The Daly Reveille — June 9, 2009

NEWS

SPORTS See inside for a special “Art of Pitching” section with Louis Coleman.

Twitter craze extends across campus, may be new form of word-of-mouth, pages 3, 12.

TAZ TO STAY

Tasmin Mitchell drops out of NBA draft to use last year of eligibility, page 7.

THE DAILY REVEILLE BUDGET CUTS

No merit increases for System employees

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

LSU System employees will not receive merit increases next fiscal year because of pending budget cuts, LSU System President John Lombardi informed System units Monday.

Chancellor Michael Martin told faculty and staff members in an email sent Monday that the LSU System will not award merit increases to “classified, professional, or academic employees, regardless of the source of funds” for the 2009-10 fiscal year, which starts July 1.

“We knew that this was going to be the case,” Martin said.

The LSU System is expected to take a $102 million budget cut next fiscal year. Martin said while the measure is disappointing, the alternative — layoffs — is much worse.

“It is a very daunting task, [but] I am willing to stand and defend the ‘no merit increases’ because the alternative is so gruesome,” Martin said.

Chad Gothreaux, Staff Senate President-elect, said he is disappointed about the lack of merit increases next fiscal year, but is thankful there are no layoffs yet.

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

B.R. MURD ER P O T N I S R ANK TEN NATIONALLY

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Department of Education: Jindal to apply for stimulus funding

By Joy Lukachick Contributing Writer

Louisiana is not listed with the states that have applied for a $48.6 billion stimulus fund specifically for K-12 and higher education at the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site.

FUNDING, see page 6

BUDGET CUTS

lsureveille.com

Volume 113, Issue 140

Summer Editon

Log on to learn onand offcampus safety tips from Lawrence Rabalais.

photo illustration by GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Contributing Writer

Baton Rouge has one of the top 10 highest murder rates nationally, according to statistics released by the FBI last week.

The FBI’s Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report reported Baton Rouge had 67

By Kyle Bove Senior Writer

Board of Supervisors asks for more input in restructure

murders in 2008. The numbers reported put Baton Rouge at No. 7 in the nation for murders per capita, with about 30 killings per 100,000 residents, according to numbers compiled by the FBI. This is down from 71 murders reported in Baton Rouge for 2007.

Since its unveiling in April, the University’s massive realignment plan has been a hotbed of academic controversy.

The plan — which aims to rename and restructure nearly every academic college on campus — drew fire Thursday from one member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, Hank Gowen, who told Chancellor Michael Martin and Provost Astrid Merget to start over.

“It was the clear message that the provost and

MURDER, see page 4

RESTRUCTURE, see page 5

City had 67 killings in 2008, down from 71 in 2007

By Xerxes A. Wilson

Realignment debate continues

ORGANIZATIONS

Ambassadors prepare for freshman orientation Team tries to give new students easy transition

By Jennifer Raines Contributing Writer

LSU campus leaders have logged more than 150 hours training to bring peace of mind to confused freshman during spring and summer training for freshmen orientation.

The Freshmen Orientation, Advising and Preregistration team, also known as FOAP, has been training with

different departments on campus for the past few months, as well as working on team building and improving orientation. The team consists of 20 Ambassadors who deal with students one-on-one during orientation.

Mary Claire Gilder, head of the FOAP team, said the opportunity to work in Student Life with orientation was something that she had been passionate about for years.

“The transition a student makes from high school to college is a very delicate thing, and as orientation team leader, I want to ensure that the product we put out for the prospective student,

as well as their families, is one that leaves a positive impression, as FOAP is, more often than not, the first glimpse a student has into the collegiate world,” said Gilder.

Starting college is an exciting yet sometimes fearful experience, said Elizabeth Sandridge, a FOAP team member, and orientation leaders can reminisce about their own experience as an incoming freshman.

“It is strange to think a year ago this time I was going to orientation and now I am leading a group,” Sandridge AMBASSADORS, see page 5

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

Architecture sophomore Elizabeth Galan listens Monday afternoon during training for freshman orientation.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 2

INTERNATIONAL

Two U.S. journalists face 12 years in North Korea SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The sentencing of two American journalists to 12 years in a North Korean labor prison sets the stage for possible negotiations with the reclusive nation for their release — perhaps involving an envoy from the United States.

A joint statement by the family of the two reporters — Laura Ling and Euna Lee — expressed the hope that the governments of the United States and North Korea “can come to an agreement that will result in (their) release.”

“We ask the government of North Korea to show compassion and grant Laura and Euna clemency,” said the statement released Monday by the family’s spokeswoman, Alanna Zahn.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who helped win the release of Americans from North Korea in the 1990s, said he was “ready to do anything” the Obama admin-

istration asked. Another possible negotiator, if the U.S. government approved, is former Vice President Al Gore, who founded the TV venture that both reporters work for.

A senior Obama administration official said Richardson and Gore had been in contact with the White House and State Department about potential next steps, including possibly sending an envoy to try to negotiate the release of Lee, 36, and Ling, 32, both of whom work for Gore’s Current TV. But the official stressed that no decisions had been made on how to proceed and said neither Gore nor Richardson had been asked to go. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the diplomatic sensitivity of the situation.

Asked Monday if Washington will send an envoy to the North, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the Obama administration is “pursuing every possible approach that we can consider in order to persuade the North Koreans to release them and send these young women home.”

She stressed that the reporters’ case and Washington’s efforts to punish North Korea for its recent nuclear test are “entirely separate matters.”

CAMPUS OCCURANCES 50%":

STATE/LOCAL

Nagin remains quarantined by Chinese authorities NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Chinese authorities have quarantined New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, his wife and a security guard in Shanghai after another traveler on their flight from New Jersey exhibited suspected swine flu symptoms.

Nagin’s office said the three were quarantined in a hotel Sunday as a precaution and were exhibiting no flu symptoms.

“He’s doing well. His spirits are fine,” Nagin’s spokeswoman Ceeon Quiett told The Associated Press on Monday in New Orleans.

She did not know when the three might be released or whether they will be tested for the flu.

She said the quarantine was for passengers who sat near the traveler with flu-like symptoms but she did not know if anybody besides the Nagin trio was affected. Quiett also did not release the name of the airline, deferring to embassy officials.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009

The U.S. Consulate in Shanghai and local officials did not respond to questions Monday.

China has been imposing quarantines and temperature checks at airports throughout the country to prevent the virus from spreading. If the quarantined individuals display no flu symptoms, they are usually released in about seven days.

Last month, China quarantined a group of 21 students and three teachers from a Maryland private school for five days in a hotel. Officials feared the group from the Barrie School in Silver Spring was exposed to swine flu on their flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong.

The World Health Organization reported that, as of Monday morning, 73 countries had officially reported 25,288 cases of infection.

Most of the cases have been mild, though 139 people have died.

Nagin’s office said a passenger on the flight from Newark, N.J., had “signs and symptoms of an influenza-like illness suspected to be of the H1N1 subtype.”

Wei Xin, with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., could not provide specific information on the matter. She referred to a statement last month by a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry

TODAY ON

lsureveille com See where crimes on campus occured this week on the interactive crime map.

Read about the baseball team’s road to victory and Omaha last weekend against Rice, and catch up with all the Tigers’ news as they prepare for the College World Series by reading the baseball blog.

SNAPSHOT

that said steps such as quarantine are taken in an effort to stop the virus’ spread.

Three other city employees on the trip were not sitting close enough to the passenger to be quarantined, Quiett said. They were the deputy head of the press office, James Ross, city economic development director Ernest Gethers and Lisa Ponce de Leon, director of international affairs.

Quiett said Nagin has been in contact with city officials in New Orleans and that city business continues in his absence. She said the business of the trip was being tended to by others in the city delegation.

Nagin left Friday on for what his office called an economic development trip and had two meetings in Shanghai before getting the quarantine notice, Quiett said. Private interests were to pay for that leg of his trip, Quiett said, though she did not say who those interests were and said the cost was “wasn’t shared with us.”

Nagin was scheduled to travel next to Australia to speak at a conference on climate change and the global recession at the University of Sydney, but the status of those plans remained unclear Monday morning.

Weather TODAY

92 72

PARTLY CLOUDY TUESDAY

56&4%": +6/& 5) DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURENCE? Call Javier at the Student Media Office, 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM

WEDNESDAY

93 72

92 71

PARTLY CLOUDY

PARTLY CLOUDY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

91 71

92 71

THUNDERSTORMS

THUNDERSTORMS

MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

Dedicated baseball fans enjoy boiled shrimp with all the fixings as they tailgate Saturday afternoon before LSU’s 5-3 win over Rice.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

In a June 4 article titled “Ready or Not...,” The Daily Reveille misspelled JoAnne Moreau’s name.

