Visit Student Media’s table at today’s annual Fall Fest
Reveille Check out a gameday fashion blog on lsureveille.com
The Daily
Volume 115, Issue 19
Tune in KLSU at 11 a.m. to hear the chancellor discuss the University’s budget cuts
www.lsureveille.com
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Lombardi State officials: Berm project smaller than expected fires UNO chancellor OIL SPILL
Staff and Wire Reports University of New Orleans Chancellor Tim Ryan said at a news conference Thurdsay that LSU System President John Lombardi fired him. Ryan said Lombardi summoned him to Baton Rouge on Thursday to tell him he was let go but did not specify why. After what he called increased micromanaging of the university by the System, Ryan said he was forced to step down because “I would not let UNO be run as a branch campus of LSU-Baton Rouge.” The LSU System will soon launch a national search to replace Ryan. In the meantime, Lombardi will serve as interim chancellor, in the same way former System President William Jenkins also performed the dual duties of president and LSU Chancellor in 2004 when former Chancellor Mark Emmert stepped down, according to LSU System spokesman Charles Zewe. “That leaves the university without any strong internal voice as the LSU System makes budget cuts,” Ryan said of UNO. “There could be no worse time to make this kind of change in leadership.” Ryan served as UNO’s chancellor for seven years and will be given a six-month sabbatical with the option of returning to work at the UNO College of Business, where he previously served. “The LSU System genuinely values Dr. Ryan’s many contributions throughout his academic career and especially while serving as chancellor in guiding UNO through tough and challenging times such as the current budget crisis and the university’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina,” Lombardi said in a news release. Lombardi and four New Orleans-area Board of Supervisors members will help oversee UNO’s administration change. According to the release, Lombardi will work on the transition process with a team of System and UNO officials, including LSU System Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Michael Gargano and LSU System Chief of Staff and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Technology Transfer Carolyn Hargrave. The four UNO officials on the CHANCELLOR, see page 5
photo courtesy of the GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Matthew Albright Staff Writer
State officials said the controversial berm project they have pursued in the wake of the BP oil spill will be significantly smaller than originally planned. The BP-funded project, which Gov. Bobby Jindal has advocated strenuously, aims to use dredged sand to bolster miles of
barrier islands along the coast in an effort to stop oil from washing ashore. But state officials said some scientists and media outlets are misrepresenting their plans for the project’s scope. The original plans for the project were sweeping in scale — 19 berm segments would span more than 100 miles of Louisiana coast, shielding sensitive wetlands from oil. After considering those plans, the Army Corps of Engineers gave the state an emergency permit to build six berms spanning 14.5 miles of coast, according to Garret Graves, director of the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities. Graves said the state has constructed 8.5 miles of berms so far, and sand has been dredged from the Mississippi River and will be pumped to finish the six remaining miles of berms.
Once that sand has been distributed, the state will have finished the work allowed by the emergency permit. In order to expand the project to its original scope, including 13 new berms, a full-time permit from the Corps is necessary — but Graves said his agency made the decision not to pursue that permit in August, despite media reports to the contrary. Graves said his office was required to submit the full proposal 30 days after submitting the emergency proposal. But while media and scientists are waiting for the Corps to approve the full permit, Graves said his office has been focused on the six berms covered under the emergency permit. “We certainly recognized that, timing-wise, with the well being capped, we were going to [stay with the first six berms],” he said.
Graves said some scientists and media outlets have misinterpreted his department’s efforts. He specifically mentioned The Advocate, which ran a Sept. 9 article describing a letter to the Corps claiming that “Jindal also wants the Corps’ permission to build 13 other berms for a total of 101 miles.” “The Advocate very much misconstrued what the EPA said,” Graves said. The letter was written by Miguel I. Flores, director of the EPA’s Water Quality Protection Division, and said, “We question the timeliness of berm construction and the ability of the berm to substantially reduce the amount of oil reaching wetlands. “We made it clear [to the Corps] that the six berms were our BERMS, see page 5
Good as Gold
BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille
LSU’s defensive line huddles up Sept. 11 before the Tigers’ 27-3 win against Vanderbilt. The Tigers will host Mississippi State on Saturday for the annual Gold Game.
Tigers open home slate Saturday against Mississippi State in annual Gold Game Mark Clements Sports Contributor
There’s no place like home. The adage echoes the general consensus around the LSU football locker room this week as the Tigers prepare to defend their home turf for the first time this year. No. 15 LSU (2-0, 1-0) hosts Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1)
Saturday night in Tiger Stadium for the annual Gold Game, in front of a home crowd calling for change. After two games, junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson has completed 23 of 41 passes for a mere 247 yards — last in the Southeastern Conference and 92nd in the nation. The LSU offense as a whole ranks 76th in the nation and ninth in the SEC with 352.5 yards per game.
“The quarterback play — we have to get better at it,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “I think everybody knows that, and certainly our quarterbacks do. I think the advantage is that both guys are competing.” Miles said Jefferson will get the start but didn’t shy away from the idea of junior quarterback Jarrett Lee seeing action, saying Lee has earned
the right to play. “There’s a point in time where the guy that works as hard as Lee needs the opportunity to get on the field and play because he has competed really well,” Miles said. “I don’t know that it’s even with regard to how Jordan’s playing. I don’t necessarily think it’s a negative if I go GOLD GAME, see page 5
The Daily Reveille
Nation & World
page 2
INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
15 die in Somalia after an attack during a parliament session
Gunman shoots doctor, kills mother and self at Johns Hopkins Hospital
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Mortar rounds fired by suspected Islamist insurgents crashed into Somalia’s government complex on Thursday, killing three government soldiers, wounding a member of parliament and triggering a counterattack that killed a dozen more people. Israel’s compromises key to Mideast peace talk progress
BALTIMORE (AP) — A man who became distraught as he was being briefed on his mother’s condition by a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital pulled a gun and shot the doctor, then killed his mother and himself in her room at the world-famous medical center Thursday, police said. The doctor, who was wounded in the abdomen, is expected to survive. The gunman, 50-year-old Paul Warren Pardus, had been listening to the surgeon around midday when he “became emotionally distraught and reacted ... and was overwhelmed by the news of his mother’s condition,” Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III said. Report: Fracking chemicals found in NE Pennsylvania water wells
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Two days of Mideast peace talks appear to have brought Israel and the Palestinians closer to a deal that would allow those talks to continue, but far more difficult issues lay ahead. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak suggested a compromise over Israel’s plan to lift its partial ban on construction on the West Bank later this month, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he sees no alternative but to continue negotiations in search of peace with Israel.
