits at the back of the stage and helps performers hear themselves as they play. The shell also keeps sound from escaping to undesirable locations offstage where it can’t be heard by audiences. Musicians also have the option to perform without technology. The shell can be removed, and the acoustic system can be turned off, Derr said. The structural work completed last fall was done with acoustics in mind, Derr said. “Ideally, a music performance THEATER, see page 15
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
The LSU Wind Ensemble plays a musical piece Sept. 22 during a concert at the Union Theater. The theater was renovated to improve acoustics.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
Scientists: Reconstructing giant Afghan Buddha statue possible
Whale ‘Flex’ tracked to North America has visited area before
US approves first post-spill deepwater well in Gulf of Mexico
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Marine researchers say a rare whale tracked across the Pacific Ocean into North American waters this year had been there before. Photo analysis has confirmed that the highly endangered western Pacific gray whale dubbed Flex — one of only 130 remaining — was photographed in 2008 off Canada’s Vancouver Island and was assumed to be part of the eastern gray whale population. U.S and Russian researchers started tracking the male whale Oct. 4 when they tagged him with a satellite tracker off Sakhalin Island, Russia.
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. has approved the first deepwater drilling permit in the Gulf of Mexico since BP’s massive oil spill. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement announced Monday that it issued a permit to Noble Energy Inc. to continue work on its Santiago well about 70 miles southeast of Venice. Drilling will resume nearly one year after BP’s blowout created the worst offshore spill in U.S. history.
BERLIN (AP) — German scientists said Monday it may be possible to reconstruct one of two giant 1,500-year-old Buddha statues dynamited by the Taliban in central Afghanistan 10 years ago, which prompted a worldwide outcry and left behind only towering cliff caverns. Researchers have studied several hundred fragments of the sandstone statues that once towered up to 180 feet high in Bamiyan province and found they were once brightly colored in red, white and blue, said Erwin Emmerling of Munich’s Technical University. Pro-Gadhafi forces fight rebels in 2 cities, warplanes drop bombs TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — International pressure on Moammar Gadhafi to end a crackdown on opponents escalated Monday as his loyalists fought rebels holding the two cities closest to the capital and his warplanes bombed an ammunition depot in the east. The U.S. moved naval and air forces closer to Libya and said all options were open, including patrols of the North African nation’s skies to protect its citizens from their ruler.
photo courtesy of THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The world’s tallest statue of Buddha, measuring up to 180 feet high, is seen in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.
UK removes ice cream containing human breast milk from shop LONDON (AP) — Local government officials said Monday they have confiscated ice cream made with human breast milk from a London shop amid concerns the dessert is unsafe. A spokeswoman from Westminster City Council said it was responding to two complaints from the public over whether a shop should be selling edibles made from other people’s bodily fluids and awaiting guidance from Britain’s Food Standards Agency.
Tiny spy planes could mimic birds, record audio and video SAN DIEGO (AP) — You’ll never look at hummingbirds the same again. The Pentagon has poured millions of dollars into the development of tiny drones inspired by biology, each equipped with video and audio equipment that can record sights and sounds. They could be used to spy but also to locate people inside earthquake-crumpled buildings and detect hazardous chemical leaks.
Today on lsureveille.com Watch a video of what students had to say about Sunday night’s Oscar winners. Read the Tiger Feed sports blog for commentary about the NFL Combine. Check out the LMFAO entertainment blog to read about iPhone users’ app-purchasing habits.
Katrina shooting suspect not a candidate for liver transplant NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A white Mississippi man charged with shooting at three black men who were trying to leave New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina isn’t a candidate for a liver transplant and remains mentally unfit for trial, his attorney said Monday. Defense attorney Valerie Jusselin told a federal magistrate that her client, Roland Bourgeois Jr., doesn’t know if he will make it onto a transplant waiting list. “Right now, he’s not even being considered for a liver transplant,” Jusselin said.
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Weather TODAY
Sunny
69 44
WORDS OF WARNING
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
73 50
74 52
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
76 57
74 45
BSU & Phi Beta Sigma: “Whats Love Got to do With It”
Educational Seminar on Domestic Violence March 2nd @ 6 in the French House Campus Housing Contract Renewal (CHCR) Current residents who renewed on Monday may invite a friend into their res. hall room between 3-5 PM Current res. hall residents can reserve a different room in their same res hall, and invite one person to join them in their room
DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Chase at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
See photos of warning signs around campus on Snapshot at lsureveille.com.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
page 3
TECHNOLOGY
Facebook app allows for relationship status tracking
Users can see when they are “unfriended” Rachel Warren Staff Writer
Facebook is making it easier for students to keep tabs on their friends in a whole new way. Last month, a developer came out with an app called the Unfriend Finder, which notifies Facebook users when someone “unfriends” them on the site. This month, another developer offered users the Breakup Notifier — an app that notifies users when a person of their choosing changes his or her relationship
status on Facebook. The app offers the tagline: “You like someone. They’re in a relationship. Be the first to know when they’re out of it.” Facebook itself is also offering users a new way to interact with their friends and loved ones. Earlier this month, Facebook added two options to the list of relationship statuses — “in a civil union” and “in a domestic partnership.” Kat Barry, president of LGBTQ student organization Spectrum said she’s happy Facebook is taking steps to include all people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. “It’s important,” she said. “Facebook has started recognizing
relationships that do legally exist.” Barry said she hopes the addition will make people more accepting. “It shows people are becoming more comfortable with the idea of gay marriage,” she said. Vannicea McCray, anthropology senior, said the Breakup Notifier app makes her uneasy. “It’s definitely creepy,” she said. McCray said she’d consider using the Unfriend Finder, but she thinks Facebook has made relationships more complicated. She said she has seen friends fight with their significant others about posts and comments made on the site. McCray said people’s obsession with frequently checking the
site has changed the way they interact with one another. “It makes me lazy because I can already see what my friends are up to and I don’t check in with them,” she said. Ray Ducksworth, psychology sophomore, said the site makes it easier for her to keep in touch with her friends despite her hectic schedule. “It’s just easier for me,” she said. “With school and work, it’s hard to sit down and have a phone conversation.” Ducksworth said she thinks the Breakup Notifier app may be going too far.
“It’s OK to have a crush on someone,” Ducksworth said. “It’s OK to visit their page every once in a while. But to get updates on their relationships, that’s definitely ‘stalker-ish.’” As for the new relationship status options Facebook offers, Ducksworth said she’s supportive of the changes. “It definitely gives people more freedom and the opportunity to be equal,” she said.
Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Martin, Delfino pull out of elections Andrea Gallo Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: Student Government candidates are listed in alphabetical order by presidential candidate’s last name. Two students who filed for Student Government elections last Wednesday have pulled out of their respective race. Hannah Martin filed for SG president and Diego Delfino filed for SG vice president, but both have since reneged on their decisions to run. The tickets currently in the running for SG presidential and vice presidential elections are Aaron Caffarel and Alli Robison, Garrett Dupre and Jarrett Richard, David Jones
and Kacey Brister and Cody Wells and Kathleen Bordelon. Martin and Delfino work as entertainment correspondents for Tiger TV’s “The Ramen” but were temporarily suspended from employment after they filed for elections last week. Because Martin and Delfino are no longer affiliated with the elections, Haralson said they have been reinstated to work for Tiger TV.
Delfino said the pair decided they would rather continue working for “The Ramen” than work in SG. People running for SG elections will officially announce their candidacies Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at various locations on campus, and campaigning will begin soon after.