THE DAILY REVEILLE B-16 Hodges Hall • Baton Rouge, La. 70803 JERIT ROSER • Editor

editor@lsureveille.com

POLICIES AND 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. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free.

To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-16 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semiweekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual mail subscriptions are $115. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-16 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

ELLEN ZIELINSKI • Managing Editor

ezielinski@lsureveille.com ZAC LEMOINE • Online Media Editor

zlemoine@lsureveille.com KYLE BOVE • Senior Writer

kbove@lsureveille.com LAUREN ROBERTS • Adversiting Sales Manager

salesmanager@lsureveille.com Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009

PAGE 3

TECHNOLOGY

Twitter popularity increasing across campus Campus

lege of Business, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Information Technology Services and the LSU AgCenter.

Eric Monday, vice chancellor of Student Life, set up his perBy Robert Stewart sonal Twitter account a couple of Contributing Writer months ago. He updates his page Leah Duvic heard about once or twice a day, which he Twitter more than a year ago. But considers to be a “good bit.”

“I kind of went back and it took her a while to catch onto forth between that and Facebook. the recent craze.

Duvic, photography senior, I use my Facebook account a litsaid she first created her account tle bit more,” Monday said. “The last year but didn’t start using it ones that I follow [on Twitter] are news sources ... and a number of heavily until a few months ago.

She now “tweets” daily, the people that are following me following a group of about 50 would be colleagues.”

Monday said he enjoys how friends.

Twitter lets “I was just people blog like, ‘I’m going about themto give it a try,’” selves as well Duvic said. “And as keep up with so actually I just old friends and started really likcolleagues. He ing it, and now said Twitter I’m kind of adgives people dicted to it.” the opportunity Duvic is just to follow news one of many UniSara Crow when they versity students, Career Services Manager can’t reach a faculty members and organizations using Twitter TV, radio or computer.

“It’s an ease of access too. to communicate and spread news You can do it from your mobile around campus.

Colleges and organizations phone,” Monday said. “It’s pretty on campus who have a Twitter simple. If you want to attach an page include the E.J. Ourso Col- image, you can attach an image.

Students, faculty members ‘tweet’

‘‘

‘I thought it was going to be a good way for my family to kind of stay in touch each other.’

If you want to attach a link, you join.

“I thought it was going to be can attach a link. But primarily a good way for my family to kind it’s text.”

The LSU Athletic Depart- of stay in touch with each other,” ment updates its official page with Crow said. “My mom’s on Twitnews about the University’s ath- ter, my husband is on Twitter, my brother’s on Twitter letic accomplishments as and then my sister. well as giving My sister and I are rein-game upally the only ones who dates at athactually ‘tweet.’” letic events.

Crow was appreSeveral LSU hensive at first about coaches also Twitter — she wasn’t have their sure if she wanted Leah Duvic own Twitter people following her photography senior page — alor if she wanted to folthough those low students. are officially run by their respecBut the idea of joining a new tive sports information directors. social networking site that has Student Government Presi- become a technological innovadent Stuart Watkins has also set tion intrigued her. She know enup his own Twitter page. He has joys the brevity of each “tweet.” used it recently to keep students “I love the 140 characters or updated about recent legislation less,” Crow said. “My biggest pet relevant to campus and for per- peeve is when I’m reading somesonal updates. thing people have written or edSome faculty members aren’t iting something is when people using Twitter for news purposes make something much longer — they are simply using it to than it needs to be.” keep in touch.

Sara Crow, assistant director of communications for Career Services, has also had a Twitter page for just a couple of months.

She said her sister, an LSU alumContact Robert Stewart na and Georgetown graduate at rstewart@lsureveille.com student, sent her an invitation to

‘‘

‘I was just like, ‘I’m going to give it a try ... and now I’m kind of addicted to it’

Crime Briefs

MAN CAUGHT TRESPASSING BEFORE BASEBALL GAME LSU Police Department arrested a man unaffiliated with the University on June 5 at 4:30 p.m. for trespassing near Alex Box Stadium after being previously banned from the University.

An LSU officer arrested Delonius Johnson, 42, of 2219 South Liberty St. before the baseball game, said LSUPD spokesman Capt. Russell Rogé.

The officer recognized Johnson from a previous arrest when he was banned from campus after scalping tickets, Rogé said.

Johnson was removed from the Alex Box parking lot, issued a misdemeanor summons and then released, Rogé said.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

PAGE 4

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TECHNOLOGY

ITS fixes problem, cuts student access to Outblaze System refresh let students on site

By Robert Stewart Contributing Writer

Students looking for old information on the Outblaze e-mail system after June 1 were supposed to be hard pressed to find what they were looking for.

The University shut down student access to the Outblaze e-mail system June 1 after issuing e-mail warnings to students for several months about the switch to the

MURDER, from page 1

The FBI compiles the report from statistics reported by local city law enforcement. While the FBI reported 67 murders for Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Police Department reported only 66 for last year, according to Sergeant Don Kelly of BRPD. Kelly wasn’t able to explain the discrepancy in the statistics, but said it could possibly be because of a pending court decision that was settled after BRPD reported their statistics.

The FBI statistics also showed that New Orleans had the highest murder rate nationally with about 64 murders per 100,000 residents.

University sociology professor Thomas Durant said the Capitol and Crescent cities share high frequency of poverty, drug problems, high

new TigerMail system, operated by Google.

Information Technology Services still has access to the old system through the month of June in case students didn’t get the message about the switch.

But on June 2 and 3, students could still access their old e-mail on the PAWS e-mail transition site — a site that was supposed to be removed.

“We made the change at 6 a.m. on [June 1]. However, the change has to be replicated in multiple places,” said Sheri Thompson, IT communications and planning officer. “That replication didn’t happen in a timely

enough fashion so that the old page got reverted when it refreshed overnight.”

ITS was able to fix the problem, and now students once again don’t have access to Outblaze.

Thompson said any students who need to recover information from Outblaze need to act quickly and call ITS as soon as possible.

“If they’ve got stuff on there that they haven’t been able to, that they just were oblivious to the May 30th deadline, I mean it’s going to be more work for us because we have to personally go in and get their access back,” she said.

Eric Blackmon, nutrition dietet-

ics senior, said he still has some information on the old e-mail system he needs to transfer to TigerMail.

“I’ve transferred everything in the inbox over, but I have stuff in saved folders and stuff that I haven’t done that I need to get done,” Blackmon said. “I think that the other stuff will be a little more difficult. That’s about all I know. I really haven’t looked at it that much.”

Thompson said the Outblaze shutdown required only a “back-end switch” by ITS. Outblaze isn’t a system that exists on campus — it is an online service platform that provides “white label e-mail, collaboration and social

media services,” according to its Web site.

Messages sent through Outblaze would come into servers on campus and would be redirected to the Outblaze environment.

“Outblaze has all the ones and zeros that are your e-mails,” Thompson said. “In actuality, they had a different address too. Like Tigers is, it was actually paws.lsu.edu, but nobody actually saw that.”

school dropouts, and lack of family supervision in concentrated areas — factors that create a dangerous environment.

“Louisiana has a high incidence of poverty, and Baton Rouge is below average,” Durant said. “A lot of crimes tend to follow lower socioeconomic status. Murder is a crime of passion and emotion that usually aroused by environmental stimuli such as drugs, low income, lack of education, peer association ... There are more murders in New Orleans than Baton Rouge because we see a higher concentration of those factors.”

LSU Police Department spokesman Lawrence Rabalais said controlled or illegal substances are the most common factor in causing both violent and non-violent crime in Baton Rouge.

“Whether it’s someone who kills somebody else to steal property to sell and get a fix or someone who kills someone else to get the actual drugs itself, I think it all stems around substance abuse — whether it’s drugs or alcohol,” Rabalais said.

“Drugs are always a factor.”

Durant described isolated pockets throughout Baton Rouge as being the places where most of the city’s crime is committed.

“LSU is bordered by a low to moderate income area. Some people call it South Baton Rouge, and some people call it the ‘bottom,’” Durant said. “You have pockets like this throughout Baton Rouge. If you would get the statistics for the last year, you will see that basically places like that is where most of the crime is occurring.”

Rabalais said the University is

safer than statistics for the rest of Baton Rouge suggest because the demographics on campus are completely different than those in the surrounding areas.

“There is crime on campus, and we are not immune to it,” Rabalais said. “The University is a city within a city, but our environment within our city is more controlled where you have students who have to have a certain grade point average and are not in poverty.”