DIMOCK, Pa. (AP) — A private consulting firm says it found toxic chemicals in the drinking water of a Pennsylvania community
STEVE RUARK / The Associated Press
Members of the Baltimore County SWAT team arrive at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on Thursday after a man shot and wounded a doctor before killing his mother and himself.
already dealing with methane contamination from natural gas drilling. Environmental engineer Daniel Farnham said Thursday that his tests, which were verified by three laboratories, found industrial solvents such as toluene and ethylbenzene in “virtually every sample” taken from water wells in Dimock Township. Teen uses Care Bear to demonstrate how he killed younger brother RISING SUN, Ind. (AP) — A video shows an Indiana teenager using a green Care Bear doll to demonstrate to authorities how he strangled his 10-year-old brother in the kitchen of their home. The video was played Thursday on the second day of 18-year-old Andrew Conley’s sentencing hearing in Ohio Circuit Court in the small Ohio River town of Rising Sun. Conley unexpectedly pleaded guilty to murder Monday in his brother’s death last year. He could face 45 years to life in prison.
STATE/LOCAL
Nucor bond deal gets preliminary state approval Thursday (AP) — A key financing peg of steelmaker Nucor’s plan to build a major iron and steel plant in St. James Parish won preliminary state approval Thursday, marking a first step forward on one of Louisiana’s biggest industrial deals ever. Nucor announced a day earlier that Louisiana had won the massive project after years of wooing the manufacturer. Once complete, the project to be built between New Orleans and Baton Rouge could total $3.4 billion and create hundreds of jobs. Bush: Giving up Heisman Trophy not an admission of guilt METAIRIE (AP) — Reggie Bush said Thursday that his decision to relinquish his Heisman Trophy should not be seen as an admission that he and his family improperly accepted cash and gifts from sports agents while he played for Southern Cal.
Weather
SATURDAY
93
Low:
71
MONDAY
Partly Cloudy
“I just felt like it was the best thing to do, the most respectful thing to do, because obviously I do respect the Heisman, I do respect all the things it stands for,” Bush said. “I felt just to kind of silence all the talk around it, all the negativity around it. I felt like this would be the best decision to do right now so I could focus.” Transocean, US resolve dispute over key oil spill evidence NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A dispute between the owner of the rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and the federal government over how a key piece of evidence is being handled has been resolved. A lawyer for Transocean Ltd. said during a federal court hearing in New Orleans on Thursday that the government has agreed to flush the control pods on the blowout preventer to keep the device from corroding before investigators analyze it to determine why it failed to stop the massive oil spill.
TODAY ON
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Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
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TUESDAY 90 71
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Music Blog: Florence + the Machine
STOP AND STAIR @lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports
African American Cultural Center Meet and Greet Dessert Reception
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 5:30-7:30 pm in the AACC For more info, contact us at 225-578-1627 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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LYNDSI LEWIS / The Daily Reveille
Check out more staircases on campus in today’s Snapshot at lsureveille.com.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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The Daily Reveille
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
page 3
STUDENT LIFE
Fall Fest starts at 11 a.m. today
More activities added for this year Sarah Eddington Staff Writer
Fall Fest 2010 promises to be one of the largest ones yet in honor of the University’s sesquicentennial. The annual “welcome back” event, held today from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., hosts more than 8,000 faculty, staff and students each year. Nancy Little, this year’s Fall Fest chair, said this year’s celebration will feature more activities than in previous years, including both old and new traditions. Like in previous years, the fest will include free food, like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and snowballs. Activities include a rock wall from LSU University Recreation,
science experiments from ExxonMobil and step show performances from Greek students. New additions to the event include phone charging stations from AT&T, an IndyCar on display in front of Dodson Auditorium and a two-step activity sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Our activities are on a larger scale this year,” Little said. “Our footprint has increased a little bit.” Little said volunteers will be on hand to ensure the event’s carbon footprint remains small. “We are going to have volunteers all over the area making sure students are recycling and composting to reduce waste as best we can,” she said. The annual event usually costs around $25,000, Little said. “Much of the event is privately funded by the seven sesquicentennial sponsors,” she said. “No student fees
are used for this.” The seven sponsors include Campus Federal Credit Union, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company, AT&T, Raising Cane’s, Entergy, ExxonMobil and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Little said additional funding comes from University Relations’ Special Events account, which allots $15,000 each year for campus events. Little said Fall Fest is one of the more popular campus events. “It draws a lot of people,” she said. “It’s been boasted by some to be one of the best events LSU has. It allows faculty, staff and students a chance to get outside and do something fun during lunchtime.”
Contact Sarah Eddington at seddington@lsureveille.com
GAME DAY
Various agencies to patrol tailgating
EMS will also be available on site Kayla DuBos Contributing Writer
University officials are preparing for an influx of more than 100,000 tailgaters and game attendees for the first home game of the season Saturday, said Assistant Dean of Students and Associate Director of Student Advocacy and Accountability Katie McGee Barras. And with tailgating comes heightened security on campus and the recurring problems of drinking and underage intoxication, Barras said. “Our goal is to make sure students are made more aware of the consequences of their actions,” McGee said. Many people try to bring alcohol into Tiger Stadium in flasks, which are prohibited, she said. “Students who get caught with alcohol in the stadium, underage or not, get written up by our office and ejected from the game,” McGee said. “Minors that are caught also receive an MIP.” The LSU Police Department will be joined by members of the [Alcoholic Beverage Control] and [Juvenile and Underage Drinking Enforcement] McGee said. EMS units remain near the student entrance to the stadium during games to deal with fans who have consumed too much alcohol, McGee said. “EMS will evaluate those in
7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m. Noon, 3:20 p.m. 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
question, and if they are in danger, we transport them to a hospital,” McGee said. “If they are too intoxicated but are not in any medical danger, a guardian and-or sober friend is called to bring them home.” LSUPD spokesman Det. Kevin Scott said plainclothes officers from LSUPD and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office will be watching for public urination. He said punishment for urinating in public can range from a simple misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief to an obscenity charge requiring registration as a sex offender, depending on the situation. Music and other utilities on campus also have strict policies. Music must be confined to each individual tailgate area with speakers turned toward the tailgate area. Music must be turned off by midnight the night before gameday and 2 a.m. after games. The use of electric outlets in or
around University facilities as well as the use of University water sources while tailgating is prohibited. The use of another student’s ID to enter the stadium will result in a citation from the Office of Advocacy and Accountability and ejection from the game, McGee said. The Capital Area Transit System will begin its Touchdown Express Shuttle service Saturday, according to the Downtown Development District. CATS CEO Brian Marshall said the shuttle will run four hours before the game and an hour after the game. The shuttle will service three locations: Galvez Plaza, Acadian at Perkins and the Catholic Life Center at Hundred Oaks and Acadian Thruway.
Friday September 17 Live After Five Concert Series Four Unplugged - Variety 5 PM - 8 PM Free to the Public Downtown North Blvd at Third Street
Contact Kayla DuBos at kdubos@lsureveille.com
Pluckers Wing Bar
Mon.: $14.99 All You Can Eat Wings and $3 Pluckers Lemonades Tues.: Kids Eat Free, $3 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wed: Trivia at 8 pm, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud and Miller Thurs: $15.99 All You Can Eat Wings, $4.50 Mother Plucker Mugs of Bud Light and Miller Lite, $5.50 Patron Margaritas Sun: $3 Pluckers Specialty Shots
9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 4:00- 5:30 PM 8:00-9:30 PM
Billy Madison Repo Men Hot Tub Time Machine Green Zone
The Daily Reveille
page 4
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
MASCOT
Mike spent summer practicing trailer entry for games Tiger could still refuse cooperation Nicholas Persac Contributing Writer
Mike VI, the University’s live tiger mascot, spent part of the summer practicing entering his trailer for home football games, and his costumed counterpart took time to refresh fans on cheers with a video encouraging stadium-wide participation. “It’s pretty awesome when [Mike VI] rides around the field with the cheerleaders,” said Mark Haddox, a philosophy junior who visited the tiger’s habitat
Daily Reveille File Photo
Mike VI roams his new habitat after he first arrived at the University in 2007.
