The Daily Reveille — February 4, 2009

SNAPSHOT

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Can’t Stop the Party

Volume 113, Issue 84

CRIME

Major crime declines in B.R.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Down economy not slowing Mardi Gras preparations

By Kyle Bove Chief Staff Writer

Baton Rouge crime dropped in 2008, according to Baton Rouge Police Department crime statistics.

The number of major crimes in Baton Rouge decreased by about 6.6 percent when compared to 2007. The number of murders dropped from 72 to 66, or 8.33 percent.

This is the first decline in five years.

DECLINE, see page 5

ATC

Chelsea’s owner denies violations

By Joy Lukachick Staff Writer

For many Louisiana natives, Mardi Gras means extra holidays for drinking and catching bags of beads. But for Bliss Maginnis, it represents family history.

Maginnis, communication studies senior, said her family is tied specifically to the Carnival season with a long line of traditions. She could trace her family history back to the first Mardi Log on to see Gras queen, and today her if the economy grandmother designs costumes is affecting for the festival. students’ plans.

MARDI GRAS, see page 5

lsureveille.com

By Kyle Bove Chief Staff Writer

Index

CITATIONS, see page 5

Sports ........................ 7 Opinion ................... 12 Classifieds ............... 14

BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

Revelers enjoy Mardi Gras 2008. New Orleans officials say the economy does not seem to be changing people’s Carnival plans this year.

Tune into KLSU 91.1 FM at 5:20 p.m. to hear an LSU Flagship update.

Weather

Deemed a “bar in restaurant’s clothing” by the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Baton Rouge fixture Chelsea’s Cafe was raided Jan. 22and cited for its live music and cover charges.

Armed ATC agents entered the restaurant about two weeks ago, issuing two citations. Owner David Remmetter said he’s in no violation of any laws regarding

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

Nation & World

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WORLD NEWS

on the web

LSUREVEILLE.COM

Israel - Hamas war deals blow to schools in Gaza

TUESDAY’S POLL RESULTS What are you doing on National Signing Day?

Kyrgyzstan closing US base key to Afgan conflict

56 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE POLL.

TODAY’S QUESTION:

What are you doing to celebrate Mardi Gras?

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

MOSCOW (AP) — Kyrgyzstan’s president said Tuesday his country is ending U.S. use of an air base key to military operations in Afghanistan — a decision with potentially grave consequences for U.S. efforts to put down surging Taliban and al-Qaida violence. A U.S. military official in Afghanistan called President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s statement “political positioning” and denied the U.S. presence at the Manas air base would end anytime soon. The United States is preparing to deploy an additional 15,000 troops in Afghanistan.

GO TO LSUREVEILLE.COM TO CAST YOUR VOTE

BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip (AP) — The jewel of Gaza’s bare-bones education system — a U.S.-style school on lush grounds overlooking the Mediterranean — is now a mound of broken concrete. The territory’s only laboratory for genetic testing, at a Gaza university, lies in ruins. With 37 primary and secondary schools destroyed or damaged by air strikes and 18 others still serving as refugee shelters, learning in Gaza has become even more of a struggle. Israel says the attacks on schools struck militants and a weapons lab during its three-week war against Hamas. Gaza educators say Israel hasn’t provided proof to back up its claims.

NATION, STATE AND CITY BRIEFS

Obama under sharp criticism — from himself

TODAY tuesday, february 4, 2009 bcm dinner & tnt worship Every Thursday night. Dinner (free) at 7:15pm.

TNT Worship Service at 8:00pm. The BCM is at the corner of Highland & Chimes. All LSU students invited! lsubcm.org Lsu student art show The deadline for the student art show has been extended to Feb. 2, 3, and 4 from 1-6 pm in the Student Art Gallery. LSU students can go to www.lsu.edu/union to download the application & guideline forms. Cool prizes and $500 for the 1st place winer. student art show popular vote Come vote for your 3 favorite pieces of the pre-juried student art show. Top 3 popular vote will get into juried show. spring fraternity recruitment Atchafalaya Room- LSU Union February 5, 2009 5:00-9:00pm Register for free at www.lsu.edu/greeks send a valentine’s shout-out The Daily Reveille is printing Valentine messages on Friday Feb. 13. Log on to www.lsureveille.com and click on the link to print your form. Deadline to place your shout-out is Feb. 11 at noon. Prices start at $5. alpha kappa alpha sorority, inc Tolietry Drive Feb. 4th-28th Drop Box in LSU Women’s Center. Contact Marissa Brewer, mbrewe4@lsu.edu for a list of accepted items.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama to NBC: “Did I screw up in this situation? Absolutely.

And I’m willing to take my lumps.” Obama to CNN: “I think I screwed up, and I take responsibility for it.”

Obama to ABC: “This is a self-induced injury that I’m angry about, and we’re going to make sure we get it fixed.” The White House approaches each day with talking points but none like this one. Normally the picture of calm and confidence, Obama performed mea culpas in a series of TV interviews following Tom Daschle’s withdrawal from consideration as health and human services secretary. Daschle and Obama’s pick for federal spending watchdog both pulled out of contention Tuesday because of personal tax problems.

CHARLES DAHARAPAK / The Associated Press

President Barack Obama, right, stands with his choice to head the Health and Human Services Department, former Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle, during a news conference in Chicago.

MySpace: Sex offenders Jet lands safely in Denver after bird hits engine removed from site RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — About 90,000 sex offenders have been identified and removed from the social networking Web site MySpace, company and law enforcement officials said Tuesday. The number was nearly double what MySpace officials originally estimated last year, said North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, who along with Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has led efforts to make social networking Web sites safer for young users. Cooper said he wasn’t surprised by the updated numbers.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards.This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or e-mail 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.

DENVER (AP) — A United Airlines jet returned safely to the Denver airport Tuesday after a bird was sucked into one of its engines shortly after takeoff. The engine that was struck continued to operate and the second engine wasn’t affected, airline spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said. A passenger said the bird hit the right engine. None of the 151 passengers and crew was injured. The Boeing 757 had just left for San Francisco when the bird strike happened. McCarthy said the pilot’s decision to return to the airport was a precaution.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

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PAGE 3

UREC

Student Recreation Complex gates close, signs vandalized Non-members use student facilities

By Natalie Roy Contributing Writer

lsureveille.com

University Recreation’s decision to close the Student Recreation Complex’s gates has resulted in less than desirable feedback.

Though University Recreation implemented the gate closure to give University students their money’s worth, the vandalism in response to the entry change has ended up Log on to taking money see what away from the UREC d e p a r t m e n t ’s officials funds. have to The new say about UREC gate clothe sure policy, imdamages. plemented Jan.

20, requires students to walk through UREC and swipe their student IDs to access the outdoor basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.

The increasing number of

non-members using the studentfunded facilities was the incentive behind the gate closure policy, which requires students to get an extra workout instead of taking the convenient shortcut through the unguarded SRC gates.

“We’ve ... had [the gate closure] in discussion for a number of years,” said Michael Giles Jr., University Recreation associate director of operations and project management. “However, when Gustav came and ... put our basketball courts outside, we noticed a huge increase in non-members accessing the complex.”

Non-members take away space from paying students, Giles said.

To prevent this, the gates are now closed at 4 p.m. Friday through Monday morning and remain closed Saturday and Sunday.

But not everyone agrees with this action. In addition to several complaints, the costly signs indicating the entrance change have been vandalized and a basketball goal broken.

The recent retaliations will take $700 out of University Recreation’s funds, according to Giles.

“That $700 could be used for any number of things that could be more beneficial [to students] than

replacing damaged property,” Giles said.

University Recreation has also received reports of fence-jumping, mainly on the weekends, according to Tricia Milford-Hoyt, University Recreation assistant director of marketing and membership.

“I’d like to see ... students take responsibility ... and take some pride into [UREC],” Giles said. “If [students] see somebody damaging something ... let us know.”