Tuesday, March 1
Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
Pluckers Wing Bar Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
10:00-11:00 AM Your Source Repeat 2:00-3:00 PM Your Source Repeat 3:00-4:00 PM Newsbeat 4:40-5:00 PM Sports Showtime 5:00-5:30 PM Newsbeat Repeat
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
6:30-7:00 PM Sports Showtime Repeat 7:30-8:00 PM Newsbeat Repeat Ch. 19 9:00-9:30 PM Newsbeat Repeat 9:30-10:00 PM Sports Showtime Repeat
page 4
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
page 5
FOOD
Students’ bubble tea a finalist in national competition Team will face three other schools Brian Sibille Contributing Writer
University students have bubbled up an idea that could earn national success. Darryl Holliday, Alisa Todd and Adriana Soto, food science graduate students, have concocted their own brand of bubble tea, a Thai drink that combines tea, fruit and tapioca pearls, for a nationwide competition hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists. The Heart-Healthy Product Development Competition was open to members of IFT’s Student Association at universities in North America. The LSU team is now one of three finalists after beating six
other schools, including Cornell according to the IFT website. The University and Oregon State Uni- food product had to be low in satuversity. LSU faces off against Rut- rated fat, free of trans fat, high in gers University and Texas Tech potassium and had to incorporate University on March 23 in Chi- canola oil. cago. Soto said the team considered The team’s trip to Chicago is many products, including cake paid for as part of their prize as batter and cereal, but they decided finalists, Soto on bubble tea because said, as well as the drink is trendy in admittance to many northern cities the IFT’s anand universities. nual Wellness “Bubble tea Conference, a is not available in $900 fee for stores,” Soto said. most attendees. Holliday said he The firstand his wife travel Adriana Soto place team will to Florida to get the food science graduate student receive $3,500, tea because it is not second place a retail product. Part $2,500 and third place $1,500, of the team’s inspiration was the Todd said. rarity of bubble tea in the Baton The competition challenged Rouge area. teams to create a product that Holliday said he only knows followed the Food and Drug Ad- of one Baton Rouge business that ministration’s dietary guidelines, serves it — Paradise Smoothie.
‘‘
‘Our bubble tea has been good for LSU.’
UPDATE
New faculty union seeks to fill ranks Wis. protests add urgency to search Matthew Albright Chief Staff Writer
The University’s fledgling faculty union is rushing to gain members as outside political pressures add urgency to the group’s formation. “Recruiting is our No. 1 priority right now,” said Michael Russo, associate librarian and co-chair of the union’s membership committee. Russo said the goal was to get every faculty member involved. “Realistically, if we can get the majority, we’ll be set,” Russo said. Russo said the group, announced last semester amid widespread fear of budget cuts, currently has a little more than 100 members. The University employed a little more than 1,200 faculty last semester, according to the Office of Budget and Planning. Russo said the union now has enough members to apply for official group status. “We’re going to make an appointment with payroll to apply shortly,” he said. Internally, Russo said the group has created “all the necessary formal documents,” including a constitution and by-laws. He said the group has plans to hold elections for officers in April. Russo said the group is hustling to establish itself as political events unfold that he says threaten faculty. “People may be under the impression that their rights will just come to them,” he said. “They have to realize that it can all be taken away from you if you don’t do something.” Russo said faculty should be
troubled by developments in the University of Louisiana System, where the Board of Supervisors recently voted to ease restrictions on removing faculty. The Board voted to allow university administrators facing state general funding cuts of 15 percent or more the leeway to let go of faculty. Tenured faculty can be let go after six months instead of 12, tenure-track faculty in three months instead of 12 and instructors in a month instead of three. The proposal earned widespread ire from University of Louisiana-Lafayette faculty, and Russo said faculty in the LSU System should be concerned. “We are concerned that the LSU Board of Supervisors will try to do something similar,” he said. Russo also said news from
Wisconsin — where Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s attempts to remove unions’ collective bargaining power have incited protests drawing tens of thousands — has added urgency to uniting the faculty. “There’s a trend of governors trying to remove the bargaining rights of unions,” he said. “The state isn’t our friend.” While Russo protests the actions of state government, he said the union is designed to help the University’s administration. “We want to see the University survive and thrive,” he said. “If we can unite and speak to issues in a unified way, we can really help the administration out.”
Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
The team’s development of its unique beverage was a two-month process, Holliday said. University students were used in a sensory study to test an earlier version of the tea. “We cut back on certain ingredients and made it sweeter for the American palate,” Holliday said. The team’s final product was named Ze-Ti — a play on “zen tea” — alluding to the zen and heart-healthy lifestyle the competition promotes, Todd said. The tea is created by mixing an industrialized green tea powder, coconut water and erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol, Holliday said. The tea is then pasteurized and sealed in a plastic cup to remain fresh. A paste composed of mango, citric acid and a blend of two gums is mixed with tapioca pearls to top off the drink, Holliday said, and a large straw is used to break the
seal on the cup, allowing the tea and paste to mix. Holliday said local businesses such as Paradise Smoothie have supported the team’s effort. The Solo Cup Company has also backed the project, providing the plastic cups used for the tea. “Our bubble tea has been good for LSU,” Soto said. The team members said they have enjoyed local recognition and hope the final results will garner national attention. No business offers have been made yet, Soto said, but the team is open to marketing its product. Holliday said the team’s trip to Chicago could open the doors to networking across the country.
