The Reveille 3-12-20

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TECHNOLOGY TRANSITION? THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

University officials consider transitioning from in-person to online course delivery amid coronavirus concerns.

NEWS

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Students with canceled study abroad express disappointment over missed opportunities and potential academic setbacks.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Former LSU baseball players Anthony Ranaudo and Beau Didier celebrate the opening of F45 Training on Bluebonnet.

SPORTS

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Ashlyn Kirby’s injury struggles, transition to a new role and the bittersweetness of senior day.

OPINION

Read on

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“Depression memes are unhealthy; they create an online echo chamber of negativity and hurt mental health.”

L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le

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LSU professors told to prepare for online course delivery due to coronavirus threat

BY CAITIE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman University faculty and staff were told to prepare for a possible transition to online classes due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Support Services Office of Academic Affairs Matt Lee provided faculty with a link to a recourse page providing tools and guidance on moving course materials to an online environment in an email sent to faculty and staff over the weekend.

“In the event local public health concerns warrant a decision to suspend face-to-face instruction, course instructors should be prepared to deliver courses remotely to the best of their ability,” Lee said.

The recourse page, titled the Geaux Online Contingency Plan, includes instructions on moving class resources, instruction and assignments to Moodle. The plan suggests faculty members make adjustments to how they provide instruction, communicate with students and deliver assignments in the event of an online transition.

The webpage features a “Faculty Needs Assessment Survey” that faculty members are encouraged to complete.

LSU intends to minimize disruption in the delivery of courses.

There is a possibility that instructional faculty will need to conduct the last part of the spring semester remotely,” the survey’s description states. “As there is a lot of diversity in the needs of different departments and subject areas, this information will help us better prepare to support you in the event that a temporary transition to virtual course delivery is needed to support continuity.”

The survey asks faculty to choose three support needs in the event of a virtual transition and rank communication services from most important to least important. The survey also asks faculty if they and their teaching assistants have personal laptops or desktops equipped with webcams. If not, faculty members are prompted to specify how many loaner laptops they would need in the event of an online transition.

Faculty who teach “more complex use” classes, including labs, were also asked what they would do to deliver the course content remotely.

As of now, all instructional activities are to proceed as scheduled.

“The situation is extremely fluid, and in the interest of protecting the health and wellness of the campus community it may be necessary to temporarily suspend some campus activities, including instruction,” Lee said. “If this is the case, then the first line of action will be to maintain continuity of instruction remotely.”

The University has created a

page providing the LSU community updates regarding the virus.

Several professors, including sociology professor Ginger Stevenson, have already canceled classes in response to the virus outbreak.

“Last class we discussed the possibility of moving the course online,” Stevenson wrote in a Mar. 9 email sent out to students in her sociology of deviance class. “I decided to go ahead with that move at least for the next two weeks. We will evaluate things after spring break.”

Stevenson told students assignments will be posted on Moodle with more details to come.

Sociology sophomore Hannah Ferguson received Stevenson’s email on Monday. She said she understands her professor’s concern.

“It’s appropriately precautionary, even though it’s one class,” Ferguson said. “Who knows how long it’ll be before more areas follow suit?”

The latest statement provided by the University was announced in a Strategic Communications broadcast email on Wednesday.

The email said there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at the University as of March 11.

Those with legitimate concerns about exposure to the virus should contact their health provider. Students may also contact the Student Health Center. Strategic Communications pledged to inform students, faculty and staff if there are any confirmed cases at the University.

The University confirmed to students that it’s considering a transition to online classes, but has not yet made a final decision.

“At this time, with no confirmed cases at LSU, we are not yet opting to close or move entirely to online classes. The goal is to complete the spring semester, whether in person or online, so that all students get full credit for the semester and can matriculate or graduate without delay.”

The University is also considering closing the campus after spring break and will announce any decision that is made as soon as possible, according to the email.

In the event the University’s campus would close, students living on campus who cannot leave would be accommodated with housing and meals. If dining halls aren’t operating, meals would be provided to all students on campus, according to the email.

Strategic Communications also encouraged the campus community not to travel during spring break.

“We realize many students had plans for spring break, and some have already spent money on those plans. But we ask you to consider where you would be traveling to, and what the situation would be like when you get there. Please use good judgement.”

Strategic Communications

pledged its ongoing transparency and communication as the situation continues.

“We are working with state and federal agencies to make these decisions, and we plan to make decisions based on factual information. We pledge to keep you informed of all decisions, and of any confirmed cases of the virus at LSU. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our plans as the need arises.

Please know that all options are on the table and there is no scenario that we haven’t considered.

We pledge to be transparent and keep you updated, as we all must work together to ensure the safety of our overall community.”

The Strategic Communications email addressed concerns about Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor John Scalzo’s potential exposure to the virus.

In a March 10 email that has since gone viral within the University and Baton Rouge communities, Scalzo told students a supplemental instructor in one of his electrical engineering classes is being tested for COVID-19.

“His [supplemental instructor] hometown is Wuhan, China, and he told me after class yesterday that he ‘got the virus’ when he went home for break,” Scalzo said. “He is getting tested at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow at the LSU Student Health Center for the virus.”

The screenshot of the email went viral on several social media platforms.

LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said the University is aware of the situation.

The Strategic Communications email addressed the situation and confirmed that the supplemental instructor did not test positive for coronavirus.

“After investigation, it was determined that the individual in question is asymptomatic and not within the threat parameters set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Louisiana Office of Public Health. As of this time, there is no reason to believe anyone at LSU is clinically affected.”

Strategic Communications encouraged the campus community to be “cautious of rumors and speculation on social media or in other sources where factual information is not provided.”

Mass communication senior Delanie McDonald said students should exercise caution when sharing screenshots before details are confirmed.

“People are incredibly worried about getting sick, and sharing an email like that can cause panic across the student body,” McDonald said.

Mass communication professor Will Mari said he and his teacher’s assistant have prepared for the transition for weeks now.

“When—and its likely when, even as I’m still hoping for an ‘if’—we go online, it won’t be easy,” Mari said.

Mari’s mass media law course will be stripped-down. Mari said

B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803

NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811 Editor in Chief CALEB GREENE Managing Editor BRITTNEY FORBES Digital Editor ANDREW MIERAS News Editor BAILEY CHAUVIN Deputy News Editor ANNA JONES

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

Classrooms in Allen Hall are empty on Thursday, March 1, 2018. an online transition is not ideal, but he is still confident the class can finish strong.

“Beyond meeting course requirements and accreditation standards, as important as they are, the safety and health of my students is most important to me, as is the welfare of their families and friends,” Mari said. “We’ll get through this together.”

