Former Chancellor O’Keefe elected to Loyola Board of Trustees, p. 3 Students flock to Halo video game midnight release, p. 4
Reveille The Daily
Volume 115, Issue 16
www.lsureveille.com
Defense leads the nation with 10 sacks in 2 games, p. 7 Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
Construction continues despite cuts
Matthew Albright Staff Writer
graphic by STEPHANIE GIGLIO / The Daily Reveille
As the University struggles to deal with budget cuts, laying off faculty and cutting services, new construction throughout campus may have some students scratching their heads. The construction may seem inappropriate, but administrators say there are reasons the construction continues despite cutbacks. “The fact is these projects come from a different pot of money,” said Paul Favaloro, director of resources at Facility Services.
Favaloro says the most expensive construction projects on campus — those costing more than $500,000 — are funded through capital outlay, money flowing directly from the state. Political realities and legislative structural hurdles mean the money that goes to capital outlay will always go to capital outlay, according to Jason Droddy, director of External Affairs. “Could the Legislature use some capital funds for the operating budget? There are some significant obstacles that would have to be overcome before capital funds could
be used for operating, and in the end, it’s not much to speak of,” Droddy said. Droddy also said the University has to use capital outlay money for the specific projects for which the money is dedicated by law, or the money will go elsewhere. “It’s like a coupon. It counts as real money, but it isn’t really because you have to spend it for something specific,” he said. Droddy cited construction on the Student Union as an example. “If we wanted to stop CONSTRUCTION, see page 15
Facility Services struggling with cuts Matthew Albright Staff Writer
Students will start seeing less day-to-day maintenance and slower response times as budget cuts to Facility Services, the campus organization responsible for the University’s upkeep, manifest. “So far, the impacts have been horizontal — taken a little bit everywhere,” said Tony Lombardo, interim assistant vice chancellor for Facility Services. “You start seeing the aging process accelerating.” Lombardo says the department has faced about $3 million in cuts since Hurricane Katrina. That translates into about 70 lost positions – while most of those lost are vacant positions left unfilled, the department had to let nine employees go in January. Those mostly included field staff, but some lower administrative personnel were let go, as well. As Facility Services continues to lose money and staff, projects administrators would like to complete remain unfunded. As those projects remain unfunded, they fall further into disrepair, making them more expensive. Lombardo said continued funding losses could mean students will start seeing problems. While students may not be able
to point to specific buildings on campus that are falling into disrepair, Lombardo says future cuts could conceivably mean increasingly obvious decay. That could happen as early as next year when the University will have to deal with cuts as high as $73.5 million. “That’s when you’ll really start to see problems,” Lombardo said. Paul Favaloro, director of Resource Services, said students will start to see daily sustainability efforts, like custodial and landscaping work, start to dwindle. “[The University] is a big city, and it’s going to get harder to take care of it,” he said. Buildings and restrooms will be cleaned less frequently. The trees, bushes, and grass will be trimmed less regularly. “We’re not going to let the Parade Ground turn into a jungle
HILARY SCHEINUK / The Daily Reveille
— although other parts of campus may,” Favaloro said. Favaloro also said his department will be able to respond less quickly to breakdowns in equipment. For example, if the air conditioning in a classroom is defunct, workers may take longer to fix the problem. Deferred maintenance is part of the growing list of construction and repair projects the University has put off for lack of funds. The list currently stands at $375 million, according to Emmett David, director of Facility Development. The state gives the University funds annually to do some of the work on the list, but David says those funds are woefully inadequate. For example — the Legislature most recently allotted $8 million, which doesn’t even make up for inflation UPKEEP, see page 15
MELANIE CASCIO / The Daily Reveille
[Left] Grass is overrun by weeds outside Allen Hall. [Right] A neglected window along the side of the Art Building is peeling and cracked. Because of budget cuts, Facility Services won’t be able to continue timely upkeep of areas like these.
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
Plane carrying 51 crashes in Venezuela, at least 14 dead
Senate Republicans trying to block Obama’s tax hike on wealthy
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A plane carrying 51 people crashed Monday in eastern Venezuela, and officials said 33 survived while at least 14 were killed. The Frenchbuilt ATR 42 from the state airline Conviasa slammed into a lot used by the state-run Sidor steel foundry.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama claims it’s still a “wrestling match,” but with Senate Republicans in uniform opposition, his plan to raise taxes on wealthier people while preserving cuts for everyone else appears increasingly likely to founder before Election Day. Both Republicans and Democrats are already using the looming expiration of Bush-era tax cuts as a defining battle in elections to determine control of Congress that are just seven weeks away. Gridlock appears to be an increasingly likely result in the Senate. Republicans said they had the votes to block legislation to extend the middle-class tax relief if Democrats follow through on their plan to deny tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. The issue is more likely to be decided in a postelection session. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the GOP whip, said Monday that his party was united in opposing
UN nuclear chief chides Iran, defends watchdog monitors VIENNA (AP) — The U.N. nuclear agency cannot confirm that all of Iran’s atomic activities are peaceful because of Tehran’s selective cooperation with nuclear inspectors, the agency’s chief said Monday. Yukiya Amano also chided Iran for barring some of those inspectors, warning that move hampered his watchdog agency’s attempts to monitor Iran’s nuclear program.
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Obama’s proposed tax hike on the wealthy. “Just before the recess we had a meeting and we discussed this, and every Republican was absolutely supportive of the idea that there shouldn’t be any increases in taxes,” Kyl said. Cat. 4 Igor far out in Atlantic, tropical storm Julia moving west MIAMI (AP) — Powerful Hurricane Igor is roaring far out in the Atlantic and forecasters expect it to remain over open water at least through the end of the week. Igor is a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph (240 kph). The forecast track Monday showed it staying well south of Bermuda for the next five days. It’s too early to tell if it might threaten land beyond that. Also in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Julia is moving west, away from the southern Cape Verde Islands. Julia’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph.
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
STATE/LOCAL
Obama endorses Democratic Rep. Richmond in 2nd district race
Hospital shooting suspect turns himself in to authorities
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao has broken with his party on occasion in key congressional votes, but that didn’t keep his Democratic opponent from gaining the president’s endorsement. President Barack Obama endorsed state Rep. Cedric Richmond in the Nov. 2 race, over Cao and three other-party or independent candidates in the New Orleans-based 2nd Congressional District. Richmond’s campaign announced the endorsement late Sunday. Cao has voted with the president at times, including for an expansion of children’s health insurance and for new financial institution regulations. Obama has praised Cao for his willingness to cross party lines. Richmond, who won the Democratic nomination for Cao’s seat, has criticized Cao for being out of touch with voters on other issues, including the 2009 economic stimulus bill.
(AP) — The man suspected of shooting two people inside a Baton Rouge hospital has surrendered to authorities. Police say 36-year-old Darrell Garner turned himself in to authorities at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison early Monday morning. Dead shrimp, oil from BP rig found one mile below Gulf’s surface NEW ORLEANS — Far beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, deeper than divers can go, scientists say they are finding oil from the busted BP well on the sea’s muddy and mysterious bottom. Oil at least two inches thick was found Sunday night and Monday morning about a mile beneath the surface. Under it was a layer of dead shrimp and other small animals, said University of Georgia researcher Samantha Joye, speaking from the helm of a research vessel in the Gulf.
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CHARLES KRUPA / The Associated Press
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after beating Novak Djokovic of Serbia to win the men’s championship match and career grand slam at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York Monday.
