There’s an app for that: Alumnus develops popular game, p. 16
Golf: See a breakdown of a golfer’s bag, p. 9
Reveille The Daily
www.lsureveille.com
Smoke Signals
Ceramics: Grad student creates event for playing with pottery, p. 15 Thursday, April 7, 2011 • Volume 115, Issue 123
Faculty Senate to debate resolution to ban smoking on campus Celeste Ansley Staff Writer
‘[A ban on smoking on campus] is absolutely silly. This is a right. It’s my personal freedom.’ John Methe agriculture freshman
Assignments worth 5 percent allowed
SMOKING, see page 8
DEAD WEEK, see page 7
SOCIAL MEDIA
SG campaigns use YouTube, Facebook to appeal to voters Staff Writer
More than 1,000 of the University students who flocked to YouTube during Student Government election week hoping to encounter comical videos unknowingly stumbled upon SG campaign messages. Cody Wells and Kathleen Bordelon, recently elected SG president and vice president, set a precedent for future candidates by incorporating well-known University viral videos into their campaign strategy as “accidental exposure,”
Bordelon said. “Dougie in My Snuggie LSU” and “LSU Lil Finals Week Bounce” went viral on campus last year. Myles Laroux, international studies junior, and Logan Baudean, University alumnus, created the video titled “LSU lil finals week TEASER” for the NOW campaign. And Laroux, along with finance freshman DeJarion “DJ” Neely, accounting freshman Jermaine Mathis and international trade and finance freshman Rachel Sadberry filmed the video titled “Dougie In My Snuggie LSU Part 2.”
Provost signs dead week policy into effect
Smoking regulations on campus could change in coming months with proposed resolutions by Faculty Senate and a petition supporting one of the resolutions, which had about 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday. One of the Faculty Senate resolutions aims to make improvements and better enforce the 25-feet-away-from-buildings rule, while the other seeks to make the University a smoke-free campus. The resolutions will be presented to the Faculty Senate on April 11. LSU Libraries senators Michael Russo and Stephanie Braunstein will present the resolution and petition to make the University smoke-free as well as establish a task force to help implement the bill, Russo said. Russo said there is a petition in the library as well as one at a table at the EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille Health and Wellness Fair held Wednesday. He said Michael Russo and Stephanie there has been vandalism to Braunstein, LSU Libraries senators, the petition in the form of created a petition to make LSU a obscenities and fake names, smoke-free campus. The petition can like someone who signed as be found in Middleton Library. President Barack Obama. Russo said if the smoke-free campus resolution passes, there will be no need for the other resolution.
BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille
Andrea Gallo
ACADEMICS
Wells and Bordelon told Laroux and Neely to name their videos so nobody knew they contained campaign messages. “We released those videos in the hopes that we would reach an audience that otherwise would not be reached by traditional campaign methods,” Wells said. The idea for the videos sparked at a campaign meeting, Laroux said, because he was already working on Wells and Bordelon’s ticket. Laroux said when Wells approached him SOCIAL MEDIA, see page 8
Celeste Ansley Staff Writer
The new policy limiting the coursework instructors are allowed to assign during dead week was signed by the provost Tuesday after being passed by Faculty Senate and Student Government Senate. The old policy allowed teachers to give assignments worth up to 10 percent of a final grade with the exception of class projects, ‘The [new] which could be worth more, policy is a said Jeffrey reasonable Wale, SG direc- compromise.’ tor of academics. The new Kevin Cope policy allows Faculty Senate for assignments president worth 5 percent, with the exception of class projects. Under the old policy, some instructors were labeling tests and quizzes as class projects because they had been on the syllabus
TAKE A LOOK IN A BOOK
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Where on campus can you find 25 tons of books? It’s not the library, page 4.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
Thursday, April 7, 2011
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
STATE/LOCAL
Emmigrant boat capsizes off Italian coast, 51 rescued of 250 missing
Shooting at Alabama community college leaves 1 killed, 3 wounded
Teen faces cyberstalking charge for threatening teacher on Facebook
ROME (AP) — A boat carrying as many as 300 migrants from Libya capsized in rough seas off the Italian coast early Wednesday, leaving 250 people unaccounted for. Survivors told of desperately trying to reach rescue boats as those unable to swim screamed in the darkness and pulled one another under the water. A wave of migrants began arriving on Italian shores in January following popular revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The Italian coast guard rescued 48 people Wednesday and a fishing boat picked up another three after the boat began taking on water shortly after 1 a.m. Survivors told the International Organization for Migration they swam toward approaching vessels, but many drowned because they couldn’t swim or were dragged back by fellow passengers. Coast guard official Pietro Carosia said rescue operations, conducted by Italian helicopters, patrol boats and a Maltese plane, were slowed by strong winds and rough waters. The incident occurred about 40 miles off the coast of Lampedusa, an island closer to North Africa than mainland Italy.
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — A shooting at an east Alabama community college on Wednesday killed one woman, wounded two others and injured a child who was hit by flying glass, authorities said. Police are searching for a 34-year-old male suspect and said the gunfire resulted from a domestic dispute. Photos and video from the scene showed a Toyota minivan with three windows shot out in a parking lot outside a building at Southern Union Community College in Opelika. Student Quay Thomas said he heard nine shots.
SHREVEPORT (AP) — A 14-yearold boy faces a cyberstalking charge for allegedly posting threatening text messages on his teacher’s Facebook page. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator says the Byrd High School student used another student’s name to create a fake account on the social networking website in order to send messages to the teacher because he allegedly received a bad grade in her class.
Rapper ‘Webbie’ arrested for drug possession, evidence tampering
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court has refused to kill a challenge to single-sex classes in a middle school in Vermilion Parish. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday instead sent the suit by a parent of two girls attending Rene Rost Middle School back to a federal judge. In April 2010, U.S. District Judge Richard Haik of Lafayette ruled that all-boys and all-girls classes at the school could continue under court-mandated conditions addressing errors in the program’s planning and implementation for the 2009-10 school year.
GIORGOS MOUTAFIS / The Associated Press
A man is rushed to safety upon arrival Wednesday in Lampedusa, Italy. Of 250 migrants lost at sea after their boat capsized, 48 have been rescued.
Brazilian officials confirm size of chocolate eggs in ‘Operation Easter’ RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Officials in Rio de Janeiro are going to make sure the Easter Bunny isn’t shortchanging children with the holiday’s hallmark chocolate eggs. Rio’s department of weights and measures launched “Operation Easter” on Wednesday to verify the size and weight of the multicolored eggs already lining store shelves. The state-run Agencia Brasil says they will also check the safety of toys inside the eggs.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Highway Patrol officers arrested Louisiana rapper Webster “Webbie” Gradney Jr., for drug possession and tampering with evidence after returning from a show in Louisville, Ky. Officials said Wednesday that 25-year-old Gradney was a passenger in a rental car stopped Monday on Interstate 65 south of Nashville in Marshall County. Gradney, of Baton Rouge, was found with $13,000 and 2 ounces of marijuana.
LSU Native American Student Association (NASA) PowWow Saturday April 9th Carl Maddox Fieldhouse Gourd Dancing- 10:30 Grand Entry- 12:00 and 4:30 Men and Women’s Traditional Dance Contest 5:30-6:30 Adults $3, Students $2, Children under 12 Free Are you looking for a summer or part time job? Join the LSU office of Career services at the Summer and Part-time Job fair. Today, 10 am-2PM, LSU free speech alley DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Chase at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
Read online-only coverage of the LSU track & field teams traveling to the Texas Relays. Watch videos of the Konami U Tour and Wellness Fair. Read a critique of post-Kanye West rap trends at LMFAO. Read criticism of current trends in journalism at New Spin Zone.
Appeals court judge refuses to kill suit to end single-sex classes
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Daily Reveille
page 3
EVENTS
Konami U Tour brings games, friendly competition to University Tournament winners, participants get prizes Emily Herrington Contributing Writer
Singing, rapping and dancing students participating in the Konami U Tour collected curious glances from passers-by Wednesday on the Parade Ground across from the Student Union. The University is the fourth stop of Konami’s first ever 15-school tour. Konami partnered with Barnes & Noble and the LSU Bookstore for the event, bringing games, six television screens and Wii, Playstation 3 and Nintendo 3DS gaming systems. SHAINA HUNTSBERRY / The Daily Reveille The tour arrived on campus Biology sophomore Burnell Age III (right) and computer science senior Alan Miller play Wednesday at 10 a.m. and will be Dance Dance Revolution during the Konami U Tour event Wednesday evening at LSU. here until 5 p.m. today. Konami is promoting four fea- participants win prizes, Bloomer I like DDR. This is my aerobic exercise for the day,” said Ameera Bates, tured games: Karaoke Revolution: said. Mark Nolan, director of opera- biochemistry freshman. Glee, Dance Dance Revolution, Def The tour’s next stop is Jam Rapstar and Pro Evolution Soc- tions for The 365 Agency, the company organizing Konami U, said Mississippi State University. cer 2011. “The tour is a way to get the the tour promotes “friendly rivalry word out about their product and among schools” because the univergive students something fun to do,” sities will be ranked according to Contact Emily Herrington at said Paul Stevenson, LSU Bookstore the total points obtained from each eherrington@lsureveille.com school’s tournament. general manager. “It’s all about bragging rights Stevenson said the Bookstore was interested in the Konami U Tour among universities,” Nolan said. “Everyone battles because it aims to it out.” host events that are Nolan said the enticing and fun for tour was well-restudents. ceived at other uni“We want to be versities. He said interactive with the there was high atschool community tendance and “lots and bring students of energy.” to the Bookstore,” Bloomer said Stevenson said. the event’s location The Konami at LSU was a bit U Tour hosted a Paul Stevenson “offset from main 16-person Dance LSU Bookstore general manager traffic,” but had Dance Revoluseen a steady flow tion tournament Wednesday night and will feature a of participation throughout the day Pro Evolution Soccer tournament to- Wednesday. “[The tour] is awesome because day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Natalie Bloomer, Konami U Tour representative, said tournament winners had the opportunity to win $400 in Barnes & Noble gift cards, as well as a Konami game. Half of the tournament
Thursday April 7 SHADY’S
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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
‘The tour is a way to get the word out about their product and give students something fun to do.’