NCAA bans public attendence of championship events REVEILLE STAFF REPORT NCAA president Mark Emmert announced on Wednesday that NCAA championship events will take place “with only essential staff and limited family attendance.”

“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States,” Emmert said in his release. “This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes.”

The decision was made in consultation with the NCAA Board of Governors and the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel. “Given these considerations, coupled with a more unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 in older adults – especially those with underlying chronic medical conditions – we recommend against sporting events open to the public,” the NCAA said in a release.

Sports Editor NATASHA MALONE Deputy Sports Editor ANTHONY MOCKLIN Opinion Editor RACHEL MIPRO Production Editor LUKE JEANFREAU Multimedia Editor ABBY KIBLER

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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.

ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Reveille is published weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803.

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NEWS Injunction SAD STUDY ABROAD SGsuspends election

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Students unsure of academic plans after study abroad cancellations

BY LARA NICHOLSON @laranicholson_ Study abroad programs are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to immerse oneself in a foreign language or culture, overcome the challenges faced living in an unfamiliar area and gain an understanding of other parts of the world.

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Asia, Europe and now the United States, University officials announced on Mar. 6 that all study abroad programs will be cancelled through Aug. 17 as a precautionary measure.

The decision aims to prevent the disease from spreading to campus. However, the decision also prevents over 600 students from pursuing study abroad adventures over the summer.

“After careful consideration and with the health of our academic community top of mind effective immediately we are restricting international travel of faculty, staff and students,” University officials said in a statement.

For foreign language students, studying abroad is necessary for future career opportunities. Spanish junior Carol Chenevert planned to travel to Córdoba, Argentina, for a month to enjoy Latin American culture, practice Spanish and study at the National University of Córdoba.

“To put it in perspective, being in a foreign country for just a few days is the equivalent of weeks in a foreign language classroom because you’re immersed in it,” Chenevert said.

“For me to not be able to go on

this trip is a real disadvantage for me. I can’t stress [enough] how important it is to go on trips like this.”

C h e n evert was wo r k i ng at the Office of the Presid e n t when s h e learned v i a e m a i l t h a t her study abroad program was canceled. She began crying at her desk just before she left.

“I was really gutted and devastated,” Chenevert said.

Chenevert has been working toward study abroad since her freshman year, working at the University and tutoring on the weekends while balancing her full-time course load.

Though Chenevert has begun to accept the trip being over, she was frustrated since the coronavirus is less prevalent in South America.

“Whenever I first found out, I was like, ‘has it even come to Argentina?’” Chenevert said.

Argentina had its first coronavirus death on Saturday, with nine other reported cases of the virus in the area.

Chenevert is unsure of her academic plans after the University’s decision. Meeting her graduation date depended on the credits she would receive

from studying abroad. For her to graduate in spring 2021 as anticipated, Chenevert would have to take 19 hours of course credit during the next two semesters.

“It’s not LSU’s fault,” C h e n e vert said.

“It’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just one of those things, and I’ll have to study abroad on my own time.”

For criminology sophomore Emily Boudreaux, her study abroad program meant finishing general education credits for foreign language courses while also connecting to the heritage of her biological family. “[Having the trip canceled] was very disappointing and heartbreaking because I, along with so many other people, have been saving up and working hard and preparing for this,” Boudreaux said. “Since it’s my last semester of Arabic, I’m not sure if I will be able to go again in the future.”

Boudreaux is adopted, and found out in high school that her ancestry is rooted in the Middle East. This inspired her to take Arabic classes and pursue a trip to Morocco with study abroad.

“I have Middle Eastern and Muslim roots in many countries in the Middle East,” Boudreaux

said. “This was important for exploring my background and heritage. Going and spending a month there would have immersed myself into that and furthered my knowledge.”

Boudreaux saved money for the study abroad program through a part-time job and a GoFundMe page, where she raised almost $400 to offset the cost of the program, tuition and airfare.

“My professor is trying to decide if we could go in the winter,” Boudreaux said. “I’m not sure if I should give the money back or save it. All my plans are up in the air at the moment.”

Boudreaux said not being able to go on the trip is devastating, and she has yet to accept the reality of the situation.

“This trip has been getting me through everything I’ve been going through this year,” Boudreaux said. “I’ve worked so hard for it, so it’s devastating to know that this big life experience is not going to happen. It almost doesn’t seem real yet.”

The coronavirus outbreak has not only affected students awaiting their study abroad programs but students studying outside of the country as well.

University students studying in China and Italy— which were both placed on Level Three travel notice by the Centers for Disease Control— have been sent back to the U.S. and must selfquarantine for 14 days upon arrival, Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said.

For students in neighboring countries, like French

see STUDY ABROAD, page 4

activities

REVEILLE STAFF REPORT Student Government’s Judicial Branch issued an injunction suspending all spring election activities on Tuesday.

On Friday, March 6, a candidate from the “Reach” campaign submitted a complaint to the Election Board alleging the “Envision” campaign violated the election code, according to SG Commissioner of Elections Avery Spicker. The SG Election Board reviewed the complaint and ruled against the Envision campaign for illegally campaigning in the Quad last week.

As a result, the Envision ticket was prohibited from campaigning in the Quad before noon on election day. Campaigning in the Quad is otherwise allowed on election day.

Envision appealed the decision to the University Court, which was heard on Monday.

In a unanimous ruling, the Judicial Branch overturned the Election Board decision and threw out the vote in all races, not just ones involving Envision, according to SG Senator Jordan Landry.

Because the appeal was heard on election day, the Envision campaign also filed an injunction to postpone the election to make up for the lost campaigning time, Spicker said. The injunction was filed and granted after the Judicial Branch’s decision.

The Judicial Branch’s decision to grant the injunction

see INJUNCTION, page 4

CAMPUS LIFE

Allen Hall Huey Long plaque defaced with the word ‘fascist’

BY TAYLOR LANDRY @taylor.landry The word “fascist” was recently found scratched next to former La. Gov. Huey P. Long’s name on a plaque outside Allen Hall Long was governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and labeled himself as “Kingfish.”

Long is known for ignoring established processes for political gain. People view Long differently, but scholars disagree the term “fascist” applies to Long.

Assistant History Professor Brendan Karch teaches a course on fascism in Europe. He said fascist is not the correct labeling for Long. Karch said there

are three major ways to classify a fascist.

“Historians and scholars generally agree that the number one thing that defines fascism is extreme nationalism,” Karch said.

“The goal of a fascist regime is to elevate and strengthen the nation. Fascism was also historically anti-socialist and anti-communist. Fighting socialism and communism was the reason for the existence of fascism. Lastly, fascism sees violence as a political tool and a completely legitimate way to do politics.”