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Iota Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity, Inc. presents Formal Rush-Bussiness attire required Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 at 7:30 pm - 143 Coates Hall Contact Mytosha Molden at dstiotatheta@gmail.com with any questions Alpha Phi Omega National Co-Ed Service Fraternity Sept. 14th-16th Informational Meeting in 236 Coates at 7:25 pm Contact apoea1932@hotmail. com for questions Zeta Phi Beta - Rho Epsilum Zetas are Farever - Informational Program Tuesday, September 14, Coats Hall Rm 228 DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Michael at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
ACADEMICS
page 3
PHILANTHROPY
O’Keefe Pakistani students sell wristbands for flood victims University students’ named to families among victims Loyola Board of Trustees Matthew Albright Staff Writer
Former LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe has been elected to the Loyola University Board of Trustees, according to a news release. O’Keefe, who graduated from Loyola in 1977, joins the 2010-11 board, which started its term Aug. 1. The Board elected O’Keefe in May, but Loyola officials did not announce his new position until Monday. The Board of Trustees is responsible for “policy making Sean O’Keefe and responsibilformer LSU chancellor ity for sound management. The Board shall formulate and determine the general, educational and financial policies,” according to board’s website. O’Keefe served as LSU chancellor from 2005 to 2008 before resigning Jan. 16, 2008. Before that, he served as chief administrator of NASA. He currently serves as CEO of aerospace giant EADS North America. O’Keefe and his son Kevin were among the five survivors of an Aug. 9 plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness that killed four people, including long-time Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska. That crash elicited national headlines as rescuers struggled against harsh weather conditions to locate and evacuate the survivors. O’Keefe has since returned to his Washington, D.C., home to recover, according to the latest news reports. O’Keefe led the University through Hurricane Katrina and was a chief architect of the Forever LSU Campaign, the University’s primary fundraising effort. He abruptly resigned amid rumors that his job was in jeopardy, rumors System President John Lombardi and other system officials vehemently denied.
Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
Pakistan, Mujahid is familiar with the common monsoon floods, but the river banks broke and caused displacement larger than Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami combined. Catherine Threlkeld Mujahid said his grandmothStaff Writer er’s home only had a foot of water Thousands of miles away from — much less damage than most of dorm rooms and air-conditioned the poorer homes in the low-lying classrooms, some students’ fami- areas of the country. “Before we rebuild in those lies are displaced from their homes from last month’s monsoon flood- places, we have to clean up. It’s more or less like [Hurricane] Kaing in Pakistan. Louisiana students are no trina,” he said. Mujahid and strangers to floods, other students but now Pakistani through the Musstudents are ask‘We really, really Student Assoing local students appreciate the turn lim ciation have been to give aid for damage caused by out and the generosity selling bracelets in Free Speech Plaza a flood that left showed by the to raise money and more than 20 milawareness for Paklion displaced and students and faculty.’ istan. more than 2,000 The bracelets dead. Hasnain Mujahid are $2, and the Chemical enpetroleum engineering junior MSA will continue gineering sophomore Adnan Bashar said he has a to sell them tomorrow from 11 a.m. large family, and all of them have to 3 p.m. Mujahid said they have earned been badly affected by the floods. Some of the problems his fam- $569 since they started selling ily has faced are lack of clean water them Friday. “We really, really appreciand food, displacement and lack of telephone contact. The floodwaters ate the turn out and the generosity have also washed away millions of showed by the students and faculacres of crops and destroyed vil- ty,” Mujahid said. lages, roads and bridges. In the village where Bashar was raised, about 50 homes have Contact Catherine Threlkeld at been destroyed. Bashar said Pakistan does not receive enough attencthrelkeld@lsureveille.com tion because of the image of terrorism associated with the country. “The media doesn’t give too much attention because they think we’re the worst people in the world,” Bashar said. The United States has provided $261 million in support, but petroleum engineering junior Hasnain Mujahid said the media and national support haven’t been enough. Mujahid said his grandparents had never seen flooding this bad. Born and raised in Lahore,
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HILARY SCHEINUK / The Daily Reveille
Mass communication senior Sikandar Mehr, left, sells a bracelet to religious studies senior Colin Ryan on Monday during a fundraiser for Pakistani flood victims.
Tuesday September 14
Pluckers Wing Bar
Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
9-10:30 AM Billy Madison 12-1:30 PM Repo Men 3:00:3:30 PM Newsbeat 4:30-5:00 PM Sports Showtime 5:30-6:00 PM Newsbeat 8:00-9:30 PM Green Zone 10:00-10:30 PM Newsbeat 10:30-11;00 PM
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The Daily Reveille
page 4
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
MARKETING
University launches new ad campaign, aims to rebrand image New slogan: ‘Love purple, live gold’ Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer
People often associate budget cuts with the University, but administrators are looking to create a new, hopeful image to brand the University: “Love purple, live gold.” Herb Vincent, University associate vice chancellor for University Relations and senior associate athletic director, said the campaign was focused on the color gold, which represents excellence, achievement and prestige. “Purple, passion — we love what we do, and we’re excited about
research. Band is excited about sporting events,” said Jewel Hampton, University art director, who coordinated task force efforts for the campaign. “Gold is about hitting the gold standard of excellence. It’s more focused on presenting who we are to prospective students.” In such a difficult economic time, Vincent said it’s difficult but necessary to brand the University with a new image now. “The campaign is mostly about who LSU is and trying to define LSU based on the community that makes up this University,” Hampton said. “In that sense, the challenge we have in communicating for LSU every day is this private market of 16- to 20-year-old prospective students.” Chancellor Michael Martin said it’s an ideal time to brand the
University with a new message. “People are trapped with old images and old phrases,” Martin said. “[The new campaign] is to recognize the place is always changing.” Martin said once people mull over “love purple, live gold,” they’ll reflect on what it means to them. “To me, if you embrace and invest yourself here, you’ll live better as a result of it,” Martin said. “Invest in a great education experience, and every part of life will be enriched.” The process to create the new idea started last fall with a team from various University departments. Hampton said they started with three basic sketches of new campaigns, including one focused on gold, which is closest to the final product. The task force surveyed, used focus groups and questioned high
ENTERTAINMENT
Gamers line up to get Halo: Reach More than 150 at store before 11 p.m. Frederick Holl Staff Writer
University students, Baton Rouge residents and a man in a Master Chief costume were so excited about the new Halo: Reach that they lined up hours before the game’s midnight release at electronic stores across the city Monday night. More than 150 were lined up at the GameStop store on College Drive before 11 p.m. to pick up the $60 game or the latest version of Xbox 360, both of which were released at midnight Monday. David McGaw, computer engineering freshman, said he spent the week playing through the Halo franchise in preparation for the release of the game. Michael Lacombe, petroleum engineering freshman, said the Halo franchise has made him a few friends both at home and at the University. “I try to get in five to 15 hours a week playing video games if I can,” Lacombe said. Evan Boyette, chemistry freshman, said he planned to play Halo: Reach up to a few hours before his morning class. “I play a lot of video games. I need to spend more time doing homework,” Boyette said. University Center for Academic Success Director Melissa Brocato said students need to find a balance between playing games and
ADAM VACCARELLA / The Daily Reveille
About 150 Halo fans waited Monday night at GameStop on College Drive for the midnight release of the newest addition to the video game series, Halo: Reach.
accomplishing their goals. “Use time management, use a weekly planner to schedule time to play games,” Brocato said. She said a good strategy for students who want to play video games and complete their work is to use the game as a reward after studying. “After a 30 to 50 minute intense study session, play video games for 10 or 15 minutes,” Brocato said. Carter said he was worried that when he got to college he would play
games too much, but he is staying on top of his work so far. “Work comes first. When you’re bored, play video games,” Carter said. Brocato said all students are vulnerable to distraction, whether it be from video games, television or Facebook. “Try to balance your life,” Brocato said. Contact Frederick Holl at fholl@lsureveille.com
school students, University students, faculty and staff, alumni and donors about possibilities for new slogans. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve been looking towards having something that would be more university-wide,” Hampton said. The new slogan has already made some appearances — on two billboards in downtown Atlanta for the football opener against the University of North Carolina and in the 30-second TV spot that appears during University-televised football games. “Our audience is very wide,” Vincent said. “We’re trying to show LSU is a high-achieving institution.” The slogan will also appear on the T-shirts for this Saturday’s football “gold game” against Mississippi State. Vincent said “love purple, live
gold” billboards will start appearing throughout the state in October. Vincent said it’s unclear how much money the University will spend on the new campaign because the funds will come from various budgets. Hampton said they’re trying to use the University’s dollars to the utmost efficiency. Though the University does an ad campaign every year, Vincent said the new campaign will encompass all University message efforts, including recruiting and advertising in publications.
Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
CRIME
Study finds 25 percent of college women will be victims of rape, sexual assault Large number of cases go unreported Grace Montgomery Contributing Writer
Some students attend college expecting freedom and new experiences, but many are unaware of the risk of sexual assault before graduating. It’s estimated 25 percent of college women have been victims of rape or attempted rape before they graduate in a four-year period, according to a recent report by the Department of Justice. College-aged women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in the general public, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. “We definitely do not fit that mold,” said Sgt. Blake Tabor, LSU Police Department spokesman. “Our percentage would be much less.” Rape is not typically something LSUPD encounters, Tabor said. The last reported incident of alleged rape on campus occurred Nov. 1 when a University student from the United Kingdom was arrested for allegedly raping a woman on campus and for the unlawful purchase of alcohol. The accused was eventually charged with simple battery and unlawful purchase of alcohol for a person under 21 years. But the Student Health Center received 11 reported cases in the last year. Cases can range from stalking to domestic abuse to sexual assault, said Ashley Granger, health center Wellness Education coordinator. A 2009 study by the Center
for Public Integrity found vic- to support services like the SAVA tims of sexual assault often do not report incidents because they program, he said. either blame themselves for what SAVAs are University fachappened, don’t understand what ulty and staff who provide conhappened to them was a crime fidential assistance to victims of or fear retribution from their at- rape, sexual assault or relationtacker. ship violence. “Many survivors do not reThere are currently 70 SAport because of embarrassment, VAs in various departments on shame, fear of social isolation campus like Greek Life, College from friends or of Education and trying to forget Center for Freshthe assault and man Year. put their life back “ S AVA s together the best ensure that no way they can survivor or sturather than reportdent at risk has ing,” said Grangto navigate the er, who’s also a medical, legal, Ashley Granger Sexual Assault Wellness Education coordinator mental health Victims Advocate or University (SAVA). system alone,” Alcohol is often a factor in Granger said. rape or sexual assault cases and Sexual Assault Nurse Examwas found to be a contributing iners work closely with the SAVA factor in 97,000 cases in 2009, program to provide medical and according to a report by the Na- forensic exams for survivors, tional Institute on Alcohol Abuse Granger said. and Alcoholism. For after-hours assistance, It’s important for women and students can call the Rape Crisis men to understand no means no, Center at 225-383-7273. regardless of mental state, Tabor said. Victims of rape are encourContact Grace Montgomery at aged to report the crime to authorities, whether to LSUPD or gmontgomery@lsureveille.com
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‘Many survivors do not report because of embarassment [or] shame.’
page 5
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
page 6
TRAVEL
Students connect through travel website, CouchSurfing Program said to be safe, cheap Sydni Dunn Staff Writer
From Budapest to Baton Rouge, students have found an innovative, inexpensive way of traveling. CouchSurfing.com is the world’s largest home exchange program, which people can use to find a place to stay anywhere in the world. Travelers can use someone’s space for a limited time or offer their own available space to others. CouchSurfing allows travelers to come together for hospitality, friendships and cultural experiences, with users in more than 230 countries around the world in more than 77,900 cities, according to the service’s website. The international network has generated more than 2 million members worldwide and more than 200 in Baton Rouge since it launched in 2004. Chris Norwood, marketing senior, learned about the program in April while he was studying abroad in Spain. “I first thought it would be scary,” Norwood joked. “I didn’t
want to leave [with] missing organs.” Norwood said he was calmed by the safety precautions the website takes. “There is a registry for all people with their information, their profiles, their photos, their address,” he said. “[CouchSurfing] takes great security measures, and I have never heard of anyone being harmed.” Norwood “couch surfed” his way to Paris and Munich earlier this year and said both of his hosts were hospitable. In Paris, the man Norwood stayed with was out of town but left his home completely open to his guests. Norwood’s host in Munich, an energetic elderly woman, took Norwood out for a pub crawl and told him about local culture. Harrison Norman, electrical engineering junior, CouchSurfed abroad two years ago in a lastminute circumstance when he was studying in Germany. “The first time I CouchSurfed, it was out of necessity,” Norman said. “It was my first night in Germany, and I was flying in.” Norman said he could not reach the professor who was supposed to pick him up from the airport. In a panic, he logged on to CouchSurfing and began sending
frantic messages to nearby hosts roommates have hosted five peountil someone replied. ple — one from Iowa, two from Norman has CouchSurfed in Texas and two from France. nine cities ranging from Berlin to “When you visit a place, you Florence since that first time. don’t know the hot spots,” he said. “There’s no way to afford “We thought it would be neat to traveling for that learn about the long otherwise,” he city from local said. eyes, get a foot “That’s 31 or in on what is so nights in a hotel. cool to do and That’s impossible have someone for a student like who can guide me.” you.” Norman said Verrett said Chris Norwood he has had an array he and his roomLSU marketing senior of hosts. mates checked “From girls my their guests’ proage to men in their 40s and 50s, files thoroughly before they arfrom all walks of life and in all in rived. different apartments and houses,” “There are lots of ways to Norman explained. check out people through refer“People can be so differ- ences,” he said. “We made sure ent but have a common thread of they were verified.” openness and wanting to help othVerrett said he has not had a ers.” bad experience yet and will conBut surfing on a stranger’s tinue hosting for as long as he can. couch isn’t a members-only op“So far it’s been great,” he tion. said. “I’ve learned a lot about William Verrett, chemical other places, and I’ve been able engineering junior, heard about to teach and show other people hosting CouchSurfers through a things they haven’t experienced friend and decided to try it. before.” “It seemed like a cool way to If members do not feel commeet people from other countries fortable surfing or hosting, they and improve foreign relations,” can arrange to meet with guests, Verrett said. said Peyton Eastman, internationVerrett and his three al studies and French junior and
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‘You get to see the feel of the city itself and not something that’s in a postcard.’