Some students, like grad student Ike Onyenekwu, don’t seem to mind “sharing” the UREC with non-members.

“It’s not like there’s a line of people [waiting to use the courts],” Onyenekwu said. “I do see the rationale behind what they are doing ... but I just don’t think I’d care that much.”

But University Recreation administrators urge students to start caring.

“The signs alone are $200,” Giles said. “And the fences are ... not designed to have people jumping over them. At some point, there’s going to be additional damage ... and money that could be going to better use.”

University Recreation is unaware of who is responsible for the

photo courtesy of MICHAEL GILES JR.

UREC signs saying “members only” have recently been vandalized. Damages to the UREC total $700.

sign defacement but is looking to install external security cameras to prevent future vandalism and excessive funds from being used.

“Safety is our number one measure,” Giles said. “And though it might seem like a minor inconvenience ... that [students] don’t

have that direct access, the security of that complex is really in the best interest of ... its members.”

Contact Natalie Roy at nroy@lsureveille.com

ECONOMY

Obama stimulus plan includes student benefits Plan to maximize Pell Grant award

By Xerxes A. Wilson Contributing Writer

University students could soon reap the benefits from President Obama’s proposed stimulus package.

The stimulus has provisions to increase the maximum Pell Grant and provide tax credits to some students.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 — better known as the stimulus package — will devote $13.9 billion to increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant a student can receive by $681 for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The maximum grant will increase by $281 for the 2009-10 academic school year. It will increase another $400 the following academic year, according to page 145 of the bill.

Students who receive the needbased award count on it to help them with a range of financial needs. “[Pell Grant] is my rent money and grocery money and food money along with school supplies,” said John Varino, biology sophomore. “If I didn’t get this, I would have to work my old job and have my homework time cut in half ... The Pell Grant gives me time to get my school work done.”

For the 2008-2009 academic year, the University distributed more than $12 million in Pell Grant awards to 3,648 students, said Amy Marix, associate director of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid, in email to The Daily Reveille.

The current maximum Pell Grant available to University

students is $4,731. An estimated family contribution is calculated through FAFSA and is considered with a student’s enrollment status to determine grant eligibility, Marix said.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a version of the stimulus package last week. The bill is now being debated in the Senate and will be in limbo until President Obama and both houses of Congress reach an agreement. Once the bill is passed into law by the president, the University Office of Student Aid will comply as the bill requires, Marix said.

Robert Hogan, political science associate professor, said he thinks the bill won’t take more than a few weeks to become law.

“I think it will only take a few weeks because the American public is growing very impatient with this,” Hogan said. “Every economic indicator you look at is bad.”

But some provisions for students could be modified or omitted before the final bill is passed into law.

Hogan said he thinks Obama’s concentration on education and his high approval rating — coupled with

the Democrats controlling both houses of Congress — will ensure the education provisions become law.

“Education is something the Obama administration says has a high priority in the basket of things they want,” Hogan said.

The stimulus package also has $13 billion in tax cuts for college tuition and education. This includes a $2,500 tax rebate and the ability to purchase a computer through a taxfree savings plan, according to the Senate Committee on Appropriations’ summary of the stimulus package.

Some conservatives argue the provisions for students shouldn’t be in a stimulus package meant to create jobs.

Jeannine LeJeune, mass communication junior, receives a Pell Grant and thinks the government has the responsibility to help students through school.

“As I’m nearing graduation, I can’t help but hear that the economy sucks, and everyone is losing jobs, and I’m supposed to go get a job in STIMULUS, see page 6

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

wednesday, february 4, 2009

TECHNOLOGY

Flagship IT Strategy progressing well after two years Most items in progress or implemented

By Steven Powell Contributing Writer

lsureveille.com

Two years after launching the Flagship Information Technology Strategy, the University has made significant progress.

Of the 84 items on the agenda, 40 are in progress and 28 have been implemented, according to the Flagship IT Strategy Update report released in January.

Log on to “We want see an people to be able update of to come into the LSU and have Flagship the needed reIT sources at their Strategy. fingertips as a school community,” said Sheri Thompson, IT communications and planning officer.

Thompson said the biggest project is the campus computer resource project. The goal is for all students to have access to the most up-to-date computers and equipment, she said.

“I use the computers at the library very often because I don’t have Internet at my house,” said Onyinye Osisioma, biochemistry sophomore. “I’m basically not able to do anything, so when I need to use the

Internet, I come here.”

Marie Roussel, communications studies junior, said she doesn’t bring her laptop to school and uses the computers in the library at least twice a day to check her e-mail and work on homework.

Thompson said another major goal is to establish a 24-hour technical help service. She said although GROK is very useful, an around-theclock help center would prove more helpful.

It’s hard to calculate an actual dollar amount that has been spent because of re-allocation of money

between projects, Thompson said.

But she estimates “a few million dollars” have already been invested in the agenda.

Thompson said student technology fees assist in the agenda but are only applied to student-related projects, such as TigerWare and the Information Commons. Student tech fees do not go toward infrastructure, she said.

“Everything is community focused,” she said. “One of the big things is the Information Commons [in Middleton Library]. Teachers know students utilize the software

graphic by STEPHANIE CLARK / The Daily Reveille

CEREMONY

Spike Lee speaks at MLK event Area colleges join, emphasize unity

By Victoria Yu Contributing Writer

Award-winning movie director and producer Spike Lee spoke against black stereotypes at the eighth annual MLK Unity Celebration at Baton Rouge Community College on Tuesday night.

The celebration, inspired by MLK’s activism, emphasized unity between the University, BRCC, Southern and the local community.

The theme of the ceremony was “Times are changing. Be part of Dr. King’s Legacy.”

Mhykeisha Evans, Miss Southern University 2008-2009, welcomed attendees with praise for King, calling him “a legend, a dreamer, a visionary.”

The chancellors from BRCC and Southern, Myrtle Dorsey and Kofi Lomotey, respectively, and LSU’s vice chancellor and provost, Astrid Merget, spoke about each colleges’ efforts toward unity.

The event should inspire people to invest in their community and celebrate an equal partnership, said Chaunda Allen, LSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs director.

Spike Lee, the guest speaker, began his speech with references to his family’s affiliation with King.

Later he spoke about more BLACK HISTORY, see page 6

on the computers.”

Debra Kopcso, mathematics instructor and Math Lab tutor supervisor, said the computer labs — which are paid in part by student tech fees — greatly assist in students’ success in the course.

“It’s cheaper because we don’t need to hire as many professors, and statistics prove that students’ grades have increased dramatically since implementing the computer lab system,” she said.

This is the first published update report since implementing to strategy in 2006, Thompson said.

“We want to make sure the campus community is kept up to date and interested in what has taken place so far,” she said.

Thompson said improving ITS is a continuing process, though she is unsure of what plans will be made after the Flagship IT Strategy ends in 2010.

“We’ll look at restarting the process over again,” she said. “We’ll look at the baseline and see what we need.”

Contact Steven Powell at spowell@lsureveille.com

wednesday, february 4, 2009 MARDI GRAS, from page 1

But Maginnis said her parents won’t make the trek from California to the “Big Easy” to celebrate with the rest of the family this year, mainly because of the struggling economy.

And, though Maginnis’s parents won’t experience Mardi Gras in 2009, locals predict Fat Tuesday will escape any signs of a growing national recession and are “cautiously optimistic” crowd numbers will be similar to pre-Hurricane Katrina parades.

For the University, Mardi Gras holidays are from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, but, for the city of New Orleans, the event lasts longer than a month.

The parade schedule already kicked off Jan. 6.

There are no signs that New Orleans will see a decrease in visitors, said Mary Beth Romig, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau communications director.

“One thing going in our favor is that Mardi Gras is so late in February,” Romig said.