Karch said the term populist suits Long.

“Fascism became a stand-in word for any kind of non-democratic or authoritarian style

of politics,” Karch said. “Huey Long did have perhaps an authoritarian streak. He could be below the belt in his politics but I think the better word to describe Long, which doesn’t have the same charge, is populist.”

Long’s ideology of helping the poor while standing against the elites and media, lead many to classify him as a populist.

“Populism allegedly stands outside the system for the everyday person and not the Washington elites,” Karch said. “I would absolutely not call Long a fascist in a thousand years, but I can see why people might be confused enough to group them

see FASCIST, page 4

BEN CAPLAN / The Reveille

The word “fascist” was etched into a plaque in reference to then-U.S. Senator Huey P. Long.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

page 4 STUDY ABROAD, from page 3 and English senior Kate Williams, it feels like a matter of time before students will be forced to leave their programs early and be sent back to the U.S. “The government has basically said it’s inevitable,” Williams said. “They’re not trying to prevent it from becoming a stage three, they’re preparing for it to become a stage three. At this point, it’s a waiting game.

Everything’s really up-in-theair about what I’m going to do when I get back. No one knows how we’re going to get credit or if we’ll get our tuition money

INJUNCTION, from page 3 threw out the vote in all races, not just the ones involving Envision candidate, according to SG Senator Jordan Landry. New elections for all open SG positions took place on March 11, according to an SG press release.

The Executive Branch declared the March 9 election results invalid due to the injunction and provided a new election timeline: March 11: Special General Election from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on TigerLink March 12: Campaigns’ financial forms due at 10:30 a.m.

March 13: Special General Election results announced at 4:00 p.m. in the Student Union Live Oak Lounge In the event of a runoff election, the following timeline will be used: March 16-17: Active campaigning for applicable runoff elections March 18: Runoff Election from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on TigerLink March 19: Runoff financial forms due at 10:30 a.m.

Runoff Election results announced at 4:00 p.m. in the Student Union Live Oak Lounge Tickets and independent candidates will be allowed an additional spending limit of 25% their original General Election spending limit. All Election Code policies will still be in place for the remainder of the timeline.

“All governing documents and procedures were followed correctly in this unique situation,” Spicker said. “We have a plan in place already, and all

FASCIST, from page 3 together.”

LSU graduate assistant Tim Landry holds a bachelor’s degree in American history, and said while Long did try to crush opposition against him, he cannot be labeled a fascist.

“I would have figured that someone would have written socialist instead,” Landry said.

ANationalism is a major component of fascism, Landry said.

He does not believe that Long was a nationalist.

“Huey was not a firebrand

back.”

Williams said she has enjoyed her semester-long experience studying in Chambéry, France. She lives in an apartment above a bakery, where the owner knows her and greets her most days. In the mornings, she watches school children walk down the street together on the way to her classes.

But the picturesque moments in her day-to-day experience are accompanied by countless signs about washing hands and news reports about the growing number of cases in France. Surgical masks are being distributed, and grocery stores are filled with sanitizer dispensers.

France has over 1,700 cases of the coronavirus and 33 deaths since March 10.

Williams said the town she lives in is one of the most heavily affected areas of France. Her university’s president met with study abroad students and told them the procedures for when France becomes a Level Three travel notice.

If Williams has to return to the U.S., she will have no place to live but her mother’s house, where she will have to self-quarantine for 14 days. She will likely be able to finish her coursework online, but will no longer qualify for a nationallyrecognized certificate of French

speaking, which would be greatly beneficial for her career.

“It’s stressful because even when it comes to little things, like, ‘I want to buy a new pillow for my bed,’ well, I don’t know if I’m going to be sent home in three days,” William said.

“When it comes to schoolwork, it’s extremely stressful too. I’m thinking about what’s going to happen and what I’m going to do. Did I just waste three months? Did I just waste a semester of school?”

Williams’ advice for students and faculty in Louisiana is to take the situation seriously and be aware not just of one’s personal health, but the health of

others as well.

“People are making jokes about it, but there are people who are pregnant or don’t have as strong of an immune system or are elderly and you’re maybe not thinking about that because it’s not affecting you. ” Williams said. “You have a civil responsibility. Being over here has made me really see that.”

Students and faculty members who bought airline tickets should contact Academic Programs Abroad for reimbursement. University officials have also reported that they are working with the Bursar’s office to reimburse fees that were previously paid.

candidates have been notified already. We’re moving forward from here.”

On March 10, Grad Gold submitted a request to the Judicial Branch to reinstate the votes cast for all races that featured unopposed candidates or didn’t include any Envision candidates.

According to a Grad Gold press release, eleven of sixteen College Council elections, twelve of fifteen college Senate delegations and selected races in the remaining colleges would fall under these two categories.

“We do not begrudge Envision seeking redress for what they saw as a needless handicap by the Election Board,” Landry, Grad Gold ticket representative, said in a statement. “That said, what about the races where there are no Envision candidates facing opposition? The voters in these races turned out for their candidates last night – why must their votes be thrown away because of a dispute that does not involve them? A re-run for Envision’s races is understandable. A re-run for the other races is not.”

On March 11, Landry said the Judicial Branch acknowledged the request, but has not acted on it. The March 11 Special General Election included all elections included in the original General Election.

Vice presidential candidate Hannah Barrios said the Reach campaign will continue to interact with students as much as possible in the face of the new election developments.

“Stone [Cox] and I are excited for the opportunity to have even more time to reach new student groups with the entire REACH

ticket,” Barrios said. “We are ready to put in this work to ensure LSU has a bright, positive future under experienced Student Government leadership.“ Independent presidential candidate Desh Gaskins said he and his vice presidential candidate, Hayden Robert, were surprised to hear of the injunction.

“Hayden and I, in the face of transparency, want you to know that this all stems from an inequality, equality being one of the most important aspects of our campaign,” Gaskins said.

“To all parties involved, we want, demand and deserve a fair election free from pettiness,

hate and negativity. That is the message we stand behind, and this is the precedent that we as campus servants need to set.”

Gaskins also urged all students to watch the March 3 SG debate if they haven’t already and “vote for the team you believe will fight the hardest for you as a student here at LSU.” Envision vice presidential candidate Sophia Pollman responded on behalf of the campaign. She said the Judicial Board’s unanimous decision to overturn the Election Board’s decision “speaks volumes to what our campaign stands for.”