Newsbeat 3:00pm Newsbeat repeat 5:00pm Newsbeat repeat 6:30pm Newsbeat repeat 9:30pm All remaining times MtvU
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
page 4
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Annual Book Bazaar offers 25 tons of books, benefits libraries Sale includes vinyl records, DVDs Morgan Searles Contributing Writer
Bookworms rejoice — with more than 60,000 used books collected and organized in the course of a year, the Book Bazaar is prepared to meet the needs of thrifty readers in the Baton Rouge community. In addition to literature, the bazaar, which kicks off today and lasts until Saturday, also offers DVDs, VHS tapes and a collection of roughly 200 vinyl records, including everything from The Beatles to opera. Hosted by the Friends of the LSU Libraries, money collected from the sale goes into an endowment fund, where it can be used to benefit University library projects and other needs, said Madeline Mocan, publicity coordinator for the Book Bazaar. Last year’s sale raised $85,000, and the Friends of the LSU Libraries have raised more than $1.5 million in the course of 35 years, Mocan said. Mocan said anyone could easily leave the bazaar with an armload of books without breaking the bank. “This event provides a great opportunity for people to affordably build a personal library,” Mocan said. “Secondly, everything is so affordably priced, you can try out a book without any major commitment.” The items were collected in the Book Barn, a storage area on River Road where donors can drop items off directly. Books are also collected in bins located in Kean’s Fine Dry Cleaning. Full personal library donations also contribute largely to the sale’s collection. This year’s sale has more than 1,500 science-fiction novels, including about 200 vintage “Star Trek” paperbacks and a large collection of “Star Wars” books and ephemera, Mocan said. Mocan said she hopes students are interested in attending the Bazaar. “Often late in the day we get a big load of students coming in,”
Mocan said. “This is a good event “A Confederacy of Dunces” with for students, especially with the dust jackets. large music collection, as well as Faye Phillips, associate dean the literature, hisof LSU Librartory and poetry.” ies, said the Book While many Bazaar is a great of the books are event for the compriced at less than munity because it $5, a collector’s tabrings people toble will host more gether in a positive valuable items. way. Anne West, “It gives peomanager of the ple an opportunity Book Barn, said a to acquire books first-edition Ernest they’ve been lookMadeline Mocan Hemingway book Book Bazaar publicity coordinator ing for,” Phillips will be available said. “There are for sale, in addisome unusual rare tion to two first-edition copies of books, and there are some for a
‘This event provides a great opportunity for people to affordably build a personal library.’
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Pat Hoth helps organize books for the Book Bazaar. The annual sale opens today at the 4-H Mini Farm and Nelson Memorial Building, across from Parker Coliseum.
dollar.” The Book Bazaar will be open Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the 4-H Mini Farm and the
Nelson Memorial Building.
Contact Morgan Searles at msearles@lsureveille.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011
BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
The Daily Reveille
page 5
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Senate passes Flagship Coalition Mayor’s office launches program to resolution after admin. prodding ‘improve life’ in BR Andrea Gallo Staff Writer
funded through the Home Depot Foundation and Exxon Mobil. The second part of the proEast Baton Rouge Parish gram is called “Kindergarten ReadMayor-President Kip Holden’s Of- ing Ready,” which gathers earlyfice recently launched a new pro- childhood educators to compile a gram called “Baton Rouge Proud,” summer program for children ages 4 to 6. meant to improve She said the quality of Ba- How to apply for “Love Mobil ton Rouge residents’ Your Block” initiatives Exxon is sponsoring lives. the program, so Scott Dyer, • People interested in applying many company spokesman for should meet with their neighbors employees volHolden’s office, said and discuss plans. unteered to meet the program’s purwith children pose is to improve • Applications can be found at twice a week to and revitalize the www.brgov.com/batonrougeproud Baton Rouge com- and should be mailed to the address help them learn to read. munity and better Dyer said prepare disadvan- listed on the application by July 29. the tutoring protaged children for • About 20 to 24 groups will be kindergarten. selected to work with professionals gram is meant to prepare children Dyer said the for kindergarten city has been partic- and improve their neighborhood. by teaching them ipating in a program called “Restore Pride,” which is set about colors, numbers and other up to revitalize run-down areas of subjects in which children their age are expected to be skilled. the city, for several years. “We’re just giving them some He said the difference between that program, which is run by the preliminary education so they’re at city, and the “Baton Rouge Proud” less of a disadvantage,” he said. The program officially program, which is part of a nationwide plan, is that the new program launched at the end of March, and will include all areas of Baton Daigle said several members of Rouge, not just those neighbor- the student organization Volunteer LSU are getting involved with the hoods considered “bad.” “The need is so great out project. Daigle said she hoped to there,” he said. “Hopefully this will encourage people to really form a long-term partnership with VLSU in the future. make an effort.” Daigle said the Mayor’s Office Blythe Daigle, chief service officer for Baton Rouge, was hired will work with groups like the Mid this year to coordinate with Holden City Redevelopment Alliance and and the community to formulate Volunteers in Public Schools. “We wanted to partner with plans. Daigle said the Mayor’s Office people who really know this kind received a Cities of Service Lead- of work,” she said. ership Grant for $200,000 in June. Contact Rachel Warren at The grant is funded jointly by rwarren@lsureveille.com the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, according to a news release from Holden’s office. Daigle said the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies will only pay for the program for two years, but the program may continue if the Mayor’s Office can find alternate funding. Daigle said Baton Rouge was one of 21 cities in the United States to receive the two-year grant. She said the “Baton Rouge Proud” program merges Holden’s initiatives with residents’ concerns to create achievable goals. The first part of the program, titled “Love Your Block,” is geared to get residents together to plan their own community. Daigle said a group of residents can apply for a grant of up to $750 to improve their neighborhood by cleaning the area, planting trees and creating gardens. “It’s not a group or the government doing this,” Daigle said. “The residents decide what they want, and they do it.” She said the grants will be Rachel Warren Staff Writer
University Provost Jack Hamilton and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services Eric Monday explained the aims of the Flagship Coalition in terms of managing costs and efficiencies to the Student Government Senate on Wednesday night. “The coalition exists for one reason — to help LSU survive in this time,” Hamilton said. Monday said in terms of managing costs, they hope to change procurement codes for what they buy, manage “capital projects” on what they build and broaden the investment option scope for longterm investments. Hamilton cleared up confusion from a previous SG meeting when senators said the coalition would cut faculty positions. “We’re not going to fire anybody based on the coalition plans,” Hamilton said. “The efficiencies will save us positions, but we’re not going to fire anybody, we’re going to use attritions. ... In fact, the coalition’s plan is about saving jobs.” After the recommendations of the provost and chancellor, the Senate passed a resolution to “urge the Louisiana Legislature to adopt the cost-cutting and efficiencies positions of the Flagship Coalition
plan to sustain the competitiveness of LSU.” SG President J Hudson announced the March to the Capitol to rally against budget cuts will be May 3 when SG will combine with University students for a largescale budget cut protest. Hudson said he is working to have students across the state rally, as well. The Senate held an impeachment trial for University Court Associate Justice David Ambrogio because he missed March 25’s U-Court election trial, violating U-Court rules, said Danielle Rushing, U-Court chief justice. The Senate voted against Ambrogio’s impeachment. The Senate passed a resolution “to urge and request the Department of Residental Life to
make TigerCash kiosks available to on-campus students in each of the residential communities” and a resolution to “urge and request to Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation to extend the hours of Campus Transit operations during finals week.” The Senate passed a resolution to “urge and request the formation of the Parking Appeals Review Committee,” a joint committee between SG and the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation. U-Court Associate Justice Jacob Ecker said the legislation will open the door for a “dialogue.”
Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
page 6
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
HEALTHY CHOICE
BLAIR LOCKHART / The Daily Reveille
A student tests his grip strength at the 28th annual Wellness Fair took place Wednesday in the Student Union’s Cotillion Ballroom. Students received free health screenings, including heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, cholesterol and HIV.
DEAD WEEK, from page 1
within the first two weeks. “The old policy allowed for flexibility,” Wale said. Wale said the new policy covers finals week stress levels and loopholes in the ‘Faculty old policy. “The new Senate policy takes wanted to away any conWale make sure fusion,” said. [students] Wale said SG originally are ... proposed going to new policy bethea complete dead class with no during the week assignments, last week.’ but members of Jeffrey Wale Faculty Senate disagreed. He SG director of said they voiced academics concerns regarding class attendance and class reading assignments. “Faculty Senate wanted to make sure they are learning the material and going to class during the last week,” Wale said. Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said the new policy allows for a reasonable amount of work but won’t interfere with the time needed to prepare for finals. “The policy is a reasonable compromise,” Cope said. Jeremy Baumgartner, undeclared junior, said students can go into finals with “cool heads” now that tests aren’t allowed during dead week. “Five percent is a little better than 10 percent,” Baumgartner said of the new policy. Abby Gogarty, kinesiology sophomore, said the policy allows for more time to study for finals.
