ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“versus” next step for usher
STATE & NATION
SPORTS
Panel digs into rig explosion. pg. 5
Also: Jags turn attention to DSU pg. 8
Blowout preventer key
New album picks up momentum. pg. 4
su soccer drops opener
estABLished in 1928
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010
(general fund + stimulus money) - state-mandated reduction =
VOL. 56, ISSUE 3
the bottom line...
Southern begins process of reducing 2011-12 budget across SU system; SUBR to take brunt By norman J. dotson Jr. digest editor-in-chieF
Higher education takes yet another cut from the state as an estimated $518.6 million total reduction is projected for the year 2011-2012. Approximately $27.6 million is expected to come from the Southern University System and over half of that will come the Baton Rouge campus. According to a memo sent out by Chancellor Kofi Lomotey Aug. 26, “The Louisiana Division of Administration has requested that the Board of Regents devise plans to show
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the specific prioritized effect of state general funds allocated to postsecondary education by approximately 35 percentage for FY 2010-2011.” Although stimulus money is being distributed to every institution they don’t cover the amount of funds being cut out overall. The SUBR campus is to receive approximately $11.7 million in stimulus funding, but there is also a projected number of over $15 million in cuts on this campus alone. President Ronald Mason Jr. has requested a first draft from each campus by Friday. Reductions are to be
See library page 3
See sumner page 3
said Lomotey. Lomotey is asking that all departments specify the targeted area(s) to budget reduction. He wants the departments to identify and describe proposed actions needed to achieve budget reductions. The chancellor is asking each department to indicate how the reductions relate to mission or core priorities as well as describe the cost benefits of implementing the proposed reduction and how they will be achieved. This, hopefully will project how the reductions will impact the university’s ability to fulfill its mission.
By evan taylor
digest staFF Writer
SCATTERED T-STORMS HIGH
92° | 72° LOW
photo By april BuFFington/digest
students are now enjoying the newly-renovated first-floor of the John b. cade Library. the renovations include a coffee shop, copy center and computer kiosks.
INSIDE S O U T H E R N
digest staFF Writer
friends. I think it will bring a lot of people to the library,” said Stedman
implemented at three levels. Level one reductions consist of those activities or units not directly related to the core priorities of the university (i.e. museums, galleries, sports activities, etc…). Level two reductions consist of those activities or units that support core priorities but are not directly engaged in delivering the core functions. Level three reductions consists of elimination or reduction of core programs. “At this point I don’t have any information to give and I won’t have anything until I meet with all the departments this week,”
“Book Nook” a get-a-way for the book lover. You can enjoy a drink, a good book, and a comfy sofa all at once. “The library looks wonderful. I will us it to study, hang out and visit with
By evan taylor
Demetrius Sumner, SGA President 2010-2011, and his current administration seeks tangible results to bring awareness and success to the Southern University student body. “My focus is restoring the campus with student advocacy, student programming, and restore confidence in the SGA,” stated Sumner, and provide a variety of activities to engage the student body and submerge them in culture, history, and academics.” Sumner along with his administration is trying to restore confidence in Student Government through his initiatives. He is a strong believer in student advocacy where the administration engages students in their decisions. Sumner, Current member of the Southern University chapter of NAACP and Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, “All about the students.” Proving this by using his SGA salary to work on some of this year’s projects. “We want to work together to feasibly please the students and establish and keep a good relationship with the administration. Formulating a partnership,” said Kye Lewis, SGA Vice-President. The new administration is trying to engage students who would stay in their rooms to create a social and academic environment. Focused on making initiatives on campus that affect the future they are building the university up. “We want to make sure we all stay on the same page. Students are our first goal. We want students to not be afraid to stop by and ask questions. SGA is a place where everyone and anyone can participate,” said Alicia Archie, SGA Chief of Staff. Any student who is interested in getting involved can stop
Cade Library transformed John B. Cade Library transformed this fall offering students a “wow experience” every time they visit the newly renovated first floor. Renovations started Fall 2009 feature an “Ask Here” information commons; where any student’s questions can be answered. A “Relax Here” Lounge including Java City, a coffee and snack shop is adorned with booths and tables replace the old Reference Department. The “Relax Here” Lounge is open during regular library hours while Java City is open Mondays thru Thursdays 8am8pm and Fridays 8am-3pm. New easy to navigate directional signs fill the walls as computer kiosks align the main lobby area for quick Internet access and e-mail retrieval. The old snack lounge has transformed into a copy center featuring three copy machines. A new Reference Area is complete with new flooring, comfortable seating, and more resources to entice students. Even under the first floor stairway lays the
Sumner, SGA seeks results
CAMPUS BRIEFS................2 A&E.........................4 SPORTS.............................8 NEWS.................................3 STATE & NATION.................5 VIEWPOINTS....................11 U N I V E R S I T Y ,
B A T O N
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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1
isolated t-storms HI - 91° / LO - 72° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN
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Campus Briefs TODAY digest Fall puBlication schedule