“We believe great leaders come from all areas of campus

including international organizations, Greek life, student media organizations, the athletic department and all demographics that lie outside of Student Government,” Pollman said. “We are excited at the opportunity to connect with more students who share in our commitment to Empower, Innovate and Unite Louisiana State University and the entire Baton Rouge community. Join us as we break the stereotypical norms of Student Government for all students.”

Voting was held on TigerLink on March 11. Results will be announced Friday at 4 p.m. in the Live Oak Lounge.

racist or segregationist,” Landry said. “I am not saying he was a saint on race matters, but he was putting together a coalition of the poor and disadvantaged.

Who during the depression was more disadvantaged than the African Americans? So, on the first characteristic of fascism, it does not really fit Huey.”

Landry said not only does the nationalistic aspect of fascism fail to relate to Long, but Long also fought big businesses, which contradicts fascist principles.

“Fascism is pretty much a

marriage with the big businesses, corporations and the government,” Landry said. “That was totally opposite of Huey Long’s mode of operation. He was constantly at war with standard oil and trying to tax them.”

Landry said Long’s only potentially fascist characteristic was his attempts to control the media.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of History Alicia Long wrote in an article that Huey P. Long attempted to suppress negative media coverage. When newspapers were

publishing articles directed against Huey P. Long, he proposed a bill levying a tax on all revenue newspapers received from advertising sales.

“In his clashes with the press, the Kingfish used legislation, slander, and even physical force to control the message,” Alicia Long wrote.

According to Alicia Long’s article, not only did Huey P. Long purpose a newspaper tax, but he also made a proposal to allow the state to stop newspaper publications.

“Since the state would have

determined which newspapers met these descriptions, and because Long had significant control over state operations by this time, the bill would have given him the ability to decide which newspapers were targeted under the law,” Alicia Long wrote Some view Huey P. Long as a populist, some view him as a socialist and others view him as a fascist. Most Louisiana historians would agree that Long was not a fascist, but may have possessed a few authoritarian characteristics and a strong desire for media control.

ELIZABETH SULLIVAN / The Reveille

LSU Student Government presidental candidates and their vice presidental candidates debate on March 3, during the Student Government debate.

ENTERTAINMENT

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OUT OF THE PARK

LSU baseball alumni bring community style fitness to Baton Rouge COURTESY OF ASHLEE RANAUDO

BY MORGAN MONEY @MorganPMoney Former LSU baseball players, Anthony Ranaudo and Beau Didier celebrated the opening of F45 Training on Bluebonnet boulevard this past weekend.

Ranaudo discovered F45 Training last February and was intrigued by its unique fitness approach. The open floor plan with no mirrors and high intensity concept create a fitness community.

After joining with Didier as his business partner, the duo was confident Baton Rouge was the perfect place to open F45.

Ranaudo and Didier were both out-of-state students who played on the 2009 College World Series Championship team. Over their years as student athletes, the duo grew to love the local community.

Didier graduated in 2012 with a degree in Political Science and Ranaudo graduated in 2018 with

a degree in Sports Administration after being drafted into Major League Baseball his junior year in 2010.

“The LSU connection and community really tied me here,” Ranaudo said. “I knew there was no where else in the country I would be as well received as I am here in Baton Rouge.”

Another benefit of choosing this community is the connection the former players have with the LSU Baseball program and the relationships they still gain through the program.

“Coach Mainieri does an amazing job of creating an environment where all former guys feel welcome to come back,” said Didier.

The focus of F45 is on community and personal development, a concept they built on before opening their doors on February 29th. They hosted unique pop-up workout events throughout the Baton Rouge community to

intertwine fitness with everyday life.

F45 offers a systematic approach to fitness. Monday, Wednesday and Friday offers high intensity cardio and Tuesdays and Thursdays focus on resistance training. On the weekends, a hybrid of both sessions is offered.

The program is based on HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training.

The fitness company was originally founded in 2012 in Sydney, Australia.

F45 has approximately 1,500 locations spanning 45 countries.

F45 offers over 1,000 exercisis, 10 custom training systems, 10 different circuit movement patterns and 15 timing modules and daily changing workouts.

Their goal is to develop a healthy mind and body connection that is available and achievable for people of all ages.

F45 Fitness is located at 9730 Bluebonnet Blvd.

COURTESY OF ASHLEE RANAUDO

ART

Graphic design sophomore creates custom-made plant pots

BY CAROLINE HEBERT @sister_carols Graphic design sophomore Anna Kate Anderson is tapping into the newest fad of owning and decorating personal spaces with indoor plants, putting her own spin on her business.

Using her creative skills, Anderson creates decorative potted plants by Mod Podging the fun designs on pots to sell. By creating patterns in her graphic design classes, she is able to design a wide variety of different designs for the pots. Anderson’s love for plants combined with a passion for graphic design, allows her to express her work for others to enjoy.

“I want to reach out and make something that makes others hap-

py or have others also connect to it [the artwork],” Anderson said.

“Since plants and art makes me happy I want it to make someone else happy too.”

Anderson has always had a passion for art and with a supportive family from Zachary, she pursued a career that expresses her creativity. Anderson’s goal is to open her own graphic design firm and the University is helping her reach that dream.

Support from faculty has helped Anderson reach her full potential with each assignment and she is beyond grateful for the graphic design community she is surrounded with.

Anderson’s family and friends inspire her to keep creating work and to continue seeking her

dream of making others happy with her work.

“Once I came to LSU and began graphic design I knew this is what I need to do,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s hopes are to sell her decorative potted plants at local coffee shops and pop-up shops as well. Using the “plant babies” that sprout from her own plants, she is able to spread the joy of growing plants and graphic designing.

Anderson is using her creativity and innovativeness to display her passion for art through her love for plants. Her plants and or pots are being sold at low affordable prices ranging from three to eight dollars. To see her work check out her Instagram @sillsisters.

COURTSEY OF ANNA KATE ANDERSON

Thursday, March 12, 2020

page 6

This Week in

BY CAROLINE HEBERT @sister_carols

St. Pa tr

Baton Rouge

Green Eggs and Ham To fuel you for the long day of St. Patricks Day, La Divina Italian Cafe on Perkins Road is hosting breakfast. On Saturday morning at 8 a.m. you and your friends can enjoy a classic breakfast to Italian grits. For tickets and more details visit allevents.in.

Play Me Somethin’ Good If you like Hip Hop, the 3rd Annual BOOSIE BASH-Baton Rouge Hip Hop Festival is on Saturday. Featuring Boosie Badazz, Da Baby and Lil Baby, you and your friends are sure to be entertained. From 6-9 p.m. at Southern University you can head bop to number one hits. For tickets and more information check out eventbrite.com.