Thursday with his girlfriend. “It’s something you come to expect,
and it goes hand-in-hand with pregame.”
Two veterinary student caretakers worked with Mike VI on his loading technique this summer, but as a young male tiger he may decide to not cooperate, and the caretakers can’t force him in, said Ginger Guttner, School of Veterinary Medicine spokeswoman. If Mike VI decides to not attend a game, fans should not be worried. During the 2007 season, Mike VI missed only the first game because his caretakers deemed the day-game weather too hot, Guttner said. In 2009, Mike VI made it to the stadium for all but one game, when the field was too wet for his trailer. But in 2008, Mike VI missed six of the eight home games,
attending the first two and not entering the trailer for the remainder of the season, Guttner said. Guttner said Mike VI adds an intimidation factor because his trailer is “parked outside of the visiting team’s locker room before the game,” and players walk by him to access the field. The Athletic Department posted to its website and YouTube this week a mock-instruction video of the costumed Mike the Tiger acting out the cheers.
Contact Nicholas Persac at npersac@lsureveille.com
ADMINISTRATION
HR transition team created to help newly laid-off employees Various resources made available Kayla DuBos Contributing Writer
With the recent budget cuts endangering the jobs of many University faculty and staff, Human Resource Management has stepped in to provide support to its now-former employees. A transition team has been created to assist the recently laid-off faculty with various resources that are available on and off campus, said Mimi Ruebsamen, executive director of employment for HRM. “We have taken a number of steps to provide support to employees whose positions may have been impacted by budget reductions and-or program closures,” Ruebsamen said. More than 280 layoff notices have been issued to University employees since April 2009, according to the Office of the Chancellor. In the 2007-08 school year, faculty increased from 1,517 to 1,560, followed by a drop in the 2008-09 year from 1,560 to 1,502, according to the Office of Budget and Planning. “We have assisted approximately 35 employees since these layoff notices were given,” Ruebsamen said. HRM helps former faculty members find jobs as the University goes through budget cuts, Ruebsamen said.
“LSU Career Services is a full-service career planning center, which assists in identifying career paths and the development of jobsearch skills,” Ruebsamen said. Career Services’ Job Search Team provides sessions that give guidance on preparing application materials, Ruebsamen said. “HRM’s website provides specifics about open positions on multiple campuses in the LSU System as well as links to all current job opportunities at all state agencies,” Ruebsamen said. The Training and Development Department of HRM is of-
fering opportunities for job skill development on campus as well as through the Civil Service Comprehensive Public Training Program. The CPTP is a state-funded training program for state employees, according to the Division of Administration for Louisiana’s website. “Through the CPTP, agencies are offered management development and supervisory training, and general application classes on topics such as computer software and writing skills,” according to the Division of Administration’s website.
HRM is currently developing workshops tailored to meet the needs of individual employees, Ruebsamen said. Administrative Coordinator for HRM Paulette Varnado lost her job as printing consultant for Printing Services. “Once I heard about the posting of budget cuts, I realized that I was losing my job,” Varnado said. In response to her job loss, Varnado went to HRM to meet about benefits and retirement plans. “I went through the website, which was easy to navigate,”
Varnado said. “I found an adequate amount of information to make my job hunt easier.” Varnado said she heard about an on-campus job with HRM and the office helped her set up interviews and organize her résumé. “Because it was an on-campus job, HRM made sure participants of the program had an opportunity to be interviewed,” Varnado said.
Contact Kayla DuBos at kdubos@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 CHANCELLOR, from page 1
team include Vice Chancellor and Provost Joe King, Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Scott Whittenburg, Vice Chancellor for Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Linda Robison and Vice Chancellor for Campus Services Joel Chatelain. Paul Frick, UNO Department of Psychology chair, said the UNO community is surprised because there had been no prior discussion of Ryan leaving. “I don’t know of any faculty member or student that had any inkling of this coming,” Frick said. Frick said it’s a tough time to be a chancellor during budget cuts, when many decisions are unpopular ones. UNO geography senior Dylan Barr said no one at the University is happy Lombardi is becoming chancellor after firing Ryan. “[Ryan] maybe got forced out for trying to stand up for UNO,” Barr said. “[Lombardi] has shown for the past few years he does not care about this university.” Barr said the mood on campus after the announcement was sad, and a crowd applauded Ryan as he stepped outdoors from Thursday’s news conference. Staff writer Catherine Threlkeld contributed to this report. Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com
BERMS, from page 1
priority,” Graves said. Graves said the decision was a result of a lack of dredging capacity in navigational canals, obstacles with obtaining approval of dredging sites and other unforeseen issues like tropical storms and equipment malfunctions that slowed construction progress — not pressure from the outside scientific or political community. Graves said the permitting process for full approval would likely take until around December of next year. “By that point, it would be difficult for us to get funding,” he said. Graves said the decision was communicated to the Corps verbally. Attempts by his office to find e-mail or other tangible communication to that effect were unsuccessful by press time.
GOLD GAME, from page 1
with another guy.” Regardless of who’s taking the snaps this Saturday, junior running back Stevan Ridley said the team is going to support whoever is under center. “We’ve got to get Jordan in a groove,” Ridley said. “But if Coach [Miles] wants to throw Jarrett in there, then so be it. We’re going to be behind whoever is behind that center, and that’s all we can really do is support this team.” Ridley got into a groove last week, running for 159 yards on 17 carries at Vanderbilt. Overall, LSU sits 28th in the nation in rushing, averaging 221 yards per game. Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen complimented LSU’s stable of running backs and said the production starts with the talent on the offensive line. “Traditionally LSU is always a very strong power-running football team,” Mullen said. “They have very productive backs who do a nice job running the ball, and a lot of that to me comes from the offensive line. They’re going to play power football and grind you out.” While the running game seems to be the bright spot in the Tiger offense this season, it was a struggle in last year’s clash against State in Starkville. The Tigers allowed 151 rush yards in that game while only mustering 30 yards for themselves in the stormy scuffle. But State’s stingy defense wasn’t a fluke. Through two games Not only do Graves’ statements seem in conflict with media reports, they conflict with coastal scientists’ perceptions of the situation. Len Bahr, a former University marine sciences faculty member and blogger who has been an outspoken opponent of the berm project, said he sat in on a meeting of the Office of Coastal Activities on Wednesday — at which Graves spoke — and had no clue the state had decided not to pursue the full permit. “I didn’t hear a whisper about it,” Bahr said. “As far as I could tell, they were still going for the full deal.” Paul Kemp, vice president of the Audubon Society’s Gulf Coast Initiative, said the decision not to pursue the full 100-mile-plus project is news to him, as well. “This is the first time I’ve
this season, the Bulldogs have held opponents to only 21 total points and 292.5 yards per game — sixth in the SEC. “That’s one thing that State has done throughout the years — their defense has been good,” said sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard. “Against Mississippi State you have to play smash-mouth football and be able to get in there and make the tough plays.” The LSU defense has been making those tough plays this year. The Tigers lead the NCAA with 10 sacks and are currently fifth in the SEC allowing 285.5 yards per game. Senior defensive tackle Drake Nevis, who leads the team with 3.5 sacks, credited the success of the defensive line this year to coaching staff. “As a unit you want to be productive, and as a defensive lineman one thing you dream of is having sacks,” Nevis said. “We’ve just been in the right position at the right time, and it’s an honor to have the sacks we have.” Overall, the team is excited to kick off its home campaign. Shepard said there is nothing like playing in Tiger Stadium and called Tiger fans some of the best in the nation. “The stadium is like a 12th man on the field,” Shepard said. “To hear those fans and when you can’t hear yourself it’s pretty neat. I’m excited but kind of sorry for Mississippi State.” Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com heard it said publicly that they didn’t want to go all the way,” said Kemp, who has helped write several letters to the state as part of the organization’s input into the effort. “It sounds to me like there might be some rewriting of history here,” he said.
Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com
page 5
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
The Daily Reveille
page 6
Volleyball: LSU vs. Auburn at 7 p.m. in the PMAC
Sports
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
page 7
Mississippi Two-Step
RECRUITING
LSU turns out-ofstate to fill 2011 class Hunter Paniagua Sports Contributor
photos by ROGELIO V. SOLIS and KERRY SMITH / The Associated Press
Mississippi State quarterbacks Tyler Russell, left, and Chris Relf, right, look for receivers Sept. 9 as Auburn defensive linemen rush them during the Bulldogs’ 17-14 loss.
Mississippi State quarterbacks Russell, Relf lead dual-headed Bulldog attack Sean Isabella Sports Writer
Two quarterbacks. One ball. It may be the least popular trend in the country, as well as the Southeastern Conference. Just don’t tell that to Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen. The second-year coach is once again heading up an offensive attack that includes two quarterbacks — junior Chris Relf and redshirt freshman Tyler Russell. “If you have two quarterbacks with very different talents, you can use one to highlight each of their talents. That’s an advantage,” Mullen said. Relf, listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 240
pounds, is better known for his scrambling and playmaking ability. The 6-foot-5-inch, 225-pound Russell is more of a pocket passer. The combination provides for an interesting matchup for defenses. “We do a really good job of complementing each other,” said Russell, who was a Rivals.com four-star recruit in 2009. “The defense never knows what’s going to happen when I get in there or Chris gets in there.” The two have almost evenly split playing time in the team’s first two games. Relf has thrown 35 times compared to Russell’s 25, but it’s Russell’s statistics that jump out at first glance. The Meridian, Miss., native threw four touchdowns passes in a season-opening win against Memphis but was only 4-for-9 for 19
yards last Saturday in a 17-14 loss to Auburn. The more experienced Relf took the bulk of the snaps against Auburn, attempting 26 passes to go along with 14 rushing attempts. Logic says a player wouldn’t be too ecstatic to share snaps, but surprisingly, there isn’t animosity between the pair. “It’s not like we’re battling. We’re teammates,” said Russell, adding the two are close friends off the field. “It’s our job to tell each other things to put us in the best possible situation to win.” The duo gets a chance to go up against one of most stout defenses in the SEC on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Even though LSU leads the nation in sacks, Relf and DUAL, see page 10
Watch LSU take on Mississippi State on Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPNU
Not every Bayou Bengal hails from the Bayou State. Senior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard comes from Stone Mountain, Ga., junior cornerback Patrick Peterson grew up in Pompano Beach, Fla., and sophomore wide receiver Russell Shepard hails from Houston. But only five of LSU’s 17 commitments from the class of 2011 reside outside Louisiana. Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com, credits the wealth of talent within the state’s borders for lowering the number of out-of-state recruits. “There’s so much in-state talent, there’s no need to spend time outside the state when so many kids in-state are just as good or just much better,” Dixon said. Coaches typically turn outside Louisiana when needs develop that can’t be satisfied with in-state talent, said Rivals.com recruiting analyst Mike Scarborough. So was the case at quarterback and linebacker for LSU. The Tigers received a commitment Aug. 6 from three-star quarterback Stephen Rivers. The Athens, Ala., native and younger brother of San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns his junior season. At 6 feet 2 inches and 200 pounds, Rivers throws with the same unconventional throwing motion as his brother, and Dixon considers him to be a project. COMMITMENTS, see page 10
VOLLEYBALL
LSU begins defending SEC title Priority point game set for Friday night Rob Landry Sports Contributor
The No. 19 LSU volleyball team is off to its best start since 1991, cracking the top 20 in the national polls for the first time this season. But starting tonight, none of that means anything. The records, for all intents and purposes, are cleared when the Tigers (9-0) begin their
Southeastern Conference title defense against Auburn (9-3). They will also host Georgia (8-3) on Sunday. LSU currently ranks in the top three in the SEC in every major statistical category with the exception of blocking. LSU coach Fran Flory said the key to her team’s quick start out of the gates is the player’s cohesiveness as a group. “The kids have done a great job of accepting roles, pushing teammates, and when people see us play we’re a good team,” Flory said. “And good teams beat talent all the time.”
Senior outside hitter Tania Schatow said one thing the team continues to work on in practice is playing at the same high level everyday to avoid any type of a letdown. “We need to be more consistent and intense all the time,” Schatow said. “Sometimes we go up and down, but I think the biggest thing is consistency.” One of the Tigers’ main standout performers in last weekend’s Tiger Classic was junior middle blocker Michele Williams. Williams was named SEC DEFENSE, see page 10
BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille
LSU middle blockers Tania Schatow (19) and Michele Williams (23) block a spike Saturday during Tigers’ 3-2 win against New Mexico State in the PMAC.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
FOOTBALL
Oil recovery efforts to be recognized during game Saturday Nicholas Persac Contributing Writer
Thousands of fans will pack Tiger Stadium on Saturday night for the matchup against Mississippi State, and the Athletic Department will use that stage to honor two groups from the University community working with
oil-spill response efforts. First, faculty, staff and students from the School of Veterinary Medicine who helped clean birds and wildlife after the April 20 BP well blowout will go on the football field between the first and second quarters to be recognized, said Herb Vincent, associate vice chancellor for University
Relations and senior associate athletic director. Then, during “an early game timeout,” Vincent said “a number of University researchers” working to understand the oil’s many impacts will receive recognition for those efforts. “It’s an important symbol when we do these things because
LSU football games are such a great gathering of people across the state,” Vincent said. Shawn Keaton, a doctoral student specializing in sports identity and communication in the Department of Communication Studies, said fans “largely believe” athletic teams have “a responsibility to give back
to the community.” “[Such efforts] show the symbolism of ‘one for all and all for one,’ [and] says LSU is one of the ‘us,’” Keaton said.