The rate of murders in a city may not be the most accurate way to assess how safe Baton Rouge is because typically people do not randomly murder other people unless it is an opportunistic murder arising out of robbery, Durant said.

Rabalais said the on-campus double homicide that occurred in December 2007 at Edward Gay Apart-

ments is still under investigation.

Following the double homicide, the University created the Crime Interdiction Unit to identify people who do not belong on campus at suspicious hours as part of a proactive approach to preventing crime on campus, Rabalais said.

Durant said students who live off campus should be the most cautious, because crime is much more prevalent in concentrated areas around the city than on campus.

“Parents need to council their children, and the University should council students who live off-campus about where to live, how to protect themselves and what to be aware of,” Durant said.

Contact Robert Stewart at rstewart@lsureveille.com

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009

event for parents, too.

Amanda Gulino, summer coordinator of the parent orientation leaders, said her orientation team tells parents about what their first year at LSU was like, what they did as freshmen and what resources at LSU have helped them.

“My favorite part is that parents always have questions for us and they challenge us to keep up-to-date on our knowledge of LSU,” said Gulino. “They are genuinely interested in their students’ lives and attend as many sessions as possible to learn about what LSU has to offer.”

Parents’ biggest concerns for

their children are safety, health and academics, according to Gulino. They want to know that their student will be safe on campus at night, have access to health care and information on healthy life choices, and have a strong academic core.

“We give them a student perspective, and I believe it helps to ease their minds because we are students, just like their sons and daughters,” said Gulino.

Information Sciences and the Department of Communication Scichancellor need to consider com- ences and Disorders into the new pletely starting over,” said Charles College of Social and Educational Zewe, LSU System spokesman. Professions. The College of Arts “The Board members were un- & Sciences would be renamed the happy with insufficient input from College of Humanities & Social various campus entities like the Sciences under the plan as well.

Under the plan, the Departfaculty.”

Martin told LSU System Pres- ment of Mathematics will move to ident John Lombardi in a letter that the College of Basic Sciences from the realignment plan was designed its current home in the College of to decrease “fragmentation” be- Arts & Sciences.

“The concern tween academic that the system departments, inadministration and crease efficiency the Board had was and better align that we wanted the University toto make sure that ward completing all of the various its Flagship Ageninterested eleda. ments affected by “Great instirealignment were tutions constantly involved in the Charles Zewe seek change to discussions of the get better,” Martin LSU System spokesman proposed plans,” said.

When Merget presented the said Board Chairman James P. plan to faculty members on April Roy. “When it does come to the 14, harsh words and criticism board for approval we want to followed. Many said the admin- know that all parties have had the istration didn’t seek enough fac- opportunity to be a part of the disulty opinion before presenting the cussion.”

Before their meeting on Thursproposal. However, Merget said the plan was a result of extensive day, LSU Faculty Senate President study and evaluation by the admin- Kevin Cope wrote a letter to the istration and several top faculty Board and Lombardi in response members, including the University to Martin’s previous letter.

“The Chancellor’s letter conPlanning Council.

A “transition team” and other tains several examples of hightask forces, made up mostly of ly-polished language that, in its faculty members, were established glossiness, distracts attention from soon after the unveiling to help an assortment of errors,” Cope ease the University into its new stated.

Cope went on to say there structure — which the administration wants to begin implementing haven’t been discussions with facby July 1, the start of the 2009-10 ulty members about the changes to their academic units, despite what fiscal year.

Some of the plan’s changes in- Martin wrote about in his letter. clude merging the School of Social Rather, a “minimally evaluated unWork, the School of Library and veiling” was what the faculty got,

Cope said. He also said the “transition team” was designed largely to implement the details of the plan rather than focusing on evaluation and the proposal of alternatives.

Martin said he and Cope have had their disagreements, but that faculty input is being heard and used for the realignment plan. He said the plan presented in April was a starting point, a draft very similar to one considered in 1996.

In order to keep this plan from failing like it did in 1996, Martin said it is important to keep the conversation going, make adjustments if needed and keep the LSU community in mind.

Students are virtually unaffected by the plan, Martin said.

Degree programs and requirements will stay the same, regardless of the restructuring. Layoffs are not a part of the plan.

As the Legislature enters its final weeks of the 2009 session, there is much talk about the state of higher education in Louisiana, Martin said. And although Martin said the realignment plan was not started because of pending budget cuts, the benefits of implementing the plan could help the University during future financial crises.

“The Legislature is putting enormous heat on higher education to seriously consider restructuring,” Martin said. “I believe LSU should lead in that process.”

Martin said the plan is still being ironed out, but that Board of Supervisors and, if required, Board of Regents approval will be sought.

AMBASSADORS, from page 1

said. “To get ready, I am trying to think of all the questions and worries I had as a new student on this big campus.”

Gilder said she tries to prepare the students for University life, no matter what their state of mind.

“Students come in with a plethora of emotions,” said Gilder. “We pride ourselves in educating and acclimating students to LSU in order to alleviate those worries and concerns they have, all while reinforcing their excitement for and pride in LSU.” Orientation is a considerable

RESTRUCTURE, from page 1

‘‘

‘The Board members were unhappy with insufficient input from various campus entities like faculty.’

PAGE 5

Contact Jennifer Raines at jraines@lsureveille.com

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

PLUCKERS WING BAR Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Pluckers lemondaes Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wedesday: Trivia at 8. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Plucker Lemondae Everyday: $4 Crown, Jack Daniels and Grey Goose

PAGE 6 FUNDING, from page 1

But according to state Department of Education officials, Governor Bobby Jindal will apply for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund.

“The state of Louisiana is applying for that fund,” said Louisiana Department of Education spokeswoman “The state René Greer.

“We will meet of that deadline.”

Louisiana is The U.S. Department of applying for Education an[the State nounced April 1 that the first Fiscal billion Stablization $32.6 from the fund Fund]. We would be availwill meet able for each state whose that governor apdeadline.” plied for the money by July René Greer 1.

La. Department The letter of Education outlined $26.6 spokeswoman billion of the funds was exclusive for K-12 and higher education, and the other $6 billion could be used for education or public safety.

The money can be spent during the next two years on edu-

THE DAILY REVEILLE

cation from early childhood to college and includes programs for children with disabilities and low-income students, according to the Department’s Web site.

The U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent a news release May 18 urging governors

to apply for the funding after only 13 states were awarded about $13 billion.

“We have an urgent need to reform our schools and prevent teacher layoffs,” Duncan said in the news release.

Three weeks before the dead-

line, 26 states have applied for the stimulus funding.

Each state that receives federal money has to report updates to the Department of Education including for teacher effectiveness in the schools, public information that is available regarding

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 student performance compared to other states and identify the schools most in need of academic intervention.

Contact Joy Lukachick at jlukachick@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

Coleman returns for senior season, carries Tigers to return trip to College World Series

final piece of our puzzle for next year’s team. We are going back to Omaha because of you.’”

LSU pitcher Louis Coleman Coleman’s decision to make sat down Saturday night with a return to LSU was important for a big grin on his face after get- more reasons than just him being ting a 5-3 decision the catalyst of against Rice. the team. If there The rightwas any queshander had scattion about LSU’s tered nine hits, in- Log on to see baseball squad cluding two home Coleman explain heading into this runs, in eight in- his pitches. season, it was nings but gave up pitching. only three runs The Tigers while striking out lost all three five. While the performance was weekend starters — Blake Marnot his best this year, only one tin, Ryan Verdugo and Jared decision in the game mattered – Bradford — to the majors after BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille the senior’s choice to come back last season. The team also lost LSU senior pitcher Louis Coleman pitches during his bullpen session Wednesday. to school for his final year of eli- Jordan Brown to a career-ending Coleman called returning for his senior season with the Tigers after being drafted gibility. by the Washington Nationals the best decision of his life.

DECISION, see page 11 “It’s the greatest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” he said, with his eyes noticeably beginning to water up. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

The Washington Nationals drafted Coleman in the 14th round of last year’s MLB draft, giving him an easy exit to a big check and a pro career. But Coleman felt the chance to get back to Omaha with a veteran ball club would mean more than any sum the Nationals could pay him.

After Coleman told LSU coach Paul Mainieri of his decision to remain with the team, Mainieri was blunt with the senior.

“I’ll remember these conversations I had with him last summer until the day I die,” Mainieri said.