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t

All Things Green This Saturday is the celebration of St.Patricks Day. Wearin’ of the Green, St. Patrick’s Day Parade is happening, and you and your friends must be there. Grab your best green outfit, and head to visitbatonrouge.com to find out the route of the parade.

r al a oc dl an

If you missed out on Mardi Gras, you’re in luck this week. Baton Rouge is hosting a St. Patrick Day celebration, and we are all invited.

If that is not enough, there will be a hip hop concert to enjoy. Baton Rouge loves to keep us busy, and this week is no different.

ick D ay f est ivit ies ,h ip ho p

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

REV R ANKS

page 7

MOVIE

ONWARD Pixar

“Onward” reminds its audience not to settle with monotony and stagnate behind a desk. It may not be a quest-giving Manticore or a legendary mythical well, but there’s something around every corner to inspire wonder and make the world seem a bit more magical.

‘The Circle’ combines reality television with modern technology

BY MEGAN DESOPO @mdesopo99

Taner Morgan @taner_morgan

MUSIC

THE BOX

Roddy Ricch

“The Box” is a weird music video. Its production value and style is remarkable, but it falls back on the same braggadocio that plagues modern music. Ricch might have crafted the most memorable song of the year, but a more restrained music video will be required to make his stamp on the world of the music video.

Charles Jones @saxycj

TV SHOW

DAVE

FX

Overall, I love this series already and I can’t wait to see what else is going to happen this season. I expect a lot of more guest appearances and crazy scenarios from Dave and the gang. If you like Lil Dicky, you’ll love this show. If you’re not a fan, you’ll become one.

EnJanae’ Taylor @_queenet_ COURTESY OF NETFLIX

TV SHOW

THE CHEF SHOW Netflix

The show is great at breaking down what goes into each dish and giving helpful advice for anyone who likes to cook. The only negative thing is the show can get a little boring at times. The series is definitely for food lovers who enjoy watching dishes being prepared with details and elongated steps.

Caroline Hebert @sister_carols

Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment

Have you ever wondered what a mashup of “Big Brother” and Tinder would be like? Well, “The Circle” might just be the perfect show for that.

“The Circle” is a reality game show exclusive to Netflix. Being one of the first shows to incorporate social media into its core, “The Circle” gives players a chance to win $100,000. The catch, is the players aren’t allowed to have contact with the outside world or the other players.

The only way the players can communicate with each other is through a Tinder and Instagram like mashup called Circle.

The show even ensure that only one player can be outside on the rooftop at a time.

The show introduces eight

players via social media and gives them the option to play as themselves or as a catfish. Each round of competition has the players ranked, making the top two “influencers.” Influencers “block” players from the group chat, therefore eliminating them from the game show completely.

As the show goes on, more players continue to enter the apartments.

None of this tops the best part of the show: the confrontation walk. Once players are “blocked” they have the option to go visit one player face to face. Some players visited their enemies, some visited their love interests and others visited their newfound friends. The walk shows the players heading slowly and dramatically down a hallway in

various angles until they reach the room of the chosen player.

Like many reality game shows, there is always a surprise. Every episode, players are required to play games like “Ask Me Anything” or “Cat and Mouse,” which all have rewards, like getting to go on dates.

The host, Michelle Buteau, gives an array of witty comments, making the show funnier than it already was. With so many different personalities competing for one grand prize, there is never a dull moment in “The Circle.”

“The Circle” is the new face of reality television creating some of the funniest and craziest online scenarios. Give this show a watch and one day you might want to try catfishing for $100,000.

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THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Part of R & R 5 Socrates’ last letter 10 Gooey lump 14 Airport in Paris 15 Fit for a king 16 Out of __; inappropriate 17 Grows old 18 Lack of attention to one’s duties 20 Knotts or Rickles 21 National League team 22 Superior & Geneva 23 Entryways 25 Slight twitch 26 Peanut butter buyer’s choice 28 Architectural style 31 Birds that sing in flight 32 Military air raid 34 Org. for Kings & Senators 36 Big clubs 37 Baton __, LA 38 “My Country, ’Tis of __” 39 “Oui!” 40 Hunger pains 41 Self-confidence 42 Like a clear night sky 44 Misgivings 45 Actress West 46 Isle of __; Italian resort 47 Quaking tree 50 Dwindle 51 Egypt’s boy king 54 Covering completely 57 Metal thread 58 Jack or joker 59 Actor Willem 60 Swine 61 Prepares Easter eggs 62 Look of contempt 63 Individuals DOWN 1 On the __; traveling 2 Thus

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

3 Thinnest 4 Cobb & Burrell 5 Cross 6 Encounters 7 Breakfast order 8 “My __ Sal” 9 MacGraw or Larter 10 Whitener 11 Chain piece 12 Back in the day 13 Spelling contests 19 Flashiness 21 Many PTA members 24 Thousand __, CA 25 Carry 26 Potter’s material 27 Marathons 28 Musician’s bookings 29 Personal fear 30 Bosom 32 Emaciated 33 Drag something heavy 35 Marvin & Meriwether 37 Seldom seen 38 Sightseeing trip

3/12/20

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

40 April 1st antic 41 Clement X or Pius XI 43 Make __; show remorse 44 Hazard 46 Narrow boat 47 Alphabet openers 48 Kill

3/12/20

49 Remove apple skins 50 Mrs. 52 Strong desire 53 Actress Harper 55 Asner & Harris 56 Fawn’s color 57 “__ goes there?”; sentry’s query

SPORTS

page 9

‘MORE THAN A MANAGER’

Former LSU gymnast Ashlyn Kirby to be honored as manager on senior day

BY KENNEDI LANDRY @ kennlandry One summer afternoon, LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux asked then-LSU gymnast Ashlyn Kirby if she could speak with her after practice.

Kirby was confused and felt like she was being called in the principal’s office in elementary school. Was she in trouble? She wasn’t taking any summer classes, so she knew she didn’t get a bad grade. Kirby wasn’t sure what it could be.

She wasn’t in trouble though.

Instead, Breaux offered Kirby the opportunity to fill a managing and coaching role left vacant by former graduate assistant Ashleigh Gnat, who left LSU for a coaching position at Penn State. “[D-D] said ‘I know you don’t have the love for the sport that you used to with injuries and everything, so how would you feel about coming in as a manager and being over with the girls on beam while I’m on floor and helping with daily things?’” Kirby said.

Kirby couldn’t turn it down.

“I was just like, ‘You know, honestly, that sounds amazing,’” Kirby said. “It wasn’t a hard choice for me. For me, it was like a huge sigh of relief.”