The Southern Digest’s September issues are scheduled for Sept. 3, Sept. 10, Sept. 14, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24. October dates are Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 19, Oct. 22 and Oct. 26. The fall schedule concludes with issues Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 16, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. Campus briefs can be either e-mailed to digest@ subr.edu or delivered to Suite 1064 T.H. Harris Hall three days before publication. For advertising information, contact the advertising manager at 225.771.5833. For all other inquiries, call 225.771.2231 or 225.771.5812.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 2
isolated t-storms
HI - 91°/ LO - 70° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN
student media staFF meetings
Staff meetings for Southern University student publications are Mondays at 5 p.m. in Suite 1064 T.H. Harris Hall. If you are interested in joining the Digest, Jaguar Yearbook or Ego Magazine staff, please attend or call 225.771.5819. union student governing Board
As a student enrolled in Southern University, you are eligible to join the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Student Governing Board. As a board member, you will be able to vote, hold office and exercise your ability to and host events at the union. There are no chapter dues or operation expenses. We invite you to come by and meet our staff, and give valuable information on the boards duties. If you have further questions about the governing board, please feel free to contact either Vanessa Toussant or Andrew Jackson at 225.771.2608 or stop by Room 210 or 213 in the union. su men’s golF team
The Southern University men’s golf team will be holding tryouts. For more information, contact coach Huston Williams at 225.771.4024 or go to Room 133 in the A.W. Mumford Field House. omBuds oFFice position
The Office of the Ombuds is currently looking for student orientation leaders and ambassadors.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 3
Page 2
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4
mostly sunny
sunny
HI - 93° / LO - 72° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN
HI - 91° / LO - 72° 0% CHANCE OF RAIN
Students must have a good citizenship record and maintain a 2.0 GPA or better. For consideration, students must submit the following to su@subr. edu: a one-page letter of interest, a resume and a Fall 2010 class schedule (full-time status). The deadline for applications is noon today. For more information, please call 225.771.4480. meet the greeks
The Southern University Pan-Hellenic Council presents “Meet the Greeks” in the SmithBrown Memorial Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom on Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. There will be information and displays set up during the event. The attire is business (men: coat and tie or business suite/ladies: matching top and bottom two-piece suit). For more information, contact the Student Programs Office at 225.771.2940. SEPTEMBER 1 spades tournament
The Smith-Brown Memorial Union Recreation Area will hold a spades tournament Sept. 15 in Lacumba’s Playpen. Registration will be Sept. 1-10 and the fee is $4 per team. SEPTEMBER 7
suite 1064 – t.h.harris haLL p.o. boX 10180 – baton rouge, La 70813 225.771.2231 phone / 225.771.5840 FaX WWW.southerndigest.coM
presents the first event of the Calling All Sisters Together series Monday, Sept. 7 at 7:45 in Moore Hall. This will be a fun and exciting workout session open to all females on campus. Please dress in workout attire, bring a towel and bottled water. For more information, contact AWS President Ja’el Gordon at 225.937.8792 for more information. SEPTEMBER 8 relationship Forum
Iota Phi Theta and the Association of Women Students host “Women Lie, Men Lie, Numbers Don’t Lie” relationship forum Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Room 313 of T.T. Allain at 7 p.m. The panel, along with the student body, will discuss male and female opinions on single life vs. relationships, among other topics. For more information, contact AWS President Ja’el Gordon at 225.937.8792 for more information. state oF the sga
SGA President Demetrius Sumner will hold “The State of the SGA” Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom. For more information, call 225.771.2585 or 225.771.2515. SEPTEMBER 27 honda campus all-star challenge
Fit For a Queen Applications are now The Association of available for students to Women Students and Miss participate in the Honda Southern Kenya Warren Campus All-Star Challenge’s campus tournament. The tournament will be held Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 27. For more information, call 225.771.4845.
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issn: 1540-7276. copyright 2008 by the southern university office of student Media services. the southern digest is written, edited and published by members of the student body at southern university and a&M college. all articles, photographs and graphics are property of the southern digest and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the editor in chief and director of student Media services. the southern digest is published twice-weekly (tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 copies per issue during the southern university - baton rouge campus fall, spring semesters. the paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every tuesday & Friday morning on the subr campus. the southern digest student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the offices are located on the first floor of t.h. harris hall, suite 1064. the southern digest is the official student newspaper of southern university and a&M college located in baton rouge, Louisiana. articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS the southern digest is a member of the black college communications association (bcca), national association of black Journalists (nabJ), university - Wire network (u-Wire), associated collegiate press (acp), college Media advisers association (cMa), society of professional Journalist (spJ), Full member of the associated press (ap) and the Louisiana press association (Lpa).
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2010 SPRING DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF norman J. dotson Jr.