Contact Celeste Ansley at cansley@lsureveille.com
page 7
The Daily Reveille
page 8 SOCIAL MEDIA, from page 1
about making a video, he gladly obliged. The video was released at midnight on general election day. Laroux said once Wells and Bordelon advanced to the runoff elections, he asked Neely if he was interested in doing a “collab” for another election week video so they could reach a different fan base. “We did the videos for Cody and Kathleen,” Laroux said. “That was our primary objective.” The “finals week” video does not mention Wells and Bordelon’s campaign until 1 minute and 16 seconds in, and the campaign is mentioned 23 seconds into the “Dougie” video. The videos went viral on Facebook. Bob Mann, political communication professor, said he hasn’t been exposed to the “accidental exposure” tactic, but it could be effective with a certain demographic. “In politics, you should always know your audience and use the most effective means to communicate to that audience,” Mann said. Social media played an integral role in this year’s elections. Billy Wright, SG commissioner of elections, said social media makes his job easier because he is able to encourage more people to vote, as evidenced by this year’s “Geaux Vote” campaign. However, Wright said he would like to add a “social media clause” to the election code to make more concrete decisions about violations. In this year’s elections, presidential and vice presidential candidates David Jones and Kacey Brister were disqualified from the runoff for sending “unsolicited Facebook messages” through a group Jones created his freshman year. Aaron Caffarel, former presidential candidate, filed a complaint against Jones for sending e-mails to members of his campaign, but the University Court found Jones not guilty. Jones and Brister also included videos in their campaign strategy, but they were more serious in tone. All four SG campaigns this year — Together LSU, Defining Our Future, NOW and Open Source — had Facebook pages and established logos. Mann said social media encourages people to become not only campaign supporters, but also members of a movement. Mann referenced President Barack Obama’s “My Barack Obama” website during the 2008 elections as an example of a politician giving supporters a “meaningful role to play.” Mann said the Internet “creates possibilities for volunteers to not only help, but help in their own way on their own time.” With more than 1,700 views on the “finals week” video and nearly 1,900 views on “Dougie,” Neely, Wells and Bordelon said people said they voted for Wells and Bordelon after watching the videos. One user commented on the “finals week” video on YouTube saying, “I swear I voted for Cody just because of this video.” Laroux said while there is no method of determining if the videos earned Wells one vote or 1,000 votes, he is impressed with the number of views on YouTube. “We loved getting to play the role of making funny videos for the campaign,” Laroux said.
Neely said he and the “Snuggie crew” enjoyed making the videos, as well, and approached them with the mindset of “anything we can do to help, anything to encourage more people to vote.” Wells said voters thanked him for including the videos in his campaign because they “reached out to them.” “They saw students like Myles and like DJ endorsing us, and they said, ‘You know what? If these kind of people are going to endorse Cody and Kathleen, I will too,’” Wells said. While Wells and Bordelon said the videos were used as a persuasion device, Mann said research shows the Internet is mostly used to motivate people who are already in support of a campaign, while using the Internet as a means of persuasion is “more daunting.” Wells and Bordelon said they plan to release SG video updates throughout their administration. Wells said they hope to work with administrators to make the LSU broadcast system more Facebookoriented. Contact Andrea Gallo at agallo@lsureveille.com
SMOKING, from page 1
Russo said the smoke-free resolution, if passed, will go into effect for the 2012-13 academic year and will apply to visitors, students, faculty and staff. Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said the other resolution aims to move smokers away from buildings. “All of the motions are driven by prohibiting smoking in entryways,” Cope said. He said when people smoke in the entryways and people exit the building, the smoke is drawn back into the building. “It’s a warm front pushing on a cold front, you might say,” Cope said. He said smoking enforcement is an issue students need to address. Cope said students should use “peer pressure” in enforcing the policies by asking students to move away from buildings or reporting them to building managers. Aaron Wascom, electrical engineering sophomore, said he obeys the rule of staying at least 25 feet away from buildings while smoking and is willing to comply
Thursday, April 7, 2011 with others’ wishes. “If someone asks me, I have no problem putting it out or moving,” Wascom said. Russo said enforcement of a smoke-free campus will be a challenge, but he has spoken with representatives of the universities of Arkansas and Kentucky about their successes with the ban. “The situation at those places is that people are informed the campus is non-smoking,” he said. Russo said there have been no citations or arrests over the ban at other campuses. Russo said the bans at other campuses haven’t been 100 percent effective, but they have made positive impacts. “It’s more of an educational type of enforcement,” Russo said. Student Government President J Hudson said the resolution lacks enforcement, and “we wouldn’t be in the current situation” if people obeyed the 25-feet law. “It’s like the kids rolling down the Indian Mounds [at football games],” Hudson said. “What are they going to do, tase a bunch of 5-year-olds?” Cope said there isn’t a way to
avoid making some people angry. “It’s my experience in every experience, someone will be outraged,” Cope said. Cope said the University has some large open spaces that allow options for smokers. He said if Faculty Senate passes a resolution, it will have to be signed into effect by the provost. Joe Poynot, mechanical engineering sophomore, said banning smoking outside doesn’t matter to him. Bebe Rafferty, psychology freshman, said the resolution to ban smoking will help those affected by secondhand smoke as well as help others quit smoking. “It will help some people because they will have less opportunity to smoke,” Rafferty said. John Methe, agriculture freshman, said the only issue outdoors is the smell. “It’s absolutely silly,” Methe said. “This is a right. It’s my personal freedom.”
Contact Celeste Ansley at cansley@lsureveille.com
Tiger Feed: Read blogger Ryan Ginn’s analysis of poor shooting in the Final Four.
Sports
Thursday, April 7, 2011
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Johnson: Team feels ‘positive pressure’
page 9
What’s in the bag? A peek at LSU golfer John Peterson’s clubs Read more about No. 29-ranked Peterson’s relationship with his clubs on page 11.
Dotson, Populist leave program Michael Lambert Sports Writer
LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson began his career in Baton Rouge with a bang. Johnson was popular with fans and the media after leading the Tigers to a 27-8 season and a Southeastern Conference Championship. “Two years ago my son was saying, ‘Dad, you hit all the charts ... Naismith Award and all of that,’” Johnson said Wednesday at his season-ending news conference. Since his inaugural campaign, Johnson has garnered only five conference wins in 29 games. “Now I’m hitting all the other charts — hot seat, going here, going there,” Johnson said. “It’s real simple for me. Nobody’s going to put more pressure on me to do this job than myself.” Entering his fourth season, Johnson said he and his team feel “positive pressure” to climb out of the cellar in the SEC West, a spot LSU has occupied for the past two seasons. But LSU will enter next season without two players — one who started 38 career games for the Tigers. JOHNSON, see page 14
graphic by ERIN CHAMBERS / The Daily Reveille
SOFTBALL
Tigers blank Nicholls, 8-0, for seventh-straight win Colonels fall to LSU for third time this year David Helman Sports Contributor
SHAINA HUNTSBERRY / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior utility player Tiffany Shaw bunts Wednesday during the TIgers’ 8-0 win against Nicholls State. The Tigers have outscored the Colonels, 27-2, this season.
Nicholls State went down swinging. That was the case Wednesday night, as Nicholls State batters recorded just four hits and whiffed six times against LSU pitchers in an 8-0 whitewash for the Tigers (22-12). It was also a punch-out in a figurative sense for the Colonels (9-24), who took their third crack at LSU this year with similarly disastrous results. In three games this season, LSU has socked Nicholls by a total of 27-2, with all three of its victories coming
via run-rule decision. “We’ve handled Nicholls pretty good for three times now, so we seem to have their number,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. “The next three games might be a whole lot different.” Wednesday’s lopsided score line reflected an efficient effort from a Tiger team that now sits on a seven-game winning streak. LSU scored in every inning of the shortened game, with the lineup doing most of its damage in the early going. The Tigers capitalized on a walk and had two batters hit by pitches to spark a fourrun second inning. “They put a lot of pressure on the [Nicholls] defense tonight,” Girouard said. “They can create so much havoc out there, and tonight we saw it.” After battling what Girouard
described as a “lull,” in recent outings, the heart of the Tigers’ order got to work against the Colonels. Junior outfielder Ashley Langoni and junior shortstop Juliana Santos paced the lineup, as they each picked up two RBIs. At no point did LSU’s hitters overpower the Colonels — they simply found ways to the bases. The Tigers didn’t knock a single extra-base hit on the night, though they recorded 11 hits. “When you put the ball in play, sooner or later someone’s going to make a mistake,” Langoni said. Instead, they frustrated the opposition on the base paths, stealing four bases and scoring five of their runs on either fielder’s choice plays NICHOLLS, see page 14
The Daily Reveille
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
FOOTBALL
Peterson, Joseph lead tight end corps for 2011 season TEs return to team after injuries
Rachel Whittaker Sports Writer
The injury bug bit senior tight ends Deangelo Peterson and Mitch Joseph last season. Peterson and Joseph missed three games each last season with ankle and knee injuries, respectively. But now that they are both healthy, Peterson and Joseph are in line to lead the tight ends into their senior seasons. Peterson is the tight end strongest at catching passes, and his skill was sorely missed in the first three games of 2010, Joseph said. “Right before the first game, I remember them saying Deangelo was going to be out with an injury,” Joseph said. “I just remember thinking we had to step up because he’s more of a route running guy and speed guy.” Joseph caught five passes for 51 yards starting in Peterson’s place, his only receptions of the season. Peterson said lining up in fourwide receiver sets is a strong suit that he enjoys. The New Orleans native started the Tennessee, Auburn and Texas A&M games last season and hauled in 16 catches for 198 yards, No. 4 on the team, with no touchdowns. He also ran 23 yards on a reverse play on fourth-and-1 against Alabama. “That was a cool play,” Joseph said. “Deangelo is our passing game guy, and he’s also improved on his run game.” When Joseph was out against West Virginia, Tennessee and Florida, Peterson said the team missed a huge blocking presence at tight end. Joseph checks in at 6 feet 5 inches and 265 pounds. “As a group we’re getting better now,” Peterson said. “We’re pumped for this season since last year we had a lot of new things to learn.” Junior Chase Clement, another key contributor at tight end last season, is feeling the injury sting this spring.
Clement broke his collarbone in March and has not returned to spring practice. It’s safe to say Clement had the most to learn on the field, as he played tight end for the first time at LSU last season. Clement served as a reserve defensive end as a redshirt freshman before moving to tight end. He’s played in every game in his two-year career and started eight games in 2010. Two redshirt freshmen see their first playing time this spring: Travis Dickson and Nic Jacobs. Dickson has LSU tight end genes, as his brother Richard set the school’s tight end records for receptions (90), yards (952) and touchdowns (10) in his career, which ended in 2009. Richard signed with the Detroit Lions after the 2010 NFL Draft, and Travis said he is able to stay close with his brother in Baton Rouge. “He’ll come hang out at practice, and he’ll criticize me when we get back to the house later,” the younger Dickson said. “He likes to pick on me.” Travis started playing football
as a defensive lineman, but he said Richard became his mentor when he switched to offense. Travis said he likes the heightened speed of practice. “I get a lot more reps coming from a scout team guy to being on the field,” he said. “The change of pace is completely different and more exciting.” Peterson said he foresees good performance from Dickson. “Dickson has stepped up a lot since last year. I see him catching the ball and blocking more, and his technique is better,” Peterson said. “[Jacobs] is still learning. ... He’s got no technique, but he’s strong so he should be good, too.” Tyler Edwards returns as a junior this season, having played in all 13 games as a reserve blocking tight end in goal-line situations. His only reception was for 10 yards in the Cotton Bowl. Follow Rachel Whittaker Twitter @TDR_RWhittaker.