Kirby was relieved that she would be able to come back and help out, as she struggled with injuries throughout her three years as a Tigers gymnast.

Kirby had Tommy John surgery the summer before her freshman season, before a subsequent surgery to clean her elbow out during her sophomore year. The

final straw was a torn meniscus suffered while practicing on beam during her junior year.

During her sophomore season, Kirby averaged 9.828 as the leadoff on floor, as well as posting a career high 9.925.

Though Kirby seemed on an upward trajectory, the injuries themselves were both mentally and physically exhausting. Sitting out for her junior season was a challenge that Kirby wasn’t prepared for.

“Waking up on a competition day and knowing you wouldn’t be able to compete was just a different feeling,” Kirby said. She wasn’t sure she could mentally handle being sidelined again in her senior season, which is why Breaux’s proposal was much more pleasing to her.

“It was really difficult just because you also just see everybody else getting to do what they love and you’re in the training room, doing your therapy and rehab,” Kirby said. “It’s just that you want to be out there so bad and be contributing in a gymnastics standpoint and you can’t.”

Kirby, now in her final semester, said she’s so thankful that Breaux allowed her fill a new role on the team and continue contributing in a different way, especially when her career didn’t go as she expected and she wasn’t able to continue putting routines on the floor.

Breaux said in this new role, Kirby is like an extension of her on the floor, filling in when Breaux has to focus on watching both floor and balance beam.

LSU senior Ruby Harrold said

BASEBALL

How the Coronavirus is affecting sports MYLES KUSS @kussmyles

full-time gymnast to strugglingwith her injuries to filling this new role as a manager and pseudo-coach was a journey in and of itself for Kirby.

Giving up competing was hard. Kirby doesn’t hide that. But she does think she fits into this new role much better than she would have just being on the sidelines in her senior year.

“She’s excelled herself to step into that role that I’m not really sure she thought she could,” Harrold said. “It’s been cool to see her grow and develop and it’s been a good transition for her because she’s been able to still be part of the sport, but be in a different role.”

Kirby thinks it was easier for her to make the decision, especially when Breaux initially came to her with the opportunity, because she was ready to be done with gymnastics.

If she held on longer and tried to finish her senior year on the

It’s official, COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, is a pandemic and affects more than just people’s health.

It’s affecting how journalists act as conduits to fans and how fans watch the games they love.

The pandemic has affected over 122,000 people worldwide and shows no signs of slowing down. The sports world is acting to ensure that players and fans stay away from the disease.

In one of the most competitive leagues in the soccer world, Serie A has decided to cancel play until at least April 3rd, and the Italian Football Federation said that the season may not finish at all. The entire country of Italy has shut down its borders until further notice.

World superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala, who play for the Italian team Juventus, played in front of no fans a week ago in a stadium that seats over 80,000 people.

Ronaldo will be able to tell his children and grandchildren that he played his 1,000th game in front of zero fans, While Juventus got the win, the feeling had to be eerie as goals were barely celebrated as no one

see GYMNASTICS , page 10

see CORONAVIRUS, page 10

The Reveille Archives

LSU all-around sophomore Ashlyn Kirby competes in the floor competition during the Tigers’ victory over Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. that Kirby is “so important” to the team running smoothly on meet day.

“Kirby plants herself over there at balance beam and she’s kind of like the policeman,” Breaux said.

“She watches the numbers and makes sure that the assignments being done, and she’s just such a viable part of everything that we’re doing right now as a class.

Her contribution is as great as anybody else’s on the team.

“She’s been very mature and very stable and very consistent in what she’s giving back to the team. More than a manager, she’s really taking her position to heart.”

Kirby said she knew it was time to finish her formal gymnastics career and she no longer wanted to put her body through the pain it was enduring every day, but it was tough to communicate that to her parents because of the dedication they had to the sport as a family for so long.

The transition from being a

BASEBALL

Drew Bianco makes first trip home to play against his dad’s team

BY JARED BRODTMANN @ _therealjarbear

Drew Bianco is no stranger to his family and baseball. With his dad, Mike Bianco, who played under Skip Bertman at LSU from 1988-89 and has served as the head coach at Ole Miss for 20 seasons, and his brother, Ben Bianco, a junior playing at Louisville, baseball has rooted itself into the base of the Bianco family tree.

The family connection makes this weekend’s trip back to hometown of Oxford to play against his dad’s team a special one for him and his family.

“Definitely will be a little different of a week this week, but should be a fun one, and one I’m looking forward to,” Bianco said about his homecoming trip.

It’s been all business for the father and the son this week, Bianco said.

“I haven’t talked to him at all this week,” Bianco said. “I talked to my mom the other day, but I haven’t talked to him.”

“We talk probably once a week, on the phone, and then he texts me every now and then, just motivational stuff.”

Tiger fans will be able to recall how this father-son match up played out last season.

On a Friday night in Alex Box Stadium, just after Daniel Cabrera had blasted a two-run home run into the right field bleachers, Bianco was called to pinch hit behind him. On the first pitch, a fastball over the inside half of the plate, Bianco sent the ball over the left field wall. He followed it up with an emphatic bat flip and jog around the bases, which took him on a driveby right past his father, standing at the top of the Ole Miss dugout with a cross look on his face and his hands on his sides.

At first glance, many believed Mike had gotten angry at his son for the emotional at-bat, but Bianco said his dad had no ill will to him after, though even he was unsure after the game.

“At first, I thought he did, because usually he’ll text me at the end of a game if I do something good, and he didn’t text me,” Bianco laughed. “And it was like midnight, and he’s usually in bed like right after the game. So, all my friends were asking ‘What is he saying?’, and I was like, ‘He hasn’t said anything,’ so I thought he was mad at me.”

“But then at like 12:30, he texts me, says ‘Hey, proud of you, I’ll see you tomorrow, you deserve it, keep playing,’” Bianco said.

“I think the social media kind of blew (Mike’s reaction) out of proportion. I don’t think it was more towards me, I think it was more that they were getting beat

The Reveille Archives

LSU infielder Drew Bianco speaks to the at Alex Box Stadium on Friday, Jan. 25, pretty bad on Friday night again.

They needed a win too.”

Bianco said he was guilty of getting caught up in the energy of the present, especially the bat flip that told everyone in the stadium and watching at home that he had no doubt he had hit that inside fastball out of the park.

“The bat flip was more just like

living in the moment,” Bianco said.

“It wasn’t anything to disrespectful to Ole Miss.”

Now that his brother Ben also had a home run in Louisville’s opening weekend series at Ole Miss earlier this season, the sons showing up their dad on the field has become a running joke in the Bi-

se e BASEBALL, page 10

page 10

Thursday, March 12, 2020

GYMNASTICS, from page X floor, it would’ve been harder to let go.