Last year’s holiday was Feb. 5 — the earliest it could be on the calendar — compared to falling on Feb. 24 this year, Romig said. The three extra weeks gives businesses

CITATIONS, from page 1

live music and will continue to offer it with a cover charge, as he has for 10 years.

“I’m not being disrespectful, and I want [the ATC] to respect me as a business owner and a taxpaying citizen as well,” Remmetter said.

One of the two citations — both concerning the restaurant’s permit status — was issued because Chelsea’s was not offering food after 10 p.m. To be a restaurant, an establishment must sell food until closing. Remmetter said Chelsea’s now offers a limited menu after 10 p.m., putting the restaurant in good standing.

The other citation regarded zoning. Chelsea’s is zoned as a restaurant, not a bar, but the ATC said because Chelsea’s charges a cover to see live music, it’s acting as a bar — in violation of its

DECLINE, from page 1

Reported rape is down by about 9 percent, according to the statistics released Friday, and reported theft is down by about 11 percent.

The figures, submitted to the FBI Uniform Crime Report program, showed serious crime has dropped for the past two years, and seven of the last eight years, according to a BRPD news release.

The only increase in major crime since 2000 was in 2006, the year following Hurricane Katrina, according to BRPD. “Population turbulence is something that we often associate with crime,” said Troy Blanchard, sociology professor.

With an influx of people migrating to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina, an increase in crime was expected, Blanchard said. He said a large population during an emergency makes it

THE DAILY REVEILLE

more time to sell their products, and the later date coincides with more out-of-state college students’ spring breaks.

Many hotels are saying their bookings are up, Romig said. But the visitors bureau is cautious about claiming Mardi Gras numbers will rise to their 2004 record-high, drawing more than one million people during the season.

About 750,000 people attended the parades last year, matching the 2007 numbers, Romig said.

Gary Brewster, Krewe of Proteus parade official, said the oldest night parade hasn’t seen any decline in membership.

“People look forward to Mardi Gras and what it brings each year,” Brewster said. “It’s a great time to be with friends and family and do some of the things ... your father and grandfather before you did.”

The challenge for Mardi Gras will be next year, Brewster said. The season is planned a year in advance, and members may be feeling the effects of the recession by the time next year’s fees are due this summer.

Brewster said he expects tourism from out-of-state visitors to be lower, but locals and college students will still boost attendance.

An immediate effect from the

economy is three krewes canceling parades this year, Brewster said. “[Mardi Gras] is one of the seasons that helps carry people through the slower times of year,” Romig said.

The season can pump $1 billion into the city’s economy from hotels, retail sales of beads and costumes and school bands getting paid to march, Romig said.

The Krewe of Proteus spends almost $150,000 on carnival throws, and it’s a smaller parade, Brewster said. A “super krewe” pays almost three times that amount because of their parade’s length.

Doloras Bergeron, general manager for Plush Appeal, a New Orleans based Mardi Gras store, said the company’s sales haven’t decreased from their customers. Plush Appeal provides portions of the Mardi Gras throws to more than forty Krewes in the state.

Mardi Gras is a normal way of life for many people, and they are committed to keeping the season thriving, Bergeron said.

After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans natives went to stores to get their throws even if they didn’t have a house left, she said.

“Mardi Gras is alive and well this year,” she said.

permit.

Remmetter said though he was guilty of not serving food until closing, he isn’t guilty of violating zoning restrictions. Remmetter said there’s no law against charging a cover for live music in a restaurant in Louisiana. Restaurants can have live music as long as it’s not disturbing nearby residences or displaying lewd behavior.

“We’re doing exactly what we’ve been doing since the beginning of time,” said Murphy Painter, ATC commissioner.

Painter said raids like the one on Chelsea’s happen every year. A restaurant’s permit status becomes an issue when a restaurant sells more alcohol than food. Painter said many of the restaurants are raided because of this restriction.

Painter said when a restaurant renews its license, it has to file an affidavit to say it sells more food than alcohol. Though this restric-

tion is only part of what makes a restaurant “bona fide,” a violation will trigger an investigation.

Remmetter said Chelsea’s still sells more food than alcohol, even with the 10 p.m. limit and cover charges.

“Live music is an issue if [restaurants are] operating the place as a bar without a bar license,” Painter said.

Remmetter said he’s not interested in changing Chelsea’s zoning.

“I’ll stop live music before I turn this into a bar,” Remmetter said.

Remmetter will have to defend his case to Painter on March 11.

difficult for the community to regulate people’s behavior.

“A lot of theories that we use to explain crime often talk about labor patterns,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard said Baton Rouge’s economy has fared well the last two years, meaning more opportunity and less crime.

Arson is the highest-increased crime on the list, with 210 arsons in 2007 and 225 in 2008 — a 7.14 percent increase.

The statistics showed a major

drop in reported automobile thefts, from 1,179 in 2007 to 974 in 2008.

The 17.39 percent drop is the largest drop in crime on the list.

“It’s not just our efforts, it’s the community’s efforts,” said Cpl. L’Jean McKneely, BRPD spokesman.

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

Contact Kyle Bove at kbove@lsureveille.com

Stephen Toomey, owner of the Alabama-based Mardi Gras store Toomey’s, said the economy hasn’t affected any of his market. “The longer selling season certainly helps,” Toomey said. “And times are tough, and people need an escape.”

Laura Monteilh, Parties Start Here manager, a Baton Rouge-based Mardi Gras store, said the store competes with New Orleans stores because customers don’t have to leave Baton Rouge to get Mardi Gras products. The store has been flooded with local customers and out-oftown visitors in the past few weeks, Monteilh said.

Sami Richardson, English senior, won’t be celebrating Mardi Gras week because she couldn’t take off from her campus job.

PAGE 5 Richardson said she’s will try to go early to the smaller parades but skip the big parades because of work.

Alex Gruntz, sociology freshman, said he, along with all his friends, will head to New Orleans the Friday before Mardi Gras to party through Tuesday.

His group of friends find an old couch and carry it onto the median — or neutral ground — to claim a front-row seat to the parades, Gruntz said.

“It’s the best week of the whole year,” he said.

Contact Joy Lukachick at jlukachick@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6

wednesday, february 4, 2009

TRANSPORTATION

Gas prices rising steadily despite decline in demand Prices could increase up to $1 by spring

By Brianna Paciorka Contributing Writer

Gas prices are steadily rising across the country again after dropping drastically in the past months.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the U.S. is $1.89, a 24 cent increase from the beginning of January. Prices in Baton Rouge have risen 27 cents from the beginning of January for an average of $1.79, according to the American Automobile Association’s Fuel Gauge Report.

Don Redman, Louisiana AAA spokesman, said because the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is cutting back on

STIMULUS, from page 3

that economy, LeJeune said. “Why not at least help us be able to pay for college because I have so much to pay for once I get out of college.”

But others argue increasing Pell Grants is a stimulus because the government is giving people money that will be spent and will stimulate the economy, Hogan said.

Varino thinks government assistance is necessary, but the requirements should be stricter.

production, gas prices could increase as much as a dollar this spring.

“We should feel the effects of that by March or April, which are historically shown to have higher gas prices,” Redman said. “Historically, January and February are the slowest times of the year in terms of demand.”

Redman said the market for wholesale gasoline jumped on speculation of several factors. Concern for the outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza caused the price of crude to rise, sending gas prices up.

Crude prices have since fallen, but gas prices still remain relatively high.

“We started at $1.54 in Louisiana in January, and we’re currently at $1.80,” Redman said. “In fact, we’ve seen prices jump in some areas 10 cents before [last] weekend.”

Redman said there has been concern that a possible strike of refinery “Not everyone has rich parents that will pay for everything,” Varino said. “It can be wasteful to some students because they will misuse it, and its not certain that they will even graduate so it may be possible that in the future they will be more strict about it and try to find dedicated students who will go through college and use it wisely.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

workers with the United Steel Workers union would shut down a number of the country’s refineries, causing the price of wholesale gas to jump by nearly a dime. With negotiations continuing, however, crude dropped below $40 a barrel, and the price of wholesale gas dropped nine cents.