Contact Brian Sibille at bsibille@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 6
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
RESLIFE
UNPLUG energy-saving campaign kicks off in residence halls Program aims to teach stewardship Parker Cramer Contributing Writer
Residential Life wants students off the juice. ResLife kicked off its awardwinning UNPLUG campaign Monday, and it will last through the end of March. UNPLUG aims at teaching environmental stewardship to students who live on campus, according to Jay High, ResLife communications manager. UNPLUG has been organized by High and Catherine David, ResLife communications coordinator, as well as other ResLife staff members and students. UNPLUG began as a student initiative, but ResLife has also played a major role, High said. “UNPLUG seeks to promote an understanding throughout the LSU on-campus community of what energy conservation entails, by empowering students to take action in their daily lives,” said a University news release. UNPLUG has been awarded an Environmental Leadership Program Award in Pollution and Prevention from the Louisiana State Department of Environmental Quality, according to the release. The program also received a Lantern Award from the Southern Public Relations Federation. This year’s UNPLUG campaign centers around the slogan “DOT,” which stands for “Do One Thing,” High said. DOT is a nationwide movement in which participants pledge to do one thing to reduce their
carbon footprints or their impacts on the environment, according to the release. While UNPLUG is primarily an educational program, it also has financial incentives for ResLife, which saved an estimated $10,368 and reduced energy usage by 14 percent in UNPLUG 2010. ResLife saved an estimated $13,763 and reduced energy usage by 18 percent in UNPLUG 2009, according to the release. “This is a great, practical way for everyone to learn to be great stewards of their energy resources,” High said. Several students have already pledged their DOTs for this year’s campaign. “[Last year] we turned the thermostat higher and always turned off the light and unplugged chargers,” said Jennifer Tonge, marketing intern for ResLife and marketing senior. “I participated for the past two years in East Campus Apartments.” Joey Wilson, advertising junior, said he will try to be more conservative as well. His DOT is to take the stairs instead of the elevator. UNPLUG is also a competition between different residence halls and on-campus apartments to see which can conserve the most energy, High said. Ahmed Mohamed, economics senior, said his DOT is to take shorter showers. “Some people like to eat chocolate,” Mohamed said. “I like long showers.” Mohamed is also involved with the organization Students In Free Enterprise, which has been involved with UNPLUG since its creation. “UNPLUG is a great project because it gives the residents of
graphic by CAITLYN CONDON / The Daily Reveille
LSU an opportunity to make a difference,” Mohamed said in an email to The Daily Reveille. “Planning for the competition is long and tedious, but it in the end it is
worth it, especially when you have residents taking it seriously and doing everything to reduce their consumption to win.” UNPLUG lasts for all of
March, High said. Contact Parker Cramer at pcramer@lsureveille.com
Today in sports: Baseball takes on Southeastern Louisiana at Alex Box Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
Sports
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
page 7
Reason for Rhymes Sophomore Raph Rhymes proves he belongs at LSU Luke Johnson Sports Contributor
RHYMES FILE Full name: Height: Weight: Current stats:
Raphael Ray Rhymes 5’11” 176 lbs. .429 with 12 RBIs in seven games Prior to LSU: Transferred from LSU-Eunice • Won 2010 Division II JUCO Player of The Year • Hit .483 with 12 HRs, 31 doubles and 98 RBIs • Only struck out nine times in 283 ABs • Grandfather played third base at LSU from 1954-55
Raph Rhymes may have taken the circuitous route to the LSU starting lineup, but the sophomore has proven at least one thing. The kid can rake. Seven games into his career, Rhymes, a sophomore designated hitter, is rolling along at an astronomical clip of .429 and is tied for the team lead with 12 RBIs while hitting out of the second spot in the lineup. “Raph’s a player. He comes to play every day,” said sophomore outfielder Mason Katz. “He’s got a great swing, a great attitude, and you know that if he doesn’t get the job done once, the next time he’s going to get it done.” Katz may not have known it, but he effectively summed up Rhymes’ journey to LSU — a journey rife with disappointment, determination and success. Rhymes tried to walk on at LSU following his senior year at Neville High School in Monroe, where he was a three-time All-State performer on the baseball team and an AllDistrict wide receiver. Even with his athleticism and swing that makes coaches drool, Rhymes had a problem. The Tigers were already laden with talent. A lot of it. Rhymes impressed LSU coach Paul Mainieri during the tryout but couldn’t latch on to the team that would go on to win the College World Series later that year. “He was devastated. He went to the walk-on tryouts without high expectations,” said Rhymes’ mother, Carol. “But once he got a part of the team and went through the drills, it was devastating at the very end when he got let go.” Raph was devastated, but he wasn’t finished. After failing to make the team as a walk-on, photo by EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
RHYMES, see page 11
GOLF
Tigers enter final round in tie for second McChrystal in 2nd place at Sugar Bowl Chris Abshire Sports Contributor
Difficult scoring conditions greeted both LSU golf teams Monday in the second round of their respective 54-hole tournaments. For the No. 7 Tigers, the second round of the John Hayt Invitational at Sawgrass Country Club was a volatile affair that ended with the team in a tie for second with a two-day total of 8-over par. Senior All-American John Peterson struggled to a second-round 78 after a back-nine stretch where he dropped from 4-under to 1-over in three holes. Peterson began the day with the lead after a 5-under 67 in Sunday’s first round, but fell to a tie for 12th. On a tough scoring day at Sawgrass, the other Tigers picked up the slack and kept the team within four shots of the lead. Fellow senior Andrew Loupe followed a first-round 74 with a solid even-par 72 on Monday. Senior Ken Looper remained in contention and tied for 12th after a second-round 75 left him at 1-over through 36 holes. LSU men’s coach Chuck Winstead declined to comment on the TOURNAMENT, see page 11
FOOTBALL
Former Tiger great returns to campus to finish degree Reed comes back after 8 seasons in NFL Rob Landry Sports Contributor
Josh Reed spent his entire football career doing things most people could only dream of. Now he is attempting to do the same off the field. Reed, 30, has returned to LSU to complete his degree in general studies after playing eight seasons in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. The Rayne, La., native was released by the Bills in February 2010 and signed with the San Diego Chargers before being released during training camp.
“I was actually excited to come back. I tried out in San Diego, and I didn’t make it there,” Reed said. “When they called me back to tell me I didn’t make the team I was like, ‘Yes,’ and we packed up our stuff within two to three days and we were out of there. I was ready to come home.” Before making the final decision to return, he consulted with Cowboys linebacker Bradie James. James, who got his degree in criminology before going pro, played with Reed from 1999 to 2001 at LSU. “He and I talked about it, and he told me his heart wasn’t in it,” James said. “I told him, ‘If your heart isn’t in it, go back to school.’” Though Reed did not graduate before leaving school in 2002, he is
by no means a rare case. Only 57.5 percent of Reed’s incoming freshman class of 1998 graduated, according to the Office of Budget and Planning. Reed, who has been married nearly two years and has a 7-monthold daughter, hopes to join that number of graduates in May 2012. He has 39 credit hours remaining. “I don’t want to be the athlete that was here just for sports,” Reed said. “It will make me proud to be able to say that I graduated from college.” Friend and former teammate James has backed Reed’s
Read a Q&A with Josh Reed at lsureveille.com. REED, see page 11
EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille
Former LSU football player Josh Reed recently returned to the University to complete his degree in general studies after playing eight years in the NFL.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
BASEBALL
Southeastern brings five-game winning streak to BR Mainieri: Best team we’ve faced so far Rowan Kavner Sports Writer
While in-state schools are usually no match for LSU athletics, this Louisiana rival is an anomaly. The No. 19 LSU baseball team (7-0) hosts a Southeastern Louisiana (6-1) squad tonight which ended Florida International junior shortstop Garrett Wittels’ 56-game hitting streak to start the year. “This is going to be the best team that we’ve played thus far in the early season, there’s no question about it in my mind,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri.
The Lions took two out of three from FIU, beat Alabama for the first time ever, 6-2, and pounded Tulane, 13-1, earlier this year. “I’ve been watching this Southeastern program develop under [Southeastern coach] Jay Artigues over there in Hammond, and he has done a great job,” Mainieri said. “All you have to do is look and see what their results are early in the year.” While LSU is undefeated and has scored at least 10 runs in four straight games, Southeastern is on a five-game winning streak of its own and has given up four runs or less in all but one game. “If we’re fortunate enough to have a good season and be able to host postseason play here, there’s a pretty good chance Southeastern’s going to be right back here in the
Box in May,” Mainieri said. Pitching for LSU tonight is junior college transfer Tyler Jones, who is 1-0 after tossing five scoreless innings in a 13-0 win last Tuesday against New Orleans. “Not to take anything away from UNO, they played hard,” Jones said. “I feel like I pitched well against them, but Southeastern is going to definitely be a little better.” Mainieri said Jones is still contending for a spot in the weekend rotation but will have to dazzle on the mound after last weekend’s three starters pitched superbly. Freshman Kurt McCune and senior Ben Alsup both have ERAs less than 1.00, and freshman Kevin Gausman’s 13 strikeouts are the most on the team. “[Jones] is a big, strong kid
with a good arm,” Mainieri said. “He pitched very well last week against UNO. This Tuesday night is going to be an upgrade in competition for him.” Southeastern sophomore southpaw Jordan Hymel, whose only appearance this year came in Southeastern’s Tulane stomping, is the projected starter for the Lions. Hymel (1-0) gave up one run and three hits in five innings to secure the win against Tulane. The Lutcher graduate is one of the few underclassmen on the diamond for Southeastern. The three Southeastern pitchers with the most innings pitched are all upperclassmen. Nine of the 10 position players who have started at least five games are also juniors or seniors.