“When he decided he was going to come back, I said, ‘Louis, you MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille will make all the difference in the world with our team. You are the LSU senior pitcher Louis Coleman pitches during the Tigers’ 5-3 victory against Rice on Saturday. The Tigers will now travel to

By Andy Schwehm Contributing Writer

lsureveille.com

the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., for the second consecutive season.

PAGE 7

BASEBALL

Juniors, LeMahieu ready for MLB draft

By Jerit Roser Editor

Several key members of the Tigers’ back-to-back College World Series teams could have a clearer view of what the future holds — days before their 6 p.m. first pitch in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday.

“Omaha was my first goal — to go there and win a national championship — so I’ve gotta take care of what my business is now,” said junior designated hitter Blake Dean. “But obviously the draft coming up is an aspect.

We’ll see what happens Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”

The 2009 Major League Baseball Draft begins tonight, and Dean, sophomore infielder DJ LeMahieu and juniors outfielder Jared Mitchell, left fielder and infielder Ryan Schimpf and first baseman and catcher Sean Ochinko are all eligible.

But the players said it’s easy to keep professional aspirations out of their minds with a national championship at stake.

“Now more than any time ever, there’s nothing you can do about it because we’re not playing again until after the draft, so there’s nothing you can do about it,” Mitchell said. “You just pray for the best and hope for the best, and whatever happens, happens.”

Mainieri said he actually hopes his players feel good about DEPARTURES, see page 11

BASKETBALL

Mitchell to return, Thornton climbs draft boards B.R. native may earn first-round selection

By Jerit Roser Editor

One member of the 2008-09 LSU men’s basketball team appears close to starting his NBA career earlier than previously expected.

But it won’t be forward Tasmin Mitchell.

Mitchell decided Sunday to return to LSU for his senior season by withdrawing his name from NBA draft consideration.

“I just think I can still better myself by getting my degree and better my opportunity for the NBA and raise my stock,” Mitchell told The Daily Reveille on Monday.

Former LSU guard Marcus Thornton, however, has been climbing

NBA draft boards.

“He’s definitely got a shot to get in the late first round,” said NBADraft. net analyst Aran Smith. “Basically, there’s a number of two-guards he’s sort of competing with for a spot in the late first round. And he’s had a number of good work outs, so that’s really helped him out.”

NBADraft.net projects the Memphis Grizzlies taking Thornton off the board at No. 36, early in the second round, in its latest mock draft.

DraftExpress.com has the Los Angeles Lakers selecting Thornton late in the first round at No. 29, and InsideHoops.com has the Grizzlies picking the 6-foot-4-inch guard at No. 27.

ESPN.com calls Thornton the draft’s No. 44-best prospect and a likely “late first to early second” round pick.

The Baton Rouge native’s potential first-round draft stock comes just weeks after no major draft Web site listed him being drafted at all. Thornton’s name was nowhere on ESPN’s list of top 100 players in the draft, which consists of only 60 picks.

“Any of the teams between 25 and 30 would definitely look at him,” Smith said. “You have the Lakers and Cleveland in there, teams that could use another good shooter. Oklahoma City is a possibility ... and Chicago as well. Memphis is in there. I’m not so sure about them.”

LSU coach Trent Johnson said Thornton’s worked out for several teams, including Milwaukee, Detroit, Minnesota and New Orleans.

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille “The NBA has a way of hiding their cards, so to speak,” Johnson said. Marcus Thornton drives down court during the Tigers’ 76-62 win against “So you can’t get too caught up in it, Alabama on February 8. Thornton is projected as a late first or early second THORNTON, see page11 round pick in the 2009 NBA Draft set for June 25.

OF

The Mental

1.

2.

More than any other position in any other sport, a pitcher is on his own. Coleman said that leads him to have to have a solid mental state in order to succeed, whether it’s bouncing back after giving up a home run or not getting too much of an emotional high after a big strikeout.

For Coleman, the approach is easy.

On a typical 7:00 p.m. start, Coleman arrives at the stadium around 5:00 p.m. to eat his pregame meal and get heat on his shoulder to loosen up before his bullpen session.

Coleman said most pitchers will start to throw 45 minutes prior to first pitch. He doesn’t start until about 30 minutes before the game.

“It doesn’t take me nearly as long as some people to throw,” the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year said.

Then it’s game time.

The Pregame Rituals

Coleman works with four pitches: two-seam fastball, slider, sinker and circle changeup.

While Coleman is winding up to throw those pitches, his mechanics never enter his mind.

“If you think about mechanics, then you get too caught up in the game,” Coleman said. “You’re not worried about yourself or what

5.

The Pitch

The right-hander has an easier time facing right handers than lefties because of the angle of his arm motion when he throws.

Coleman, who has the lowest ERA (2.76) in the SEC among regular starters, said lefties can see the ball easier against him.

“If I can get it in on [lefties], then that angle that I get on them, then they have a harder time getting out in front of it,” Coleman said.

4.

Facing The Batter

LSU senior right-hander Louis Coleman has been LSU’s most dangerous weapon on the mound for the past two years. Coleman took The Daily Reveille on a step-by-step explanation of his approach to being a successful pitcher.

THE

ART PITCHING

NCAA COLLEGE WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

Sinker

Fastball

Pitch by Pitch

Coleman from the stretch ...

... to the release

Coleman has gotten more batters out at first (16) than any other pitcher on the team. Part of the reason for that is because the senior played shortstop in high school whenever he wasn’t pitching, so he naturally enjoys getting off the mound to field a ball because he feels it makes one less play for the defense behind him to make.

Another reason is the way Coleman finishes his windup — squared up to the plate.

“I like to go get everything I can because it makes it easier on the infielders,” Coleman said. “I take pride in going to get balls off the mound, especially on bunts, even though I’ve made a few errors this year.”

6.

The Finish

you can control ... When you get on the mound, it’s your heart, and you do what you can to win.”

through the motions

Coleman was the Tigers’ closer last season, a role that allowed him to throw fewer pitches at a higher velocity.

“When you go out there to close, you ... see if you can throw your arm off,” Coleman joked.

But this season, the Schlater, Miss., native is Story and design by throwing more than 100 pitches a game as a Andy Schwehm starter, so he has to learn how to control Contributing Writer his speed during the game.

“When you start, it’s more Senior right-hander Louis Coleman throws a circle change-up during about placement and trying to his bullpen session Wednesday. Coleman (13-2) leads the team in wins, ERA (2.76) and innings pitched (114) and is second on the get to the seventh inning team with 124 strikeouts and a .217 opponent batting average. to get the closer in,” Coleman said.

3.

The Physical

“Make it as simple as possible, and don’t think too much” the senior said. “Me and coach [David] Grewe talk about it all the time. You can only control what you can control. I can control the pitch and where it’s going, but once it leaves my hand, I have no control.”

PAGE 10

TRACK AND FIELD

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Hicks leads LSU into Outdoor Championships NCAA title meet begins Wednesday

By Robert Stewart Contributing Writer

College has been an up-anddown ride for Jeremy Hicks for multiple reasons.

The senior long jumper from Houston began his career at LSU with promise, earning All-Southeastern Conference honors as a freshman with a 25-foot, 10 3/4inch jump to take second place at the SEC Outdoor Championships.

But Hicks’ performances leveled off the next two seasons. He earned another outdoor all-conference nod in the long jump in 2008 despite dealing with groin and abdominal injuries, but missed allconference honors in 2007 — all while failing to surpass the personal-best mark he set in 2006.

And while Hicks is one of the nation’s leading long jumpers heading into the NCAA Outdoor Championships beginning Wednesday in Fayetteville, Ark., the former Elsik High School standout almost didn’t make it this far.

“It was very, very, very frustrating. I almost felt like I wanted to quit track,” Hicks said. “But I told myself that my next year I would do something about it. So here I am now.”

Hicks has one of the best

chances of any athlete for the No. 5 Tigers or the No. 3 Lady Tigers going into this week’s championships to win his or her respective event. He is No. 3 in the nation with a 26-foot, 3-inch long jump performance at the prestigious Penn Relays in April.

Hicks didn’t exactly win the Penn Relays title running away. He won the event on his sixth and final jump of the competition.

That situation was all too familiar for Hicks. He beat Nicholas Gordon of Nebraska that event, who came back to beat him at the NCAA Indoor Championships back in March on his final attempt of the competition. “[Coach Dennis Shaver] told me ‘good job’ [after the NCAA Indoors] and that I would eventually get [Gordon] somewhere in the outdoor season,” Hicks said. “He told me to try not to let it beat me at outdoor nationals.”

Shaver said Hicks has had success this season by telling the coaches more about how he’s felt physically during the season in order to avoid injuries.