Erin Kraus, philosophy graduate student, said she tries not to look at gas prices anymore.

“You have to drive your car, and you need to get gas,” Kraus said.

James Richardson, economics professor and director of the Public Administration Institute in the E.J. Ourso College of Business, said students should not worry too much about prices rising for right now.

“Stock [on gas] goes up and down based on demand, and oil prices go up and down with it,” Richardson said. “Demand is currently down.”

BLACK HISTORY, from page 4

controversial issues concerning black men.

“More black men are incarcerated in prison then enrolled in college,” Lee said.

He said certain mindsets, such as a black man who speaks well is “acting white,” need to be discarded.

People “equate intelligence with being white, which means they equate ignorance with being black,”

KIM FOSTER / The Daily Reveille

The Shell gas station on the corner of Highland Road and LSU Avenue is one of many area gas stations affected by rising oil prices.

Andrea D’Aquin, secondary education freshman, said she has not been affected by the gas prices yet but is worried nonetheless.

“It’s kind of scary,” D’Aquin said. “We don’t know how the econ-

omy is going to be, and it could negatively affect a lot of people.”

Lee said.

After his speech, Lee opened the floor to questions from the audience.

The audience’s questions ranged from tips on success in the film industry to tracing Lee’s ancestry back to times of slavery.

In an expression of unity, talent from all three colleges collaborated to perform Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”.

LSU students played instruments. Southern students danced.

And a BRCC student read a poem.

“It’s a great event to bring all three colleges together,” said Toni Manogin, BRCC’s Dean of Allied Health. “When everyone’s looking forward to change, it’s a good reminder to how we got to this point.”

Contact Brianna Paciorka at bpaciorka@lsureveille.com

Contact Victoria Yu at vyu@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

PAGE 7

FOOTBALL

High Class

Annual ‘Bash’ popular with fans

By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor

Miles poised to get fourth top-10 class former Scout.com five-star recruits Sports Contributor JaMarcus Russell and Glenn Dorsey along the way.

Alabama football coach Nick “When you look at the classSaban’s shadow that has been cast es Nick brought in compared to over Les Miles’ LSU career is the classes Les brought in, they shrinking. are very comparable,” said Sonny With Saban’s recruits long Shipp, Louisiana Scout.com regone from LSU, the future of the cruiting analyst. “As far as on paTigers relies solely on Miles and per, Les has recruited just as well his coaching staff.

— if not better — In his four years than when Nick in Baton Rouge, was here.”

Miles has recorded Log on to see live Shipp said four top-25 Scout. coverage of the Tigers’ Miles has a differcom recruiting ent recruitng style recruits on National classes, including than his predecesSigning Day. three in the top 10. sor.

And Miles is poised “Nick was all to finish with a top-three class in business and more of the X’s and 2009.

O’s type, whereas Les has been Saban had top-five classRECRUITS, see page 11 es in 2003 and 2004, landing

By Michael Lambert

lsureveille.com

GRANT GUTIERREZ / The Daily Reveille

LSU coach Les Miles argues the placement of the football Nov. 8 during the Tiger’s 27-21 loss to Alabama. Miles is set to have a top-five 2009 recruiting class with high-profile players like quarterback Russell Shepard and safety Craig Loston.

Waiting for word Several high-profile recruits will announce their decisions today — some on television — at the following times: Rueben Randle, 5-star receiver 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Kendall Kelly, 5-star receiver 2 p.m.

Trent Richardson, 5-star runningback 3 p.m.

Xavier Su’a-Filo, 5-star off. tackle 1 p.m. (ESPN) Jarvis Jones, 5-star def. end 12:30 p.m.

Sam Montogmery, 5-star def. end 8:30 a.m. (ESPN) Darren Myles, Jr., 5-star safety 9:45 p.m. (ESPN) Barkevious Mingo, 4-star linebacker 8:30 a.m.

Darrington Sentimore, 4-star def. tackle 8:30 a.m.

LSU sports has many traditions — tailgating, the eye of the tiger, pregame and H-shaped field goals.

But perhaps the program’s most upand-coming tradition is the annual Bayou Bash.

The biggest recruiting party in the country began when a group of die-hard Tiger fans gathered on a Thursday night ‘Football at Chinese Inn Airline Highseason is on way.

In former over, but LSU coach Gerit’s a way ry DiNardo’s first year at LSU, to get the coach asked football in Bill ‘Chico’ the spring.’ Moore to start the first football club.

Josh Barnett booster Chico gathered LSU alumnus a group to meet at the Chinese Inn after an initial meeting at the Stadium Club in Tiger Stadium.

Chico and the fans formed the LSU Coaches Gridiron Club. It later came to be known as the Tiger Gridiron Club and eventually became the first football booster club at LSU. “In three weeks, we raised $10,000,” said Chico, vice president of the Tiger Gridiron Club.

The Tiger Gridiron Club wanted to make a gathering for Tiger fans to BASH, see page 10

BASEBALL

Tigers begin practice in new Alex Box Stadium New park has different atmosphere

By Casey Gisclair Chief Sports Writer

LSU coach Paul Mainieri left no doubt Tuesday that the first pitch of the 2009 baseball season will be in the Tigers’ new home.

“We’re not going to practice for two-and-a-half weeks out here and then go play in another park,” Mainieri said.

Associate Athletic Director Eddie Nunez said bleachers along the third base side of the field and the left outfield bleachers are the only seating areas left to complete.

Nunez said the scoreboard and parking lot also need to be

finished, but he expects both to sophomore centerfielder Leon be done by the end of the week.

Landry will still be able to make There will be some changes their signature home-run robbing in the new park even though the catches despite the 24-inch raise. stadium has the “That’s going same dimensions to be fun,” he said. as the old stadi“It’s going to be a um. little bit more of a The biggest challenge to rob a change is the inball.” field grass. It has Meanwhile, been raised from Mainieri is confive-eights of an cerned about the inch to a full inch, backdrop for hitPaul Mainieri causing ground ters.

LSU baseball coach balls to roll slowBatters were er through the instaring into a field. scenery of trees while hitting in The outfield walls have also the old Alex Box Stadium. But been lifted from eight feet to 10 the batting backdrop in the new feet. facility is Tiger Stadium, which Junior outfielder Jared Mitchell said he expects he and ALEX BOX, see page 11

‘‘

‘I just felt that the sooner we got out here, the more comfortable the players would be.’

ALEX BOND / The Daily Reveille

The LSU baseball team practiced Tuesday in the new Alex Box Stadium for the first time. The Tigers play their first game of the season in the new park Feb. 20.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 8

wednesday, february 4, 2009

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Johnson cracks down on Tigers to keep momentum in Ga. LSU on five-game SEC win streak

By Amos Morale Sports Contributor

Early in the first half of the Tigers’ 79-69 victory against Arkansas on Saturday, LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson got upset with the team’s poor ball control and kicked the scorers’ table.

He noticed the same type of execution at practice Monday and let his team know he wasn’t having any of it.

“I told them, ‘Don’t have me breaking my toe again,’” Johnson said.

But the first-year coach said that was the only light moment of that day’s practice, and Tigers (17-4, 5-1) are focused on keeping the intensity up tonight against Georgia (9-12, 0-6), something they have done all season.

LSU dropped its first Southeastern Conference game of the season on Jan. 11 but has won the past five, with four of the five wins coming by double digits.

“We just want to come out with the same intensity no matter what, whether we win, lose or draw,” said LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell. “After we lost a game last year, we didn’t come out with the sense of urgency that we do now. After we lost to Xavier, we went to Tennessee and beat them at their home.

“It’s just a whole new thing and new dimension of LSU

NBA

Paul dayto-day after groin strain

By Brett Martel The Associated Press

WESTWEGO (AP) — Chris Paul laughed and joked with teammates after Hornets practice on Tuesday, the grim silence that followed the All-Star point guard’s injury and his team’s ensuing collapse a night earlier fading into memory.