Many of those veterans played in close contests between Southeastern and LSU in recent years. The Tigers edged the Lions, 6-5, the second time the two teams played in 2009. Last season, LSU trailed, 5-4, against Southeastern in the sixth inning and rallied to win, 9-5, snapping a seven-game losing streak. “They play the game hard,” said junior center fielder Mikie Mahtook. “We’ve played them the last couple years and it’s been a battle, so I don’t expect anything less.” Follow Rowan Kavner on Twitter@ TDR_Kavner. Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Team chemistry improves despite troubled regular season Points spread out more evenly Michael Lambert Sports Writer
One year has made a big difference for the LSU men’s basketball program. Former LSU players Tasmin Mitchell, Bo Spencer and Dennis Harris have left the program. Mitchell is currently with the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League, while Spencer and Harris left LSU on more rocky terms. The Tigers welcomed four freshmen to the squad without any seniors going into this season. Even though the team has a 3-11 Southeastern Conference record with two games to play — only one more conference victory than the team from a year ago — positive changes have come off the court. Sophomore forward Eddie Ludwig said the harmony on the team has been the greatest improvement in the past year. “The biggest difference from this year’s team and last year’s team is the team chemistry,” Ludwig said. “It’s a lot better this year. That was
one of the hardest things to deal with last year.” The Tigers moved into the brand new basketball practice facility behind the PMAC before this season, and sophomore guard Aaron Dotson said the atmosphere inside the locker room changed as well. “There’s more team unity,” Dotson said. “We’re more of a team this year as far as guys being unselfish and sharing the ball around.” The 2010-11 team features an even distribution of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. “There was some rough times with different individuals not mixing well,” Ludwig said. “The combination of guys in the locker room this year and the blend of players, we are becoming a team.” Everything hasn’t been smooth sailing for the struggling Tigers, however. Not many statistical improvements have been made from last year’s historically poor team. The two teams’ numbers in rebounding, steals and assists per game are nearly identical. One difference can be found in the number of 3-pointers made. This year’s team averages 5.8 treys per contest, while last season’s squad only recorded 4.5 per night.
“We have [freshman point guard] Andre [Stringer] who can shoot threes, [freshman guard] Ralston [Turner] can shoot threes and [freshman guard] Matt [Derenbecker] can shoot threes,” Ludwig said. “That’s our starting guards right there.” The 2010-11 team is getting only 1.8 more points from a year ago, but the contributions are coming from a slew of players. Mitchell averaged 16.8 points per game, and Spencer added 14.5 points per game on the 2009-10 team. Turner, who currently leads LSU in scoring, is only putting up 12.9 a game. Four other players average at least seven points a night. “It’s good for your team to not
have to have that one guy to depend on every night,” Dotson said. Entering the season, LSU coach Trent Johnson expressed wanting his team to gain respect after finishing last in the SEC West the previous season. “We’re in a situation right now where these guys and us as a coaching staff feel really good about fighting our way back to respectability,” Johnson said at the team’s media day. But Johnson said Monday his
team hasn’t made the strides he expected going into the year. “Anytime you’re in the bottom half of your league, that’s not respectable,” Johnson said. “We digressed in certain areas.” Follow Michael Lambert Twitter @TDR_Lambert. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
SCHWEHMMING AROUND Andy Schwehm Sports columnist
Individual numbers show Tiger strength It’s only seven games into the season, but it’s not a bad time to look at how LSU’s baseball team has been doing behind the numbers. Sure, a 7-0 record says a lot about the team. But the numbers are going to say a little more about the individual players, especially since the Tigers have had a cakewalk to open the season. FRESHMAN SENSATIONS This highly talked-about freshman class has exceeded expectations so far this season. In particular, second baseman JaCoby Jones has been outstanding both defensively and offensively, leading normal starters with a .571 batting average from the nine hole with no errors. “I’m doing whatever I can to turn it over to the top of the order,” Jones said. It’s going to be important as the season goes along for Jones to continue that output to give the top of the order some protection. On the mound, Kurt McCune has been doing work. McCune (2-0) leads the weekend starters with a 0.75 ERA to go along with 10 strikeouts and only two walks. If he can keep that up, he’s going to not only keep his weekend starting role for the next three years, but he’s going to be the Friday night ace. NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP If there had been any disappointment among the position players so far this season, it was sophomore first baseman Alex Edward. Edward was batting a mere 3-for-12 on the season (all singles) heading into Sunday’s game, and his two early season errors were second-worst on the team. He turned it around in Sunday’s 15-4 victory against Holy Cross, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs scored. He needs to keep up that production in the middle of the order to give protection to the rest of the lineup to keep his spot at first base (a position that has been weak for the Tigers this season). He’s not the only sophomore playing well. Mason Katz has had an outstanding start to the season, which is no easy feat. The sophomore right fielder had a ton of pressure on him from game one. Any poor stretch of offensive or defensive play could have cost him a starting spot with
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Sophomore first baseman Alex Edward anticipates a ground ball Friday in LSU’s 12-3 win against Holy Cross in Alex Box Stadium.
the likes of Spencer Ware and Raph Rhymes behind him on the depth chart. He’s responded brilliantly, batting 10-for-24 on the year with 11 RBIs and 11 runs scored. “I try to keep as much pressure away from myself as possible and stay calm when I’m up to bat,” Katz said. “With the guys hitting the way they are around me, I really have no pressure.” Meanwhile, Rhymes is hitting .429 on the season with 12 RBIs to co-lead the team. On the mound, Kevin Berry and Chris Cotton have given up a combined zero earned runs in five innings’ worth of work. UPPERCLASSMEN Despite a relatively quiet weekend, junior centerfielder Mikie Mahtook has been tearing the cover off the ball with an outrageous 1.087 slugging percentage, five homers and 12 RBIs. Fellow juniors Tyler Hanover and Austin Nola aren’t doing much worse, batting .429 and .409, respectively.
Senior Ben Alsup has had a solid couple of outings, getting into a little trouble here and there but has only given up one earned run in 11 innings of work. Finally, Matty Ott looks like the Matty “Ice” of old with tons of movement on his fastball, logging two innings of scoreless ball, which is a good sign for the Tigers heading forward. So while the 7-0 record does say a lot, some of the numbers individuals have put up so far are fairly impressive. But the true tests will lie ahead with Cal State Fullerton and Florida both looming in the not-so-distant future. Andy Schwehm is a 21-yearold English and psychology senior from New Orleans. You can follow him on Twitter @TDR_ASchwehm.
Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
page 10
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
BASEBALL
Second baseman Jones nabs Freshman of the Week honors Tigers jump in polls after weekend sweep Rowan Kavner Sports Writer
Freshman second baseman JaCoby Jones was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week on Monday. Jones went 6-for-8 in the LSU baseball team’s weekend sweep of Holy Cross with a home run, a double, four RBIs, four runs and two steals. He also had a 1.000
fielding percentage. His stellar weekend included a 4-for-4 night in Friday’s series opener against the Crusaders. It marked the first four-hit night by a Tiger since former catcher Micah Gibbs completed the feat against New Orleans in 2008. Jones hit .636 from the No. 9 spot in the lineup last week to raise his season batting average to a teambest .571. “If anybody knows my coaching style, I love a really good hitter in the nine-hole,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “If you get anything out of him, now the lineup turns over, and
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Joe Alleva named to men’s hoops committee Staff Reports The NCAA tabbed LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva on Monday as its newest member of the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee. Alleva was appointed to the committee with Jamie Zaninovich, commissioner of the West Coast Conference. “It’s an honor to be named to this prestigious committee,” Alleva said in a news release. In his third year in Baton Rouge, Alleva is no stranger to NCAA basketball. Alleva served 10 years as athletic director at perennial powerhouse Duke. In all,
Alleva spent 32 years in the Blue Devils’ athletic department. The pair will begin their term on the committee Sept. 1. Each term lasts five years. They will replace departing members Gene Smith, athletic director at Ohio State, and Stan Morrison, athletic director at University of California-Riverside. The committee does more than just select tournament teams — it’s in charge of all basketball-related issues and the administration of the NCAA Championship. Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
you’ve got theoretically the best part of your lineup coming up.” LSU (7-0) moved up one spot in the Baseball America poll to No. 19 after outscoring Holy Cross, 41-10, during the weekend series. The Tigers skyrocketed in the Collegiate Baseball poll, jumping
from No. 13 to No. 7, and in the USA Today poll, rising from No. 15 to No. 9. Three SEC teams are in the top four of the Baseball America national rankings. Florida remained in the No. 1 spot, Vanderbilt moved up one spot to No. 2, and South Carolina
moved up three spots to No. 4. Cal State Fullerton, who the Tigers play March 11-13, rose from No. 12 to No. 7. Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 RHYMES, from page 7
Raph transferred to LSU-Eunice so he could continue playing baseball. It turns out the Monroe native made the right choice. “He just wanted to play ball, and [LSUE coach] Jeff Willis called him from Eunice because they lost a second baseman,” Carol said. “Raph said, ‘I just want to play baseball, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to give you all I’ve got.’ He went there with a good set of goals, and he met those goals — surpassed those goals.” In his lone season as a Bengal, Raph was a ‘[Rhymes] force. He was came out named the 2010 here and Division II Juproved to nior College of the everyone that player year after puthe’s going ting up videoto drive in game-worthy stats. Raph batruns.’ ted .483 with Mikie Mahtook 31 doubles, 12 LSU junior outfielder home runs and 98 RBIs while only striking out nine times in 283 at bats. Raph’s offensive prowess drove LSUE to the Division II JUCO national title and also put him back on Mainieri’s radar. “He’s a good hitter. He’s got a very compact swing, a line-drive type of swing with occasional power,” Mainieri said. “Usually, something good happens when he puts a swing on the ball.” Raph said he was surprised at his immediate success. “I expect a lot out of myself, but I didn’t expect this,” Raph said. “I work hard, and I guess it paid off.” His teammates have taken notice of his ability, as well. “We all knew what he did in JUCO ball, and he came here and we knew the ability he had,” said junior outfielder Mikie Mahtook. “He came out here and proved to everyone that he’s going to drive in runs and be the guy for us.” The only bump in the road for Raph so far has been his defensive play. The former infielder struggled in his first action this season in the outfield, but Mainieri is confident in Raph’s ability. “He’s got some versatility. We’re trying to develop him as an outfielder,” Mainieri said. “He has good instincts for a guy who’s never played the outfield. He’s a good athlete, and he throws the ball well.” Now all Raph might have left to clean up is fans’ proper pronunciation of his name, which isn’t Ralph and doesn’t rhyme with raft. Raph (pronounced “Rayf”), or Raphael Ray Rhymes, was named after his grandfather, who played third base for LSU from 1954-55. “Everybody asked when he got there, ‘Who names their kid Raph?’” Carol said. “Well, we already had two Rays, and we needed to shorten his name.” Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com
didn’t putt well and there were some big numbers that we should have tournament until after its completion. avoided,” Bahnsen said. Freshman Austin Ernst reThe women’s squad, competing in the Sugar Bowl Intercolle- bounded from an opening-round 80 with a 74 despite giate tournament at a flurry of late boEnglish Turn Golf Course in New ‘With our experience, gies, and junior Jacqueline Hedwall Orleans, finished Monday’s second we’re a team that’s followed her brilfirst-round 69 round in a tie for capable of coming liant with a shaky round ninth after high Monday. scores on the back back with a great of 80Despite the nine led to a rapid round tomorrow Lady Tigers’ ninthfall down the leadplace standing, erboard. and playing our Bahnsen believes a To p - r a n k e d senior Megan way back into this final-round charge is possible with McChrystal turned [tournament].’ only 11 shots to in another impresmake up. sive round, postKaren Bahnsen “I feel like, ing a 70 for a LSU women’s golf coach with our experitwo-round total of ence, we’re a team 5-under. McChrystal is just one shot behind the leader, that’s capable of coming back with a great round tomorrow and playAlabama’s Stephanie Meadow. On another warm and windy ing our way back into this [tournaday, the rest of the Lady Tigers strug- ment].” gled on English Turn’s challenging layout. LSU women’s coach Karen Bahnsen said the Lady Tigers’ misContact Chris Abshire at takes could have been dodged. cabshire@lsureveille.com “It was frustrating because we
TOURNAMENT, from page 7
‘‘
page 11 REED, from page 7
decision from the get-go. “Oh my goodness, it’s hard to leave school, make money and come back,” James said. “If you leave school and don’t make money, you can come back. But he’s made money so it’s real tough to have the discipline to come back. But it’s the right thing to do.” He is LSU’s most decorated receiver, even though he was originally recruited as a running back. Reed, the 2001 Biletnikoff award winner, is LSU’s all-time leader in career receiving yards and receptions in a season, among other records. He broke the record for receptions and receiving yards in a game at Alabama in 2001 when he pulled down 19 catches for 293 yards. But he first found his receiving mojo during the 2000 Peach Bowl against Georgia Tech — his first season as a wideout. LSU was trailing the Yellow Jackets 14-9 in the fourth quarter when Reed made a miraculous leaping catch from quarterback Rohan Davey to catapult the Tigers to a 2814 victory. “There was some traffic in there,
but I caught it really clean,” Reed recalled. “I knew I had to get a foot down, but that moment, just catching, that’s when I thought, ‘Hey this might be fun.’ That was an amazing moment for me.” Reed declared for the 2002 NFL Draft even though his size and speed were questioned by NFL scouts. He used the negative press as motivation to show off his skills. “I took [the criticism] as they wanted you to prove to them that they were wrong,” Reed said. “It’s not really a chip, but it’s just something they evaluate that they think you can improve on.” Despite the question marks, the Bills selected Reed in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Reed proved to be more than capable, pulling down 311 receptions for 3,575 yards and 10 touchdowns in his eight seasons in Buffalo. Now Reed enjoys spending his Sundays at home. “I’m having a lot more fun watching games,” Reed said. “Just being able to have the perspective of having done it is nice.” Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 12
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Students should repay unused TOPS dollars The Daily Reveille recently published an article about the Louisiana Budget Project (LBP) report on TOPS. Every suggestion and observation made in the article has been debated ad nauseum over the past 10 years, with the debate growing louder most recently due to the state’s budget issues. It argues that TOPS is too often being awarded to the rich and that the program’s GPA requirements should be raised.