two-year CouchSurfing member. “You can make a profile without letting someone sleep on your couch,” Eastman said. “You can list yourself as not having a couch, but as willing to meet people for coffee and show them around town.” Eastman said she has not surfed yet but plans to meet with a man from Germany in the next few weeks. She also hosted a woman from Israel last summer in her RV at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. “It’s a cultural experience without having to leave where you are,” she said. “And you know if you ever go to that person’s hometown, you have a place to stay.” CouchSurfing is not only a free place to stay, but you get to meet someone interesting who knows the lay of land, Norwood said. “It saves you from the tourist area. You get to see the feel of the city itself and not something that’s in a postcard,” he said. “It’s not just ‘Let’s go to the Eiffel tower!’ It’s ‘Hey, let’s go check out this pub that my great grandfather opened in 1850, and we’ll have a pint on the house.’” Contact Sydni Dunn at sdunn@lsureveille.com
Sports
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
page 7
REDEMPTION
FOOTBALL
Ridley carries offense after costly fumbles in season opener
Miles keeps faith in Jefferson Baker returns after broken jaw Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer
only rushed the ball four times for 16 yards in the first half — largely because of his two fumbles last week. “[LSU coach Les Miles] pulled a few carries from me in the beginning, and that’s hard, but it’s part of the price you pay when you put two on the ground,” Ridley said. There was no discouraging Ridley, though. He came out with a vengeance and put LSU on his
LSU junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson put on a less-than-stellar performance against Vanderbilt on Saturday, but LSU coach Les Miles said he is committed to giving Jefferson the reins for at least a little longer. Jefferson finished 8-for-20 for 96 yards and one interception, as LSU scored all three of its touchdowns by way of the running game. Junior Jarrett Lee entered the game on the final two series against Vanderbilt and attempted one pass, a 16-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Rueben Randle. “I have no problem putting [Lee] in the game, and I look forward to those opportunities,” Miles said. “It is a game feel and not something that we are envisioning at this point. He is a very strong consideration, but we want to see if we can get Jordan on track. I enjoy [Jefferson], and I enjoy his leadership.” Miles said the goal is to get Jefferson to play more aggressively, including running the option. “I just want [Jefferson] to play and have some fun,” Miles said. “He does have the ability to run the option. It gives him the opportunity to play aggressively.” True freshman running back Alfred Blue turned heads in his
RIDLEY, see page 11
PLAYERS, see page 10
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU junior running back Stevan Ridley (34) is brought down Saturday by Vanderbilt’s defense during the Tigers’ 27-3 victory against the Commodores in Nashville, Tenn.
A dejected Stevan Ridley stood in a dimly lit hallway at the Georgia Dome just 10 days ago with several television cameras glaring in his face following LSU’s season-opening win against North Carolina. The junior running back had nearly cost the Tigers a win with two fumbles in the second half, including one with 1:08 remaining. There stood Ridley after the game, discouraged yet poised as ever, accepting the blame for
the near loss. “Last week was not me at all,” Ridley took his miscues, put he said. “I knew that my performance them behind him and said he must wasn’t my greatest, and this week I grow from them. really came in and Sean Isabella And that’s prefocused on holding cisely what he did. the football.” Sports Writer Ridley rushed Ridley anfor a career-high 159 yards on 17 chored an LSU offense that sputtered carries Saturday in LSU’s 27-3 vic- without him. Junior quarterback Jortory against Vanderbilt, including a dan Jefferson struggled mightily, 65-yard touchdown run that sealed finishing the game 8-for-20 with 96 the win. yards and an interception. He didn’t fumble, either. Despite Ridley’s outburst, he
FOOTBALL
Defense leading the nation in sacks with 10 in 2 games Senior defensive tackle leads line Luke Johnson Sports Contributor
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (11) and freshman defensive back Sam Montgomery (99) take down Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith (10) on Saturday.
The sack attack is back. The 2009 LSU defense was ranked near the top of the country in yards allowed, but one key component was missing — pressure on the quarterback. The LSU defense is leading the nation with 10 sacks in two games this season —notching nearly half the sack total it had in 2009. The defensive system remains the same, but a significant increase
in athleticism has been an obvious boon for a defensive line that only managed 14 sacks last season. “Our defensive linemen are probably fast enough to play safety or maybe corner at a lot of schools in the country, if not here,” said senior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. Through two games, the defensive line has accrued 7.5 sacks, led by senior defensive tackle Drake Nevis with 3.5. Nevis has been a disruptive force in the middle of LSU’s defensive front this season. In addition to leading the team in sacks, he has been a key contributor to LSU, holding the opposition to a 1.4 yard average per rush this season. Nevis credits defensive line
coach Brick Haley with the unit’s improvement this season. “Coach Brick, he’s on us everyday,” Nevis said. “He never lets us have a bad day at practice. He’s always on us making sure our technique’s right. It’s about discipline and all four guys working together.” Nevis finished 2009 with four sacks, tied for second on the team. But Nevis played like a man posessed against Vanderbilt, finishing with 2.5 sacks. “Nevis has improved. He’s always played with a great motor,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “I think he realizes that this is the back end of a very good career. He wants to SACKS, see page 11
The Daily Reveille
page 8
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
SCHWEHMMING AROUND
Quarterback debate will heat up between Lee and Jefferson And cue the quarterback debate. Jordan Jefferson exited late in the fourth quarter. Jarrett Lee entered. Three plays and 82 yards later, LSU had six points on the board and a 27-3 lead. Who should start at quarterback for LSU now? Let’s start off this heated discussion by breaking down that epic drive. Stevan Ridley rushed for a yard. Lee passed to Rueben Randle right Andy Schwehm up the middle of Sports Columnist the field for 16 yards. Ridley got the ball again and took it 65 yards up the right sideline for a touchdown. Not too shabby for Lee’s first drive of the season. For one, it ended in a touchdown for LSU and not the opponent. Secondly and more importantly, it was the most efficient the offense looked all night. Lee’s one pass was right on the money, and Ridley looked as fast as anyone on either team. Thirdly and most importantly, Lee did look pretty good handing that ball off to Ridley. You have to give the kid that much. Did you see how well he rolled away after he placed the ball in Ridley’s chest? Picture perfect. I don’t know
if Drew Brees could have done it better. Now let’s move on to Jefferson’s night. The junior threw for a whopping 96 yards on 8-for-20 passing with an interception. He once again couldn’t hit his open targets. He also has got to learn when to throw the ball away. He has had trouble with that throughout his career, and it hasn’t stopped this season. He is now a veteran quarterback in the Southeastern Conference, and there is no excuse for those kinds of mistakes. However, Jefferson did contribute to that rushing attack with 13 yards. The problem is that it took him 13 rushes to get those yards. With all of that in mind, here comes my final assessment. Draw! Wait, what? Remember that time when Lee was a freshman and threw more pick-sixes than you could count on one hand? Remember how everyone wanted him to leave campus and never come back? Good times. Remember that time when Lee started off last season 2-for-2 for 11 yards and a touchdown before finishing the season 14-for-38 for 197 yards, a touchdown and an interception? Good times. Now you are all going to start praising him, aren’t you? Yes, he’s now a junior and two
BRIANNA PACIORKA/ The Daily Reveille
Junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson (9) navigates through Vanderbilt defenders in LSU’s 27-3 win Saturday.