New Orleans learned while blowing a big lead to Portland on Monday night that adjusting to life without Paul may be even harder than imagined.

The good news for the Hornets is they may not have to endure without him for much more than a few games. An MRI indicated Paul had only a mild strain of his right groin and he is listed as day-to-day.

HORNETS, see page 10

basketball. We have a lot of commitment and intensity in every single game. We couldn’t do that a year ago.”

Mitchell said the Tigers have been doing the little things necessary to win games, which comes from not wanting games to slip away from them.

LSU leads the SEC with a +7.6 rebounding margin and is second in offensive rebounds.

The Tigers are second in the conference with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.28.

Senior guard Garrett Temple leads the conference with a 2.26 ratio.

But the Tigers’ hustling doesn’t always show up on the stat book, and nearly every player has spent time on the floor diving for a loose ball.

“It’s just a sense of urgency,” Mitchell said. “That’s what we want to do as a team. We want to get every loose ball. We might not come up with it, but we’ll go for every attempt.”

LSU faces a Georgia team in transition.

The Bulldogs fired coach Dennis Felton last week and named Pete Herrmann interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Herrmann lost his first game at the helm, a 75-70 loss Saturday at Alabama, another team that recently fired its coach.

But Johnson said he sees a similarity in Georgia to a Georgia Tech team that took down No. 2 Wake Forest last week.

“Usually in those situations, you would think they are weak,”

BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS / The Daily Reveille

LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell (1) goes for a lay-up against South Carolina’s junior forward Dominique Archie (21) and sophomore forward Sam Muldrow (44) on Jan. 14 in the PMAC. The Tigers defeated the Gamecocks, 85-68.

Johnson said. “But with a game under their belts, those kids have had the opportunity to settle down, and coach Herrmann has been a head coach before.”

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 9

FOOTBALL

Shepard called most-hyped recruit since Perrilloux

next year. Shepard is already on campus — you know he’s going to play some in the slot. They’ll have different packages with him at quarterback. It’s going to be a real interesting spring.”

By Tyler Harvey Shepard is well aware of his Sports Contributor growing status.

“It all just adds to the hype,” National Signing Day is fiShepard said. “[Coach Les Miles nally here.

By the end of the day, LSU and coach Larry Porter] realize will have secured a top-five re- that I’m coming into school as cruiting class and maybe even the probably the most-hyped player that’s come to this school since No. 1 class in the nation.

Every recruiting class has Ryan Perrilloux. They coach me its stars — the high-profile guys up on it and teach me how to hanwho always have their name in dle it, but it just adds to the hype, the spotlight. And for an LSU adds to the pressure that’s going to be put on me.” class filled with And fans have talented prospects high expectations from top to botfor the freshman. tom, there is little “The fans doubt the star of are really exthis Tiger class is cited about him Russell Shepard. because he’s a S h e p a r d ’s different kind name is already Russell Shepard of quarterback,” known by most LSU newcomer said Sanjay JuneTiger fans, and he ja, biology senior. hasn’t even taken his first snap, which begs the “He’s an incredible runner, and question: Is Shepard LSU’s big- he can throw. He’s regarded by all the coaches as a very humble gest recruit ever?

He’s the most-hyped player person who doesn’t look for the to come to Baton Rouge since the limelight. I think he’s going to much-maligned former quarter- leave a legacy like he’s the next [Tim] Tebow.” back Ryan Perrilloux.

Other fans are just excited to While their history off the field couldn’t be more different, add Shepard to the roster, even if both players were ranked as the he doesn’t see many reps at quartop dual-threat quarterback in the terback.

“He’s just going to be a nation in their respective years.

Shepard is ranked the No. 7 freshman this year, and he’s not overall player, according to Ri- going to be redshirted,” said vals.com, and the No. 4 player on Brady McMillan, biology freshScout.com. In 2005, Perrilloux man. “So he’s not going to know was the No. 16 overall player according to Rivals and was USA Today’s Offensive Player of the Year.

The consensus five-star quarterback prospect from Cypress Ridge High School in Houston has been right around the top of overall player rankings on both Rivals.com and Scout.com all year.

After a recruiting battle with Texas, the Tigers came away with the commitment of the dualthreat phenom, which turned out to be bigger than imagined once Shepard began recruiting for the Tigers.

The 6-foot-1-inch quarterback helped recruit his cousin, five-star safety prospect Craig Loston, to LSU while also being in the ear of other high profile players across the country.

Shepard then enrolled at LSU for the spring semester, one semester earlier than most of the 2009 recruiting class.

But what exactly will the fans expect of the true freshman when next season rolls around?

“It’s probably a bit different for [Shepard] because Perrilloux came when JaMarcus Russell and [Matt] Flynn were on campus,” said Mike Scarborough, recruiting analyst for Rivals.com.

“Shepard and [five-star wide receiver prospect Rueben] Randle are two guys that you feel are definitely going to play a role

QB trying to downplay attention

‘‘

‘Hype is hype. I have to go in and prove myself to teammates and to my coaches.’

photo courtesy of Charlotte Aguilar, 1960 Sun / Houston Community Newspapers

LSU newcomer Russell Shepard stands in front of his Cypress Ridge High School jersey. The quarterback is being considered the most-hyped recruit since former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux.

everything, but he’s so fast, he’s going to do fine. I don’t think he’s going to play quarterback though, but he’ll live up to expectations as a playmaker.”

But Shepard will be the first to say hype and popularity don’t translate to the football field.

“Hype is hype,” Shepard said. “I have to go in and prove myself to teammates and to my coaches. I’m not going in with a big head. I’m going in as a freshman, somebody that has to work their way to the top.”

Contact Tyler Harvey at tharvey@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 10 BASH, from page 7 meet and celebrate the annual recruiting signing class. The NCAA didn’t allow recruiting parties in 1996, but after approaching the competition committee, the Tiger Gridiron Club received approval to hold the Bayou Bash.

“We were the first school to do this,” said Ray Scimeca, former Tiger Gridiron Club board member.

“Nobody thought about it because they thought it was illegal.”

The day-long event has become nationally regarded as the biggest party on National Signing Day, said Vince DeSalvo, president of the Tiger Gridiron Club.

The Bayou Bash began on LSU’s campus, but after facing parking issues, the Bash moved to the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino. The Bash is now held at the River Center to accommodate every fan.

“It’s like going from caveman to the 21st century,” DeSalvo said. “The only thing that has been consistent is that Budweiser and Coke have been with us from the first Bayou Bash.”

DeSalvo said many colleges have tried to imitate the Bayou Bash, but none have been successful.

“I’ve talked to Ohio State, Arkansas, Baylor, Arizona State and some others,” DeSalvo said. “When they ask what it is, how we do it and how many people we get, almost

everyone says ‘Well we can’t do that.’”

Southeastern, Louisiana Tech and Southern have small recruiting parties and only last a few hours.

Former LSU student Josh Barnett is excited to attend the 14th Bayou Bash.

“Football season is over, but it’s a way to get football in the spring,” Barnett said.

Some fans come every year from across the country.

“There are people coming from Kansas, from Texas, from Florida,” DeSalvo said. “This thing went from word of mouth to where Ticketmaster has to handle our tickets.”

The doors of the Bayou Bash open at 8:30 a.m., and there are anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 of the most loyal LSU fans at the party.

The signing of each recruit is shown live as well as tapes of their high school highlights.

“LSU lets us know as each recruit signs,” DeSalvo said. “Once they are signed, we can announce it.”

Former LSU players always discuss the year’s recruiting class in a forum. And this year’s forum will feature former LSU defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey.

Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com

HORNETS, from page 8 “I feel good,” Paul said. “Maybe I can play (Wednesday), maybe Friday, so I’m going to just go with it and see how it feels. ... Any time something’s torn or something like that, it can be a long time, but this right here, I felt like that was good news.”