A&E EDITOR billy Washington
MANAGING EDITOR Mary davis
DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Morris dillard erin Fulbright patrick galloway samantha smith evan taylor
COPY EDITORS erica s. Johnson PHOTO EDITOR april buffington LAYOUT EDITOR darrius harrison
DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS dwayne grant robert Florida Jr. trevor James polite stewart
OPINIONS EDITOR breanna paul
PROOFREADER darryl J. edwards
PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO CLASSIFIED the southern digest is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. no classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of the digest. aLL cLassiFied Must be paid in adVance by cashiers checK or Money order. no personaL checKs accepted. students must have proper id and phone numbers to get student advertising rates. rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. in the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. the digest is only responsible for one replacement or run in the next publication. classified are due one WeeK prior to run date. paid classified can be ordered by contacting the student Media advertising Manager at 225.771.5833.
PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS all submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Wednesday for Friday’s Issue. page 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, southern university departments. all briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. submit announcements to: the southern digest - suite 1064 harris hall, attn: page 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. as the voice of the southern university student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. in the event of an error we will make all corrections on page 2. bring corrections to the southern digest office located in suite 1064, harris hall.
NEWS
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Page 3
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Election slates set in every La. district except 1 By kevin mcgill & melinda deslatte associated press WRITERs
NEW ORLEANS — Candidates for seats in the U.S. Senate and House are readying for an expensive and heated battle to November, while GOP contenders continue their brawl for the party nomination in one district. Republican Sen. David Vitter, having won the Republican primary by all but ignoring his opposition, heads for the Nov. 2 general election with more than $5 million — twice as much as his chief opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon. Melancon easily won the Democratic primary Saturday. Polls generally give Vitter a double-digit lead. Rep. Joseph Cao’s election to the New Orleans area’s 2nd Congressional District two years ago provided a rare lift to Republicans who had suffered losses in 2006 and 2008. Now, with Republicans nationwide threatening to take back the House, the question is whether Cao can pull off a second victory in the mostly black, mostly Democratic district. Unsettled is the final matchup in southeastern Louisiana’s 3rd District. It’s a Republicanleaning district, but Melancon won three terms there.
After a nasty campaign, New Iberia attorney Jeff Landry fell just short of the majority needed for outright victory in Saturday’s 3rd District primary, so he’ll face former Louisiana House Speaker Hunt Downer in an Oct. 2 runoff. The winner will advance to the general election against political newcomer Ravi Sangisetty, an attorney who has shown some fund raising prowess. As he shoots for the Senate, Melancon casts himself as an anti-abortion, pro-gun, fiscal conservative and centrist Democrat who can work across party lines. That role has worked in the past for Democrat Mary Landrieu, who is in her third Senate term. But Melancon, familiar to many in southeastern Louisiana, doesn’t have Landrieu’s statewide name recognition. And, says University of New Orleans political scientist Ed Chervenak, anti-Obama sentiment in the state is helping Vitter. “He’s the kind of primary opposition mouthpiece against the Obama administration and that seems to be where voters in Louisiana are,” Chervenak said. “They’re very hostile to the President and, so, Vitter’s tapping into that anger.”
Melancon’s vote for Obama’s stimulus bill has been a prime target of Republicans. “Spending is out of control, our taxes are too high and the government is far too involved in our everyday lives. Each step of the way, Charlie Melancon has been a consistent vote for this reckless Obama agenda,” Vitter said Monday in a fundraising e-mail. Aside from describing Vitter as ineffective, Melancon has showcased another campaign theme that attempts to cast Vitter as “hostile to women.” Melancon’s campaign ads have already mentioned the 2007 scandal that erupted when Vitter’s phone number was linked to a Washington call girl ring; Vitter admitted only to a “serious sin” but won’t answer questions about it. More recent news that Vitter kept on his staff for two years an aide accused of a violent attack on a woman have also been part of the campaign, along with a Vitter vote against an equal pay law. Melancon acknowledged he has a tough race in trying to unseat Vitter. “David Vitter may not have much of a record to run on, but he does have one thing: money. He’s built up a sizable
Downer accused Landry, who served for 11 years and left as a sergeant, of misrepresenting his service when he calls himself a veteran of Operation Desert Storm though he never served overseas. Landry accused Downer, a retired major general, of playing politics to achieve his rank. To overtake Landry, Downer likely would need to pick up much of the support given to the third-place Republican in the race, Kristian Magar, or persuade scores of additional GOP voters to show up for the runoff election who didn’t cast ballots in the primary. In the 2nd District, which includes much of New Orleans and part of Jefferson Parish, state Rep. Cedric Richmond had the backing of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and others in the political establishment in the primary and scored an easy victory over three opponents. He’ll face Cao, whose surprise victory and compelling life story — he fled Vietnam as a child during the war, rose to success in the United States and became the first VietnameseAmerican in Congress — was a bright spot for Republicans in a year when Obama was elected and Democrats were solidifying their hold on Congress.