years removed from all those interceptions. But the same could be said for Jefferson, who should by now have learned from past mistakes and still hasn’t. I’m not trying to bash Lee in any way. I like the guy. He’s a lot better than everyone gives him credit for, and I think that if Les Miles would stick with him, he could be a pretty decent SEC quarterback. Honestly, if I had to choose between him and
Jefferson, I would probably say give Lee a chance to prove he can lead LSU. If the move is going to be made to Lee, it needs to be made now. Les Miles doesn’t need to start this whole two quarterback system thing again. It doesn’t work. But I’m also not going to even begin yelling blatantly for either guy to start. I’ll leave it to the Tiger Rant message board on
Tigerdroppings.com to start 50 new discussions on that, none of which will go anywhere. Actually, maybe Les should hop on the Rant, get a head count of who wants Lee to start and who wants Jefferson to start. Then, logically, whoever has the most shouldn’t start. Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
page 9
HEALTH
Trainer counsels student-athletes on proper nutrition Diet often ignored during training Katherine Terrell Sports Contributor
Most student athletes have the same problems as any other LSU student with a full-time job. LSU senior associate athletic trainer Shelly Mullenix said between classes, weights and practice, it’s often difficult to practice good nutrition. “Much like the general student population, they’re also handcuffed by finances,” Mullenix said. “Some get scholarships, some don’t. For a lot of the sports they only get partial scholarships, so there’s not a lot of money either.” Mullenix said students without much money usually turn to fast food. So she’s been enlisted by LSU’s coaches to counsel them away from Burger King and McDonald’s. Mullenix squeezes in talks to the athletic teams in between teaching classes and her job as the football team’s athletic trainer. The time and tone of the talks depends on the season and the schedule of the teams. “I handle the talks for all the teams,” Mullenix said. “Some
coaches want them more frequently. Some do it once a year.” Nutrition is an often overlooked part of athletics, but also one of the most important, Mullenix said. When Mullenix speaks to an athletic team, she emphasizes the importance of planning out the day to get time to eat proper food. Time is the biggest challenge, she said. “We want to make sure they get 400 or 500 calories at least four to six times a day,” Mullenix said. “We want to keep their energy up so they can perform well on the field and help keep their immune system strong.” Sometimes it’s tough to get through to athletes who think they don’t need help, Mullenix said. In cases like that, the coaches often refer them to her for oneon-one talks. “There’s a lot of athletes here that don’t consider nutrition terribly important,” Mullenix said. “They think if they look good, maybe they don’t need the help. But the truth is that everyone needs the nutrition.” Mullenix also has athletes keep a food diary. She asks them to do a three-day recall of the foods they’ve eaten and what time they ate the food. The nutrition aspect of being an athlete usually goes
GOLF
Tigers win team title at Gopher Invitational Three golfers finish in top 10 Cory Boudreaux Sports Contributor
The No. 15 LSU men’s golf team capitalized on a late-round surge on its way to securing its first win of the 2010-11 season at the Gopher Invitational at Spring Hill Golf Course in Wayzata, Minn. The Tigers captured the team title with a 54-hole team score of 5-over par 869, finishing 11 strokes better than the field of 11 teams at the tournament. “We were able to mix and match good scores and come out with a pretty good win,” LSU golf head coach Chuck Winstead said in a press release. “But as we go forward, we’re going to need some more consistent play in the lineup. We’re talented enough to be more consistent as a team in each round.” The Tigers’ season-opening victory didn’t come easy. A firstround team score of 13-over par 301 left the team in ninth place at the end of the first round. But the Tigers surged through the final 36 holes of the tournament, logging consecutive rounds of 7-under 281
in the second and third rounds before firing a final round score of 1-under par 287. Five LSU golfers finished in the top 21 in the individual standings, including three in the top 10. Senior Clayton Rotz lead all LSU golfers in individual scores who tied for third place at 1-under 215. Seniors Ken Looper and John Peterson finished in a tie for seventh place with individual scores of 4-over 220. “After the first round, I challenged John Peterson and Clayton Rotz to step it up and play like they should play,” Winstead said. “We can’t be a very good team if they shoot 78s. That was the difference from the first round to the second and third rounds. They were outstanding.” Junior Sang Yi finished tied for 13th place with a total score of 5-over 221, while fellow junior Austin Gutgsell tied for 21st place with a three-round score of 9-over 225. The Tigers will return to competition Oct. 11-12 when the team travels to the Jack Nicklaus Invitational at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. Contact Cory Boudreaux at cboudreaux@lsureveille.com
unnoticed until something negative happens, like junior offensive lineman Will Blackwell vomiting during in the Georgia game last season, or junior cornerback Patrick Peterson sitting out part of the game against North Carolina with cramps. Then the training team gets inundated with phone calls. “We laugh about it, but it’s more annoying than it is funny,” Mullenix said. “All these people come out of the woodwork with products that will help our athletes.” Products wouldn’t have helped in Blackwell’s case. It wasn’t nutrition, it was nerves.
“That was his first start and his first game,” Mullenix said. “I would say that anxiety had a huge component for him. He hadn’t just come off of eating a huge meal.” And Peterson wasn’t even cramping, Mullenix said. “This week we’ve been getting lots of products that will help prevent cramping, when the truth is ... he wasn’t really cramping,” Mullenix said. “I’m not sure where all that started or came from.” Mullenix said you can tell when someone cramps up on the field, because the trainers will intervene and help stretch the
players. That didn’t happen with Peterson. “You can see that plain as day and there wasn’t any of that going on,” Mullenix said. Peterson simply got fatigued, she continued. “Basically he ran the length of the field two or three times in a fairly quick succession” Mullenix said. “The body gets taxed on top of the anxiety of being in a game.”
Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
page 10
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
CLUB SPORTS
3 members of powerlifting team compete in championships Reece Verbois, along with junior Kaitlyn Stewart, traveled to Pilsen, Czech Republic, last week to compete in the International Powerlifting Federation’s 28th Junior World Powerlifting Championships, representing Team USA. The friendly face of success greeted them once again. Baker and Stewart pushed Team USA’s women to a third place overall finish among 29 countries by posting third and fifth place finishes in their respective divisions. Baker competed in the 60 kg (132 lb.) weight class and lifted a total of 437.5 pounds among her
dead lift, bench press and squat. Stewart earned an impressive 320 pound lift in the 48 kg (105 lb.) for the Americans, as well. Though powerlifting involves participation against other teams, the focus of competition falls on the individual. “Powerlifting is all about you,” Baker said. “You’re going to go as far as you want to go.” Verbois earned a respectable seventh place finish among 17 other competitors by lifting 755 pounds in the men’s junior 82.5 kg (181 lb.) division. Powerlifting is comprised of three lifts — the dead lift, the
calls may favor Blue.” On the defensive side, junior debut for LSU, accumulating five linebacker Ryan Baker returned to carries for 23 yards and a six-yard the field Saturday after missing the touchdown run. past month with a Blue got more broken jaw. He recarries than redshirt corded six tackles freshman Michael and a sack against Ford, who ran the Vanderbilt. ball three times for “You real16 yards. ize what veteran “I’m not ready means because he to say anybody has just understands passed Michael instinctively where Ford,” Miles said. he is supposed to Les Miles “In fact, he played be,” Miles said. LSU football coach well in that game, “Not that Baker and we’ve enjoyed played perfect, but how he’s come. It’s just that certain he stepped onto the field with real
advantages on the defense. With Stefoin Francois, Kelvin Sheppard and him, that’s a pretty good linebacking crew.” Miles said senior running back Richard Murphy is “a little nicked,” and junior tight end Deangelo Peterson may not play against Mississippi State. “I think [Murphy] will be with us,” Miles said. “I know [Peterson] is doing much better. I don’t know the likelihood he’ll be with us Saturday.”
Team USA women earn third place Ben Wallace Special to The Daily Reveille
National Championships? They’re old news. After winning six national championships in the last four years at the USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships, three members of LSU’s powerlifting team raised the bar a bit higher than national titles. Seniors Samantha Baker and
PLAYERS, from page 7
‘‘
‘I know [Peterson] is doing much better. I don’t know the likelihood he’ll be with us Saturday.’
Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com
bench press and the squat. No single lift can guarantee a competitor victory. “Powerlifting is one of the most intense sports around that requires the most dedication of any sport I know,” Verbois said. “To be the best, you have to push yourself harder than you ever thought possible and sacrifice things that you like doing.” LSU powerlifting coach Mike Godawa has been involved in competitive LSU sports for about 35 years, serving as a gymnast and LSU’s women’s gymnastics coach. He has been powerlifting for 11 years as a competitor. Godawa said
he recognizes the intense level of commitment needed to yield international awards in powerlifting. Godawa said team members with such experience as the trio are “his gems in the workout, always there to fill in as excellent leaders.” Former LSU students Andre LeBlanc, Nelson Boutte and Pam Bartz also traveled and competed for Team USA. Boutte and Bartz claim third and second place finishes in their respective divisions.
Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 RIDLEY, from page 7
back in the second half, rushing 13 times for 143 yards and the long touchdown. “It appeared to me that he ran with a real want and desire and a great purpose,” Miles said. “We turned to hand him the ball late in the game, and certainly he was a very strong factor in that game.” Ridley surprisingly enjoyed his strong day behind a semi-depleted offensive line. The Tigers rotated
SACKS, from page 7
make every game count, therefore his play by play stepped up.” Redshirt freshmen Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo have added a degree of athleticism to the defensive front that it lacked last season. The ends have been so quick off
page 11
redshirt freshman Josh Williford and junior T-Bob Hebert at right guard in the absence of junior Will Blackwell, who is sidelined with a broken ankle. The patched-up line worked efficiently, creating holes for Ridley to run through all night. “The offensive line is working for me,” he said. “They are doing some big things up front. I’m just running the football.” Ridley’s only touchdown came with less than five minutes remaining in the game. With LSU in
the I-Formation, he took a handoff to his left, cut back to his right and zoomed down the sideline nearly untouched for his fourth career rushing touchdown. The Natchez, Miss., native surprised spectators with his breakaway speed, most notably running backs coach Frank Wilson. “The first person I went over to with a smile was coach Frank because we had a bet all year that I couldn’t break one from 40 yards out, and it worked out,” Ridley said.
Even sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard, a speedster himself, was impressed with Ridley’s wheels. “Ridley’s a big back ... it looked like he was running out of gas after a while,” Shepard joked. “I was impressed with that.” After Ridley’s performance Saturday, he not only ranks as one of the top running backs in the SEC, but also in the country. His 240 rushing yards in two games rank him third in the conference — behind Tennessee’s Tauren Poole and Auburn’s
Cameron Newton — and 17th in the country. Even so, Ridley knows a lot of football is yet to be played. “It’s just crazy how things happen because last week I was down in the dumps,” he said. “And this week, after a great game, you’re kind of on a high, but you have to stay levelheaded,” he said.
the ball, they have set up other players on defense. “Montgomery is coming along,” Nevis said. “He’s starting to play like a veteran. I appreciate the pressure he takes off the defense because he does his job. He’s confident, and he takes his job seriously.” Montgomery and Mingo have
combined to post three sacks in their first two collegiate games. Besides bringing excitement to the fans and the team, the sacks have had a tangible effect on the overall performance of the defense. With added pressure being placed on the quarterback, the defensive backfield doesn’t have to linger
with receivers. The results were evident in the box score of the Vanderbilt game — the Tigers allowed only 70 pass yards on 16 attempts. “The defensive ends and the defensive tackles we have this year are so much quicker and faster than the previous years that I’ve been here,” said junior defensive back Patrick
Peterson. “Those guys are so amazing at doing their thing that they’re giving the offensive line nightmares.”
Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com
Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 12
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
As students at LSU, we owe it to our peers to make a bit of a fuss when things aren’t done correctly – it is our school and is paid for by our tax dollars. We have the right to feel safe and comfortable while we try to develop and grow our spirits and our minds. Last Spring, after teaching a morning section of CMST 2061, I walked in the quad and witnessed a most bizarre event. The administration at LSU responded quickly and appropriately to my complaints. You see, the big crises that arose from all this was not about the police response time (which is now much quicker); it was about the proper use of the LSU emergency text message system, which the police dispatcher failed to use because he didn’t think it was a “real” emergency. When the Vice Chancellor contacted me, he expressed a
Students responsible for text improvement When I teach public speaking, my students hear a lot about their responsibilities to hold those in power accountable for their actions. My students always and without fail answer this call of responsibility by doing some of the most remarkable things I’ve ever seen. From protesting racist caricatures at a local coffee shop, starting charitable organizations or welcoming campus radicals into our class in order to keep them from disturbing others in the quad with their bigoted signs; they continue to inspire and amaze me with their creative and energetic responses to injustice.
sincere desire to make things safer for us on campus and find out what went wrong. He asked me direct and action oriented questions like, “How did they use the system at your previous schools?” “What do you think we could have done differently?” and “How would you have handled it?” I left there with an overwhelming confidence in our administration and in their desire to make LSU as safe as possible. Thursday, I received two text messages warning me of an armed man on campus. They mark only the latest in a series of texts over the past six months that LSU has used appropriately and exactly the way the Vice Chancellor and I discussed. The ultimate issue is not whether or not the potential threat is a real one or not; but is about putting the safety of the students in the students’
hands and leaving it up to us to decide when we should take them seriously and when we shouldn’t, and LSU did that. I feel safer on campus than I did a year ago because I feel more informed about potential threats. Why did this happen? The answer is why I am writing this letter. Because of LSU students — students working for The Daily Reveille, students posting on facebook and tigerdroppings, students emailing the Vice Chancellor, and students who called the police and complained. You made this campus a safer place, which means you made LSU a better community to learn and grow in, for yourself and for your friends. I tell my students (as a wise professor once told me) that democracy is built on an unwavering faith in the rhetorical inventiveness and persuasive abilities of
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 every citizen to change things, both big and small, for the good of the many. LSU’s students continually renew this faith for me and hope they renew it for each of you as well. To this day, the police insist my times are inaccurate, even after I provided them with my phone records from Verizon. My pride says that we lost the battle and you can’t beat the man with the badge. But my cell phone? The text message I just got tells me we all won. Thanks. Joseph Rhodes Department of Communication Studies Ph.D. Student/Instructor
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
CAMPUS-RESIDENT ALIEN
Future headlines: ‘Invading Iran a huge mistake’
My title asks for it — United States, please don’t invade Iran. And it’s everyone’s duty to beseech the American government to not do this. So check your compass, turn yourself to Washington’s direction and pray for enlightenment to fall on our leaders. Let’s be honest — the invasion of Iraq was a major disaster. As opposed to Iraq, Iran may very well have nuclear weapons — the International Energy Agency estimates Iran possesses enough uranium to be enriched to manufacture nuclear weapons within a year. Iran also happens to have a populist lunatic dictator who likes to pose as anti-American for the international media — much like Iraq had. Let’s add to that “begging to be attacked cocktail” the three American hikers who’ve been held hostage for more than a year for no real reason other than crossing the Iran border during a hike in Iraq territory. Were Bush still president this request would be useless and most likely too late. Even in President Barack Obama’s administration, I’m pretty sure such an endeavor is the focus of Mrs. Clinton’s dreams each and every night. A brand new war under her name, wow! What a turn on! But this call for peace concerns more than just reason and fact. Looking at the Iraq invasion
now, there are plenty of counter facts and arguments that would feed the crude logic of military wagers. People die, everyone loses, and little is learned. If we are concerned with worldwide public opinion, may I say the U.S.’s international image doesn’t look too good to the rest of Marcelo Vieira the world right Columnist now. I know these things — I’m a foreigner (please don’t come after me, Tea Party fanatics and racial profilers). I’m calling for a better course of action than wanton violence and unjustly imposing military authority this time around. Opinion editor Andrew Robertson clearly showed the facts in his Aug. 31 column, “War of — ‘war on’ — terror ends with Operation Iraqi Failure.” Some reiteration can’t hurt: “We lost 4,500 soldiers in Iraq with another 32,000 wounded in action. If those numbers don’t shock you, then perhaps the more than 1 million Iraqi deaths will. Consider this: The cost of the Iraqi war will total around $1 trillion. The American economy is out about $3 trillion.” Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, once had a high level of popularity, though this is in serious peril of late. People being
The Daily Reveille Editorial Board Sarah Lawson Robert Stewart Stephanie Giglio Steven Powell Andrew Robertson
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Managing Editor, External Media Opinion Editor
killed in the streets during rallies against his doubtfully fair reelection certainly didn’t help. Ahmadinejad represents a threat to the conservative Islamic clergy currently in power with his economic reform ideas. He’s his own worst enemy. But the trade sanctions the Iranian government is going through mostly affect common citizens in their everyday lives. Stimulating the impoverishment of a population based on the madness of its leaders definitely has unintended
consequences. Iranians are having a hard time both from internal and external standpoints. A week after Sept. 11’s ninth anniversary, reflection brings us to a new rift in the jungle of bad decisions. They always lead to more bad decisions. Like the one suggesting the burning of a Quran, or trying to explode a landing plane. So, let’s sing in unison to the tune of “Please, don’t invade Iran.” Another war would just trigger a new stream of bad decisions and
actions on an even larger scale. And I’m hopeful all of us are tired of seeing the results of hasty military decisions come to fruition. Marcelo Vieira is a 32-year-old jazz cello graduate student from Brazil. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_MVieira.