Based on the way they fell apart against Portland, the Hornets could be in for a serious struggle if Paul’s pain lingers.

New Orleans led by 17 when Paul left with 1:30 to go in the third quarter. The Trail Blazers quickly erased the deficit, outscoring the Hornets 38-15 in the fourth quarter for a 97-89 victory.

The Hornets are now in the midst of a three-game losing streak, their longest of the season, with home games coming up against Chicago on Wednesday, Toronto on Friday and Minnesota on Sunday before New Orleans travels to Memphis on Monday.

Paul wants to be back sometime during that stretch, but head coach Byron Scott said he may sit his best player for all four of those games.

“Everybody knows the type of heart he has and how much he wants to play, but I don’t think it’s possible (for Paul) to play” Wednesday, Scott said. “If

anything, (if) he plays tomorrow, he does more damage to it. So we want to take a couple of days and see if he’s a fast healer. Until that thing is pretty much cleared up, we’re going to wait.”

Scott said he expects Antonio Daniels to start at point guard for the rest of the week, with Devin Brown as the primary backup. Paul started the Hornets’ first 45 games, averaging 21.5 points, 10.9 assists and 2.8 steals.

As the Hornets dealt with injuries to All-Star David West, center Tyson Chandler and forward Peja Stojakovic, Paul often picked up the slack with his knack for recognizing where teammates are most comfortable shooting and getting the ball to the player with the hot hand. Combined with his own ability to score as needed, get steals and create havoc on the defensive end with his quickness, he’s led New Orleans to a 28-17 record. As of Tuesday, that was good for second place in the Southwest Division and fifth in the Western Conference.

West and Stojakovic are back in the lineup now, but Chandler may remain out another week as he rebuilds strength in his sprained left ankle, Scott said.

“I’m not going to rush Chris back or Tyson back and put those guys at risk to get hurt later in the

wednesday, february 4, 2009 season,” Scott said. “We know we need those guys healthy and playing at 100 percent, not out there hopping around at about 50 percent, because they’re not only going to hurt themselves but then they’ll probably end up hurting the team.”

Although the Hornets looked lost without Paul on Monday, Scott suggested that stemmed from the distraction of losing Paul during a game.

“We were probably more shocked than anything when he went down and I think we let that affect us throughout the rest of the game,” Scott said. “It does tell a little bit about our team. It’s no secret how important he is to what we do. But now is an opportunity for other guys to step up again and we’ve got to prove to ourselves that we can still win basketball games.

“Adversity happens with every team,” Scott added. “It’s just how you deal with it that’s going to make you a champion or not.”

In the meantime, Scott is trying to give the Hornets’ offense a little more structure, rather than allow for more creativity and adlibbing by the point guard.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009 RECRUITS, from page 7 really successful in going in and showing the personal side of not only him but his coaching staff,” Shipp said.

Rene Nadeau, football analyst for ESPN and TigerVision, said recruits are attracted to LSU because of the fan support and Tiger Stadium’s environment.

“Very few stadiums can match the aura of Tiger Stadium,” Nadeau said. “That plays a lot into a kid knowing he’s going to have that kind of support, playing in front of those fans.”

Nadeau said high school players are also attracted to the competition of playing in the Southeastern Conference. “[A recruit] is going to play in the best competition week in and week out, knowing that it will test you and see if you are the best at what you do,” Nadeau said.

Cypress Ridge High School football coach Gary Thiebaud said Miles acted with a lot of class when he visited Cypress Ridge to recruit Scout.com five-star quarterback Russell Shepard.

“He was very honest with me and what they were looking for in Russell Shepard,” Thiebaud said.

“There wasn’t any agenda.”

LSU had Scout.com’s No. 19 recruiting class in 2005, only a few

THE DAILY REVEILLE

weeks after Miles became coach. powerhouse Oklahoma. But he His first class brought in for- showed his true recruiting potenmer defensive end Ricky Jean- tial when he came to recruit-rich Francois, rising senior offensive Louisiana. lineman Ciron Black and rising se“Oklahoma State is always gonior wide receiver Brandon LaFell. ing to be second fiddle to OklahoIt was also Miles’ smallest class, ma,” Shipp said. “When he got to with only 13 signees.

LSU, he went from the school that Scout.com’s was always behind No. 7 class in 2006 the top school in contained 26 comthe state to having mits, including his pick of the litrising senior runter.” ning back Charles But Miles poScott, who rushed tentially has his for 1,174 yards and best class this year 18 touchdowns last — a class which is Sonny Shipp season. not yet complete, Scout.com recruiting analyst The Tigers as some high-probroke the Scout. file recruits have com top 5 in 2007 with several yet to make official commitments. high profile recruits like former “If you bring in Rueben Ranwide receiver Demetrius Byrd, ris- dle, Barkevious Mingo, Tahj Jones ing junior wide receiver Terrance and another guy here and there, Toliver and rising junior safety then you have a class that’s gonChad Jones. Shipp said the 2007 na be if not No. 1 in the country, class may be one of Miles’ best. you’re looking at a definite top 5,” Rising sophomore quarterback Shipp said.

Jordan Jefferson has been the highShipp said the 2009 class will light from the Scout No. 7 class of be solid players as well as leaders.

2008, who lead the Tigers to a vic“Not only do they do it on the tory in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. field, they are going to be those But Miles had a history of be- leaders off the field that the 2008 ing a successful recruiter before he was lacking a little bit,” Shipp took over at LSU. said.

Miles landed top-40 classes Contact Michael Lambert at in his four years at Oklahoma mlambert@lsureveille.com State, competing against Big 12

PAGE 11

‘‘

‘Les has recruited just as well — if not better — than when Nick was here.’

photo courtesy of GREENWOOD INDEX-JOURNAL

Five-star defensive end Sam Montgomery [left] chases down an opponent.

Montogmery is scheduled to announce his commitment today at 8:30 a.m.

ALEX BOX, from page 7 Mainieri said could cause problems to hitters because of the stadium’s off-white color resembling the color of a baseball.

Junior outfielder Blake Dean said the backdrop and the ‘It’s new shadows going to be will give pitcha little bit ers an early advantage in the more of a new park.

“Shadows challenge are always difto rob a ficult to get used to,” he ball.’ said. “I don’t Jared Mitchell think it will play that big junior outfielder of a role, but we’ve definitely got to get used to it.”

Mainieri said he felt like a proud father touring the stadium but warned his team the new venue doesn’t guarantee success.

“I just felt that the sooner we got out here, the more comfortable the players would be,” he said. “And then we could be more relaxed and focus on playing the game more properly.”

Contact Casey Gisclair at cgisclair@lsureveille.com

PLUCKERS WING BAR Trivia at 8. $4 34 oz Mother Plucker Mugs.

If you don’t like our wings, we’ll give you the bird.

ALEX BOND / The Daily Reveille

Junior outfielder Jared Mitchell address the media Tuesday during the Tigers’ first practice in the new Alex Box Stadium. Mitchell said he doesn’t think the higher fence will stop him from stealing home runs from opponents.

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS Trivia and Karaoke Night 5-10pm: $5 Domestic Pitchers, $6 Abita Pitchers SHOUT TO THE HEART The Daily Reveille is printing Valentine messages on Friday Feb. 13. Log on to www.lsureveille.com and click on the link to print the form. Deadline to place is Feb. 11 at noon.

Prices start at $5.

9-10:30pm Pineapple Express 12:00-1:30pm Tropic Thunder 7-8:30pm Burn After Reading

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Opinion

PAGE 12

LOUISIANIMAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

Vitter faces hot seat, but won’t unseat, with newcomer Could the next junior senator from Louisiana be a former porn star?

After a curious ad — seeking an energized adult entertainer to challenge Sen. David Vitter, R-La; in the 2010 Congressional elections — appeared on Craigslist, another ad was posted recently confirming the bid was not a joke.