Contact Nicholas Persac at npersac@lsureveille.com
SOCCER
Tigers travel to Illinois, return home for McNeese State
Rowan Kavner Sports Writer
Losing is impossible when opponents don’t score. The LSU soccer team (2-31), fresh off consecutive shutouts against No. 12 BYU and LouisianaLafayette, travels to Illinois (5-1) on Friday before returning home Sunday to play in-state rival McNeese State. The Tigers tied BYU, 0-0, snapping a three-game losing streak last Thursday and followed with a 1-0 win against Louisiana-Lafayette. “I wouldn’t say we’re more defensive,” said junior defender Taryne Boudreau. “But with the game plan Coach [Brian Lee] has been coming up with, we needed more in the midfield for winning more balls.” Neither the Tigers nor the Fighting Illini have allowed a goal in their
last two games, and Illinois is undefeated at home. Lee said he favors the Tigers if Friday’s game is a grind-it-out, lowscoring match. “We’ve improved a lot defensively,” Lee said. “That’s one of our strengths right now, so hopefully it’s a defensive-oriented match and a low-scoring game.” The Illini started the season with a bang, already compiling four shutouts. But they haven’t played any ranked opponents thus far. “I know from talking with Brian they’re obviously a really great team and always have been,” Boudreau said. “We have to do what we did against BYU — coming out strong and playing our game.” Lee said the Tigers have controlled the tempo in most of their matches. He said they have to work on finishing scoring chances and not
giving up goals on what Lee called “big blunders.” “We kind of sorted out the back line and center-midfielders, and we’ve just got to figure out how to score some goals against quality teams,” Lee said. The Tigers suffered a blow when they lost freshman forward Kaley Blades, the Tigers’ secondleading scorer, to an MCL injury. But sophomore forward Carlie Banks, who scored the Tigers’ lone goal last weekend, said she’s not concerned about the Tigers’ lack of scoring. “We just need to play from the midfield and get it out wide,” Banks said. “Up the wing we have a good attack, and I just think if we get it there we can create a good attack.” LSU is away for Friday’s game and home for Sunday’s game for the second week in a row. “We’re in such an isolated
CROSS COUNTRY
LSU starts 2010 season at MSU
Ryan Ginn
Sports Contributor
For the LSU cross country teams, the 2010 season will bring a new-look schedule and roster. They can only hope it also brings different results. After losing their top three runners to injuries and academic issues, the Tigers struggled to a last-place finish at the Southeastern Conference Championships and 18th in a 19-team field at NCAA regionals, behind the likes of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Texas-Pan American. The Lady Tigers finished 11th out of 12 teams at the SEC Championships and last at NCAA regionals last season. However, LSU coach Mark Elliott said last year’s struggles will ultimately help the team this season. “The [2009] season wasn’t what we expected it to be,” he said. “But with two of our guys back that redshirted last year, we should have a much better team. We’ll know after the first meet, but our goal is to vastly improve on our performance from last year.” LSU begins its season Friday at the MSU Invitational in Starkville, Miss., instead of Alabama’s Crimson Classic, an early-season stop in past seasons. “Your first meet, as it relates to cross country, is to see where your team is,” Elliott said. “It’s a challenging course, so that’s the main reason for picking that course.” Elliott expects the Tigers to be a much deeper group because of
the experience that younger runners gained last year. Perhaps the biggest beneficiary was junior Cullen Doody, the team’s highest finisher in every race in 2009. “I think it made everybody a little better because you have completely different teammates, so you’re forced to pick up the slack and step your game up when they’re not there,” Doody said. The Tigers will be bolstered by
the return of Richard Chautin and Alan Sticker, and Elliott believes they could be headed for their highest finish in a decade. “I think we have a men’s team that, if they run together collectively, should be somewhere in the top five in the conference,” he said. Contact Ryan Ginn at rginn@lsureveille.com
locale to get top-level competition we’ve got to travel a decent bit,” Lee said. “Rather than doing a bunch of away tournaments on the weekend, we’ll go play one quality game and then still get a home game on the backside.” The Tigers return home Sunday to play McNeese State (2-6) and defend their 11-match home winning streak. The Cowgirls won, 3-2,
against Louisiana-Monroe in their last match. “We love playing at home,” Banks said. “I feel like coming back from the road it’s just like, ‘OK, we’re home. Let’s do this.’”
Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
The Daily Reveille
page 9
page 10 COMMITMENTS, from page 7
“You get him into camp, and you like his size, and you like his last name, and you like what he’s able to do,” Dixon said. “He’s a guy you don’t want to pass on but don’t want to throw into the fire his redshirt freshman year.” LSU’s other notable out-ofstate commitment, four-star linebacker Trevon Randle, has the kind of speed and athleticism to fit well in defensive coordinator John Chavis’ scheme, said Scout. com recruiting analyst Sonny Shipp. The League City, Texas, native, who will enroll early at LSU, is athletic enough to play both sides of the football. Last season, he ran for 386 yards and 12 touchdowns, made 152 tackles and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. “LSU has had to go out of state a lot lately as far as linebackers go,” Shipp said. “And to get a kid like that this early in the process was a big get by the entire staff.” The Tigers could still be looking to add another out-ofstate quarterback or linebacker, Dixon said. Former University of Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger tops the list of targets at quarterback. Mettenberger transferred to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan., after being dismissed from the Georgia football team in April before pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. “I think there were some initial concerns,” Dixon said about Mettenberger’s off-the-field issues. “But they’ve smoothed that out. I think that since they’re pursuing him and have offered him [a scholarship] that everything has checked out and everything’s clear.” The Watkinsville, Ga., native had been competing with redshirt freshman Aaron Murray for the starting job at Georgia before his dismissal. “He’s looking to get back into a big-time environment,” Dixon said. “Mettenberger is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of development, and pressing him would be paramount for [LSU] right now.” LSU also has its eye set on five-star linebacker Travis Hughes, who will be visiting Baton Rouge on Oct. 1. Much like Randle, the Virginia Beach, Va., native plays on both sides of the ball, amassing 79 tackles and 1,312 rushing yards in his junior season. “You pick up a guy like him, and you have two of the top linebackers who play different positions,” Dixon said. Scarborough acknowledged that LSU may have to wait before some of the out-of-state recruits make their final decisions. “A lot of them are just sitting back and waiting to see what kind of football season LSU has,” Scarborough said.