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BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
Senior tight end Mitch Joseph hauls in a pass during LSU’s 30-24 win Sept. 4 against North Carolina. Joseph and Peterson are key tight ends this season.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Daily Reveille
GOLF
Senior Peterson cites trust in golf clubs as reason for success Luke Johnson Sports Contributor
Golfers, perhaps more than any other athletes, rely on a balance between their skills and proper equipment to be successful in their sport. This idea rings true for LSU senior All-American John Peterson, who cites trust in his clubs as a major contributor to his rise to be one of college golf’s premier players. THE DRIVER Peterson is in the process of switching his driver to Titleist’s current model, a 7.5 degree 910 D2. But comfortability, especially with the driver, is key to Peterson, and it has delayed his switch. “This driver here I’ve been hitting left. But it is the newest one, and I know it goes farthest,” Peterson said. “I’ve been trying to work with it, but all these new wrenches and technology to move the face around I can’t figure out.” ADAM VACCARELLA / The Daily Reveille For now, Peterson is sticking LSU senior golfer John Peterson drives the ball at the University Club golf course. He with the driver he has been using received former tiger David Toms’ putter cover after winning a six-round qualifier. for the last three years because it “These are Titleist 710-MB’s. until you’re on the PGA Tour,” is a reliable club. But Peterson has shifted his gaze back to the new They’re full muscle-back player’s Peterson said. club,” Peterson said. “You won’t What makes the putter truly driver. “I want to hit this one. It goes find these in most people’s bags special to Peterson is the cover. It because they’re so didn’t come with the new putter the farthest, but I hard to hit.” — Peterson had to earn it. just haven’t been His 6-iron is In the fall semester of his able to trust it so his go-to club in sophomore year, former LSU far, and golf is clutch situations, great David Toms came to an 100 percent about and it shows. The LSU football game and gave his trust,” Peterson face has a well- personal putter cover to the team. said. “If you don’t worn circular spot LSU coach Chuck Winstead trust your club, where he consis- told the team that if somebody you’re not going John Peterson tently grooves wanted the cover — which is the to hit good shots.” LSU senior golfer pure shots. only one ever made — then they would have to earn it. THE IRONS “I ended up winning a sixPeterson brandishes his THE SHORT GAME Peterson admits putting has round qualifier, so I felt good that 4-iron like an expert swordsman. “Honestly, this thing looks been the weakest part of his game. I didn’t get it just handed to me,” like a butter knife to most peo- But his new putter may be the fa- Peterson said. “It’s pretty cool, vorite club in his bag. because it was Toms’ and he used ple,” Peterson said. He got it a week and a half it. He’s the best player ever to be When the Fort Worth, Texas, native describes his clubs, he ago, and it isn’t one that’s found here.” sounds like an auto mechanic tell- in many bags. “It’s a custom-made Scotty ing you about an obscure fix on Contact Luke Johnson at your car that you’ve never heard Cameron Circle T, which means you’re not supposed to get them ljohnson@lsureveille.com of.
‘If you don’t trust your clubs, you’re not going to hit good shots.’
page 11
The Daily Reveille
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
FOOTBALL
Recruiting strategy suggests no mold for quarterbacks sider.com. “He’ll probably have two more years to develop with Zach Mettenberger ahead of him. They’ll give [Randall] a shot at quarterback, but I think he’ll be similar to Russell Shepard.” Mark Clements Amid a plethora of bigSports Contributor armed pocket passers in recent It feels like just yesterday years, the select few scramblers that Tiger fans were scratching the Tigers have recruited — like their heads over LSU’s quarter- Shepard and Randall — bring up questions regarding the mold of back situation. About a year ago, the depth LSU quarterbacks. Contrasting styles of play chart was thin. Now, with the position flush between Jefferson and Lee have with young talent, the identity of both seen its successes the past two seasons. the quarterbacks “I think if is still in question. you’re going “I think that to run play acjudging from how tion you need [offensive coorsomebody who dinator Steve] can move ... but Kragthorpe has you don’t need started his reMichael Vick,” cruiting so far ... Ponamsky said. he does like the Shea Dixon “You need sometraditional pocket managing editor, body who underpasser,” said Shea TigerSportsDigest.com stands that being Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest. quick is not necessarily fast.” Dixon said despite com. “But he has a couple offers out to kids who are much like Randall, guys who can also run. I think they’ll take the approach of trying to just get the best players available and bring them into Baton Rouge and go from there.” Several recruiting experts pinpointed the early exposure of previous Tiger quarterbacks as the source of LSU’s problems in recent years, and they also think LSU’s current quarterback situation is setting up the Tigers for a brighter future. The 2011 recruiting season added three scholarship quarterbacks to LSU’s arsenal. Along with the headliner, fourstar junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger, the Tigers picked up three-star pocket passer Stephen Rivers and four-star dualthreat quarterback Jerrard Randall. “Rivers is a guy that has a great future, and he’s a guy that’s going to benefit from the fact that he’s not going to have to play as a freshman,” said Derek Ponamsky, recruiting analyst and publisher of BayouBengalsIn-
LSU signs pocket passers, scramblers
‘Kids will certainly start talking about LSU being one of those offensive firepowers.’
Kragthorpe’s traditional pro-style offense, the recruiting front has shown signs of a possible change. LSU has extended offers to five quarterbacks listed in the Rivals Top 250 watch list for 2012 — two pocket passers and three scramblers. Dixon also said some names to look out for include several out-of-state prospects, including arguably the nation’s top quarterback prospect, Zeke Pike, who visited Baton Rouge two weekends ago. “Things went pretty smoothly [with Pike]. I think Kragthorpe is going to add a good element to the team. ... I think they’re hoping to go national and land quarterbacks,” Dixon said. “From there kids will certainly start talking about LSU being one of those offensive firepowers again much like they talk about the defense being.”
Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com
DAVID LYLE / The Daily Reveille
Senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson tosses a pass March 12. Offensive Coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has not shown a specific type of target quarterback in early recruiting.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Daily Reveille
page 13
National media should shift attention from Woods The Masters — a tradition unlike any other — begins today with Jack Nicklaus and Arnie Palmer teeing off before you wake up or read this. The azaleas will be at their peak season at Augusta National, the grass will be verdant and golf will be played in three (four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three) dimensions on ESPN. Even better is the battle between six players who could claim the No. 1 spot in the World Golf Ranking. The list includes No. 2 Lee Westwood, No. 3 Phil Mickelson (2010 Masters champion) and No. 5 Graeme McDowell (2010 United States Open champion). The focus should be on all six of those golfers. Instead, the cameras will likely be looking at one spectacle — Tiger Woods, the No. 7 golfer in the world who is among the six. When you see him taking all 78 of his strokes Thursday and the ESPN guys analyzing every one of them, don’t be alarmed. It’s not a lesser clone of him, nor is it a stunt double. Though it may appear that way, it is indeed Tiger. It’s a terrible, mentally broken-down Tiger. The Tiger a lot of us grew up watching in awe isn’t the Tiger he used to be. And he won’t be the same ever again. The media as a whole need to get over it (and I suppose I’m guilty because I’m sitting here writing about it). The faster we move on to the young crop of talent the PGA Tour holds, the better. Tiger was once the leader of that pack but has now been lost in his own infidelity and downfall. He has lost the mental edge he once had. They aren’t scared of him anymore. In fact, some have been quoted this week as saying they don’t believe Tiger can win this weekend. Instead, let’s focus on who can win. Mickelson won last week in Houston, and he won last year’s Masters. I like the golf he has been playing of late, and I fully expect to see him up there come late Sunday. Bubba Watson, the wacky left-handed long driver from Bagdad, Fla., could make a move to win his first major, especially
with the recent roll he’s been on. One final pick: Justin Rose. Dustin Johnson finished in He’s not the Brit most are picking the top 15 at three majors last (many experts believe it’s Westyear. Not many can say that. He wood’s time to shine), but I like was a sand trap his game. He has SCHWEHMMING never lived up to gaffe (he grounded his club before the hype, but he AROUND hitting the ball, Andy Schwehm has the shot type which is an autoneeded to win at Sports columnist matic disqualifiAugusta. cation) away from winning the Another foreigner to look 2010 PGA Championship. He’s for is 21-year-old Rory McIlcertainly someone to keep an eye roy. He has shown good poise in on. both majors and the prestigious
Ryder Cup. He could be armed to shoot up the leaderboard. If Tiger isn’t in contention for the crown come Saturday or Sunday, or even if he’s in the middle of the pack in the first two rounds, I don’t want to see him, especially not in 3-D. I hope ESPN and CBS tailor their coverages to show those in the lead on the final days. It’s fun to watch people who are, you know, actually playing solid golf. It’s time for everyone,
including the media, to move on from the fallen “hero.” Andy Schwehm is a 21-year-old English and psychology senior from New Orleans Follow him on Twitter @TDR_ASchwehm.
Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 14 JOHNSON, from page 9
Guard Aaron Dotson will return to his hometown of Seattle to be with his family and his mother, who is battling cancer. Dotson also struggled with knee issues during his two years at LSU. “When you start talking about the magnitude of what he dealt with the previous two years and now with his mother, it’s pretty self-explanatory [why he left],” Johnson said. Johnson said he didn’t know where Dotson, who averaged 6.8 points last season, will transfer. “He just said he wanted to be closer to home,” Johnson said. “That could be Washington State. That could be Seattle [University]. That could be a number of ‘We’re putting as places.” Wa l k - o n much point guard pressure Daron Populist also departed on them as the team after possible. ... two seasons search of We’re being in a scholarship positive from another about it.’ school. “He’s in situation Trent Johnson a where he’s goLSU men’s ing to have basketball coach scholarship offers, and that was his goal, so for me, that’s exciting for him,” Johnson said. Populist saw limited playing time off the bench, seeing the floor in 19 games with 16 total points in 2010-11. Even though they lost two contributors, the Tigers will return a team with five seniors, a stark contrast from last season’s unit with no senior leadership. “We’re putting as much pressure on them as possible, whether it’s individual workouts, whether it’s school, we’re being positive about it,” Johnson said. Urgency may also stem from the fact that New Orleans will host both the SEC tournament and Final Four next season. “Across the country everyone’s going to have a watchful eye on what happens in this state in basketball, whether it’s the high school level or the collegiate level,” Johnson said. “That’s an exciting opportunity.” Johnson said he feels good about the potential of the post players next season with senior forwards Storm Warren, Malcolm White and Garrett Green. The team will also add senior Justin Hamilton, who sat out last year after transferring from Iowa State, and incoming freshman Johnny O’Bryant, a Scout.com five-star prospect. Patience is one thing Johnson wants to leave in the rearview mirror going into his fourth season. “Now we have enough players in the program where ... there’s not a game we’ll play next year that if we play well, we shouldn’t be able to compete with teams on the road or at home,” Johnson said. Follow Michael Lambert Twitter @TDR_Lambert. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
NICHOLLS, from page 9
or sacrifices. “I’m sure it’s frustrating because you know that if you make one little mistake, they’re on,” Girouard said. “The first time I ever saw a slapper, I thought it was the ‘chickenest’ way to get on. And then when I tried to defend it I was thinking, ‘Hmmm, I need to go get me some of those.’” The fours were strong for sophomore pitcher Rachele Fico (8-8), who did the heavy lifting for the LSU pitching staff. She gave up four hits and struck out four batters in a fourinning appearance, giving her a streak of 20 scoreless innings pitched. “We hit a rough patch earlier in the season, and we’re coming through it,” Fico said. “We’re just on a roll right now, and we need to keep going with our momentum.”
Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com
SHAINA HUNTSBERRY / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior infielder Juliana Santos hits the ball Wednesday during the Tigers’ 8-0 win against Nicholls State in Tiger Park.
LMFAO: Check out the entertainment blog this weekend for updates on the French Quarter Festival.
Entertainment
Thursday, April 7, 2011
page 15
MUSIC
Tickets on sale now for Wale in PMAC April 28 lineup includes Slim Thug Kittu Pannu Entertainment Writer
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Ceramics graduate student Brooke Cassady works on a clay bowl at “communiPLAYtion,” her MFA thesis show.
“Whatever you do, I think everybody has creative instincts. It’s exciting to show people that they have that within themselves.”
Graduate student connects people through clay
Brooke Cassady ceramics graduate student
Claymation
Cathryn Core Entertainment Writer
Brooke Cassady sees the potential for creation in a block of clay. The ceramics graduate student developed the concept of “communiPLAYtion: Getting Our Hands Dirty Together,” an event that allows students to dive head first into the waters of their own creativity in Foster Gallery. The event began April 3 and ends Friday. CommuniPLAYtion is based on the idea that art can bring people of all walks of life
together and enable better self-understanding. Participants are encouraged to jump into pottery any time the gallery is open. Cassady said she has learned through her educational journey that art and community go hand in hand. Cassady is making a statement with communiPLAYtion, which is also her MFA thesis show. “It’s different than other MFA shows because it’s not about work that I’ve made but the events that I facilitate,” she said. “It’s observing how other people get engaged in the
clay and the relationships and conversations that develop out of working together.” Clay breaks built-in social barriers, Cassady said. “If your hands are working with this
See a gallery of photos from communiPLAYtion at lsureveille.com. CLAY, see page 18
Hip-hop newbie Wale will headline the first annual High Definition Spring Fest at the PMAC on Thursday, April 28. The confirmed lineup includes Slim Thug, The Brotherhood, Loco and Jumi Jump. Level and Dee-1, University alumni, are also among the ever-expanding lineup. “We are currently in talks with Devin the Dude, and Mystikal seemed really interested in joining the show,” said Marshawn Burnett, concert producer and co-owner of High Definition Productions Inc. Student-priced tickets, which range from $20 to $50, are on sale to anyone with a valid student ID from any school. They can be purchased at LSUTix.net. “Tickets have been on sale, and the response has been really exciting,” Burnett said. “The floor seats are going the fastest.” The ticket price for anyone with a student ID is lower than the average patron’s, Burnett said. “[Students can get] 300 level for $20, $25 for 200 level, $35 for 100 level and floor seats for $50,” Burnett said. “We are making it more affordable for students.” Initially, hip-hop newcomer Wiz Khalifa was set to headline the PMAC event, Burnett said. CONCERT, see page 19
EVENTS
Stand-up comic Brian Regan coming to the Red Stick Performer leaves profanity out of shows Andrew Price Entertainment Writer
It’s not often the opportunity arises to see a G-rated comedy show that’s actually funny, but Brian Regan’s upcoming show in Baton Rouge is just that. The critically acclaimed funny man will be headlining at the Baton Rouge River Center on April 14 as part of his “Brian Regan Live in Concert” tour. Regan, who performed in Baton Rouge in 2007 and 2009, said the local crowd is always a
pleasure to perform for. “I have to adjust to all the purple and yellow when I’m on stage,” Regan said. “I look out into the audience and think, ‘Man, these colors have taken over this land.’” Regan recently released “All by Myself,” a live CD of his stage performance on Dec. 7. Regan said his material for the upcoming Baton Rouge show will be similar to the “All by Myself” performance, but the audience should expect some new material, as well. “Once I record something I try to think of it as ‘checked off’ and start trying to replace it,” Regan said. “It’s sort of like a 24hour supermarket. The stock boy can’t close the aisle to take down
old cans and put up new ones. The shopping carts can still go up and down the aisle.” Regan has made a name for himself as both an observational comic and entertainer whose material is without profanity and crude references. Regan said the process he goes through when writing jokes is difficult to explain. “Comedians look at the same things that other people look at, but they look through a prism,” Regan said. “When white light goes through a prism it comes out all different colors, and it’s kind of like that with comedians. We look at something, and then it comes out REGAN, see page 18
photo courtesy of EVANS WARD
Comedian Brian Regan will perform April 14 at the Baton Rouge River Center.
The Daily Reveille
page 16
Thursday, April 7, 2011
MUSIC
Ivanstock II festival to rock North Gate area Saturday Grace Montgomery Deputy News & Entertainment Editor
Live music, art and alcohol will combine to celebrate the North Gate area this weekend for the Ivanstock Music Festival. Held Saturday on Ivanhoe Street, this is the second year the festival has been produced, and organizers hope Ivanstock II will be even bigger and better than before, according to Richard Carman, publicity manager for Ivanstock and mass communication graduate student. The festival will host three live acts — Guitar Lightnin’ Lee, a New
Orleans-based blues-rock artist; last year,” Carman said. “So this funk fusion group Gravity A and, year we worked to make it bigger tentatively, electronica duo P.Y.M.P. and better.” are all scheduled to perform, CarCarman said he expects about man said. 800 people to atOrganizers tend the festival this Ivanstock II schedule year, almost double have worked to improve the structure the turnout from last of events from last year’s year. festival. Carman • 8 - 9:30 p.m. — Guitar Lightinin’ Ivanstock has said they have filed Lee also worked to exstreet-closure and •10 p.m. - 2 a.m. — Gravity A pand the type of art alcohol permits, and displayed at the fes•2:30 a.m. - onward — P.Y.M.P. the Baton Rouge tival. Police Department Jay Michael, will be on call to provide security. who creates posters for bands and “Many people were disappoint- venues like the Varsity Theatre and ed when Ivanstock was shut down Chelsea’s Cafe, will display chalk
art at the show, Carman said. “We want to expand the scope of the festival beyond a concert,” Carman said. For a $10 admission fee, gumbo will also be available along with a “bottomless cup of beer” with a valid ID, Carman said. “The festival is unique because it is entirely independently produced. It’s not sponsored by any company,” he said. Ivanstock is also an important event because it celebrates the North Gate area, Carman said. “It’s a celebration of bands and art but also of a community, not just an apartment complex,”
Carman said. Ivanstock began in 2007 as an annual party thrown by a group of Carman’s friends each spring. The parties grew in popularity and they decided to incorporate bands to make the celebration even greater, Carman said. Carman said Ivanstock will take place rain or shine and that costumes — a tradition from the original parties — are encouraged but never required.
Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
TECHNOLOGY
University alum’s iPhone app enters top-100 games ‘Pling Plong 2’ launched Wednesday Christian Grimaldo Entertainment Writer
Apple’s App Store hosts more than 350,000 apps available for download, and at least two of them were designed by a University graduate. Ben Richardson, computer science alumnus, launched his
second game “Pling Plong 2” on Wednesday. “Pling Plong 2” reached the top-100 games within its first day of launch, Richardson said. “Ninety percent of the kids in the computer engineering program were in it to make video games,” said Richardson, now a software engineer at Lockheed Software. While working on code for collision detection, Richardson began to “bounce” a ball off of another. When his brother Wil saw
the project, the idea for “Pling Plong” began to take shape. With so many games flooding the Apple market, competition was stiff for a small team of three, consisting of the Richardson brothers and artist Zach Lowery of the University of Illinois, to break into the field. With the brothers writing, coding and producing and Lowery leading design, the team produced a successful app within a year. “At first ... it’s kind of intimidating. Apple is picky,”
Richardson said. “You have to meet their standards.” Richardson did most of the writing for “Pling Plong” and had inspiration from all angles. He included characters based on his friends, family and even teachers. “There’s all kinds of Easter eggs hidden for my friends. It’s not too often people are featured in something that thousands of people use,” Richardson said. The original “Pling Plong” had some success despite absolutely no marketing, and the
team decided to make a sequel. Richardson has worked on “Pling Plong 2” for about a year in his spare time, using Skype to work with his partners from across the country. “I just want to show that the LSU-Baton Rouge community can launch a successful app — all it takes is support,” Richardson said. Contact Christian Grimaldo at cgrimaldo@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
THE LYONS ROAR
page 17
NIGHTLIFE
HBO continues to Baton Rouge staple Chelsea’s Cafe deliver award-worthy offers diverse spring music lineup Venue books local, shows, miniseries national acts
HBO does it again. Like a good gumbo made for television, ingredients for the powerhouse network’s endless hits include complex characters and copious amounts of sex. But like all good gumbos, the heart of the pot rests with the roux, and HBO’s compelling narrative stews the strong stock of series served by the station. It’s no exception with HBO’s latest serving, “Mildred Pierce,” a Jeanne Lyons new miniseries Kate Entertainment staring Winslet and Writer Guy Pearce. The show is set during the depression in Glendale, Calif., where Winslet, a divorced single mom, opens a restaurant business, complicating the relationship with her ambitious and precocious daughter, Veda. The set intoxicates history buffs with vintage clothing and characteristic cars of the time, but this isn’t HBO’s first time in the kitchen with period pieces. Last year, Martin Scorsese directed the first episode of “Boardwalk Empire,” a series set during 1920s prohibition in Atlantic City, N.J. The show received the highest viewership of a premiere in HBO history, thanks to the show’s eye for detail when it came to booze, corrupt politicians and loose women. No wonder the rookie show won a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2010. Other award-winning period pieces by the cable network include Tom Hanks’ babies “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.” The miniseries took audiences to the battlefront of World War II and realistically captured tragic events along with characters’ emotional journeys. Both war miniseries served the network ample awards, as well as respect from the veterans and film lovers alike. Along those lines are presidential piece, “John Adams,” staring Paul Giamatti, and the 2003 social and political drama, “Angels in America,” based on Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winner play. But what about HBO’s original series, or more like where to begin with so many critically acclaimed shows? Comedies like the “Seinfield”-esque “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” crude and quirky “Flight of the Conchords,” Will Ferrell’s love child with Kenny Powers in “Eastbound and Down” and Zach Galifianakis, formerly known as Allen, in Brooklynbased “Bored to Death” all add essential comedic ingredients to the successful recipe of the cable network. But HBO’s series also
captured a generation ignored by other networks and took risks that other stations, well, couldn’t take. “Sex and the City” defined a generation of young women and will continue to do so through syndication (but without blow jobs and f-word exits by Mr. Big.) And of course for the guys, what would a Sunday night be like without the fellows from “Entourage,” who contradict everything Mother said about women and arewhy the show is in production for its eighth season airing this July. Unfortunately, despite hit dramas like New Orleans-based “Treme” and Mormon love triangles in “Big Love,” the only thing younger audiences seem to watch on the network is the Southern vampire romp “True Blood.” But every successful recipe must succumb to the pungent smell of garlic demanded by the impressionable masses, so thanks, HBO, for at least including good-looking blood suckers who are not afraid to shed their clothes, even in the sunlight.
Contact Jeanne Lyons at jlyons@lsureveille.com
Jeanne Lyons Entertainment Writer
Chelsea’s Cafe offers more than crawfish risotto, tasty tomato basil soup and numerous cold beers on tap. Nestled under the Perkins Road overpass, the restaurant also serves as a music venue for brass and indie-rock bands, ‘Chelsea’s as well as other is a very musical genres for Unieclectic suited versity students’ scene appetites. The casual with lots and comfortable of diverse atmosphere probands vides a varied lineup of mugoing sic this spring, through.’ including the ambient psycheMarkelle delic Maserati Palombo University alumna this Friday, funk and jam band Stagecoach Bandits on April 23 and renowned San Diego-based indierock band Pinback on May 5. Gabe Daigle, event booker at Chelsea’s, began working for the restaurant three months ago. He said he enjoys his work because it re-introduces him to new bands and incredible artists. Daigle said Chelsea’s has a
history of booking a lot of a funk and brass bands, but he also wants to broaden and diversify through booking the household names that made Chelsea’s a Baton Rouge staple. “I spent a lot of time hanging out at Chelsea’s over the last 10 to 15 years,” Daigle said. “When outof-town musicians come to Chelsea’s, they always say it’s one of the more unique spots because of the vibe and people.” To keep the venue fresh, Daigle said Chelsea’s embraces University students but also aims to bring in various groups within the community. Markelle Palombo, University alumna and Garden District resident, said Chelsea’s features diverse bands that cater to every audience. The Baton Rouge native said the local establishment is a great venue
for the Garden District area, as well as the University, and is one of few local venues that hosts quality, live music. “Chelsea’s is a very eclectic scene with lots of diverse bands going through,” she said. Palombo said she remembers seeing roots rock band Truth and Salvage Co. at Chelsea’s after seeing them play a month earlier at the legendary Troubadour in Hollywood. “I was very impressed that Chelsea’s booked a fresh-on-thescene band,” Palombo said. “They stay relevant with up-and-coming artists and bring them to Baton Rouge.” Contact Jeanne Lyons at jlyons@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 18 CLAY, from page 15
material, then you’re able to relax a little bit and talk more freely than you normally would,” she said. “It’s a way to help people connect and build relationships with each other.” Cassady said she’s excited to see what develops from clay experiences. “I hope it’s a positive experience,” she said. “I think about it like a catalyst for something else to happen, so this experience of trying something new might encourage you to try something new in another part of your life.” The inspiration for communiPLAYtion spurred from Cassady’s work as a potter before graduate school and her realization that instead of making objects, she wants to foster life-changing moments for other people. “I kept thinking about how clay responds to touch and the way it evokes how people make an impression,” she said. “I enjoyed making pots and forms, but the thing I was trying to capture in clay were these experiences.” Cassady is single-handedly serving as a catalyst for local and national communication with multiple projects that tie with communiPLAYtion, including Clay On Wheels. “It started with me taking my bike with a little portable studio, and I would just go and set up in public places just to find a way to engage people,” she said. The artist also avidly promotes her seed pod project, another aspect of communiPLAYtion. “I wanted to make a couple hundred [ceramic seed pods] to distribute all around LSU and Baton Rouge and different parts of Louisiana,” she said. “They
have my website on them — www.clayonwheels.us — and the point is to surprise people with a gift, so they can go to the website and see pictures of where their gift has been.” Beyond attaining the history of their pods, people can also take a picture, post a story and pass their gift along to someone else, further enforcing the idea of communication through art. Cassady said the energy she feels from facilitating clay experiences fuels her work. “Whether you’re an artist, engineer, graphic designer, writer or whatever you do, I think everybody has creative instincts,” she said. “It’s exciting to show people that they have that within themselves.” Olga Gudkov, comparative literature doctoral student, said she stumbled upon the event by accident. “I think it’s really cool,” she said. “It’s really interesting and artsy. It’s fun.” Gudkov said she was happy to try something new. “I’ve never played with clay before, and it’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon,” she said. Cassady said she never dreamed her work would eventually become what it is today. “I never thought that this is what I’d be doing in the end [of graduate school],” she said. “I really thought I was just going to make better pots, so it’s been a surprising change. But the experience of connecting people through art has been amazing.”
Contact Cathryn Core at ccore@lsureveille.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011 REGAN, from page 15
differently, and how or why that happens I don’t really know.” Keeping his comedy act clean is something Regan said he has done on purpose throughout his career. ‘I don’t “I don’t even really even really think about it,” Regan said. “I think about just happen to [keeping like to work that my shows way.” Regan said clean]. I just he began leav- happen to ing the four- like to work letter words out of his routine that way.’ when he real- Brian Regan ized it wasn’t stand-up comic necessary in his set to make his audience laugh. “Some people think I’m obsessed with this clean thing,” Regan said. “Yeah, it’s what I do, but it’s not something I put at the top of the importance list.” Regan said he gets new material from a variety of sources. “I’ve learned the best thing for me is to not really do anything other than what I’d normally do,” Regan said. “I travel, I watch TV, I read a little bit and I have two kids. Whatever is part of my world is what I notice. When I was younger I had stuff about playing little league baseball, and now I have stuff about how my hip hurts.” BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
Ceramics graduate student Brooke Cassady works on a clay bowl at “communiPLAYtion,” her MFA thesis show held in Foster Gallery. The event ends Friday.
Contact Andrew Price at aprice@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Reveille Ranks
Hot Tuna, “Steady As She Goes”
CONCERT, from page 15
Red House Records
Making a good blues album is easier said than done. Despite the few requirements associated with blues music, there are few truly good blues bands left. Hot Tuna is one of the few still churning out amazing blues rock. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering two of the former members of Jefferson Airplane started Hot Tuna back in the ’60s. Despite the band members’ impressive age, “Steady As She Goes” is a flawless album that proves the rock gods still have what it takes to make fantastic music.
[A+]
ANDREW PRICE
“Mildred Pierce”
HBO
Joan Crawford’s 1945 Oscar-winning performance in “Mildred Pierce” carved the way for Kate Winslet. This spring, director Todd Haynes recreated the classic film into an HBO five-part miniseries starring Winslet and Guy Pearce. Winslet plays an independent single mother struggling for change and survival during the Great Depression. The 1930s California set intoxicates vintage enthusiasts while Winslet, featured in nearly every scene, delivers a powerhouse performance. Haynes captures the time, place and people of the era, creating compelling and complex characters that are still relatable 80 years later.
[B+]
JEANNE LYONS
Robbie Robertson, “How to Become Clairvoyant” Macrobiotic Records
Former The Band guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson has extended his solo career with his latest album, “How To Become Clairvoyant,” and it definitely deserves some praise. The whole album has a soothing soft-rock vibe that makes it sound like a previously unreleased album from the ’70s. Robertson, collaborating with such musical geniuses as Eric Clapton, Trent Reznor, Tom Morello and others, has created a feel-good album reminiscent of the old days of rock ‘n’ roll and adds a new feel to his music that makes it a must-listen.
[A]
TAYLOR BALKOM
“Source Code”
Summit Entertainment
Similar to last year’s blockbuster “Inception,” “Source Code” sends shockwaves with its psychologically thrilling plot and excellent acting. The film is a culmination of eight-minute segments, where Jake Gyllenhaal, the protagonist, must discover the source of a terrorist plot. The film alternates between three scenes: the train, a holding cell and a command office. Through many twists and turns, director Duncan Jones creates a world that will submerge audience members, making them crave more. The film could probably become an early contender for most underappreciated film of the year.