The word on the Bayou is Vitter is the No. 1 target for Democrats seeking a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

He’s so weak, in fact, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y; is allegedly recruiting Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, to unseat Vitter.

Vitter also faces some in-house troubles with Republicans who won’t support him — either because they think he’s incapable of being reelected or because they support Secretary of State Jay Dardenne — after his recent prostitution scandal.

And with a porn star in the race to remind everyone of Vitter’s marital indiscretions, a third candidate might have a real shot at victory.

LSU Louisiana history instructor Marc Petanaude said the stunt wasn’t a bad idea because many have forgotten about the scandal.

With the affair fresh on everyone’s

mind, Vitter could lose support and be forced to spend extra time and resources defending his name.

Petanaude referred to the porn star as a political hitman. Her candidacy translates into opportunity for other potential candidates — it means no one has to sling mud at Vitter over a sensitive issue.

So other candidates can take the high road by focusing on substance while Vitter’s attention would be split over policy and politics, said Petanaude.

Labeling Vitter an “invalid Republican” because of his moral failings and fiscal record might successfully separate him from the ideals of the traditional conservative, opening possibilities for challengers.

And if two high profile Republicans like Vitter and Dardenne are pitted against each other, there’s a possibility they could split the vote — and the porn star could edge the election away from Vitter.

Louisiana voters also have historically supported personalities over parties. There’s a tendency in the state to support larger-than-life figures.

With all these cards stacked against him, surely the hypocritical, philandering Vitter couldn’t possibly

be re-elected.

Not so fast.

First, the tendency to support grand characters stopped after the civil rights era, said Petanaude.

Since then, personality fault lines have been less likely.

Petanaude Daniel and mass comLumetta Opinion Editor m u n i c a t i o n professor Bob Mann agreed the last politician to take advantage of this type of appeal was the Cajun from Crowley, Edwin Edwards.

Petanaude said the idea that a Cajun will vote for a Cajun has some merit but isn’t likely. Mann quickly dismissed any ethnic loyalties as a factor in voting.

“The Cajuns who’ve won recent elections – like Blanco, Melancon, Tauzin and others – won because their philosophies were attuned to their constituencies, not because they were Cajun,” Mann said.

Second, Vitter’s base likely won’t abandon him after constant pestering about morality from a porn star. Some suggest the plan might

actually backfire and motivate conservatives to support Vitter even more eagerly.

Petanaude and Mann agreed.

Further, just because Vitter is the Democrats’ No. 1 target, doesn’t mean he’s the most vulnerable target.

“There’s no one lining up to challenge him,” Mann said.

If Louisiana still operated under the open primary, someone like Dardenne might have a real shot. But since 2006, federal elections in Louisiana have operated under the closed primary system.

Dardenne has allegedly considered running but is concerned about his chances of defeating Vitter in a closed primary. Mann said Dardenne’s concerns aren’t far off the mark, but Gov. Bobby Jindal is an overlooked element in the equation.

Without Jindal’s support, Vitter might be vulnerable to Dardenne.

“Jindal could destroy Vitter with one press conference, but he won’t,” Mann said.

So the likelihood that a credible challenger will emerge looks slim.

“And where will disaffected voters go without a credible opponent to support?” Mann said.

So a porn star’s entrance in the midterm elections will likely only cause embarrassment for Vitter, rather than tilting the results in any particular direction.

Factors more likely to lead to Vitter’s downfall would be the emergence of one or more viable candidates or further scandal developments, Mann said.

So what effect, if any, will this porn star have on the 2010 Louisiana Senate race?

It probably won’t do anything except embarrass Vitter.

But what’s more important than reminding us Vitter had an affair while professing family values is reminding us the media is to blame for letting Vitter get away with it all.

In reality, this episode doesn’t open up any real opportunities for the porn star in question. But it does offer a chance for a necessary media criticism.

“It’s really remarkable how Vitter got away with all this,” Mann said. “He still hasn’t answered one question about the scandal. [The media] should have dogged him.”

Contact Daniel Lumetta at dlumetta@lsureveille.com

NIETZSCHE IS DEAD

Religious relics are fascinating, hilarious objects In Khandahar, Afghanistan, the guardians of a holy relic face a tough decision.

Since 1768, the Akhundzada family has been tasked with guarding the Cloak of Mohammed, supposedly woven for and worn by the final prophet of Islam. According to Muslim legend, the cloak is imbued with mystical powers of healing.

The cloak’s guardians have kept it locked away from prying eyes, and it is only removed for extremely special occasions. The cloak is brought out during times of crisis and used in public ceremonies.

Those who believe in its powers claim the cloak has healed the sick, halted a cholera outbreak and quenched a drought, among other miracles.

The recent violence in Afghanistan has caused a great dilemma for the Akhundzadas. It seems their country could use a miracle right now.

But bringing out the cloak is an especially risky proposition, given the current environment.

The guardians are especially hesitant to allow the cloak to even

be viewed, because of a stunt in which it was stolen by a Taliban leader.

In 1996, Mullah Omar, then head of the Taliban, visited the shrine and requested to see the garment. After repeatedly being denied by the guardians — and acquiescing to their demands that he shave his entire body — he was finally allowed to view it.

He proceeded to steal the cloak and wear it during an impassioned roof-top speech claiming he was rightfully ordained by Allah.

Since this incident, the keepers of the cloak have put the shrine on lockdown; even the new President Hamid Karzai, who has visited the shrine five times, has never had the privilege of viewing the cloak.

Mullah Masood Akhundazada, the current head guardian, acknowledges now is the time to call upon the powers of the sacred garment. “ But, for now, threats of violence — Mullah assumed the role after his brother was gunned down in a marketplace during a wave of prominent citizens being murdered — have impelled the keepers to

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board KYLE WHITFIELD TYLER BATISTE GERRI SAX DANIEL LUMETTA MATTHEW ALBRIGHT TRAVIS ANDREWS ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Opinion Editor Columnist Columnist Columnist

keep the cloak under lock and key.

Meanwhile, across the world, a less-conventional relic is facing a far less dangerous conundrum.

The Shrine of the Miracle Tortilla in Lake Arthur, New Mexico, is much more open about its miraculous “artifact.”

The nowMatthew famous food of Albright faith belongs to Columnist Maria Rubio, who preserved a tortilla after God supposedly sent her a message in the form of skillet burns on the tortilla that form a picture of Jesus.

After the revelation, she put the miraculous tortilla on display in a small wooden shed, complete with cotton balls to simulate heaven.

Rubio is by no means the only one who believes the tortilla is a sign from God. An estimated 35,000 people shuffled onto her property, either because they believed it contained healing powers or out of sheer awe.

In stark contrast to her Khandahari contemporaries, Rubio left the door to the shed unlocked, to ensure no one was denied a chance to see a real culinary miracle.

Tragically, the Shrine no longer exists. After years in the New Mexico heat, the fragile tortilla was broken when Rubio’s granddaughter brought it to school for showand-tell.

Throughout history, religious relics have proven to be a fascinatingly powerful phenomenon. That significance is no less potent today, in the age of heavily-guarded cloaks and Tortilla Jesuses. The stunning success of “The Da Vinci Code” — a novel that uses semi-historical references and refers to relics and orders that likely never existed — is a testament to just how powerful a relic can be.

On the surface, this seems like an easy opening to assault religion as the realm of either the irrational or the clinically insane.

But let’s not forget religious relics aren’t the only superstitious symbols that attract cult followings.

Purportedly haunted houses

across the nation draw huge crowds of sight-seers, despite an alarming lack of evidence for their ectoplasmic inhabitants. For some local flavor, visit the Myrtles just outside of Baton Rouge.

Area 51 is still the focus of an alien conspiracy theory so popular it has gained more followers than many religions. For anyone who’s been to the town of Roswell, you know what a tourist draw this phenomenon is.