sumner from page 1
library from page 1 Peters, Senior Mass Communications major from New Orleans. An overall great experience is noted when students, faculty, and the public enter the newly remodeled John B. Cade first floor. According to Shelby Skipper, A Senior Mass Communications major from New Orleans, “The library is nice. It has whole new feel to it. You can go and grab a coffee in the morning. I think it will draw people in to the more studious and have a place to relax. This is a move in the right direction.” In an interview with Emma Bradford Perry, Dean of Libraries, she stated, “I hope the students take advantage of all the resources. I want the students to know we are here for them.” Currently students can voice their opinions while the library is
war chest that he’ll be using to distract Louisiana voters from his hostility toward women, veterans and Louisiana families,” Melancon said an e-mail to supporters Monday. In the 3rd District, Landry and Downer both have said they want to focus on the issues, but after the mudslinging so far, it appears unlikely. That could help Sangisetty. “What we might see is the two Republicans eat each other alive prior to the Republican Party runoff. And so that would benefit the Democrat,” Chervenak said. “They’re going to be spending money attacking each other that they could use to attack the Democrat.” Landry has slammed Downer for his decades-long political career as a Democrat. Downer switched parties in 2001, and after that worked as a legislative lobbyist for Democratic former Gov. Kathleen Blanco. Downer has hit Landry on a civil lawsuit involving a small business Landry once owned — and that Landry uses to tout a pro-business record. Landry paid more than $30,000 in the lawsuit, which accused him of fraudulent business practices. Both men exchanged attacks about the other’s time in the Louisiana National Guard.
conducting a survey regarding the first floor transformation. The results of the survey are intended to be released towards the middle or latter part of September. Dean Perry encourages feedback along with questions and suggestions. She leaves her office open to any student with insight. “The Grand Opening of the John B. Cade Library first floor and Java City will be Sept. 9 form 11 a.m.- 3p .m.,” said Dean Perry. There will be food, prizes, and fun. All underclassmen are encouraged to attend. According to Dean Perry, “The first floor was a result of successful planning involving the physical plant and an architect. The plans are not released yet, but we anticipate renovating each floor of the library similar to the recent first floor renovations.”
get online @
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by the SGA office; located on the second floor of Smith-Brown Memorial Union. There is a short volunteer form addressing your contact information and volunteer interests. “We want to establish, keep, and maintain a relationship with the administration. The SGA will work to bring back more student spirit. One individual can only do so much but, collectively we can do more,” said Lewis. The 2010-2011 SGA Administration plans to utilize Facebook and Twitter to post updates and information pertaining to this year’s events and projects. “I will assist by helping the SGA regularly communicate information of importance to the student body. My approach for my tenure is to do something that no other Director of
Communications for SGA has done and that is actually communicate with the student body. I communicate constantly with Facebook, Twitter, and the SUBR SGA webpage,” said Dontrail Dobison, communications director. This year’s projects include open discussion with the administration including; weekly walks around campus with Chancellor Kofi Lomotey. “We need to re-build the bridge of communication between SU Administration and the SGA Administration. Meet comfortably to discuss the needs of the students, SGA, and SU Administration,” said Archie. While retention and enrollment are all down, the new SGA Administration urges students to believe in SU and get involved in bringing the old Jaguar spirit back.
arts & entertainment Page 4 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
“Versus” continues Usher’s return By sam ross
digest contributing writer
Grammy-winning R&B singer Usher released two albums earlier this week in an effort to maintain the momentum of his comeback and generate more album sales from “Raymond vs. Raymond,” released in March of this year. “Versus,” an extended play album of “Raymond vs. Raymond”, was one of the singer’s releases from earlier this week. The album includes seven new tracks in addition to current R&B hit “There Goes My Baby” and “Somebody to Love (Remix)”, a track that features teen pop megastar Justin Bieber. Raymond, 31, teamed up with Bieber, 16, to try and gain new fans and appeal to younger audiences. Bieber cites Raymond as one of his biggest musical inspirations. Thus, the collaboration is beneficial on both of the music superstars’ ends. In addition to “Versus,” a deluxe edition of Raymond’s sixth studio album “Raymond vs. Raymond” was released this week which features all 22 songs between the original and extended play album.