These ideas, and more, were debated in the “Cut the Fat” Report, which was presented to the state Senate’s Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget in 2001. Some of the facts presented in the committee’s report are intriguing: 42 percent of those who received the minimum TOPS award in 1998 and 1999 lost their eligibility. Around twothirds of these students started college with ACT scores between 19 and 22, while, “forfeiture rates are lower among TOPS students ... [with] higher grades and ACT scores.” One solution for preserving TOPS would be the LBP’s suggestion of raising the GPA requirement. Its other critique, which would put an income cap
on TOPS, makes little sense. According to Chancellor Michael Martin, TOPS aims “to put a college education within reach of every child, to reward hard work in high school, and to keep the state’s best and brightest students here in Louisiana.” A recent study by the Institute of Higher Education concluded that “merit scholarship programs ... stanch the migration of ‘best and brightest’ students to other states.” Using family income to disqualify students from TOPS would only encourage the brain drain. One thing the LBP does not suggest is promoting accountability. TOPS has long been plagued by the issue of money
lost to students who do not complete their education. What if we made such individuals pay back their TOPS dollars? Chancellor Martin himself said, “If you have your own skin in the game, you are more inclined to take it seriously,” noting that some students “use [TOPS] without necessarily being fully committed because there is no real cost to them.” If students knew there would be a penalty for not making proper use of their scholarships, we would see less waste of TOPS dollars. Perhaps a more feasible plan would be one that was suggested by the “Cut the Fat” report 10 years ago: “Require students to find their own financing for their first year of college. If they finish
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 the freshman year with full class schedules and good grades, they could receive TOPS money for subsequent years. If they graduate, they could be reimbursed for the freshman year.” If Louisiana wants to solve the TOPS problem, we need to act soon. With a decision 10 years in the making, such action is long overdue. Chris Williams French and history senior
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
PRESS X TO NOT DIE
Facebook apps up the ante on stalking crushes, friends
It’s not official until it’s Facebook official. The social networking site has exploded with information about people’s interests, likes and daily activities. With people sharing so much information, it almost isn’t necessary to meet someone face to face to know everything you need to know about them. Curious whether someone will be a good partner for a class project? Look him or her up on Facebook. Looking for references on whether to hire someone for a job? Check his or her Facebook page. Even the “get-to-know-you” part of a first date isn’t necessary anymore — just study the person’s Facebook page, and you’ll know all about him or her. However, there’s nothing worse than taking all that time to Facebook stalk that cute girl/guy from class to see those three dreaded words on their profile — “in a relationship.” Such an awful sight, indeed. But you’re persistent. You won’t let something silly like that come between you and your true love. So, you stalk harder — constantly visiting your true love’s page and hitting Refresh, hoping to see that golden word “single” appear on your news feed. Yet, when that day finally comes, it’s too late. Your news feed wasn’t updated for some reason, and the opportunity of a lifetime has come and gone. But fear not, hopeless romantic. Your answer is finally here with the Breakup Notifier app.
Breakup Notifier started last Sunday and was developed by Dan Loewenherz. The concept is simple: “Have a hot friend who you’re interested in, but they’re in a relationship? Yep, we’ll alert you by e-mail when they’re out of it,” Breakup Notifier explains in Adam Arinder its first update on Facebook. Columnist It’s that easy. Never again do you actually have to talk to the person you’re interested in — just let Facebook do all the work for you. Remember — it’s not official until it’s Facebook official. The app gained more than 3 million users before it was shut down last Wednesday because of strong negative feedback by Facebook’s automated systems. However, as of 11 a.m. Monday morning, Breakup Notifier updated its page with “Back online!” and a link to its website, breakupnotifier. com. So it appears the easy stalking may continue once again. But let’s say you’re someone who wants to take a little more action in getting with that special someone — well, there’s an app for that, too. WaitingRoom takes Facebook creepiness one step further. All you have to do is tell WaitingRoom who you have your eye on, and it does all the rest. The app alerts people who are in a relationship on Facebook
The Daily Reveille
(remember, it’s only official if it’s on Facebook) and tells them they have someone in their “Waiting Room.” “If you’re already in a relationship, WaitingRoom will give you the confidence to become single again — if that’s what you really want,” the app’s site says. WaitingRoom keeps the person’s identity a secret until the recipient changes their status to “single” for 48 hours. Theoretically, the 48 hours prevents the recipient from cheating to see who is waiting for them by quickly changing their status.
While both of these apps appear to be fun and silly, they show what’s wrong with the way people interact with each other. Instead of calling each other to talk, we text or Facebook chat. Instead of finding courage and actually talking to the person you have a crush on and showing your true feelings, people are hiding behind Facebook apps. Instead of letting a website do your dirty work, man (or woman) the hell up and go talk the person face to face. Get to know the real them —
not some Facebook facade.
Adam Arinder is a 21-year-old communication studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
For a list of Facebook’s top stalker apps, check out the New Spin Zone blog at lsureveille.com Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
Editorial Policies & Procedures
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass 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 “Are you stalking me? Because that would be super.” Ryan Reynolds American actor Oct. 23, 1976 - present
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
page 13
FAILURE OF DIPLOMACY
THE C-SECTION
Right decision made Texas will shoot itself in the foot on unmerited lawsuit with campus gun-toting bill against Regents
Judge Timothy Kelley made the right decision Thursday to deny former Sen. Cleo Fields’ injunction against Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Board of Regents. The suit was filed Feb. 14 after a long month of bickering by Southern UniversityChris Grillot New Orleans Columnist students over a possible merger with the University of New Orleans. In late January, the Board of Regents hired the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems to study the possibility of merging SUNO with UNO, according to The Daily Reveille. The study was supposed to be completed by a March 1 deadline, which has since been extended to March 15. On Feb. 14, Fields filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of SUNO and Southern UniversityBaton Rouge students against the Regents. The lawsuit claimed the makeup of the Regents was unconstitutional. The suit was based on Jindal replacing the minority board members in December 2010 with four new appointees, all of whom are white. Cleo argues Jindal replaced the minority members to set up the SUNO-UNO merger. He also argued it was unconstitutional because the Louisiana Constitution says the Regents “should be representative of the state’s population by race and gender to ensure diversity.” First, let’s look into why the students filed the lawsuit. The state constitution says the Regents “should” be representative of population and diversity, leading them to believe the Regents were required by law to be representative of the population. The case was flawed. “Should” does not mean “have to.” If the word “shall” were used in place of “should,” then it would have been a different story. According to Merriam-Webster, the word “should” indicates an expression of what is “probable or expected.” The word “shall” is used in “laws, regulations, or directions to express what is mandatory.” Obviously, the law states the Regents “should” be representative of the state’s population, but it does not say the Board “shall” be representative of the population.
Laws are always open to interpretation. It seems Kelley agreed, ruling that the make of the Board was not unconstitutional. Fields probably understood the different meanings of the words. But what he also knew is a lawsuit could halt the study, slowly delaying the March 1 verdict — which it did. Luckily, Kelley also ruled that the study could continue because the Southern students failed to prove it would cause any irreparable harm. As the study continues, it’s time for the SUNO students to give up their fight and stop wasting the state’s time and money. Their resistance to the merger is only hindering what’s best for the state, and they’re doing it in the worst way possible — making a racial case. It’s actually quite sad they couldn’t personally interpret that the state constitution does not require the Regents to be perfectly representative of the population, as the language currently states. It’s also sad they would accuse Jindal of taking out all of the minorities when Jindal is of Indian descent — a minority himself. Moreover, SUNO defenders need to open their eyes and realize it’s 2011 and racial arguments aren’t going to cut it. The state budget is suffering, and a merger or closure could prove beneficial. Just because SUNO is an “historically black university” is no reason to oppose a possible merger with a predominantly white one. Hell, a merger may even work out in their favor. In the end, statistics already show the low performance of SUNO, and I’m almost positive the Regents’ study will prove a merger could be beneficial. The right decision was made to stop the injunction against the Board of Regents. Let’s hope the state and the SUNO students will move forward in a positive direction — and not screw this up with their potential appeal.