But Kirby was ready to be done with the sport that she’s loved her entire life, and took it as a sign that maybe this—managing and coaching in her final season—was what she was meant to be doing.

It was a sign that she could provide “something greater” to the Tigers’ latest quest for a na-

BASEBALL, from page 9 anco family group message. Drew Bianco says the nervous images of his mom, Camie, as she wrestles with conflicting rooting interests at games featuring the father vs. son matchups have become something to laugh at for the family.

Bianco has found himself struggling at the plate this year, hitting .077 on 26 at-bats with a good amount of well-hit balls that were knocked down by the wind or hit straight to outfielders. However, he has also contributed seven walks already and scored nine runs. Bianco attributed his more patient approach to hitting coach Eddie Smith.

“Eddie’s done a good job with me this year, just knowing that you don’t have to have three hits to have a good game,” Bianco said.

“I think we’re valuing the walk a lot more.”

“I’m glad I’ve walked a lot, but

tional championship.

It wasn’t what Kirby had planned for her collegiate career, but she is thankful for the journey no matter what. “I just took it as an opportunity to learn and to grow and that was something that I wanted to be sure that my senior year embodied,” Kirby said.

“I wanted to be present in where I was, not regretting the past or anything like that.

“I just wanted to focus on the job that they had entrusted me

with and do it to the best of my ability. I’ve always been a 100 percent kind of person. If I’m doing anything, I’m going to give it my all and so this was just as important to me as competing in meets.”

More than anything, Kirby is happy to finish her journey with the people she started with — Harrold and fellow senior Kennedi Edney—on senior day this Friday, Mar. 13. Kirby will be honored with the two All-Americans

before LSU’s meet against Arizona State.

Kirby said that she was never “quite the caliber” of Harrold, a Great Britain Olympian in 2016, or Edney, a Junior Olympic national champion, but she never felt like she was any less because of that.

The team always embraced her as part of the class of 2020 and especially this season as a manager for the Tigers.

“It’s awesome that I get to be

here with them, honestly,” Kirby said. “It’s different for me, but it’s special that I’m still here with them and we’re the class of three that we started out as. I’m happy that I got to do it along side them.

“They’re honestly the best people that I could’ve imagined going through this process with.

They made the transition from gymnast to something else so easy. They never treated me any different. Like we’re more than just teammates, we best friends.”

I also would like some hits to fall eventually, and I think they will.

Eddie and Coach Paul Mainieri have done a good job just helping me stay confident through it all.”

As of Tuesday, Mainieri says Bianco will get the start Friday night against Ole Miss’s left-handed ace Doug Nikhazy, as well as the start Wednesday night in LSU’s midweek game against South Alabama.

“I think we’ll give Drew a chance at the left hander on Friday night at Ole Miss, and because of that, we’ll probably play him (Wednesday) night as well, because he didn’t play on Sunday, and you don’t want to go stale, not play for a few days,” Mainieri said Tuesday.

LSU’s three games against Ole Miss will be at 6:30 p.m., 1:30p.m., and 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively.

Friends and family will be arriving at Swayze Field for the weekend to see Bianco come home to play for the first time.

CORONAVIRUS, from page 9

fied as over 4,000 people have died from the disease, the media need to find a way to maintain coverage of games as they are being played because personal relations experts and executives for teams should not be the only ones reporting the news on these teams.

This affects not only the reporters, but the readers as well.

As for the fan exemption, it clearly affects the style and dynamic of any sport.

Homefield advantage will be obsolete. Celebrations will be hard to justify. The joy for all athletes to play in front of a crowd that loves and cheers for them will be lost for a time.

One game of these hindrances would be enough, but it seems that this will be the norm for at least the foreseeable future.

As a coach, you try to keep things as normal as possible, but this is not a simple situation. Play-

ers’ parents will not be in attendance or even screaming fans of the opposition that could fuel a comeback. None of that will be allowed.

Now the greatest single elimination tournament in sports— March Madness—be played without a packed house. A packed house that has changed the outcome of multiple Final Fours.

Another tradition of bringing your son or daughter to watch underdogs battle to beat top tier programs will now have to be put on hold until next year.

All I know is that everyone should be taking every precaution until medicine can catch up because the new regulations are not fun for players or fans alike.

Please wash your hands.Sports are not the same without players competing in front of hostile crowds, and the media asking hard questions seconds after a big win or a tragic loss.

WE’RE STUDENTS AND WE CAN

could witness them first hand.

As for America, the major sports are starting to follow Italy’s move and are starting to close games to the public and interviews to the media.

The NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL released a joint statement on Monday saying that locker rooms and club houses will be closed to those are not essential staff members.

Games on the west coast have begun playing without fans. The Golden State Warriors and the Chase Center have announced today that their games will be played without fans in accordance with the city of San Francisco banning public gathers of over 1,000 people.

Media will still hold interviews but will have to do so at a different site and maintain six-to-eightfeet of distance.

While the precaution is justi-

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OPINION

page 11

Students deserve real change instead of empty SG promises WRITING UNDER STATELY OAKS CORY KOCH @koch_cory The usual sounds of screaming preachers and Greek philanthropies asking for money have been replaced. Free Speech Plaza has become a battleground for Student Government (SG) campaigns vying for the attention of prospective voters.

Active campaigning brings new SG energy to the campus--energy that is unmatched the rest of the year. Active campaigning week is a hectic time where campaigns who have put in hours of preparation finally try to make their mark before the general elections. The elections may seem trivial, but they are incredibly important for the campus.

The elected Student Body President, along with senior staff members appointed by the president, acts as the voice of the student body, speaking to administration on behalf of all students. Some years, including this year, the president can even

serve on the LSU Board of Supervisors.

SG has a storied history dating back to 1926. As the representative body of the student population, SG has a responsibility to fight for students’ wants and needs.

However, the last few years have been marked by grand promises from campaigns in the spring, followed by inaction from newly elected figures in the fall.

Prospective candidates propose bold initiatives to impress potential voters, but these initiatives have failed to materialize in recent years. It is time we start holding our student leaders accountable and demand realistic initiatives which are actually implemented.

In 2016, Zack Faircloth and Lindsey Landry with the “Forward” campaign stated that their initiatives were all going to be completed. One of the initiatives touted by the eventual winners was “Contraflow in the Know,” a system that would inform University students about contraflow after football games through text.

Despite hopeful aspirations,

the key part of the Forward campaign never materialized.

This pattern is seen year after year, as large promises are followed up with disappointing realities. University students deserve more from their SG than Lil Dicky, finals fuel and unfulfilled promises.