Although the original “Raymond vs. Raymond” album was released back in March, it was just recently certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) earlier this month. Given the current state of the economy and the commonplace of illegal music downloads, an artist reaching platinum status within a five month timeframe is nothing less than spectacular. Nevertheless, the success of an international superstar with as many accolades as Raymond does equate to past accomplishments from the A-list R&B singer. Looking back in retrospect, Raymond’s 2004 release “Confessions” is currently the last album to have reached diamond status (10 million albums sold) in the United States and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. “Confessions” also made history for having the highest first week sales for any R&B artist in history. “Here I Stand,” the singer’s 2008 release had mediocre success pushing just over 1.5 million sales then; however, the album has sold over five million copies to date. The singer’s latest effort
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Pitt narrates Super Bowl film by the associated press
“Raymond vs. Raymond” has received mixed reviews; still, the album has still been able to have a considerable amount of achievement, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, pushing a notable 329,107 copies its first week . The Los Angeles Times gave the album three out of four stars, but a USA Today review gave the album two-and-a-half out of four stars and says the
album features “lackluster R&B jams lazily strewn with ooohs, grunts and generic club beats.” Raymond seems to be longing for relevancy and doing whatever it takes to obtain it even if it means having to release three albums in under a year. Hopefully the re-release and extended play albums are able to accumulate high sales and repeat Raymond’s success from 1990 and early 2000 releases.
NEW YORK — Brad Pitt is the NFL’s voice for its upcoming documentary on the New Orleans’ Saints Super Bowl victory. Pitt narrates NFL Films’ documentary, “America’s Game: 2009 New Orleans Saints,” about the team’s win over the Indianapolis Colts last February. The film debuts on the NFL Network at 9 p.m. EDT on Sept. 8, the night before the Saints begin their defense of the Super Bowl title. The NFL traditionally seeks out a celebrity narrator for its annual Super Bowl documentary. Pitt was chosen because of his humanitarian work in New Orleans in the five years since Hurricane Katrina, the NFL said. Past narrators have included Alec Baldwin, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Martin Sheen, Bruce Willis and James Gandolfini. “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm narrated last year’s film on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
STATE & NATION Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Page 5
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Preventer may hold key
Govs push for more Gulf money
By HARRY R. WEBER Associated Press Writer
Accurate conclusions about what caused the blowout of BP’s oil well in the Gulf of Mexico and the massive spill that followed will have to wait for a key piece of equipment to be raised from the seafloor and analyzed, a member of a federal investigative panel looking into the disaster said Monday. Even then it could be a guessing game, said Wayne R. Andersen, a retired federal judge and the only nongovernment member of the panel. “I’d say the key thing to this story is coming soon as the blowout preventer comes up,” Andersen told The Associated Press. “Hopefully, we won’t have to speculate after that is inspected, but we might. I am waiting suspensefully to see what the engineers say.” He also said that panel members have not been provided a copy of BP’s internal investigation, which is ongoing, nor have results of other probes been released. Everyone is going to have to wait a few more days for the blowout preventer to be pulled up from the seabed, however. High seas on the Gulf forced BP PLC on Monday to delay operations for up to three days. Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen,
photo by Gerald Herbert/AP PHOTO
Now that BP appears to have vanquished the Deepwater Horizon’s ruptured well, authorities are turning their attention to gathering evidence from what resembles a crime scene at the bottom of the sea. The wreckage — including the failed blowout preventer and the blackened, twisted remnants of the drilling platform — may be Exhibit A in the effort to understand who is responsible for one of the biggest oil spills in history.
the government’s point man on the spill response, told reporters in a conference call that waves were 6 to 8 feet tall and crews were worried about the potential risk of suspending hulking pieces of equipment from a crane underwater while the waves were rocking. He said it could be as late as Thursday before engineers begin to remove the temporary cap that stopped more oil from flowing into the sea in mid-July and the failed blowout preventer, which is a key piece of evidence in ongoing investigations. The cap will be stored on the seafloor nearby. It could take 24 hours to slowly lift
the blowout preventer from the water. A new blowout preventer will be placed atop the well once the failed one is raised. After that, the goal is to drill the final 50 feet of a relief well. Engineers will then pump in mud and cement to permanently plug the well that gushed oil. The final plugging of the well was expected to start after Labor Day, but Allen said Monday that will be delayed as well because of the weather. “We are in a weather hold right now,” Allen said from aboard the Development Driller III vessel, which is the vehicle for drilling the primary relief well.
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s and Mississippi’s governors got no commitment Monday from Obama administration officials as they pressed for Gulf coast states to get a larger share of money from Gulf oil wells to help cover the risk of spills. But they were told that some drilling rigs might be allowed to return to work before a moratorium on deepwater drilling ends Nov. 30. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour used the Southern Governors’ Association convention in suburban Birmingham to press the funding issue with two officials of the Obama administration: senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and assistant secretary of Interior Wilma Lewis. Riley said states should share in more of the federal revenue because the massive BP oil spill was a wakeup call about what could happen to the states’ economies. Gulf coast states get a small share of the revenue from federal leases for Gulf oil wells and are scheduled to get more in 2017, but state officials are supporting bills in Congress that would accelerate that to 2010.
Page 6 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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Trial starts for suit over N.O. police chokehold By michael kunzelman associated press writer
NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans police officer charged in deadly shootings of unarmed civilians after Hurricane Katrina was at the center of a trial opening Monday for an unrelated lawsuit that accuses him of choking a man to death following a traffic stop. But the seven jurors hearing the civil case over Gerald Arthur’s death aren’t likely to hear testimony about Officer Anthony Villavaso’s role in the Danziger Bridge shootings, which killed two people and wounded four others less than a week after the August 2005 storm.