Let’s make this clear right now — I’m not a fan of Texas. Even more so than Nike shorts or vanity plates, it’s one of my usual sources of frustration. From its origins to its more modern affairs, I can find very little that’s agreeable about the state. So it really didn’t surprise me to learn what Texas is Zachary Davis attempting to Columnist pass — a bill allowing students to carry guns onto campuses. As someone who is pro-gun control, I am completely against ideas that lead to the further spread of lethal weaponry. To me, it simply sounds like Texas is setting itself up for more problems in the future. Unfortunately, this proposed bill seems to be only a small part of a larger national trend, as states like Utah and Colorado are among those who have already made similar steps. The reasoning most lawmakers have made for passing bills like this is to prevent events like the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007. In their eyes, the best way to stop these kinds of massacres is for other students to be armed and able to stop attackers in the heat of the moment. While there might be some semblance of reason in this train of thought, the overall idea seems
extremely flawed. We all know university life can be crazy at times. Whether it’s from tests, sports or sociallife issues, countless sources of stress abound in today’s academic environment. When people get stressed, it’s almost impossible for tempers not to flare occasionally. I consider myself a pretty laid-back person, but even I have to admit to sometimes taking stress and frustration out unjustly. While adding guns into this mix will not lead to violence for the majority of the time, there will always be a chance someone will lose control. With more people bearing weapons in a university environment, it’s bound to happen. Nothing ends a dispute in your favor quite as fast as backing it up with the threat of a gun. There is yet another argument against passing a bill like the one Texas has proposed, and it’s far more important in the long run. If you bring a gun into an educational environment, especially one that thrives on the spread of different ideas, it destroys the balance established in the school. Without this balance, the power of a university easily diminishes. Both students and professors need to know their ideas cannot be bullied with the threat of violence if we want our colleges to be a true place of learning. Another downside the bill might bring about is the preparedness of future attackers.
Yes, there might be more people who could possibly stop an attack should it happen in the future. However, attackers would know they would need to prepare for such resistance. While this would be true for any change in security on campuses, it is not guaranteed students will always be carrying firearms. In other words, they won’t always be prepared to defend themselves when crazed attackers bring guns onto campus legally, which could very easily lead to more disastrous attacks. Weapons simply are not necessary in a learning environment, and there are better ways to go about improving school safety. Guns have already been brought into far too many places in this country. The last thing we need is for it to spread even more. School safety will increase far more if we instead look at better state-funded security or earlier identification of problems. Arming students is not the answer to this horrible problem. Texas, you may not have done much to impress me in the past, but there’s always time to start. Zachary Davis is a 20-yearold history junior from Warsaw, Poland. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_zdavis.
Contact Zachary Davis at zdavis@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old English and mass communication sophomore from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_CGrillot.
Contact Chris Grillot at cgrillot@lsureveille.com
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
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Classifieds
Southside (ask for Jessica) ExxonMobil (ask for Toni) Dow Westside (ask for Kayne)
EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com RUNNER POSITION AVAILABLE at local law firm. Must have reliable transportation. Ideal hours are 1 5 daily. Some flexibility. $8.00/hr plus mileage. Call Jennifer at 388-9574. 225.388.9574 PART TIME RECEPTIONIST Busy multi-service salon seeking professional and dependable part time receptionist. Apply in person only at 5172 Corporate Blvd. 225.928.7155
JIMMY JOHNS GOURMET SANDWICHES Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches is looking for KICKASS Sandwich Makers and Delivery Drivers. Now taking apps for both locations. Apply in person. 3043 Perkins or 10711 Coursey. STUDENTS NEEDED TO work with children/ adults with disabilities. Several positions available; various hours. Weekend hours available. Great job for Psych, Kinsesology and COMD Majors Apply: St. John the Baptist, Human Services. 622 Shadows Ln, Suite A. 225.216.1199 ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING AVAILABLE. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127
EARN EXTRA MONEY Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience Required. Call 1-888-615-5245
PAINTING COMPANY looking for enthusiastic, dedicated person. Flexible hours. Call and leave name and phone number. 225.445.1834
SEEKING PART-TIME LEASING assistant for busy complex near LSU. Must be able to work Tues/ Thurs/Sat and the summer. Please email resume to manager@tigermanor.com or fax to 225-383-0145. Please do not call or stop by for information. 225.383.0143
LAB TECH. Chemistry background helpful. Benefits include, 401k. Day work. Send resume to PO Box 45445 Baton Rouge 70895
HIRING IMMEDIATELY!! !! CASHIERS PART- FULL TIME, VERY FLEXIBLE HOURS, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY OR WEEKENDS, OUR HOURS ARE 6:30 AM TO 6:30 PM PLEASE APPLY IN PERSON AT SOUTHSIDE PRODUCE 8240 PERKINS ROAD AQUATICS OPPORTUNITIES! NOW HIRING: YMCA Lifeguards, Swim Lesson & Water Fitness Instructors ìWork Here Everyone Benefitsî Must be Age 16+, flex schedules. Certifications and experience preferred. Certification classes also available. We will train you! Apply at any YMCA branch location: A. C. Lewis (ask for Abby) C. B. Pennington, Jr. (ask for Patti) Paula G. Manship (ask for Dina)
PART TIME-STUDENTS Great pay, Flexible schedules, sales, service, ages 17+, conditions apply, CALL TODAY: 225383-4252 www. workforstudents. com AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM IN Port Allen, LA, 5 minutes from LSU across the bridge, is looking for after school tutors and teachers. Specializing in Middle School Math English and Science, Arts, Music, Sports, and Computers. Hours 3pm-5pm M-Th. Email resume to laurelmb@gmail.com OVERACHIEVER SOUGHT! Ever been a club officer? Planned a fundraiser or prom? I am looking for an enthusiastic leader who is a real go-getter interested in event planning, marketing campaigns, PR, promotions or all of the above. I need a student manager for next year who is currently a sophomore or junior to fill this 20-hour position for the 2011-
2012 school year. I’m looking to start training for this position IMMEDIATELY. I’m especially interested if you can show me what you’ve got on March 2nd by volunteering for a few hours at our largest event of the year. Please put in the body of an e-mail, a quick paragraph about why you think you would be a good fit for this position and what interests you about it, then paste your resume into the body of the e-mail too for quick & easy reading. SEND INFO IMMEDIATELY TO: klwilson@lsu. edu to be considered! STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. SWIMMING INTRUCTORS NEEDED GREAT OPPORTUNITY-Part time Afternoon April & May- Full Time Summer-Great Pay! CRAWFISH AQUATICS, Louisiana’s Total Swim Program-If you are highly motivated, hard working, we can teach you the rest. Please fax resume to 225-706-1636 or e-mail to swimcraw@crawfishaquatics.com
TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. Accepting reservations now for Spring 2011 & Fall 2011! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Walk to class. Free Breakfast. Fitness Center. 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com