Hicks may be communicating more with Shaver this season, but there was somebody else he wasn’t talking to as much after his injuries.

He didn’t say much to Sean Washington, his high school coach, about the rough times he was going through and not because the

two didn’t have any kind of bond — Washington, who was also one of Hicks’ high school football coaches, said the two have had a strong relationship since Hicks was a freshman at Elsik.

“He did disappear there, cut off the communication there for a while,” Washington said. “I knew something was going on. I didn’t have to call anyone at LSU. I could just read the results over the Internet, just view it online.”

The two still talk. Washington said the last time he talked to Hicks was at the Texas Relays in Austin, a little more than three hours from Houston, in April.

Washington has had a simple message for Hicks during his tough times at LSU: keep his head up, don’t give up and remember to finish his education.

“The rest of it will come,” Washington said.

Now after battling injuries, setbacks and communication issues, Hicks is one of LSU’s main scoring threats heading into the NCAA championships.

The Tigers have qualified 12 individual athletes in nine events and two relay teams for the championships, while the Lady Tigers have 14 athletes in eight events and two relay teams competing in Fayetteville.

“Realistically I think a top-five finish with the men’s team certainly I would feel would be very good,”

Shaver said. “We could be a team that everything fell just right for us and we got a little bit of help, then certainly our men could win.”

But Hicks won’t be satisfied with only a top-five finish. He’s in it for the long haul.

“I have a lot of faith in my-

self,” Hicks said. “I just keep on telling myself that I’m in it to win it.”

Contact Robert Stewart at rstewart@lsureveille.com

Daily Reveille file photo

Senior Jeremy Hicks completes a jump of 26 feet, 1 1/2 inches in the long jump competition in the LSU Alumni Gold meet on April 18.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 THORNTON, from page 7

because it’s a business ... and everybody’s posturing in terms of who they want to pick and where they want to pick.”

Smith said the closest NBA comparison he has for Thornton is former Sixers, Hornets, Sonics and Bulls guard Hershey Hawkins, who the Los Angeles Clippers selected No. 6 out of Bradley in 1988 following Rupp and U.S. Basketball Writers Association NCAA Player of The Year awards.

“With his body type — they’re sort of barrel-chested — and they’re quick shooters,” Smith said. “I don’t think he’s quite on the level with Hawkins in terms of talent. Hawkins put up ridiculous numbers throughout his college career, whereas Thornton sort of came on toward the end of his career ... I think his size is the biggest concern, defensively, and will he be able to get shots off the same way.”

While Thornton appears to be the first LSU player set to come off the board at the draft on June 25, Smith expects center Chris Johnson to follow him somewhere in the second round.

“Chris Johnson has a real chance to get drafted based on his length and his potential,” Smith said. “He is a senior, but he’s a guy that’s still developing some.

He didn’t have a great year, but he showed flashes.”

Guards Garrett Temple and Terry Martin could have to join teams as free agents after the draft or play their way through the NBA Developmental League or a European league to begin NBA careers, Smith said.

“I haven’t heard too much on them as far as draft possibilities,” Smith said. “They’d be guys that’d probably have a shot to be picked up in free agency ... The fact that [Temple’s] such a good defensive player, you can’t completely rule him out, but I think he really didn’t develop much offensively, so that makes it a real uphill battle.”

Last week Temple said he had one workout in late April, five in May and had seven scheduled for June and has been traveling with agent John Hamilton, who also represents former LSU forward Glen Davis. Temple has covered the country on work out trips with stops in Portland, Indiana, Detroit, Boston, San Antonio, Houston and Oakland.

“I had a workout with Boston, and I was up there for about three or four days with [Glen] after,” Temple said. “[Traveling] is almost worse than my AAU days, but we’re flying — sometimes first-class — and my agent has done a good job of scheduling.”

Trent Johnson said forward Quintin Thornton and former forward Anthony Randolph — drafted last year by the Golden State Warriors after his freshman season at LSU — are both still working on finishing their education.

Mitchell said he still considers his stint of NBA workouts and traveling the country a positive adventure.

“It was a great experience. I learned a lot,” Mitchell said. “They taught me a lot working out.”

Contact Jerit Roser at jroser@lsureveille.com

DEPARTURES, from page 7

their draft positions — even if it might mean they’re less likely to return for next season.

“We all have to deal with it. I just hope that the kids don’t get disappointed because I want them to be in a good positive frame of mind,” Mainieri said.

“I’ve always felt whatever is best for the kids is what I want to see happen, so we may lose some underclassmen and we may lose some recruits. But whatever happens, happens, and we’ll deal with it and get a team ready for next year.”

Dean said several factors pull players away from college early, including which team drafts them, when they get drafted and how much money they get offered, but that LSU has some pretty strong pulls of its own.

“You’ve gotta think ‘Is it worth leaving LSU?’” Dean said.

“You’ve got 9,000 people at every game, fans care about baseball and you couldn’t ask for a better facility. Then you go to the minor leagues where it’s 500 people at a game, and it’s like playing at a high school park.”

LSU also offers this year’s draft-eligible underclassmen a success story of a player who decided to stay.

“If our juniors get drafted and it’s financially to their benefit and they’re comfortable with the opportunity that they’re getting, then they should sign,” Mainieri said. “But if they’re not, they can look at Louis as a classic example of a kid that came back for his senior year and it’s paid off for him.”

Coleman said his advice to his teammates is simple.

“The best decision I’ve ever made is to come back,” Coleman said. “You can’t put a price on friendship and the guys in the locker room, and you can’t put a price on a brand new stadium and the fans and the atmosphere, getting your degree and getting done with that.”

Contact Jerit Roser at jroser@lsureveille.com

ninth inning with the elimination game tied, 3-3. It was only the injury and two major pitching re- second home run he gave up all cruits to the draft. season, and it was his first loss on But Coleman decided to stick the season. with the team.

Coleman, who was named The Schlater, Southeastern ConMiss., native said ‘Every time he’s given ference Pitcher of there were two the Year this seamajor factors in the ball, he gives the son, has bounced his decision to resince that greatest effort that back turn — the friendgrand slam with a ships with his any human being 2.76 ERA in 114 teammates and innings pitched. the bitter taste could possibly give.’ He has compiled a from last season’s 13-2 record in 21 Paul Mainieri trip to College appearances with LSU baseball coach World Series.

124 strikeouts.

Coleman He has also gave up a grand slam on a hanging been the go-to man this season slider to North Carolina catcher for the Tigers, a role Coleman Tim Federowicz in the top of the said he enjoys.

DECISION, from page 7

‘‘

PAGE 11 “It gives me a lot of confidence because I know they have that much faith in me,” Coleman said. “When the game is on the line, I know they are looking to me.”

Mainieri added while he doesn’t like to play favorites with his players, it is hard for him to not do so with Coleman.

“Every time he’s given the ball, he gives the greatest effort that any human being could possibly give for his school,” Mainieri said. “He’s certainly going to go down in history with me and my coaching career as one of my all-time favorite kids.”

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

TRAVEL

TUEsday, June 9, 2009

Studying abroad is fun, confusing and worth it

LONDON — I never thought being an American in a foreign country was like to being a fish out of water.

Some differences are expected and exciting, but the Metro, electrical outlets and language barriers proved to be quite complicated. I loved wandering through Paris and London, but I was definitely lost in translation and sparks flew between the electrical outlets and me.

But the Parisians were forgiving, except when we misused their language.

One man actually refused to continue speaking with my roommate and me when I incorrectly

said “I understand.”

Then again, I did say it in Spanish.

But, when we partook in Parisian night life, the French loved us.

Not only did they speak with us like we were a novelty, a man who had been kissing my cheeks stuck my fingers in his mouth.

When in France?

Studying abroad is more about cultural infusion rather than academic achievement. But don’t tell your professors that.

We attend class and have beaucoup assignments and projects due, but more importantly we’re learn-

ing foreign mannerisms, jargon and customs.

I find Americans expect other countries to cater to our culture, although we know little about theirs.

Most locals can spot Ameri- Victoria Yu cans in their Columnist cities because we are either loud or obnoxious or hogging the sidewalk.

And before this trip, I didn’t know the French king’s name or that Tony Blair was no longer Eng-

land’s prime minister.

If Americans want to step away from the “dumb American” stereotype, we should learn more about our government and those of the world.

The Parisians and Londoners I spoke with were more knowledgeable about America’s government and economy than I was about theirs.

Americans don’t comprise the entire world, but we like to think we do.

And that mindset is incredibly pretentious.