U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, who is presiding over the trial for the suit filed by Arthur’s relatives, has barred any mention of the bridge shootings unless city attorneys try to show Villavaso has a reputation for “truthfulness or good character.” Arthur tried to run away from Villavaso and another officer, David Ogozalek, after they stopped him for running a stop sign on Dec. 14, 2006. When the officers caught up to him, Arthur struck Ogozalek with a handcuff, cutting his head. The suit claims Villavaso placed him in a chokehold for several minutes while other officers beat him. Plaintiffs’ attorney Gary
Bizal said the city coroner’s office overlooked critical evidence, failing to take note of four broken ribs and didn’t dissect Arthur’s neck muscles during its autopsy. A forensic pathologist hired by Arthur’s family concluded he was strangled. “And he was choked to death in retaliation for what he did, for running and hitting that cop in the head,” Bizal said during opening statements Monday. “And you just don’t get to do that to the New Orleans Police Department.” City attorneys, however, blame Arthur’s death on “acute excited delirium.” Arthur was overweight, suffered from diabetes and had used cocaine
sometime before his violent run-in with the police, city attorney James Mullaly told jurors. “It was Mr. Arthur, not the defendants, who caused his death,” Mullaly said. Villavaso is one of 11 current or former officers charged in the Justice Department’s probe of the bridge shootings. Five of those officers already have pleaded guilty to participating in a cover-up to make it appear that the shootings were justified. The suit over Arthur’s death accuses police of concocting a false account of the incident to cover up their use of excessive force. The city says officers used a reasonable amount of
force to subdue him. Arthur’s mother, Sylvia Wells, and his four children filed the suit against the city. Villavaso, Ogozalek, former Police Superintendent Warren Riley and another officer, Victor Gant, who allegedly beat Arthur, are named as defendants. Villavaso has been jailed without bond while he awaits a trial in the Danziger case. He sat in court Monday alongside Ogozalek and Gant. “We’re not here because of a murder, and we’re not here because the actions of these three individuals caused Mr. Arthur’s demise,” Mullaly said. “Mr. Arthur made all the choices here.”
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Page 7
SPORTS Page 8 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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Tennis mixer canceled
Lady Jags drop season opener By morris dillard digest sports writer
It became a little flashback of the previous five meetings, Nicholls State’s reappearance at A.W. Mumford Stadium — the same high-spirited, relentless game. On Friday, in Southern’s home opener, NSU wasted no time rekindling a little of last year’s magic, improving to 6-0 all-time against SU. NSU (2-0-1) scored three first-half goals and held on for a 3-1 victory. Although SU (0-2-0) played fairly well, head coach John Knighten learned that his defense still has room for development. “We need to work on the defensive phase of the game and the counter attack we’re in,” said Knighten. “That’s what learned, we made a lot of progress and just continue to develop.” NSU senior forward Kaity Mattsson scored her fifth goal of the season early in the first half
to make it 1-0. 24 minutes later Mattsson beat SU goalkeeper Simone Bray to make it 2-0. As time ticked away in the first half, junior forward Keisha Brown entertained a rebound of a blocked shot to score her first goal of the season to make it 3-0 heading into halftime. Sticking to their gameplan, SU played their usual game to open up the second half and found characteristics of toughness when freshman forward Teara Richardson’s scored her first goal of the season midway through the second half. Richardson’s goal snapped a streak of 295 consecutive shutout minutes delivered by the NSU defense dating back to the 2009 season finale against McNeese State. Before the game, Knighten wanted to see how well his team could adjust to NSU’s overall style of play. With that in mind, Knighten’s defense returned to control the
By patrick galloway digest staff writer
photo by april buffington/digest
Nicholls State’s Jasmine Elsayed tries to keep the ball from Southern’s Natasha Witt during Friday’s match.
second half although they we’re dominated early in the first. “At halftime we talked to them and they rose to the occasion,” Knighten said. “They we’re able to stop the penetration and attack of Nicholls State.” After Friday’s loss, SU traveled Sunday to play host to
Northwestern State. NSU (1-30) held on to a 4-0 lead against SU to pick up their first win of the season. As for Friday’s tilt against Central Arkansas, Knighten believes his team will be prepared. “We’re going to continue to work on business, that’s the first thing.”