Contact Marcelo Vieira at mviriera@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
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Editorial Policies & Procedures The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
Quote of the Day “It’s better to light a candle than curse in the dark.”
K’naan Somali-Canadian poet and musician Feb. 1, 1978 — present
The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
POP GOES THE CULTURE
Opinion
page 13
Bieber example of (hopefully) short-lived superficial stardom It was ladies’ night at MTV’s 27th annual Video Music Awards on Sunday. The show was hosted by a woman — comedian Chelsea Handler — for the first time since 2007. But in reality, it was just one Lady’s night. Ra-ra-ah-ah-ah rejoice, little monsters! Lady Gaga’s recordsetting 13 nominations resulted in eight victories — and almost as many outlandish outfit changes. You gotta love Gaga. But even if you weren’t technically of the female persuasion, you could still have a breakout moment at the VMAs. All you had to do was look — and sound — like a girl. As evidenced by the winner of this year’s Best New Artist award, the effeminate, baby-faced fate of the music industry is Justin Bieber. I weep for the future. This kid is living proof that agents — not talent — spawn a superstar.
The 16-year-old heartthrob (I use the term loosely) is barely old enough to audition for “American Idol,” but apparently someone told him he had the experience and authority to produce whole albums about romance. This same ill-placed endorsement has led to the year of the Bieber: a Proactiv antiacne commerKelly Hotard cial campaign Columnist (at least it’s age-appropriate), an upcoming guest role on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” as well as a memoir and a biopic about the young singer due out next year. Yes, you read those last two bits correctly. If you thought it took major struggles and lifelong achievement to have your story documented in pop culture, Justin
Bieber is on a mission to prove you wrong. What success really requires these days is a parent willing to broadcast your amateur performances all over YouTube until a record label executive affiliated with Usher picks you up. And that’s a fact Bieber never fails to mention via constant name-dropping of his R&B mentor in the rare moments when he’s not chaperoned by Usher himself. The hip-hop influence is glaring — not in Bieber’s melodies (except for “Baby,” featuring Ludacris), but in his wannabegangster dress style and manner of speaking in interviews. This superficial punk persona doesn’t exactly suit a Canadian often mistaken for a 13-year-old girl. “Bieber fever” is just the latest instance in a sick trend plaguing the music industry: too many young artists singing love
ballads long before they hit puberty. What’s worse, in an age where celebrities’ social networking accounts are increasingly uncensored by publicists, Bieber’s coming-of-age growing pains go on display for the whole world to read and follow. It hasn’t gone well for him: Justin Bieber suffers more online tantrums than the throngs of screaming young girls in his audience. His most recent juvenile faux pas include complaining about his drop from Twitter’s hot topic list and posting an enemy’s phone number as his own. And according to the website’s statistics, Bieber occupies about 3 percent of “tweet traffic” at any given moment. No wonder the site is always crashing. Please, someone take this narcissistic, spoiled diva’s Twitter away. Of course, he’s not the only singer unleashing his every
thought into the Twitterverse. Over the past year, Kanye West has given Bieber’s digital blabbermouth reputation a run for its money — a trait on which the VMAs’ producers have capitalized. In fact, I firmly believe West’s show-closing “toast to the douchebags” of pop culture was dedicated in part to Bieber. Congratulations — you’re gonna go far, kid. Kelly Hotard is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Picayune, Miss. Follow her on Twitter @TDR_khotard.
Contact Kelly Hotard at khotard@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
PRESS X TO NOT DIE
Students should find alternatives to campus corporate greed Double Cheeseburger at McDonald’s: $1.19 Double Cheeseburger at McDonald’s in the Student Union: $1.59 Hamburger in Tiger Stadium: $4. Knowing you’re being violated by money-grubbing corporations and associations like textbook sellers, Campus Apartments and McDonald’s every day of your academic career: Priceless. Well, actually it does have a price, but that’s not how those fun MasAdam Arinder tercard comColumnist mercials end, is it? From tuition, to mandatory fees, to living and food establishments, college students are being vigorously screwed by these greedy bastards looking to make a quick buck. And I, for one, am tired of it. While there can’t be a proper solution to every over-expensive problem, students can take control of the situation and help drastically affect it. The basic needs of students in college can be boiled down to tuition, books, costs of living and food — usually in that order. Unfortunately, tuition and fees are one of those things which students can’t really control. The state
and University are going through some hard times financially, and their response has been increased tuition and fees. However, students should educate themselves as to what their fees are going toward and fully utilize those services to justify the cost. While it’s safe to say almost every student enrolled at the University has a laptop, as it’s basically an unwritten necessity, or has access to one of the many computers around campus, it makes too much sense to mass market textbooks in a digital form. The LSU Bookstore’s book sellers thrive on taking advantage of naïve students. Many students don’t know of other, cheaper alternatives out there. While it can easily be argued the on-campus bookstore is providing students a convenient place to shop — and even offers 5 percent off if you pay with TigerCash — there are much cheaper alternatives online. Sure, you have to wait for it to ship, but websites like Amazon offer “FREE Super Saver Shipping” on some orders over $25 and even provide students free trials to Amazon Prime, which offers unlimited free two-day shipping. And when it comes to living, there are many options for students around campus, some better than others. Of course, there’s always the option of living cheap in the slums of Tigerland, but unless you’re a
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constant partier with nothing better to do than pick up desperate high school girls from the bars, the noise and distractions may be a little much. However, moving closer to campus may not be the best solution either. Apartments around campus like The Venue at Northgate, Campus Crossings at Highland and Campus Crossings at Brightside are owned by the large corporation Campus Apartments. Take it from a former Venue resident — Campus Apartments has the ability to send prices sky high while providing horrible service and fine print regarding security deposits and renewel rates so thin you’d need the Hubble to read it. And they can do this because of their proximity to campus. Unless you (or your parents) have money pouring from your eyeballs, don’t necessarily take the
first “cool” venue you visit. There are plenty of nice, affordable apartments on the outskirts of campus. Sure, you may have to ride your bike or take the bus, but a little exercise never hurt anybody. Plus, since you’re paying a yearly fee for the latter, you might as well use it. Finally there’s the grub. There are plenty of eating establishments on and around campus, but one in particular burns my McNuggets every time I walk by. Not only does the McDonald’s in the Union not have a dollar menu, but some items are more expensive than at any other McDonald’s around town. The Union McDonald’s can charge whatever it wants and get away with it because people will pay no matter what. While the simple solution would be to boycott, it would be highly unfeasible to organize a 30,000-student boycott.