I’ll be in Scotland soon, and I plan on learning more about its

culture, bagpipes and kilts instead of expecting locals to adjust to my ideas of common courtesy.

I’ve already been informed polite conversation is not a paramount social quality, but I don’t want to form preconceived notions.

However, if a Scottish bloke graphically describes any after dinner plans, I can rely on my loud, obnoxious, American qualities to handle it.

Contact Victoria Yu at vyu@lsureveille.com

SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT

Twitter triggers the evolution of word-of-mouth Word-of-mouth has always been an incredibly successful advertising mechanism.

Since the days of carnival barkers shilling their wares, advertisers and promoters have always encouraged consumers to tell their friends about new products. Often the only way to find out about new products and services was to call a friend.

But the Internet has changed the game a little bit — why ask someone about a product when you can just Google it yourself? While it may seem like word-of-mouth is diminishing, the Internet actually presents it with a great opportunity to grow.

The Internet communication medium known as Twitter represents a new dawn for word of mouth advertising.

To be fair, word-of-mouth advertising has never really gone away — people are never going to stop telling their friends about cool things they saw or bought.

Even infomercials, whose entire premise is to inform consumers about products, will still occasionally end with the classic “if you promise

to tell two friends about product X, we’ll give you X as a bonus.”

That’s not just a cheeky reference to old Faberge shampoo commercials — it’s an honest appeal to the power of word-of-mouth.

Despite the continued existence of word-of-mouth in some form, I think it’s fair to say modern technology has drastically changed the processes we use to inform our purchasing decisions.

Take someone shopping for a new camera for instance.

A few years ago, someone looking to buy a new camera would be either call up their most knowledgeable friend, wait until the camera issue of Consumer Reports came out or be held at the mercy of the salesman at their local Wal-mart or Ritz Camera outlet.

These days, I’m more likely to check out a Web site that aggregates professional reviews and consumer opinions before I head into an electronics store or call a friend who knows about cameras.

While I do consider myself pretty tech savvy, I don’t think I’m

alone in that situation. Thousands of people go through the same ritual every day.

Q u i t e frankly it’s often less of a hassle to do my own research than it would be to take the time to call a friend Skylar Gremillion and get their full range of Columnist thoughts on the state of modern camera technology.

In that way, the Internet can limit the effectiveness of word-of-mouth advertising. But that’s not where the relationship between the Internet and word-of-mouth advertising ends.

Enter Twitter.

To those who only watch The Today Show and other network news shows, Twitter magically appeared on the horizon six months ago and changed the shape of Internet communication.

Popular media starlets such as Stephen Colbert to Kathy Lee Gifford have dedicated segments on

their shows talking about what Twitter is and how it works.

Since they’ve all gone through so much trouble, I’ll keep my explanation short — Twitter is a Web site that lets people send short messages via the Internet. Other people subscribe to and receive the messages.

These short messages have the potential to be the next big thing for word-of-mouth advertising because they allow the passive transmission of information through trusted social networks.

In other words, Twitter lets people give and receive information without actively requesting it from an individual.

The individuals who read the messages are not random strangers staring at a banner on the side of a bus, they are people who have signed up to follow your messages — they’re listening to you because they want to and vice versa.

The passive communication within the context of social networks is a perfect medium for word of mouth advertising.

Using the camera example from

earlier, if I wanted to find out about a certain type of camera I’d just have to send a “tweet” out to my group of subscribers, and those with the desire and knowledge would most likely respond.

Furthermore, if a friend just bought a new camera, they could send a message extolling the virtues of that new device.

That’s what the great cyberforefathers intended — people using the Internet to pass along information that makes their lives better .

But it actually means more than that, because communications technologies like Twitter often do more than what they were intended to do.

A new form of word-of-mouth advertising is really just one side effect of this new technology.

The things we’ve seen are just the start. It’s the thing we never think about, that will be most significant.

Skylar Gremillion is a 26-yearold sociology graduate student from Plaucheville.

Contact Skylar Gremillion at sgremillion@lsureveille.com

SNAPSHOT

Whether it’s football or baseball, geaux try tailgating More people might pop a tent in the fall, but spring is just as fun. This weekend was one of the best tailgating or sporting event experiences of my life, and the funny thing is I probably wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for this Snapshot.

Even though people associate tailgating with football games, there are plenty of people that park their RVs and set up a grill for a game in Alex Box. The crowd for baseball is smaller, and the tailgaters are more

laid-back, but it was still a good time. Fans drink, cook, listen to music and don the traditional purple and gold just like they do for football, but I would say it seems a little more family-oriented than football tailgating.

Like a lot of students, I tailgate for football games. But if you’ve never gone to a tailgate for baseball, I suggest you look into it for the Tigers’ next season.

Tailgating was fun, but the thing

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board

JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI

Editor

Managing Editor

MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Columnist

TRAVIS ANDREWS

Columnist

SCOTT BURNS

Columnist

SKYLAR GREMILLION

Columnist

that did it for me was the game. This weekend was the first time I had been to a game in the new Alex Box Stadium.

Whoever put that monster Zac Lemoine together knew Online Media Editorwhat they were doing. It is a beautiful stadium that houses a great

team. I got to see the Tigers earn a spot at the College World Series in Omaha, and that was awesome.

Just a heads up though, there is a really small men’s restroom behind section 216. It’s tiny.

Did I mention the crowd in Alex Box set a record in attendance this weekend with 9,375 on Friday and 9,651 on Saturday? I know football has roughly 90,000 fans for most games and can make Richter scales jump, but it’s the Tigers playing

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.

baseball — America’s favorite pastime — so basically all of America should try to get seats in Alex Box whenever they can.

I seriously encourage everyone to add yourselves to that number. It’s the Tiger sports experience, in brand new stadium with an amazing team.

Contact Zac Lemoine at zlemoine@lsureveille.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“You can always count on Americans to do the right thing — after they’ve tried everything else.”

Winston Churchill British Prime Minister Oct. 26, 1951 - April 7, 1955

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

MURDA, HE WROTE

Opinion

PAGE 13

D-Day ceremonies highlight shift in America’s image BAYEAUX, France —What Europe thinks of the U.S. or even if their opinion is relevant is a common topic in the popular media, particularly on cable news. And most of it paints a chilly relationship with Europe, save England.

There’s no question America’s reputation has taken a hit during the last decade or so. But Saturday’s commemoration of the Allied invasion of Normandy highlighted an America at the height of its popularity. It also offered further proof that the tides are shifting as most Europeans alter the way they see America.

From the humbling American Cemetery (featured in the opening of Saving Private Ryan) to the still-standing gun batteries at Longues-sur-Mer, the cities and towns around the beaches of Normandy were inundated with World War II re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Every town’s the streets were

blanketed with Allied flags. From casual observation, it seemed as though the frequency of American flags kept pace with those of the French.

Hardly what one would expect to find in France, according to the stereotype.

Buses don’t run very well between all the sites, so a visitor may find himself doing a bit of walking. It’s hard not to feel like you’re in a scene from Band of Brothers, with the long expanses of wheat, old churches and barns.

The effect is compounded by the surprising number of restored Jeeps and military transports, all shuttling passengers in periodstyle fatigues.

One thing is particularly striking. Though they don their uniforms, few are from the countries that made up the invading force.

Rather, the vast majority hail from the occupied European

countries — the first member of Easy Company I encountered spoke a thick Spanish.

D-Day represents a time when America’s reputation was at its height — a time when its motives were unquestionably for justice and liberty.

Mark Macmurdo This is the Columnist America that brings them to Normandy year after year.

What set this year’s events apart was the visit of President Obama. Coming from a speech in Cairo meant to repair America’s image in Muslim countries, the President has been seeking to accomplish a similar goal in Europe.

One of Obama’s main points was to emphasize the incredible

cooperation and collaboration that was necessary to storm the beaches and release Hitler’s grip on Europe.

There are still many evils and common challenges in the world that need similar measures of teamwork to combat.

Whether in galvanizing support or targeting their manifestations, today’s evils pose unique challenges in diplomacy (it’s hard to imagine an inciting incident like Pearl Harbor for global warming).

Americans should recognize that international cooperation — with Europeans viewing the U.S. Government as competent — is central to ending Al-Queda or providing potable water to third world countries.

And judging by the enthusiasm of the crowds this year in Normandy, it seems as though the image of America minted on June 6,1945 may be returning.

It’s an image epitomized by the sacrifice made on the beaches and carved in the sea of crosses and Stars of David in the American Cemetery.

Obama’s popularity has clearly stirred excitement among people from all over the world.

Whether or not individuals are in line with his policies, they cannot deny the marked shift in foreign attitudes his presidency brings.