[A+]
KITTU PANNU
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules”
20th Century Fox
The Wimpy Kid series is brought to life again in the on-screen adaptation of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” by 20th Century Fox. At first glance, the film is a coming-of-age comic lover’s dream, but when audiences take a closer look, they’ll find a not-so-strong plotline, virtually no intimacy with the protagonist, an overall snooze fest and waste of an hour. Unless the once-rejoicing tweens who believed the film would be as dynamite as the best-selling series are completely deluded, they’re probably whining that the aesthetic of their favorite series has been destroyed.
[C-]
CATHRYN CORE
“Rubber”
Independent
“Rubber” is an artsy film about a sentient, bloodthirsty tire, and it’s actually fairly good, though this bizarre take on the pointlessness of film isn’t for everyone. The story is absurd, and the characters readily admit to it. But director Quentin Dupieux somehow manages to keep the audience’s attention on a tire for 80-plus minutes. The film may not be a box-office hit, but if you’re looking for a quirky movie that makes you think, “Rubber” definitely satisfies. It’s weird, it’s creepy — it’s an indie movie done right.
[B-]
CHRISTIAN GRIMALDO
EDITOR’S PICK: The Kills, “Blood Pressures” Domino Records
Indie rockers The Kills’ fourth studio album, “Blood Pressures,” offers the same raw, chunky rock as their previous albums, but the sound hasn’t grown old. The Kills prove they know how to balance heavy, forceful guitars with equally intense vocals from the bluesy “Damned If She Do” to the ’60s-esque “Baby Says.” “DNA” stands out on the album’s 11 tracks as the most anthemic song with a full sound.
GRACE MONTGOMERY
[A]
“Khalifa wasn’t going to be available ... and Wale seemed like the next best thing,” Burnett said. “The type of music [Wale] produces is more on the positive side.” The definitive selling point for Wale performing was the location, according to Burnett. “Getting the PMAC was a deciding factor for Wale,” Burnett said. The size of the PMAC benefits the University, said Mario Murphy, mechanical engineering junior and co-owner of High Definition Productions Inc. “The only thing bigger is Tiger Stadium,” Murphy said. “It’s something that many in the LSU community have not seen in a long time.” Administration probably
page 19 approved the event at the PMAC because of the backlash they felt from having no hip-hop artists at Groovin’ on the Grounds, Burnett said. “The hip-hop audience has expanded so much,” Burnett said. “When you ignore hip-hop, you’re ignoring a large majority of the youth.” This concert will help emphasize the versatility of uses for the PMAC, Burnett said. “It puts to rest those preconceived notions about who can operate out of the PMAC and what can be done out of the PMAC,” Burnett said. Aimee Lestage, communication disorders freshman, said she has recently noticed an increased interest in hip-hop music. Lestage said the realism of lyrics is what makes hip-hop so
relatable for her. “The ones that rap about their issues and life are definitely better, because me as a female, I can identify with it more than with someone who’s going to talk about [loose women] and money,” Lestage said. “The show sounds interesting.” Spring break was a huge factor in determining the event date, Murphy said. “I know a lot of people who will take that Monday, Tuesday or even Wednesday off to extend their spring break a little bit,” Murphy said. “Being on a Thursday, it’s close enough to the weekend to where students will be more willing to party and attend the concert.”
Contact Kittu Pannu at kpannu@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 20
POP GOES THE CULTURE
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Media bias revealed in CBS, GQ assessment of University The University has gotten some bad press lately. It began March 18, when GQ Magazine ranked LSU football fans No. 10 in the “The Worst Sports Fans In America” list. The article labeled us “deep-fried lunatics,” citing beer bottle-throwing, drunken “Tiger bait!” chanting and a 2008 Daily Reveille video in which two female staffers were harassed while masquerading as Alabama fans. One could easily dismiss the assessment, chalking it up to the dubious-at-best GQ. How seriously can we consider a piece that sarcastically describes itself as a “heavily researched, highly scientific accounting” of U.S. sports followings but includes the Montreal Canadiens? Gameday celebrations sometimes get out of hand, but simply being rowdy and intimidating is a fan’s duty. Numerous credible publications like Sports Illustrated and ESPN, which consistently list LSU among the best fan bases and tailgating experiences, understand this. You can trust some journalism
sources. Some you can’t. Add CBS to those you can’t. On March 22, CBS Evening News aired correspondent Michelle Miller’s story on low retention and graduation rates at colleges nationwide. The report became a tale of two universities — Maryland and LSU — and insinuated our dear old alma mater only offers study aids to athletes. A m e r i c a ’s entire higher education system is Kelly Hotard suffering, not just Louisiana’s. But Columnist if you’re going to use this state as the backdrop for a report on combating low university graduation rates, why not invoke the most notorious current example, the proposed merger of Southern University-New Orleans and the University of New Orleans? Someone familiar with Louisiana’s higher education climate — especially a reporter who has lived and
BEST AND WITTIEST
worked here, attended and taught at Louisiana universities and is married to a former New Orleans mayor — knows this story would’ve been better set at SUNO or UNO. Interestingly, Miller earned her master’s degree at UNO, and her husband has vocally opposed the suggested merger. If LSU had SUNO’s 8 percent graduation rate or UNO’s 21 percent, the story would make sense. Instead, the University, which boasts the fourth-highest rate in Louisiana and surpasses the national average, according to The Times-Picayune, became the testament to higher education failure. Why? Ernie Ballard, University director of media relations, told Reveille Weekend that CBS chose to focus on “a prominent university that was doing well in football that people would recognize.” Our gridiron greatness made us the easiest target — not the truest example. The story, therefore, wasn’t about national graduation rates. It
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Budget cuts loom, new plants bloom Over the past two weeks, I have noticed that along Nicholson Drive on the corner of Burbank Drive right across from Alex Box Stadium there have been a lot of trees and bushes being planted in the areas that are used for parking on football and baseball game days. It looks like they even installed an irrigation system for this new landscaping.
SHOW ALL COMMENTS As usual, our website, lsureveille. com, has been absolutely buzzing with reader comments. Check it out today, and let your voice be heard. Regarding Zachary Davis’ column, “Refugees a part of change, should not be rejected by US,” readers had this to say:
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
The Daily Reveille
“I’m sure that we should help when we can, but in this country, Mexican illegals have about broke our economy. Medical and education for the illegals cannot continue. We’re building schools like crazy to house them
was about pitting athletics against academics, athlete versus student. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is Media Stereotyping 1001. The newsgathering process should resemble the scientific method: The goal is solving problems and answering questions objectively. Reporters might harbor biases or hypotheses, but they ideally let the evidence tell the outcome. Unfortunately, results are often skewed to fit internalized ideas. Even in news analysis, this is unacceptable. The facts cannot be changed, and the public cannot be denied access to the truth. By chopping interviewees’ words and excluding the University’s countless academic outreach programs, CBS proves guilty of both. After the story aired, Ballard sent a reproachful letter to its producer, who regretted LSU’s reaction and felt the coverage was fair. It wasn’t. GQ and CBS might have contrasting journalistic reputations, but with these stories, their philosophies are identical: A “reporter” begins
with preconceived notions and does everything necessary, from research to interviews to writing to editing, to strengthen his or her case. It’s persuasion rather than reporting, and it’s wrong. CBS’ response implies an important lesson: When news outlets refuse to acknowledge blatant errors, it’s up to consumers to call out shady journalism when we see it. Yet most audiences are desensitized to these frequently distorted representations. The mass media are obligated to disseminate the full truth about their subjects, and audiences are duly bound to uphold to this standard.
In these times of financial crisis that the University is supposedly in, I think money can be better spent elsewhere rather than on landscaping which, when football season comes around, will be just parked on and destroyed. This new landscaping looks nice, but how is this getting paid for in a time of budget cuts and the University having to raise tuition and fees? Is it me, or could the money spent on new landscaping be better spent on more important things — like, say, retaining professors or maintaining the level of academic
programs that are in danger of being on the chopping block. I wonder sometimes about the things this University spends money on. Apparently, landscaping is more important than academic programs. We might not have the best academic programs soon due to lack of funds, but we will have the best landscaped overflow parking lots around.
and they usually drop out of school and we’re still stuck paying for those buildings. Property taxes are going through the roof. They don’t pay taxes, work for cash that never gets reported etc. Hospitals are broke yet we continue to pay. I know you haven’t begun to pay for this and am sorry for you as our debt continues to grow and you and the next generations will have to pay and pay and you’ll begin to think what am I working for.......I can’t hardly buy food for my children. Wake up, time is working against you.” -Anonymous
Regarding The Daily Reveille article, “Gymnastics: Tigers fail to advance in NCAA regional,” readers had this to say:
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.
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
Finance senior Jason Myers
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
“song remain the same and the coach who has brought us 34 years of being behind and never beating Ala, UGA, UF etc, we have finished 4 or 5th in a 7 team sec!!!! 6 years in a row, when will it end, thanks for the 34 years now let’s get someone who can win, at least a ‘little’ bit.” -34yearsofnothing Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
Quote of the Day “World leaders looked at the mounting threat of terrorism, looked up [and] looked away.”