Hollimon, Jags ready to hit ground running By darrius harrison ego magazine editor-in-chief
Southern’s chances of winning the SWAC this year may very well rest on the legs of ex-quarterback Gary Hollimon. “My goal is to be the No. 1 rusher in the nation,” said Hollimon, a senior psychology major from Gulfport, Miss. during the Jaguars’ final scrimmage Saturday. “I’m working hard everyday to strive toward my goals. “Secondly,” he added, “Southern has not had a 1,000-yard rusher in a couple of years, so I’m going to try to achieve that season record (milestone) too; I’m just going to put God first, and everything else falls second.” Jaguars haven’t seen a 1,000yard rusher in their program since 2003, when Kenneth Peoples ran for 1,000 yards and six scores, complimenting a highflying Southern passing game en route to the 2003 Southwestern
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Athletic Conference title. Before then, Ryan Lewis rushed for 1,233 yards and seven scores in 1999 — and Southern won the SWAC title that year. Starting to see a trend in behavior? Head coach Stump Mitchell has already guaranteed an explosive running attack this upcoming season, but does he have the ‘back’ to hold up to this statement in Hollimon. His first chance to chase this noteworthy feat and display his talents will be this Sunday, when the Jaguars travel to Orlando to face the Delaware State Hornets in the MEAC/ photo courtesy of su student media SWAC Challenge Sunday. The run game was alive and Southern running back Gary Hollimon (15) has his sights set on well last Saturday as Hollimon becoming the Jaguars’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2003. and Sylvester Nzekwe combined any player can tell you that, but for decent gains in the final it’s all history from there. “Before every game,” as soon as the first snap, you are intrasquad scrimmage. If Hollimon isn’t the guy to Hollimon said, “before I step on worried about your assignments perform this feat, no one has told the field it’s always butterflies and what you have to do so that him yet. When that first ball is you know, if you don’t have takes all of your focus and the snapped and the game is underway, butterflies, you are not ready; jitterbugs away.”
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Lack of participation caused a minor fault for the Southern University women’s tennis team when their fundraising event was canceled Friday. The “Sizzlin’ Summer Adult Tennis Mixer” was planned to be a fun tennis night were participants play mixed doubles (32 draw), interact with the community and also help the Lady Jaguars raise money for their program. The money raised from the event was to help fund the team’s equipment, apparel and fall tournaments. Head coach Jeffery Conyers said that the program basically survives off the numerous fundraisers that helps the team cut down its budget. Conyers and his assistant coach, Dr. Ojo Thompson, plan to reschedule the mixer during the dates that the weather is a bit cooler and fit to play tennis. Even though budget cuts are not the reason for the event being canceled, Conyers said, that he is talking to the athletic director about the status of the team’s budget, which if affected the team’s traveling will be limited. The team still has other ventures like the Jaguar Family and Friends Campaign, which they target alumni chapters and friends from the team member’s hometown to help support the program. Through this effort the team received support from alumni chapter in Seattle and Hampton Roads, Va. “With those two chapters and all other fundraising efforts that we have, we’ll be able play those fall tournaments, upgrade, and also give the team some more of that championship vision to get those five-star recruits into Southern University. “ Despite the cancellation of the fundraiser, the Lady Jaguars future looks to be a bright one as they qualified to be an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team. According to ITA, The ITA AllAcademic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.2 or above. All eligible student-athletes whose names appear on the NCAA/NAIA/ NJCAA eligibility form and have competed in one or more varsity matches must average into the GPA for the current academic year. Conyers said that the team has always had good academic but this is the first time the team gained All-American academic honors from the ITA. “That’s a very good accomplishment because we tend to concentrate on the academic part of the game.”
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Page 9
diversions Page 10 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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The Knight Life
ACROSS 1 St. Louis landmark 5 MPG monitor 8 Change 12 Thick mud 13 MLK title 14 McClurg or Brickell 15 Auto part 17 Pro — (in proportion) 18 Shriek 19 London and Hong Kong 21 Wails 24 Cone bearers 25 Psychic’s power 26 Runway surface 30 Cafe au — 32 Brash bird 33 Pub pints 37 Eggplant color 38 Rand of fiction 39 Delayed 40 Go over again 43 Campground initials 44 Operator’s number 46 Model’s need 48 Grits 50 Hydrocarbon suffix 51 Not even twice 52 Got up 57 Look curiously 58 Holman of basketball 59 Tater 60 Dangerous March date 61 Mdse. 62 Slips up DOWN 1 Lb. or tsp. 2 Estuary 3 Dernier — 4 Hayes or Reddy 5 Viking name 6 Sparkle 7 With, to Maurice 8 Straight up 9 Robin of balladry 10 Ceremonies 11 Votes in favor 16 Genuine nuisance 20 “— — body meet ...” 21 Edible seaweed 22 Hairy twin 23 Film spectacular 27 Almost shut 28 Martha of dental ads 29 Chatty pet 31 Small dogs 34 Fishing spot 35 Thames school 36 Ticket info
By Keith Knight
August 27 Answers
Astro-Graph By Bernice Bede Osol
August 27 Answers
41 Long time 42 Cool and damp 44 Dazed, with “out” 45 Philbin or Sajak 47 Vee makers 48 Noted potters 49 Masculine principle