Contact Hunter Paniagua at hpaniagua@lsureveille.com
The Daily Reveille
Mullen said Tebow only had five or 10 designed plays per Russell should still provide game, with Leak receiving the enough entertainment for the rest of the snaps. rowdy crowd. Mullen’s past and sense of “Watching those two, it’s familiarity with juggling two sigone of the most unique one-two nal callers has helped keep Relf punches we have in the SEC,” and Russell at bay. said LSU sophomore receiver “Everywhere he’s been he’s Russell Shepard. had two quarterbacks,” Russell Coaching staffs normally said. “That’s why we’re able to cringe at the prospect of playing make it work. It’s not something two quarterbacks with regularity, he hasn’t done before. He knows but not Mullen. disadvantages and It all started the advantages of nine years ago it.” when Mullen Mullen has developed Josh no rhyme or reaHarris and Andy son as to how he Sahm during his decides who is tenure as quargoing to play or Tyler Russell terbacks coach at how long either Mississippi State Bowling Green. will play. freshman quarterback After a brief stint Mullen and at Utah, Mullen offensive coordihelped orchestrate one of the na- nator Les Koenning don’t have tion’s best offenses at Florida in specific plays or packages for 2006, using a two-headed mon- Relf or Russell. They just simply ster with Tim Tebow and Chris let them play. Leak. “A lot of our rotation is by The 2010 version of the two- feel during the course of the quarterback system is vastly dif- game,” Mullen said. “They’ll ferent than Mullen’s 2006 scheme both play. As the game plays out, he ran with Leak and Tebow. we’ll see who has the hot hand.” In 2006, Tebow was a freshman and Leak was the established veteran, making it easier for Mullen to implement special packages instead of splitting Contact Sean Isabella at duties down the middle. sisabella@lsureveille.com
DUAL, from page 7
‘‘
‘It’s not like we’re battling. We’re teammates.’
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
DEFENSE, from page 7
Player of the Week for her efforts against North Carolina, Rice and New Mexico State, where she tallied 45 kills and had a .405 hitting percentage. She recorded at least five kills in five of her 12 sets on the weekend, including a 16 kill performance in LSU’s match with New Mexico State. “[SEC Player of the Week] is a great honor, but I owe it a lot to the team because everybody works hard together,” Williams said. “Without their digs, I wouldn’t be anything without
them.” Auburn enters the match fresh off winning the College of Charleston Classic where the Tigers swept Oregon State and College of Charleston. “Auburn was voted the most improved team in the league from last year to this,” Flory said. “They’ve taken an international tour, they’ve played together for a long time, they’ve got some new foreign kids who are very good. They’re a very different team.” Contact Rob Landry at rlandry@lsureveille.com
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
The Daily Reveille
page 11
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
page 12
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Let us drink and sing while the walls crumble around us It is a sad ordeal when, even with all of our University’s proposed budget cuts, we choose to continue with things like Fall Fest. Now I am not the kind of person who normally turns down free food and drinks, but I can’t help but feel concerned when it seems the value of my degree at LSU may start diminishing in the near future. It’s hard to believe we are continuing to spend money on excess things like construction including a new band hall and business complex, millions of dollars on
athletics and things like Fall Fest for fear of somehow disrupting the “student experience.” The administration is mistaken in assuming we can be bought by a couple of free hot dogs and live music. What we really care about is the value of our degrees and our ability to excel in the professional world after we graduate. When we are willing to sacrifice a third of the degree programs offered at LSU for some free food and a new shiny building, our problems as an academic body far exceed our budgetary issues. I appreciate the services of the university, but in this case I say no thanks. I can buy my own hot dogs. Jason Meaux petroleum engineering senior
Student section lacking passion this season Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night used to be the most feared place for an opponent to come play a football game. Unfortunately, we have gotten lazy as a fan base over the past couple seasons. Students leaving early during a perfectly good football game, and people showing up that really have no vested interest in the game in general have become too much of the norm. Legendary college football coach Bear Bryant once said of Tiger Stadium: “Baton Rouge is the
worst place in the world for an opposing team. It’s like playing inside of a drum.” LSU needs to restore this reputation of being an incredibly hostile environment, and it starts with us in the student section. An underrated Mississippi State team will come in here with a chip on their shoulders and play hard for 60 minutes on Saturday night. We need to cheer harder. The players on the field feed off of the energy we bring, and we need to be as loud as possible to help them achieve victory. Our beloved Tigers are 2-0 and have all of the tools to compete for the SEC West this season. Let me say that again: We have the tools to compete for the SEC West this season. So please, if you are planning on leaving after the third quarter, just don’t come. Go to the bar in the A/C
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 where you can drink all you want and watch the game on TV. If you are just going to stand there and not yell, clap or stomp, just don’t come. Tailgate all you want and have fun with your friends, but why spend money on something you just don’t care about? You’re wasting your time and the time of those of us that truly care about this team that pours out their heart and soul for us week after week. See you all on Saturday. WEAR GOLD! And GEAUX TIGERS! Drew Reeves marketing junior Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
THE C-SECTION
Plan B: The sexually active’s best friend after a night out Listen up, female Tigerland friends: I hold a solution to all of your problems. You’ve probably heard of it — Plan B One-Step. For those of you who are against the use of birth control just for the purpose of having sex, just wait a minute and hear me out. If you aren’t aware, Plan B is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive that inhibits ovulation by disrupting a woman’s normal hormone cycle, according to Medscape.com. Plan B is effective up to 72 hours after intercourse, earning it the name “the morning after pill.” Though Plan B may seem like a life-saver — or life-preventer, if you will — you could sill have a problem after a long night at Mike’s and later a drunken romp with the cute guy named something like Webber who was wearing a button-down Polo. You may not remember losing your virginity or if Webber wore a condom, and you may have caught the worst STD of all — unplanned pregnancy. But you shouldn’t fret as long as the makers of Plan B have anything to do with it. You still have 72 hours before the tailed Michael Phelpses swim to the other side of the pool and receive their single-celled trophy. At this point, you can still execute Plan B. So you go to the pharmacy and ask for Plan B. Here’s where the next problem lies. Plan B is expensive. Local Winn-Dixie pharmacist Rafik Dib said the pill can cost from $50 to $60. And when you’re about to check out, you realize you spent all your money on drinks at Mike’s last night. What a shame. You then go
home and cry. While you cry, you ask yourself, “How could such a small pill be so expensive?” Well, here’s the answer. Before any drug is released for public consumption, it has been through nearly 12 years of Food and Drug Administration testing and developing, according to Drugs.com. “Drug comChris Grillot panies need at least 1,000 paColumnist tients to test the drug on, and the company must pay both patients and the scientists,” Dib said of the long process. It’s no wonder this drug costs so much. Dib also attributed the high prices to demand. He said although the nearby Winn-Dixie is a small pharmacy, daily sales can hit around 30 boxes a day — especially after Valentine’s Day. I’ll avoid discussing the moral implications about the drug. So all biases aside, Plan B may be worth the $60 you’ll shell out for it. The price seems ridiculous for such a small pill, but after looking into the processes, the cost to make it and how much less it costs than a child, it’s worth it. I know you’ll complain that drug companies don’t need the money. I agree — they do not. You still have numerous other ways to defeat little Michael Phelpses in their swimming pool of mucosa. With a little TigerCash, the trusty Durex condoms sold in
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
Outtakes would be an obvious start. And despite Jonah Hill saying young girls don’t need lube in “Superbad,” a bottle of spermicidal lube can help out, too. Both of these are significantly less expensive than the potent Plan B pill. And if you can’t take advantage of these, you deserve to be out $60 the next day. There is one last resort if you can’t dish out the money for Plan B. This option may not cost you anything at all. It is possible to use standard birth control pills as emergency contraception, according
to The Mayo Clinic’s website. Better hope you have some nice hormone-regulated friends with a nice surplus of Yaz. But really, in the end, Plan B may be just what college students need. Unplanned pregnancies can easily ruin a college career. Though students are told to be responsible, the truth is no matter what happens, we won’t be. Most students are sill going to sleep with as many people as they want, and depending on the circumstances, contraceptive methods may not be used — especially if the guy forgets his
“responsibility” to bring a condom along. So to all those who choose to let their partners put the icing on the cake, I give you Plan B One-Step — the sprinkles, if you will. Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old mass communication and English sophomore from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_Cgrillot.