John Boehner American politician Nov. 17, 1949 — Present
The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011
SHOCKINGLY SIMPLE
Opinion
page 21
Two parties, one biodegradable cup: a whole lotta mess
When Congress was still under Democratic control, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi enacted a series of in-house green initiatives including the use of biodegradable cups and utensils in the congressional cafeteria. Pelosi implemented compostable paper cups and cornstarch utensils in an effort to reduce Congress’ carbon footprint and set an environmental example for the country. This plan came to an abrupt end earlier this year when current Speaker and Republican John Boehner dismantled Pelosi’s pet project, returning the cafeteria to plastic utensils and Styrofoam cups. At first glance, Boehner’s actions come off as a petty and political, but further inspection reveals a number of legitimate concerns about the Democrats’ green initiative. According to Boehner and other Republicans, the starch-based utensils often melt in hot soup and
break during regular eating. Republicans also criticized the program’s $475,000 annual cost and asserted the green system had an insignificant effect on Congress’ carbon footprint. Based on their actions, congressional Republicans don’t seem to put much stock in sustainability, Andrew while the DemoShockey crats who claim a Columnist commitment to renewability and the environment are also severely misguided. Switching from plastic to cornbased disposables is not the path to sustainability. In the same way corn ethanol is not a sustainable version of gasoline, cornstarch utensils are not an alternative to plastic ones. The system put in place by the Democrats in the last Congress was
based on sustainable disposables, which is an oxymoron in itself. Replacing plastic utensils with biodegradable alternatives makes sense in situations where disposability is required, but not in a cafeteria frequented by our nation’s lawmakers. There is no reason to use disposable utensils in the cafeteria when representatives could either bring their own mug and utensils to work with them, or invest in reusable utensils and energy-efficient washing machines for the entire cafeteria. The up-front costs would be higher, both in terms of money and energy, but the system would pay for itself in a few years. Ceramic mugs require about 70 times more energy to produce than a single Styrofoam cup, but they can be safely re-used for years. New energy efficient dishwashers also minimize the costs of cleaning reusable dishes.
After a few months of use, a Styrofoam cup breaks. Using a mug does not produce several pounds of landfill fodder. Reusable cups and flatware would cost less, use less energy, cut back on waste and provide a better dining experience for patrons. Everyone wins — except maybe oil and corn lobbyists. To the Republicans’ credit, they stated their intention to convert the smaller cafeteria inside the congressional Rayburn House Office Building from disposable to reusable utensils. Whether this initiative comes to fruition, and whether it can eventually spread to the main congressional cafeteria remains to be seen. Republicans hardly have an encouraging environmental record, but if handled properly, this situation could encourage more American citizens and businesses to change their opinion on sustainability.
Our continued use of unsustainable resources like oil harms more than just the environment. Our addiction to oil forces us into uneasy alliances with our ideological enemies and compels us to invade countries just to keep the black tar flowing. We’re still dealing with the worst environmental disaster in our nation’s history — the long-term consequences of which we can’t even begin to predict. Some of us are already prepared to give BP another chance because we can’t live without Styrofoam. 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
ROCKING THE CRADLE
Middle East democracy must be earned before implemented When tumult becomes monotony, the world beckons change. The consistent outbursts of corruption, violence and death in the Middle East and the African continent have not only desensitized spectators to atrocity but nullified hopes for change. The allure of the revolutions today is a matter of shifting tides. Now that the Western World has been shown sufficient proof of the disparity between radicalized governments in the Middle East and
their subjects, we wonder where such a progression leads. Thus far, the progression has consisted (vaguely in this order) of rallies, violence, a resignation, an interim government and Clayton attempts by the Crockett populace to reColumnist gain normalcy stifled by spikes in sectarian violence.
With the global community now directly involved, we ponder the final outcome of these struggles. If one is to hold democracy as the ideal outcome as I fervently do, therein lies a question no one wants to ask and even fewer wish to answer: Is democracy what these people need? Are they ready for it? This is not about secularists, moderates or protesters but the minority groups that give bad names to nations and ruin politics for all. Democracy has many demands
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
the members of a society must uphold for it to work, however, which often poses a problem. For one, they must be tolerant and allow equal participation by all regardless of ethnicity and religion. With tolerance also comes mutual respect to the human condition, along with an acceptance of every person’s basic rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For example, when riots in Afghanistan rage for days attacking U.N. officials and killing dozens because of the bigotry of a man in another hemisphere, is tolerance shown? What about when churches are burned in Egypt over inter-religious lovers? When considering the prospects of democracy, the multitude of incongruous, irreconcilable sects find themselves under the magnifying glass. The reason Hezbollah collapsed the Lebanese government through mass resignation is the same reason Hamas recently beat protesters and journalists in Gaza: neither sect will compromise or reconcile itself with modern politics. Hezbollah punished Lebanon for cooperating with the U.N., and Hamas punished Gaza for seeking unity with Palestine. Extremism earns its name through a lack of negotiation and the refusal to compromise. It’s all or nothing for them, and extremists take pride in integrity. The truth, however, is that no individual religion can compromise on such a level that its laws, whether voted upon democratically or not, may be applied fairly to all of society. Another standard for democracy emerges: secularism. So are the revolutionary nations of the Middle East ready for democracies?
Perhaps some, but not all. While places exist like Tunisia — with modernized, secular governments and relatively peaceful people — there exist far more countries plagued by tribal and sectarian violence that will not subside under popular vote alone. Perhaps leaders like Zine elAbidine Ben Ali of Tunisia or Hosni Mubarak of Egypt were not correct in forcibly stamping out extremism, but they did understand that democracy, among other freedoms, cannot be implemented in a society where extremism exists. Not without an iron fist. Obviously, the answer will never be black and white, but secular and ethnic tolerance are indicators of the natural progression to democracy that can be monitored. Democracy, however, is not a onesize-fits-all program. The shoe can only be worn once it fits the populace. Democracy demands compromise and respect. There can be no Montagues and Capulets, no extremist “us vs. them” and, most importantly, no risk of violence when the radical minority is asked to compromise for the moderate majority. As the revolutions of today have shown us, the day of democracy draws nearer and toleration of the intolerant is depleting. The day is coming, but there remains much work to be done. Clayton Crockett is a 19-year-old international studies freshman from Lafayette. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Ccrockett.
Contact Clayton Crockett at ccrockett@lsureveille.com
Classifieds
page 22
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Thursday, April 7, 2011
ROOMIE NEEDED FOR ASPEN HEIGHT looking for a 3rd female room mate for our 3br/3ba apartment at Aspen Heights from August-August. If interested email me at alarra1@lsu.edu ROOMMATE NEEDED (M/F) 2BR, 2BA. well behaved pets accepted $500/mo w/cable, internet, utilities shelbinb@hotmail.com
STORE YOUR STUFF STUDENT SPECIAL WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes. Starting as low as $325.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace. com 225.346.4789 THE WILLOWS!!! www.lsubr.com for pictures and floorplan. Across from Mellow Mushroom/ Illegal Burrito. No pets. $300 dep. Call for move in special. 978-1649 LSU TIGERLAND 1 & 2 br, Flat & T/H, W/F, Pool, W/S pd, $435 - $585, 225.615.8521 BURGIN APARTMENTS 1br. 175 Burgin Ave, Highland and Lee. No dogs. $589/400dep. W/S included. 225.252.3163 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 FOR RENT 4 bedroom, 2 bath, with Washer & Dyer. Yard services provided. Fenced in yard. Capital Heights Area. Rents for $1200.00 per month. 656 Caddo Street Call Today 225.928.9384 CAPITAL HEIGHTS Wonderful large home perfect for entertaining and/or shared residence 5 bedroom plus study, large den, study w/fireplace, jacuzzi tub in mstr, 2.5 bathrooms, off street parking, large fenced back yard, 1 year lease, lawn maintenance and security system included in lease: $2450.00 per month, 225.278-7141 RESERVE NOW FOR 2011-2012 3 Bed/3 Bath @ $1650/ Month, Free Optional Monthly Maid Service! Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included Fantastic Pool
Get first month FREE. Climate Control of LA Self-Storage and Stor-it Mini Warehouses. 3147 College Dr. just past the RR tracks. Enter thru College Creek Shopping Center. Various sizes, covered loading, video recording cameras, and alarms. 24/7 service with our Insomniac machine (rent a unit, make a payment, buy a lock) very cool. We Love Students. Drop by 24/7. climate.control@att.net. 225.927.8070 FOR RENT 1bedroom & 1bath. Central heat & air. Comes with washer & dyer. Yard service provided. Rents for $750.00 per month and that includes utilites. Capital Heights Area 669A Caddo Street 225.928.9384 CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERLAND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com 1 BR 4065 BURBANK $495 Near Walk-Ons. $300 Dep. 978-1649. No Pets. ROOM FOR RENT highland creek subdivision. unfurnished, cable ready. 500/ mo, no utilities. 985-960-1994
SUMMER APARTMENT (ROOM) available. 3 Bed / 3 Bath. $520, Only pay electricity.. bfield4@lsu.edu 504.453.5441 ROOMATE WANTED! All utilities paid. Wireless internet. 4 BR, brand new house in Nicholson Lakes 3 miles south of LSU, with very nice furnishings in the common areas. 550 / month. (225) 933-8732. ROOMMATE NEEDED (M/F) 3BR/2BA GARDEN DISTRICT HOME $433 W/O UTILITIES 832.483.9908
NSA sensuousman86@gmail.com ARE YOU A GOOD KISSER? Pretty pink pig in search of a smooch. I can promise you swine and roses. Let’s lock lips. Meet me in Free Speech Alley. TEA FOR 3. I saw two sophisticated gentlemen hard at work in Free Speech Alley last week. One with curly locks of cascading gold and the other a tall, dashing chap with brown hair and spectacles. I would love to meet these distinguished chaps for the partaking of an evening meal. What follows this is only limited by your imagination. Please contact pseudonym2012@hotmail.com. I’ll be waiting. CUTE GAMER GIRL SOUGHT Do you like to kick back, relax, and play games til dawn? Wouldn’t you like to have a kind, fluffy teddy bear to give you a challenge and a big, fuzzy hug? E-mail me at mcspanky101@ yahoo.com if you want Teh Fluffy!
ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME Senior in air force about to graduate looking for a girl who can finally make him feel like the man in the relationship. When we go out to Happy’s, you can’t make fun of my leather jacket, abundance of cologne, or my semi feminine mannerisms. I am a Debby Downer, so you need to be tolerant of my constant complaining. Cargoshorts4eva@ yahoo.com GUY NEEDING FEMALE GAMER Looking for a cute female teammate(1820yrs. old) to help beat Goro in original Mortal Kombat and to discuss History with. Alien/ Zombie fighting skills helpful. Must also have tolerance for long hours of gameplay. If this matches you, e-mail me for some coffee! mcspanky101@yahoo.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Daily Reveille
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The Daily Reveille
Thursday, April 7, 2011