Instead, students should only order items on campus that offer seemingly reasonable prices. Just because something is convenient and close by doesn’t mean it’s the best option. It’s good to buy locally and help boost our economy, but it isn’t good to be royally screwed without consent. That’s called rape. Know your options, do your research and spend wisely, and you won’t have to settle for being violated by a smiling clown. Adam Arinder is a 20-year-old communication studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com
Classifieds
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Help Wanted STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. GREAT HOURS! GREAT PAY! Texas Roadhouse is currently hiring!! Come by 10360 N. Mall Dr, M-T, between 2 and 4 pm for an interview. Hope to see you soon! 225.293.0144 EAT WITH PBRC Does your weight today affect your health tomorrow? PBRC is looking for people to participate in a new research study. The purpose of this study is to determine how your body weight today impacts your health in the future. Participants will be placed on a high calorie meal plan for 8 weeks. All meals will be provided to you at no cost. Earn up to $3800. Call 763-3000 or visit www.pbrc.edu DISC JOCKEY POSITION Complete Music & Video is looking for outgoing and energetic personalities for our Mobile DJ position. Part Time Position mainly on Weekends starting at $90/ gig upon completion of training. If you can lead a party give us a call. 225.769.2229 SHOE STATION - Hammond Aire Plaza location. Hiring FT & PT Associates. Felxible schedules. Apply in person at 9620 Airline Hwy. PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Afternoon Teachers needed 3-6pm flex days. no degree required. Please email your resume to parkviewbps@ gmail.com P/T STUDENT WORK with local apparel company / retail website. Customer service, order processing. Pay based on experience and skill level. E-mail resumes to Jobs@varsityvests. com VarsityVests.com / FanTheFire.com SWIM INSTRUCTORS NEEDED Tiger Aquatics GREAT PAY Mon/ Wed 4 - 6:30 pm and/ or Tues/ Thurs 4 - 6:30 pm LSU Natatorium jeannine@swimtaq.com 225-636-0393 NANNY wanted to provide afterschool/evening care for 11 yr old girl. Near LSU. Approx 15 hrs per week (M, T, Th) @ $8.50. Email resume to
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rboutte@lsu.edu. PARRAIN’S SEAFOOD Now hiring all front of the house positions. Apply in person Mon-Fri between 2:00 and 5:00 225.381.9922 TEACHERS NEEDED starting pay $20/hr. Need Math and English teachers. Send resumes to info@amezhicrc.com IMMEDIATE OPENING Pre-Vet Student preferred but not necessary. P/T kennel & Dr. assistant at vet clinic. Morning shift 8:30Noon +/- Mon. thru Fri. Apply in person or call. 225.927.7196 JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE NOW HIRING Apply On-line: Johnnys-Pizza.com or On Location: 8873 Highland Rd. 225.763.9797 GREAT RESUME EXPERIENCE Are you looking for great resume experience? Would you like to earn some money on the side? Are you organized, self-motivated, and either a sophomore or a junior? LSU Student Media is now hiring Broadcast Account Executives. Must be a full-time student in good standing. Get a head-start on your career and get real-world sales experience! Send resume to: broadcastsales@klsu.fm I-CATCHERS HAIR & BODY SPA is offering an exciting position in the beauty industry! We’re looking for a part time salon coordinator. If you’re interested, please visit www.icatchersbr. com and click “Contact Us” to submit resume/info. Can’t wait to hear from you ;) EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com LAW CLERK (second or third year law student) needed for small BR Law Firm. Interest in Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law a plus. Must be dependable, have excellent legal writing and research skills. Salary DOE. Email LadyJayne@aol.com or fax to: 756-5676. DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates”
Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours. Equal Opportunity Employer DRIVERS/INSIDERS/ASST MANAGERS Hungry Howies Pizza is now hiring delivery drivers(must have good driving record and Insurance) insiders(phone personnel/pizza makers) and Assistant managers. All hours needed. Please apply in person at store 5201 Nicholson. SCHOOL OF ART needs models, male & female, to pose nude for art classes. $12/hr. Must be full-time student. See Ms. Wells, 123 Art Bldg. No phone calls, please. STUDENT WORK! $16.00 Starting Pay! Customer Sales/ Svc. Flexible PT/ FT, No Exp Necc. Conditions Apply- Call NOW! 225-237-3002 ►►BARTENDING UP TO NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING PROVIDED. AGE 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 ext127 ABA THERAPIST NEEDED To work at autism clinic in Baton Rouge. No experience!! Send resume to info@big-br.com. FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER Southside Child Dev. Ctr. is hiring LSU student to teach French &/or Spanish to 3 - 5 year old children. $10/hr Exp. preferred. Email resume to: info@southsidechild.com or call 225.926.8353
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Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 CONSTRUCTION, from page 1
construction on the Union, I guess we could,” he said. “But that money can’t go to anything else.” Projects with capital outlay funding cost significant money. The new business school facility, for example, cost $39.9 million in construction costs. But because the funding for those projects comes as line items in bills from the Legislature, they can’t be used to pay professors — or for anything else outside the strict bounds of the project. The business school construction and construction on the new band hall were both funded by a 5050 state-private match — the University raised half the funds in donations, then the state matched those funds. Not only are the funds for many of these projects drawn from dedicated funding sources, they’re also the result of years — sometimes decades — of planning.
UPKEEP, from page 1
on the total $375 million. Many students say they haven’t noticed any significant disrepair on campus. “It’s a lot nicer than the school I came from,” said Christina Thomas, biology freshman. “Of course, I came from Baton Rouge High, and they’ve scheduled that building for demolition.” Others say they’ve noticed problems with the landscaping and custodial work. “There’s a few places on the little side-quads where the branches are low, and I sometimes run into them,” said Chelsea Ward,
Once approved, the state usually doles out funds for the construction in increments, which draws out the process. Some projects are now coming to fruition because they have only now gotten far enough in the process, said Emmett David, director of Facility Development. Money for most smaller projects that don’t require capital outlay funding also come from dedicated sources of funding, David said. For example, the parking lot near the Indian Mounds is paid for with auxiliary funds — in this case, money Parking, Traffic and Transportation raised from fees and parking tickets. “This is money that you couldn’t use to, say, pay professors,” David said. Kevin Cope, Faculty Senate president, says he’s heard complaints from faculty about the work. Cope said he’s aware of the dedicated funding sources that biology freshman. Jobe Authement, mechanical engineering junior, knows immediately a place that needs work. “Lockett Hall – that’s it, man,” he said. “The bathrooms are really bad.” Whatever students’ complaints, Favaloro says things could get significantly uglier — literally. “It’s like the show ‘Life Without
The Daily Reveille prevent construction funds from going to the academic core. “The fundamental problem is the priorities in the way the state allocates funding,” Cope said. “The state is handing campus a deal with the devil.” Cope criticized the state Legislature for being historically stingy in funding the University. “History doesn’t come from just barely hanging on – it comes from proper funding,” he said. David said while some might wish the money his department uses could go to other projects, much of the new construction is essential to the goals of the University. “As academics is responsible for educating students, it’s Facility Services’ job to get students from their parking lot to a clean campus,” he said. “Students want that service. Students pay for that service.” Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com People,’” Favaloro said, referring to a History Channel show that projects what the world would look like if humans suddenly disappeared. “If I could get somebody to use our campus for that, I’d be able to show people what could eventually happen.” Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
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The Daily Reveille
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010