Contact Chris Grillot at cgrillot@lsureveille.com
BEST AND WITTIEST
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
Editorial Policies & Procedures The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass 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 “Belief is the death of intelligence.”
Robert Anton Wilson American author Jan. 18, 1932 — Jan. 11, 2007
The Daily Reveille
Opinion
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL
page 13
POP GOES THE CULTURE
US government bites off Anonymous Web comments more than it can chew should have signatures Arragon Perrone University of Connecticut
STORRS, Conn. — (UWIRE) Henry David Thoreau wrote “the government is best which governs least.” This is not to agree with the anarchists who say “the government is best which does nothing at all” or the statists who claim “the government is best which does the most things very well” or even the liberals who attest that “the government is best which does the most things well for everybody but those who do not believe so.” No, I believe that Mr. Thoreau touches upon something else: “The government is best which governs least,” as long as we embrace rationality and accept that it is better to do a few things well than many things wrong. One day after class, a concerned friend informed me that, in his opinion, I do too much. As I’m sure many overachievers would do, I brushed it aside and said, “Of course not. You’re wrong; I’m fine.” But really, I knew he was right. I was behind in my coursework, struggling to make deadlines and mentally drained. Worst of all, I was unable to complete the tasks I felt most strongly about. Then, it hit me. I was acting like the government. I was trying to do too much, too quickly. As a result, I was doing more things poorly than I was doing things well. Nowadays, Americans look to the government to do much more than protect and defend. They expect the government to dictate who can and cannot get married, how much money citizens should make and who can build what on private land. Then, with time and resources devoted to all those issues, the government forgets its priorities. The economy collapses. The budget explodes. Unemployment rises. Politicians make many promises to get elected — balance the budget, create jobs, defend against enemies, protect the environment and respect family values. Once elected, however, they realize it is very difficult to live up to promises that are too broad and too difficult to fix quickly with limited political resources. Meanwhile, they create the dangerous political illusion that they — the government — should care about certain issues they have no business caring about in the first place.
Say a candidate from Political Party A decides to run on family values. This position appeals to many voters who think, “Of course, who would not want their government to represent family values?” If this candidate wins and becomes part of the government, politicians now consider family values to be a winning campaign slogan, and voters come to expect future candidates to run on the same platform. But theoretically, a candidate from Political Party B may come along and claim that the government should restrict which TV shows parents can allow their children to watch, all under the guise of family values. Soon, voters and politicians waste their time debating useless tangents while ignoring the issues that the government should really care about, like economic health and defense. By focusing on secondary issues that are neither essential to the nation’s survival nor realistically feasible in the first place, the government distracts itself and accomplishes little. After I spoke with my friend, I considered the ways in which the government and I can rediscover our priorities. I can drop a class, cut a club and spend less time out with friends. The government can cut certain departments and identify and eliminate certain programs. The president can use the bully pulpit to create a new vision for America like John F. Kennedy, who had the ability to outline what citizens should expect out of their government, what the government should be responsible for and which issues are more appropriate for discussion in churches, schools and around dinner tables. The government cannot do everything. Neither I, nor any one individual person, can do everything. Until citizens learn to demand quality over quantity from their elected representatives, and until the government accepts this, the government will continue to cave under the pressure of problems it was never designed to fix.
What would you do if you knew you would get away with it? The rise of the unnamed and anonymous in our generation’s pop culture provides some pretty disturbing answers to that question. It seems a day never passes by without hearing of some new form of cyber-bullying (Truth Box applications), spamming or digital voyeurism (Omegle ). The skyrocketing rate of cybercrimes is due, in large part, to the Internet’s stranglehold on our daily lives. How many of us can remember how we wasted the majority of our free time before the age of social networking sites and online forums? I’ve tried — and failed — to remember those days. The Internet also affords this incredible ability to say whatever we please, to whomever we please, without fear of repercussion. In other words, it is the freedom of speech and press. Sound familiar? It should: It’s our First Amendment right. One would think that in America, the land of the free and home of the brave, most people would proudly exercise this right to publish their views, speak their minds and defend their beliefs. But a curious phenomenon befalls people when given a blank comment box and the chance to check “Anonymous.” Inhibitions vanish along with the nerve it takes to attach a name to one’s own opinion. As a result, honesty and the courage of conviction also crumble. People under the influence of anonymity
say things they would never admit in everyday life. The damage this lack of accountability does to our public discourse is crippling. I’m talking to you, A. Nonny Mouse, and all your immature, similarly named cousins who have infested online news forums, including lsureveille.com. Newspapers try to report the truth and stimulate thoughtful conversations among readers, concepts the Internet format only discourages. One must question the validity of evKelly Hotard erything that is said, not to Columnist mention who is saying it — and no online source comes with a certificate of authenticity. Of course, every mass communication major realizes the importance of anonymity and “protecting one’s sources,” as all journalists are instructed to do in some sensitive situations. But choosing to remain anonymous while broadcasting one’s opinion is cowardly — and contradictory. Essentially, the message anonymous comments send is: “I don’t mind telling you what I think — as long as you don’t know I think it.” The inability to know who you’re really communicating with online makes a genuine, civil dialogue impossible. The effect of anonymous complaining is, well, ineffective when it comes to solving problems and making a
difference. Thankfully, most newspapers require full contact details when readers submit letters to the editor. Some websites even place a flashy “medal of honor” next to members who dare to use their real names — a commendable, but sad measure. When did such a straightforward action become so rare? To truly stand up for what you believe in is a noble cause that also means dealing with the consequences, whatever they may be. If it’s your heartfelt opinion, own up to it. To paraphrase a common Facebook quote (coined, no doubt, by “Anonymous”): In a digital realm where you can be anything, be yourself. Readers, I’m bringing honesty back. Or at least that is my goal as a columnist. I realize when it comes to what is “popular” in our culture, my views are not likely to match the majority of yours. But I will be candid to you in what I have to say, and in turn, that is what I expect from you. Read each future column with an open mind and by all means leave comments. If you like it, even — perhaps especially — if you don’t, be sure to put a name on it. 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