Other SG associations across the Southeastern Conference have made strides to implement change on their campuses. The University of Arkansas’ student government has created a program called Safe Ride, where Arkansas students on campus can receive transportation away from any uncomfortable situation. The University of Florida has a free legal service program staffed by paid attorneys, as well as a bike repair program, both organized by the school’s SG. SG should emulate these universities. We should expect more from our elected leaders.

The organization has a historic precedent of making waves and creating change, but the last few administrations have not lived up to the example set by previous generations, or even up to the standards of other SEC

schools.

There has been a high bar set by administrations across the country, and by past years.

Students must be responsible with their votes and educate themselves on the potential candidates and their initiatives.

We need to vote for the candi-

dates who are pushing realistic change, and hold them accountable after election season. Don’t settle for the status quo when there is so much change that needs to happen.

Cory Koch is a 20-year-old political science senior from Alexandria, Louisiana.

ELIZABETH SULLIVAN / The Reveille

LSU Student Government canidates Desh Gaskins (left) and Hayden Robert (right) speak on Tuesday, Mar. 3 during the Student Government debate.

Depression memes are damaging, offer no real advantages GRACE UNDER FIRE GRACE PULLIAM @gcpulli For some time now, a certain illness has been quietly devastating life on college campuses across the U.S. No, I’m not talking about COVID-19. I’m referring instead to the growing epidemic of depression and suicidal behavior among teens and young adults.

No surprise there, I know. It’s easy to read some big, broad statement like that and immediately feel compelled to brush it off as hyperbolic or overwrought or simply old news. It’s easy to chalk it up to “growing pains.” The kids are alright, after all. Aren’t they?

Depression is a funny thing.

Not like ha-ha funny. More like strange, fickle in the ways it can sneak up on you and the ways it can manifest itself. But more than that, the ways in which we choose to talk about depression are strange.

For much of American history, the public dialogue on depression was pretty much non-existent.

When matters of public mental health finally began surfacing in the latter half of the twentieth century, less friendly topics such as depression and suicide still remained untouched in mainstream conversation, largely considered to be taboo.

Right around the turn of the second millennium, things began to change. With the advent of the world wide web, millions found themselves with the ability to access a whole digital world out of and away from the mainstream.

Anyone with a computer could easily hop onto a server and connect with countless like-minded individuals.

New conversations were forming around mental illness.

Eventually, it would seem the former taboo was all anyone could talk about.

I call it the “meme-ification” of mental illness. I’m pretty sure it was a big mistake.

To make a meme of something-to “meme-ify”--is to identify that thing as a source of a shared human experience and to somehow comment on or criticize the experience itself. We meme-ify what we wish to understand about ourselves, about others and about the spaces we occupy together.

Naturally, depression memes were inevitable. It was all pretty benign to begin with.

Having the freedom to talk and even make jokes about experiences with mental illness made a lot of people feel a little less lonely.

However, the statistics come as a sobering reminder: we are in the midst of a serious public health crisis. In 2000, 12 out of every 100,000 Americans aged 20-24 died by suicide. By 2017, that number increased to 17 per 100,000, marking the highest recorded rate for that age group in decades. So what exactly happened?

As depression memes became increasingly popular,

they began to overshadow and replace any actual substantial discussion on mental health issues online. Being vulnerable was no longer the point; it was about exploiting mental illness for entertainment value.

Depression isn’t something to be ashamed of, but it isn’t a valid form of social currency, either.

These days the internet is more or less just an echo chamber of statements like “I

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Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

hate myself” and “I want to die.”

For some young adults, such sentiments may begin as jokes but will often later become real.

For others, the memes simply reinforce negative emotions and thought patterns that already exist.

Everyone gets hurt, and no one wins. It’s funny how that works.

Grace Pulliam is an 18-yearold creative writing junior from Zachary, Louisiana.

CARTOON BY ETHAN GILBERTI

Quote of the Week “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

President of the United States Jan. 30, 1882 — Apr. 12, 1945

page 12

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Students need to cut down on energy drinks, excessive caffeine GABBING WITH GABBY GABRIELLE MARTINEZ @gobbymartinez While some people are addicted to drugs and alcohol, an overwhelming amount of students find themselves addicted to something a lot more obtainable: caffeine. With midterms looming, students are placing all of their best bets on late-night, last-minute study sessions, fueled by nothing but energy drinks and espresso.

Students who frequently find themselves choosing this quick fix should become more aware of what they’re putting in their bodies and that caffeine addiction is something serious. A quick disclosure, however: I’m on my second coffee today while writing this article.

I’ll be the first to admit that there’s nothing better than getting a second wind of Middleton CC’s at midnight.

However, this constant ingestion of caffeine creates an unhealthy reliance on the chemical, basically altering your normal brain functions.

In the brain, adenosine binds with adenosine receptors to slow down nerve cell activ-

ity. This connection creates the drowsiness that caffeine gets rid of. Caffeine tricks adenosine receptors into thinking that it is adenosine, effectively speeding up your brain activity.

From Bang energy drinks to sweet tea from Cane’s, caffeine is not just coffee. Caffeine is even present in some of our favorite soft drinks, especially the diet and zero calorie ones. I can tell you from firsthand experience, withdrawals from caffeine can range from migraines to slowed motor skills to insomnia.

Your body basically becomes reliant on it to function properly, just like a drug. These symptoms only have one solution: an even bigger fix of caffeine. It can get ugly if you don’t have quick access to it. As the effects of a good Monster energy drink wear off, an intense energy crash can hit and slow you down even more than before. It is completely counterproductive and temporary, and the brief burst of energy is not worth it.

In some serious cases, caffeine’s effect of increasing your heartbeat can even lead to cardiovascular issues, and sometimes, in extreme cases, death.

Though caffeine overdoses are rare, they still occur every year to

unsuspecting users.

It is so simple to not even notice how addicted you are to caffeine until you take it away.

This is why doctors suggest decreasing your caffeine intake slowly, instead of going cold turkey. Making your third coffee of the day decaf could only help

you, not hurt you.

There are plenty of healthy alternatives to getting your caffeine fix, ranging from kombucha to coconut water. As trends move to more natural alternatives instead of familiar food and drinks that are bad for you, a simple trip to Whole Foods

could better your long-term brain function. Think twice before you order that Starbucks blonde cafe americano with 170 mg of caffeine, for your own good.

Gabrielle Martinez is a 19-year-old mass communication freshman from Gonzales, Louisiana.

CARTOON BY ETHAN GILBERTI

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PRESENTED BY:

Cardinal Group