As his critics point out, his presidency’s success must be based on tangible acheivements.

But judging by the eagerness of leaders like Nicholas Sarkozy to be included in his photo-ops, these are surely on the horizon.

Mark Macmurdo is a 22year-old economics and history major from Baton Rouge.

Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Sotomayor may be an activist, but she isn’t racist

With President Barack Obama’s selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to the Supreme Court, the long-standing debate about judicial activism has been — or rather, should have been — brought front and center in the nation’s consciousness.

Unfortunately, due to a snafu of media exaggeration and public outcry, this debate — which is one of the most important issues of our political system — is being relegated to the back burner.

As is so often the case, Sotomayor’s opponents have found potentially damaging quotes and decisions the veteran judge has made and taken them dangerously out of context. Their aim in this process is simple: to deflect discussion away from her impressive resume to rally public sentiment against her nomination.

Conservative leaders and pundits are using these examples to try to stick the label “reverse racist” on Obama’s pick — in a craven attempt to play on the ever-lingering racial suspicions America still grapples with.

The first is a single quote: “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.” Although this quote sounds damning on the surface, few in the media are providing the nation with the appropriate context.

This excerpt is from a speech Sotomayor gave at a conference celebrating Latinos making a difference in the country. In her speech, the judge was proposing that diversity on a court is extremely useful, especially when it comes to race-related cases. Sotomayor was saying that a “wise Latina woman” would have a better background to understand

a case related to Hispanic racism — this only seems logical.

Besides, to portray Sotomayor as a racist, opponents have to ignore comments in the very same speech — she applauds that “seminal decisions in race and sex have come from courts composed ex- Matthew Albright clusively of Columnist white males,” she doesn’t believe “different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding a different group,” and she maintains “judges must transcend personal sympathies and prejudices.”

The second example opponents invoke is Sotomayor’s decision in Ricci v. New Haven. In that case, Sotomayor voted to uphold a previous court’s refusal to overturn the case of a white firefighter whose job was taken by an African American with lower testing scores.

Even if the decision is unfair — which it almost certainly is — the fault lies in the law, not in Sotomayor or the rest of the judges in the court’s decision. Sotomayor and her colleagues made a decision on what they thought the law required — it’s hard to accuse her of racial motivations when she voted to uphold a previous decision in a majority vote.

Although both of these examples seem to be damning evidence of racism on the surface, they are both taken out of context. Opponents neglect to research — or conveniently fail to mention — a simple and telling statistic: In the 96 cases of racial discrimination Sotomayor has heard, she has ruled in favor of the accuser a mere 10 times. In addition, she

has ruled in the majority all but four times.

In light of these statistics, it seems almost silly to accuse Sotomayor of being a racially motivated maverick. Yet this is exactly the image her opponents are attempting to portray.

Not only are these tactics an elaborate series of political cheap shots, they are extremely detrimental to the discussion about her nomination. Instead of racially charged accusations, the real focus should be on the question of her judicial activism.

Instead of trying to determine

whether Sotomayor will attempt to overthrow the white race with her decisions, the discourse should be focused on whether she will uphold the law or legislate from the bench.

There are very legitimate reasons to believe that she is, in fact, activist — although, ironically, Ricci v. New Haven is a powerful example of a strict interpretation of the law.

It is perfectly legitimate to criticize Sotomayor for being activist, because the evidence to this effect is strong.

But until much more convincing evidence — evidence that doesn’t

immediately collapse under even perfunctory unbiased research — is found, it is not appropriate to accuse Sotomayor of “reverse racism.” Doing so exploits and exacerbates racial tensions, and it prevents a truly meaningful analysis of her judicial worth.

Matthew Albright is a 20-yearold mass communication junior from Baton Rouge.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 14

Classifieds

ton Rouge International School is looking for a certified Kindergarten Teacher for the school year 2009-2010. Please send your resume at brisla@yahoo.com

TEMPORARY WORKERS NEEDED! EARN SUMMER MONEY! LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab is now hiring survey researchers! Must have a clear speaking voice, be friendly, willing to communicate with people over the phone, and to follow set procedures. Pay is competitive, $7-9/ hour.

Flexible hours! Great place to work! Prior experience a plus but not required. Part-time and full-time work available.

Contact Kathryn Rountree, Operations Manager, krount1@lsu.edu to set up an interview

Pluckers Wing Bar Now Hiring All positions for Summer and Fall.

Make great Money in a fun working enviroment.

Apply at 4225 Nicholson !BARTENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 1-800-965-6520 xt127 need help controling hunger? PBRC is looking for females, ages, 18-55, to participate. The purpose of this study is to determine if a breakfast drink made with a natural product will help reduce hunger and prevent overeating. Earn up to $120. Call 225.763.3000

STUDENT & SUMMER WORK Local BR company expanding Fast! **$15.00 Base/appt** Flexible Schedules No experience nec Customer sales/ svc Ages 17+ Apply NOW:225-927-3066 www.collegestudentwork.com

Property Manager Needed Competent, motivated, ethical person to manage 2 rental houses. $150/month plus reference for resume.

Receptionist for Law Firm Duties include answering phones, filing, light typing, and errands. Email resume and salary requiements to csonnier@mckaylawfirm. net, or fax to 225-924-3644

Small animal veterinary clinic seeking assistants and receptionists for full or parttime work year round. Experience helpful but not necessary. Please come in to complete an application at 7807 Greenwell Springs Rd 225.928.4417

Red Stick Sports Needs A Couple of Sports Oriented Retail Sales Clerks to work this Summer and hopefully beyond. If this might be you, please call 769-6232. Ask for Joey or Brian.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Now hiring for all positions at the following locations: JEFFERSON 7615 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge 70809 PERKINS ROWE 7707 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge 70810 “Flexible schedules & Benefits for Full Time Associates” Please apply in person during regular restaurant hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CERTIFIED SCiENCE TEACHER The Baton Rouge International School is looking for a certified science teacher for upper elementary and middle school for the 2009-2010 school year. Please send your resume at brisla@ yahoo.com.

Local landscaping company is looking for full time or part time help. If interested, call Craig at 225-715-9861 or email greenstickllc@ yahoo.com

Parkview Baptist Preschool Preschool Teachers needed flex days no degree required 293-9447

Handyman for yard and household jobs w/ retired prof near LSU. 10 flex hr/wk. $8/hr.

225.769.7921

VIETNAMESE SPEAKERS Interviewing in NOLA for Katrina Recovery. Our LSU Sociology Research Team has done 4,500 interviews in GNO. Now we want to include the Vietnamese community. Join our team! Saturday trips to New Orleans, with full day of work & free round-trip transportation - or your own flexible schedule. $12/ hr with language skills. Interesting, meaningful teamwork on community recovery. Pls tell your Vietnamese-speaking friends. Contact David Maddox, dmaddo1@ tigers.lsu.edu.

Interviewing in NOLA for Katrina Recovery.

Join our LSU Sociology Research Team to conduct interviews of residents in New Orleans neighborhoods. Saturday trips to New Orleans, with full day of work. $9/ hr with free roundtrip transportation. Interesting, meaningful teamwork on community recovery. Contact David Maddox, dmaddo1@tigers.lsu.edu

PBRC Study PBRC is looking for people to particiapate in a 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 higher calorie meal plan for 8 weeks. All meals will be provided to you at no cost. Earn up to $3800.

Call 225.763.3000

HAMPTON INN HOTEL -COLLEGE DR. has immediate openings for Night Audit ( 6 days on 8 days off) 10pm to 7am and Front Desk Clerks. Please apply in person at 4646 Constitution Ave. 225.926.9990

DAY CAMP & NURSERY STAFF NOW HIRING: Summer Day Camp Counselors & Kids Zone Nursery Staff, flex schedules, FREE membership. Work where you have fun! Apply: Paula G. Manship YMCA, 8100 YMCA Plaza Drive, BR, LA or call Lindsay (225) 767-9622

Baby sitter needed Looking for someone to baby-sit 8 year old for the summer.

225.278.9091

CERTIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER The Ba-

Engergetic & Fashionable? Eutopia Salon is looking for a makeup artist who is driven to sell. Call Kristie @ 225-344-4386. Experience preferred.