50 Diner sign 53 Handful of cotton 54 PBS kin 55 Smallest cont. 56 Orthodontist’s deg.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Although Lady Luck might play a constructive role in your affairs, both financially and personally, she may not extend her favors onto others who are involved. Enjoy your good fortune. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You are likely to handle any and all major issues adroitly, while petty or frivolous ones may have you scurrying for the aspirin bottle. Go figure. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Stay in contact with your major sources, and keep your eyes open for any hidden financial opportunities not readily discernible. Something big is stirring behind the scenes. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — It could be one of those times when it is likely to be easier to please outsiders than it will be to placate those who are near and dear to you. Do what you can, and don’t look back. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Large opportunities could come in small packages where work or career is concerned. Take advantage of any chances you get to better yourself, regardless of the size. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can get along with most anyone, so it usually doesn’t matter with whom you socialize. However, avoid someone you suspect is using you merely to get to someone else. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Durability and quality of merchandise
should take precedence over price or fads when it comes to making a major purchase, such as furniture or expensive clothes. Take your time, and shop wisely. ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Although you are likely to be the recipient of some good news, you might not fully appreciate it if you’ve been feeling that everything is going against you. Don’t let negativity deflate good tidings. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You can reverse any losing proposition in which you have found yourself involved. In fact, Dame Fortune has something good in mind for you. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Focus only on your hopes and good expectations, and put all negativity out of your mind, because things will have a way of working out well. Remember, when one door closes, another is opened. CANCER (June 21-July 22) — It’s inconsequential if someone doesn’t believe in you, as long as you believe in yourself. You should let the sum total of all your achievements validate your worth and your abilities. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — If you have any important dealings with someone new, try to make a friend of him or her first before proceeding onto business. Once both of you are at ease, your negotiations will go more smoothly. ——— Copyright 2010, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
VIEWPOINTS Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Page 11
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Higher education job a tough sell Wanted: Strong, well-educated and experienced leader who can guide at least $290 million in budget cuts, take repeated and angry criticism from state lawmakers and get paid less than the university chiefs you will oversee and coordinate. Oh, and if you are selected, it’s unclear whether the salary you negotiate will be approved. Those are among the many requirements — and impediments — for Louisiana’s new higher education commissioner. It’s probably not the best time for the Board of Regents to be shopping in the job market. At least half a dozen other states are looking to fill similar positions, and those jobs come with fewer strings attached. The next commissioner, whom the Regents hope to have in place by January, will step into the position as Louisiana’s public colleges brace for the loss of at least $290 million in federal stimulus money, which lawmakers have said they don’t expect to be able to replace with state funding.
Cuts would begin on July 1, 2011, and come on top of $280 million slashed from state funding for higher education over the past two years. College leaders have warned the reductions would be devastating. Some lawmakers have suggested campuses might have to be closed or consolidated. A new higher education chief will help make those decisions and sell them to lawmakers. But the new commissioner will be walking into a tense situation. Legislators have been angry and frustrated with higher education leaders who they say have been uncooperative and resistant to change. Lawmakers complain of highpriced administrators unwilling to take pay cuts. They say administrative bureaucracies on college campuses are being protected while professors and staff are laid off, programs are cut and class sizes grow. They’ve become more suspicious of college leaders and more meddlesome in college management as their frustration has grown.
As if the situation wasn’t contentious enough, there also was the situation with the previous commissioner, Sally Clausen. Clausen resigned in July after receiving sharp criticism for quietly retiring from her $425,000-a-year job and then being rehired without ever telling the Board of Regents, to which Clausen reported. She got a $90,000 lump-sum payment for the retirement. Angry with Clausen and already irritated with higher education officials, lawmakers passed new requirements that the higher education commissioner must get Senate confirmation and the commissioner’s salary must be approved by the Legislature’s joint budget committee. Anyone who thought the new law was more a warning than a real threat learned otherwise this month when lawmakers rejected the pay package for the man tapped by the Regents to be the interim commissioner. Legislators said the proposed salary for Tom Layzell — $162,600 for six months of work — was excessive. So, the board assigned the day-to-day duties of supervising college management to four
Regents members and senior staff until a permanent commissioner is chosen and hired Layzell as a part-time adviser. Rejection of the pay package spawned new wrinkles in the search for a permanent commissioner. Now it’s unclear how much the Regents will be able to pay a new commissioner — and whether the salary will be competitive enough in the highpaying higher education industry to attract top-notch candidates. “What is it that we want? Do we want mediocrity? I mean you do have to pay for talent. It’s the worst message we could have sent to the rest of the country,” said Barry Erwin, president of the Council for a Better Louisiana, who monitors higher education issues. Salary isn’t the only stumbling block for attracting talent. The troublesome higher education climate at the state Capitol should be just as worrisome to those doing the recruiting. ___ Melinda Deslatte covers the state Capitol for The Associated Press.
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