FOR RENT 3br/2ba +office $1300/mon w/$1300 dep. 253 Meadow Bend Dr. Pets welcome. Call 225.931.8107 NOW ACCEPTING DEPOSITS! Lake Beau Pre Townhomes, Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos 2 & 3 Bedroom Floor plans Available Now, Summer/Fall 2011 Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 BRIGHTSIDE ESTATES 3BR/2BA GATED, ON LSU BUS ROUTE, 3 ASSIGNED PARKING, $1500 MONTH/1500 DEP. 318.447.2622 1-BR APTS NEAR LSU, $450 / Month. Hot water included, Call Wang 225.278.6622 1 BR AVAIL. AFTER MARCH 7TH $550. 4243 Burbank. Across from Mellow Mushroom/ Illegal Burrito. www.lsubr.com for pics/ floor plan. $300 dep. 978-1649. No pets. PROPERTIES FOR LEASE! CONDOS, APARTMENTS & HOUSES FOR LEASE IN ALL AREAS. TO VIEW INVENTORY VISIT WWW. KEYFINDERSBR. COM OR CALL KEYFINDERS AT 225-293-3000 EMAIL INQUIRIES TO KEYFINDERS@YAHOO. COM BRIGHTSIDE MANOR Great 2BR 1 1/2ba TH in 4-Plex. $750. 772-2429 www.cdc-tigerland.com CHATEAU DU COUR 4707 Tigerland Ave. Lge 2 BR apt in gated complex. $595. Cell 772-2429 www.cdc-tigerland.com
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*** MOVE IN SPECIAL*** Spacious 2bdrm, 1.5 bath townhouse, Perkins Cove Sub. wood flooring, new carpet, appl incl, water paid, pets welcome. $700mo,500dep 225.400.9876 WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $325.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. Accepting reservations now for Spring 2011 & Fall 2011! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Walk to class. Free Breakfast. Fitness Center. 3000 July St. 225-383-0143. www.tigermanor.com FOR RENT 4 bedroom, 2 bath, with Washer & Dyer. Yard services provided. Fenced in yard. Capital Heights Area. 656 Caddo Street Call Today 225.928.9384
GETTING WARM Let’s be free in the warm weather. No need to confine ourselves under all that material. Let’s be Nude. Looking for a fellow nudist. Contact me at lsunudist@yahoo.com IS THAT HOT GUY YOU? I see you in the Union every Wednesday at 11:30, usually in a baseball cap. I’m a shy girl interested in getting to you know. If you are single, meet me at the Living Expo next Wednesday, and while you are picking up info, maybe you can pick up mine too! I’ll be wearing a purple LSU shirt & my hair is light brown & long. Maybe we can get some free jambalaya together!! See you there at 11:30 if you are interested, I hope!! ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME Senior in air force about to graduate looking for a girl who can finally make him feel like the man in the relationship. When we go out to Happy’s, you can’t make fun of my leather jacket, abundance of cologne, or my semi feminine mannerisms. I am a Debby Downer, so you need to be tolerant of my constant complaining. Cargoshorts4eva@yahoo.com ANY FIRE OR POI SPINNERS in Baton Rouge? Houston transplant is looking for others to spin with. He’s an intermediate fire poi spinner, and greatly misses his group back home. Email at shall24@lsu.edu SEEKING SENSUOUS WOMAN Grad student and sensuous man seeks sensuous woman for dancing, romance, and possibly more. sensuousman86@gmail.com NORMAL GUY LOOKING for a girl who enjoys playing Frisbee Golf and appreciates spending time outdoors. Bonus points for brains. If interested, email lsucetiger@gmail.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 MERGER, from page 1
passed by the Legislature last year to examine the quality of higher education in the New Orleans area. Casper said the Regents contacted Sen. Conrad Appel, who coauthored the resolution, and Jindal, and all parties agreed to extend the date because of the study’s temporary suspension. A restraining order was placed on the study Feb. 14 after seven Southern University students, with the help of former state Sen. Cleo Fields, filed a suit against Jindal and the Regents. The suit stated the Regents’ makeup was unconstitutional, as it was not reflective of the state’s population. Of the Board’s 15 appointed members, there are no racial minorities and only four women, according to the suit. A long-winded court hearing regarding the suit was held Thursday at the 19th Judicial Court in Baton Rouge. Judge Timothy Kelley denied the injunction against the Regents. Kelley rendered his decision with a 29-page explanation that highlighted the students’ failure to prove the necessary elements for the injunction and their inability to provide arguments “rooted in fact.” Following the verdict, Fields announced he would file an appeal. Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
MEAL PLANS, from page 1
Experience. Barr believes the meal plan requirement is a key component to the differences in second- and third-year retention rates. “A meal plan is not the single answer, but we know it is part of the formula,” Barr said. Barr hopes students with meal plans will take advantage of the available nutrition. Students without meal plans are not offered the same amount of nutritional values, he said. “It’s a two-pronged approach,” Barr said. “Half the battle is putting the food out there, and the other half is teaching [students] what a balanced meal is.” Jay High, Residential Life communications manager, said 365 sophomores lived in residence halls during the fall 2010 semester. ResLife usually expects 300 to 400 sophomores to live in residence halls, High said. Fall 2011 will be the first time sophomores have ever been required to have a meal plan. Barr said all dining hall renovations are complete, and most on-campus food venues will be open by
next fall. University students have mixed feelings about the new requirement. Kathryn Dupree, biology freshman, thinks the meal plan requirement is a good idea. “Having a meal plan is convenient and cheaper than not having one,” Dupree said. “I don’t have a meal plan, and I spend about $100 per week eating on campus.” Jordan Barton, English literature and French junior, said meal plans are expensive and should not be required. “When I was a freshman, TOPS covered my tuition, but I had to take out a loan to cover my meal plan,” Barton said. Emily Wesley, communication studies senior, proposed a plan for “rolling over” leftover meals. She said if a meal plan is required, students should be able to utilize their unused meals. Sophomores will be able to select one of the five primary meal plans that first year students have to choose from.
Contact Emily Herrington at eherrington@lsureveille.com
page 15 SNOW, from page 1
Student Government, the event was open to all University students. “I didn’t expect this many people to be here,” said Max O’Krepki, geology junior. Though SG contributed funds to the program when it was for residents only, Adam Lagneaux, director of SG’s Programming Support and Initiatives Fund and finance senior, said SG realized PSIF is only supposed to fund events where the whole student body can attend. “We checked the bylaws and
THEATER, from page 1
theater is long, narrow and tall,” Derr said. “Kind of like a shoe box.” The theater’s construction has greatly improved its acoustics, Derr said. The ceilings were raised to make the theater taller, and the sides of the theater were brought in to make it narrower, which contributed to a significant increase in the theater’s acoustics, Derr said. “This theater will sound the best it possibly can without completely tearing it down and starting over,” Derr said. Sharron Smith, biology senior, attended a symphonic musical
saw that they were not being followed,” Lagneaux said. “We’re changing a lot of things this year to be fair to all organizations.” SG contributed $1,500 to the event, Lagneaux said. Savoy said the event cost about $9,000, with the majority provided by residents’ rent. “Judging by past attendance, the cost per person averages to less than $5,” Savoy said. Contact Emily Herrington at eherrington@lsureveille.com performance at the Union Theater in early February. “They sounded great, and you could tell everyone in attendance enjoyed the performance,” Smith said. Terry Serio, Union Theater assistant director for theater event development, said a host of exciting events has been scheduled to take advantage of the theater’s new technological advances. The Allen Toussaint Band and the School of Music Wind Ensemble will play in March, Serio said. Contact Josh Naquin at jnaquin@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, March 1, 2011