LSU RUNNING/WORKOUT SHOES CUSTOM MADE NIKE LSU CASUAL SHOES NEW NEVER WORN-SIZE 13- PICTURES ON REQUEST-- $65 skrsh@bellsouth.net 601.992.2243 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FALL 2009!! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units for sale starting at $124,900. Ask about our Guaranteed Buy-Back Program!! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

3/3 Condo at LSU Campus Gated: 3/3 1700SF $206,000 Almost New. The Gates At Brightside. 1.5 from campus. Income producing while your student lives free. 407-3530564 Susan

1BR UNF WALK TO LSU Les Petites Apts 3313 Iowa St w/stove, fridge, central A/C 9275495 225.766.0679 Large House 4 brm/2ba 2200.ft. $1600mo. dep.req.great location 318.573.5102 University View Condo 2 bed 2 bath Available July 1st $1200/mo $1000 damage deposit. Patti 337.988.1409 2 ba house for rent in Meadowbend Subd. near LSU. 7865 Clover Ridge. Pets Welcome. $1200. mo., $500. deposit.

Call 985.688.2757 Summer Grove Condos Reserve your unit now for Summer/Fall ’09.

2bed/2 bath - $1,200 2bed/2.5 bath - $1,300 3bed/3.5 bath - $1,650 See our website for more details! www. deanflores.com Dean Flores Real Estate 9191 Siegen Lane Ste 4-B Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225.767.2227 TIGER PARK LSU. 1 and 2 Br. TH. pool. $525 to $700 call 766-7224 225.892.8517 Tiger Manor Condominiums. UNITS READY FOR FALL 2009! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www. tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

N

2BR Condo For Rent $1100 Lake front property; gated community; Bluebonnet b/ w Jefferson & Airline. Completely renovated! Quiet, peaceful, and pet-friendly property. PERFECT for GRAD students! ALL NEW APPLIANCES; including washer/ dryer.

Features a gazebo and pier on the lake, club house w/ gym, pool and cabana. Call today!

225.281.8589

Tuesday, June 9, 2008

Arlington Trace Reserve yours now for Summer/Fall ’09.

2bed/2.5 bath - $1,300/monthly 3bed/3.5 bath - $1,650/monthly All appliances included.

Dean Flores Real Estate 225.767.2227 225.767.2227 Walk to LSU 1 and 2 BR FLATS and TH, pool,

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 laundry center. University View Apartments on West Parker. Call Hannah 767-2678. NO PETS. Rent Brightside Estates Condo 3 br./2 bath 1st Floor 3 car parking near pool & volleyball courts on LSU Bus route (225)266-9063 Chateau du Cour in tigerland Large 2 BR 1 B in gated complex..772-2429 mckproperties.com BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES. Pre-leasing for summer and fall. 2br 2.5 bath pool, w/ d. $900/ mth $500 dep. 955-6480 southlandpropertiesinc.com 1 BR ON BURBANK -from $475 www.lsubr. com for pictures/ floorplan. 4065, 4243, 4118 Burbank. $300 deposit. No pets, not even visiting. Leave a message. 978-1649

terms. No pets! $465 w/ $350 deposit Stadium View Apts. 225.928.2864

2 BR / 1 Bath Located in quiet, charming 4-plex 5 min. to LSU. Huge rooms, high ceilings, wood flrs, central a/ h. All apppl. incld. dishwasher & washer/ dryer. Semester Lease Terms.

No Pets! $700 w/ $350 deposit.

225.928.2864 $STUDENT $PECIAL!! LARGE 1 BR APT. WALK TO L S U !! 769-7757 / 978-3123 ROOMmATE NEEDED

LSU Area 3 BR / 1 Bath House Newly Renovated! Walk to campus. Inclds. hrdwd flrs throughout, tile in kit & bath, central a/h, new frig., stove, micro, d/w & w/d. Large rooms, Very nice!

Lawn care incld. in price of rent. $1275 w/ $600 deposit Drex Gomes Properties 928-2864 walk 2 campus! 2ba/2.5 bath Gated Community: 3330 Willard St. 1100/ mo +1000 dep. H20/Wifi incl. No Dogs. Furniture Negotiable. Call 225-638-4517.

754 Delgado-off Highland Rd 2br / 1ba, sunroom, deck, w/d conn, $900 rent / 500 dep avl 7/1 225-766-6555 1 BR/ 1 Bath Condo Very nice! Unique flrpln includes all appl. w/ washer/ dryer. Berber carpet & tile. Very convenient to LSU. Semester Lease Terms.

No Pets!

350 South Acadian Gallery Condos $495 w/ $350 deposit 225.928.2864 1 BR/ 1 Bath Great College Drive location in Bienville Towers Condos. new carpet, tile & appliances. Huge closets. Very light, open floor plan. Private balcony overlooking courtyd. Near Pool Area. $600 w/ $350 deposit 225.928.2864 LSU Area, 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath TownHome with W/D, no pets, $650/month. 225-8021961 Highland Road 3 br 2 ba $950-$1300 225.769.1079 FOR RENT NEW TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH CONDO; RENT IS $1,100.00 PER MONTH; 9 FT. CEILINGS, CERAMIC TILE FLOORING, ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDING WASHER/ DRYER IN UNIT; CONVENIENT TO CAMPUS, INTERSTATE AND SHOPPING 225.413.9800 For Rent Nice 3BR/2BA Close to LSU/Lee Dr/Highland Rd $1500/mo 225 810-2739 near lsu campus 3BR houses with garages.

Washer/dryer and appliances incl. Fenced yards pet ok. $1195-$1295.1BR’s $375-$495 Available June. Call Martha@McDaniel Prop.

225.388.9858 1 BR / 1 Bath Located in small, quiet complex. Walk to campus. All appls incld. dishwasher, central a/ h. Semester lease

Seeking roommate for 2BR/2.5B condo in Lake Beau Pre’.

Only $550 plus utilities!

Gated Community featuring luxury pool/ jacuzzi, game room, tennis courts, media room, gym, and only 2 miles from LSU. Email bbrow22@gmail.com for more details Room in nice house. No lease. W&d,

every time we see each other.

Say “Hey!” next time we pass. looking for my match to fill the little opening in the jumbeled sock drawer of my heart.

White female who is into snake charming, chainsaws & sealing envelopes with hot wax.

Seeking male companion with high ACT score, high cheekbones and high self esteem. No Weirdos PLEASE! allthegoodonesweretaken666@yahoo.com

for rent 1 bed-1bath for rent in a 4b-4b apartment. campus crossings brightside.

460/ month + 1/4 electricity. starts in june or august 337.499.3542

HOUSE 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1368 Harwich,2 miles from stadium, washer dryer, covered carport, refrigerator, $1300 504.957.4387 3 Bed/3 Bath on Brightside $1650/ Month, Free Maid Service!

2405 Brightside on LSU Bus Route Arlington Trace Condos Parking for 3 & All Appliances Included hollisleech@yahoo.com 310.989.4453

Internet, cable, etc. $295. Deposit $250 225.921.1209

PAGE 15

Calling All Cougars! Have you been looking for that dainty little thing in all the wrong places? Well, I’m just a cub looking for some love so come meet me at Louie’s by campus at 5:00pm one day during exam week. It’s a date! (this includes the Red Door girls) Still seeking sugramama Sexy 22yo s/w/m looking for an attractive, adventurous cougar 25-42 years old. Do not be shy! I will make your dreams come true. Tell me about yourself when you take me out for lunch! brokeinbr@gmail.com seeking roomie Boy, Girl, & 2 Cats looking for 3rd housemate. $400/month + Shared Utilities. (Highland & Lee) Lush yard, close to LSU, balcony, sun room & nice neighborhood. khowar7@tigers.lsu.edu 225.603.3637 hey! You always seem to be walking to your car as I am walking to class. Last week you actually waved at me (I think it was at me!).

This has been going on for quite a few weeks, but we both get “surprised” looks on our faces

I NEED A FRECKLY REDHEAD GIRL I am in love with redheads and their freckles, and I just can’t seem to find any; it’s a problem! I have a great sense of humor, and I’m pretty intelligent and caring. So if there are any freckled redhead girls out there who like to meet a muscular Italian guy, email me at TheGoon6@ hotmail.com LSU Guy Looking for love in all the wrong places. Finally decided to put this up here. I’m 22 going to graduate next May. I need a sweet girl who is content being herself. I like movies, going out to dinner, traveling, and of course LSU Football. Tigerlovin22@gmail.com

girl needed for laundry and creation of tasty ice cream treats hungrymandirtylaundry@yahoo.com Seeking charitable, outdoor loving individual. Must love animals and the occasional hiking or camping trip. Drop me a message at HighpointingForAmerica.org ton of free time!

SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open.

Experienced Nanny Is seeking full time/ part time employment; I provide excellent child care; References available 225-892-8267

PAGE 16

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, June 9, 2009