Read more at http://www.dailycampus.com/commentary/americans-shouldn-t-depend-on-government-1.1598262
Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at opinion@lsureveille.com
cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE
Classifieds
page 14
To place your ad: Visit www.lsureveille.com and click on classifieds
Announcements
Help Wanted DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED at busy dental lab. Neat, good driving record & drug screen reqd. PT. 225.201.0880 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 TEACHERS NEEDED starting pay $20/hr. Need Math and English teachers. Send resumes to info@amezhicrc.com GREAT RESUME EXPERIENCE Are you looking for great resume experience? Would you like to earn some money on the side? Are you organized, selfmotivated, 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 realworld sales experience! Send resume to: broadcastsales@klsu.fm STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In Baton Rogue. 100% Free To Join! Click On Surveys. WANT TO PLAY AT WORK? The Little Gym of Baton Rouge is looking for energetic, fun loving and self motivated instructors to teach gymnastics, sports skills and karate classes to children ages 3-12. Morning, Evening and Weekend hours available. Please email eely@thelittlegym.com or call 225.757.9930 12TEMPORARY WORKERS Felix Venegas P. O BOX 771 6202 Farm Rd.2083 Ozona Texas 76943 Duties: Farm workers Farm & Ranch Animals 10/01/2010-08/01/2011 Pay rate $9.78per hour plus piece rate depending on activity. Guaranteed æ of contract hours. All tools, supplies, equipment and housing will be provided at no cost to the worker. Duties consist of shearing sheep, care for the wool and sheep after shearing. Workers will also be responsible for maintaining their work areas where these duties are conducted. Transportation and subsistence expense reimbursed Interested applicants can send resumes nearest State Workforce Agency office using job listing number TX6781963 DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Now hiring for all positions at the following locations:
Cost: 35 cents per word a day Personals Free for students
Employment 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 HORT. & LAND. ARCH. STUDENTS Plant sales help needed for Fri., Sat. and/or Sun. at Harb’s Oasis Garden Center on Coursey Blvd. email:harb.oasis@gmail. com 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 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 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 JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE NOW HIRING Apply On-line: Johnnys-Pizza.com or On Location: 8873 Highland Rd. 225.763.9797 PARKVIEW BAPTIST PRESCHOOL Preschool Afternoon Teachers needed 3-6pm flex days. no degree required. Please email your resume to parkviewbps@gmail.com EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com FT/PT POSITITIONS AVAIL! Quickly expanding company looking for PT & FT help for clerical/office admin work. Answering phones, customer service, filing, faxing, etc. Must be friendly, great with people, quick learner and self-starter. Looking for energetic and positive attitudes! $1012 starting pay. Microsoft proficient is a must. 225.753.6766 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 ;)
Housing
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
Deadlines: 12 noon two school days prior to the print publication date
Merchandise
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 1-800-9656520 ext127 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
For Sale 2003 PIAGGIO BV200 scooter. 70+ MPG. Excellent condition. Includes 2 helmets. $2,250 225.622.5652 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR FALL and SPRING 20102011!! Reserve now! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. 225.383.0143
For Rent TOWNHOME FOR RENT 2 Bed Rm, 1.5 Bath, with washer/ Dryer. on LSU bus line, $ 675/ month, call 225-802-1961 LSU TIGERLAND 1& 2 br, Flat & T/H. W/F, Pool W/S pd, LSU Bus $475 $650/mo 225.615.8521 SPECIALS NOW AVAILABLE Arlington Trace, Summer Grove & Lake Beau Pre Townhomes! 2 & 3 Bedroom Floorplans Gated Communities, Clubhouse with Work Out Room, Pool & Gaming Areas Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR Fall 2010 and Spring 2011!! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living. 225.383.0143
Transportation
4 BEDROOM HOUSE Great Location Large rooms-2 Baths -ceramic floors all appliances/Washer-Dryer-Available Immediately Call 318.573.5102 CHATEAU DU COUR In Tigerland. All new large 1&2 BR in enclosed complex. $495 & $595. Cell 713-542-4371. 3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet 225.978.7400 1-2BR APTS. near LSU, $450-600/ month, call Wang 225.278.6621 or 225.278.6622 APT FOR SUBLEASE 2 BR/2 B apartment on Essen Ln. $870. Sublease runs from Move-In date - 6/30/10. dumasapartment@gmail.com. 318.680.3529 CHATEAU DU COUR IN TIGERLAND Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com LARGE 1-BR (650 sq ft) $500 and 2-br (1170 sq ft) $700 in small quiet complex ideal for serious students. Walk, cycle or take the LSU bus to school, shopping. On-site manager, reserved parking, video surveillence security. 757-8175. Apply online at http://riverroadapartments.tripod.com 1 BED ROOM AVAILABLE NOW. $475. 4065 Burbank. $300 Deposit. Near Walk-Ons. www.lsubr.com for pics/ floorplans. No Pets. One year lease. 978-1649. HIGHLAND ROAD House 3br/2ba $1099/mo. 225.769.1079 2 BD 2.5 BATH CONDO Available immediately. Renovated, W/ D. $900/ mo. Very secluded, backs up to Meadow Bend Subdivision. 8091 Bayou Fountain Unit 203. 225.330.9286 or 225.757.0494
Roommate Wanted MALE ROOMMATE NEEDED for 2BR/2BA condo @I-10 & college Dr. 2 car garage. Full kitchen and living room. $350/ month+1/3util. Bschro4@lsu.edu 225.615.6912
Personals
Services
LONELY YOKO SEEKS HER LENNON Somewhat Asian female looking for a man, 5’8” or taller, to get lost with, literally. I need someone who can handle their alcohol and my inappropriate jokes. Bonus points for dressing like Harry Potter. I’ll leave you hungry for more. Email me at AsianKesha@gmail.com KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR WANTED Lonely woman seeking a handsome, but sweet man ages 19-22 for friendship or romance. Tired of being used and/or waiting for love to miraculously drop into her lap. Let’s have coffee because college is lonely. Introduce yourself! Email me: collegeislonely@gmail.com No weirdos (Like that will stop you). SEEKING HILLARY LOOK-ALIKE I love the environment, vegetables, recycling, books, gays, and protesting everything, so pretty much just a normal, run-of-the-mill democrat. If you want to meet up over a non-fat, dairy-free, sugarfree, caffeine-free latte’ and talk about how much we love taxation just send me an email at bdonne3@lsu.edu COME AND KNOCK ON OUR DOOR, We’ll be waiting for you! Two female roommates looking for burly man to complete Three’s Company environment. Man needed to open jars, change light bulbs, and fix our “plumbing”. Contact me at epierc1@lsu.edu WANNA HANG OUT? Amateur photographer looking for cool people who love photography to socialize and shoot with. Email me at photophile117@hotmail. com if you’re down to chill. YOUNG SOCCER STUD looking for more people to play with. Already decent number to kick balls around with but more are always welcome! We play Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday on the Parade Grounds at 4:30. Girls and Guys welcome! Please come play with me! INAPPROPRIATE MAN Seeks equally ignominious woman for companionship, dirty jokes, awkward moments, and possibly more. Contact jjacobs2376@gmail.com
Miscellaneous CONTACT IMPROV Group starting. Dancers of all levels and abilities. Call Elizabeth. 225.362.2511 TUTORING FOR PRE-MED STUDENTS BY RETIRED BOARD CERTIFIED MD 225-953-2059
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010
The Daily Reveille
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The Daily Reveille
Friday, Sept. 17, 2010