It is one of the most fundamental truths of human behavior that we as a race are drawn to legends.

From Beowulf to Indiana Jones, we are enthralled by stories of ancient treasures and miraculous signs.

When you add the passionate fervor and faith of religion to our natural curiosity, you have a recipe for some really interesting stuff.

And there’s nothing wrong with chuckling when that stuff seems a tad absurd.

Contact Matthew Albright at malbright@lsureveille.com

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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.

“If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it.”

Dalai Lama Tibetan Buddhist leader July 6, 1935 - present

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

OUR VIEW

Opinion

PAGE 13

Pell Grant increase is college students’ own stimulus All non-TOPS-having, Pell Grant-dependent students at the University, read on.

President Obama’s economic stimulus package will help you stimulate the economy, even as you find jobs to earn a little extra Ramen money.

Passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives and introduced to the U.S. Senate this past Monday, the stimulus package includes a $13.9 billion increase in Pell Grant funding, which would

help an estimated 7 million underprivileged students pay for higher education, according to the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Web site.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, there are 3,648 University students taking advantage of the Pell Grant program. Ranging in awards from $400 to $4,731, these students earned $12,242,981 from the program, giving each student an average of $3,356 in federal aid.

President Obama’s Pell Grant

plan would increase the maximum amount by $281 for next academic year, followed by another $400 increase for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The maximum award would increase from its current level of $4,731 to $5,412.

The Senate must not tamper with this piece of the stimulus package as it makes its way through Congress.

This program is the best available federal program for helping

underprivileged students earn access to college.

Considering Gov. Bobby Jindal is trying his best to make higher education in Louisiana a fantasy with his budget cuts, we commend President Obama’s attention not only to short-term quick fixes, but also to a comprehensive, long-term strategy to make sure the economy is not only stimulated, but still existing by the time University students enter the working world.

The increase in funding for

Pell Grants works to ensure the stimulus doesn’t just create more than four million jobs related to infrastructure, health care, energy and the foundation of our 21st century economy. They do and will provide help to students whose parents never had or have the ability to finance the dreams of their children.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

BURNS AFTER READING

Library hours appear a likely target for budget cuts

Starting this semester, the University permanently expanded the operating hours on the first floor of Middleton Library from midnight to 2 a.m.

Library hours were first extended in October. The trial was conducted on an experimental basis, providing only the first floor for student use, without reference or circulation services being provided.

If an average of more than 200 students showed up every night, the operating hours for the spring semester would be extended until 2 a.m.

The nightly average failed to reach the mark, but Student Government President Colorado Robertson was able to extend the late night operating hours for the spring semester.

Many students applauded SG’s decision, citing the many top-tier colleges that keep their

libraries running 24/7 to provide their students with a suitable environment for studying. Though this option hasn’t been seriously considered, SG felt extending the hours would be a positive step.

“As a high-caliber academic institution, extending library hours was something we ran on during the campaign to help give students easier access academic resources,” Robertson. “We understand today’s students are staying up later to study and so extending the hours was something we felt was necessary.”

But so far this semester, afterhour activity has been very slow.

In the first week of class, only 1520 students showed up after midnight per night. One night, library workers claim the number was as low as five.

The past few weeks, though, attendance has steadily risen to a more reasonable sum. Still, the

library’s services are being vastly underutilized. If this trend continues, it’s possible the benefit will be revoked next fall, especially with dramatic budget cuts looming.

The University is already facing about $10.3 Scott million in cuts Burns for this fisColumnist cal year, ending June 30. Chancellor Michael Martin has already said the LSU System is preparing for a reduction in state funding between $44 million and $71 million for the next fiscal year beginning July 1.

Martin said these cuts — between 19.6 percent and 31.6 percent of the System’s state general fund appropriation — could have “dramatically negative impacts

on our students, faculty, staff, campus and all others we serve.”

The University is responsible for compensating the late night workers who have adjusted their schedules to meet the extended period. The circulation desk typically keeps three workers on staff through the night, while LSU police officers are also provided for security. That doesn’t take the additional funding required for electricity bills and other extraneous expenditures into account.

If students want to reap the benefits other universities enjoy with extended library hours, they’re going to need to take advantage of its services.

The library offers an excellent, distraction-free venue for studying, and there are plenty of technological resources available free of charge to students.

But if students fail to meet required expectations, these

privileges will be rescinded and the funding hole will be plugged.

The ominous graffiti on the wall is if this glory hole isn’t filled by students, the facility won’t keep kneeling on the adjacent side of the wall waiting to accommodate our desires.

The only way not to get this privilege revoked is to actually take advantage of it. Otherwise, there’s no reason to think it won’t be chopped by future budget revisions.

Budget cuts are the quintessential guillotine to student privileges. When these benefits get revoked, students will be the ones who have to feltch up what’s left, while the University will take its financial splurging elsewhere.

Contact Scott Burns at sburns@lsureveille.com

WALK HARD

Even with looming budget cuts, LSU is affordable Louisiana is no exception to the budget shopping that accompanies the slowing economy.

Retailers are offering discounts to keep their doors open.

One Louisiana institution has consistently offered its products at a significantly discounted rate for nearly 150 years.

The state offers its residents a quality education for roughly 40 percent of the cost in the form of tuition. The remaining 60 percent of the operating budget is made up primarily of state funds contributed by Louisiana taxes, according to statistics from the University’s Office of Budget and Planning web site.

Recently, Gov. Bobby Jindal warned of significant budget cuts.

The time has come for the leadership of this state to consider the wisdom of allowing higher education to remain unprotected

by the state Constitution. Any time cuts must be made to the state budget, higher education is one of the first to suffer the effects because of its constitutional vulnerability.

This nation was founded on a radical premise — education is a public good. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 gives evidence of this commitment to education — “Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

The problem with protecting higher education through a constitutional change is the people of Louisiana must approve the change.

“We haven’t made ourselves relevant,” said William Silvia Jr., former executive vice president of the LSU System. “Education is

a long-term investment.”

The fact that colleges and universities remain unprotected from budget cuts is evidence that higher education is valued less than other goods and services paid for by the state.

If this is to Drew change, it is up Walker to the students Columnist and alumni of the University and other state institutions to foster this change.

The University depends on the state for its funding. The benefits provided to the state by the University must be highlighted.

An educated populace offers the best opportunity for the state to move forward.

A college graduate earned $383 more per week in 2007 than

a high school graduate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Additionally, the unemployment rate for high school graduates was 4.4 percent in 2007 while it was only 2.2 percent for college graduates.

As the economy has tended to expand in the direction of high tech jobs, education has become increasingly necessary for success. This necessity will continue to increase as the economy recovers from its current turmoil.

The University depends on the state for the majority of its funding. State funding allows the University to offer a top-notch education at an affordable price.

With TOPS and other forms of financial aid, the cost to the student can be reduced to next to nothing.

If the University community expects the state to recognize its value, it should recognize the

tremendous accomplishments the state has already made on their behalf.

Before politicians are attacked for being irresponsible with tax revenues and higher education spending, they should first be applauded for the work accomplished in providing for the students of this state.

Cuts in funding on the scale of what has been proposed by the Jindal administration could significantly impact the future of the University — and Louisiana — and should be avoided if at all possible. The value of an institution like LSU can’t be underestimated.

It is up to the University community to show why.

Contact Drew Walker at dwalker@lsureveille.com

HELP WANTED

Classifieds

PAGE 14

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY Got something to sell? Want to make an announcement? Need to find an apartment or roommate?

With the potential to reach over 33,000 LSU students, faculty and staff, there is no better way to advertise. Not only do we print twice a week, but there is no additional charge to place your classified ad on the world wide web at www.lsureveille.com. Just click “classifieds,” where your ad can be viewed on our website, that averages up to 65,000 unique visitors a week. For more information, please call (225) 578-6090.

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The Daily Reveille is not responsible for the content of any classified and reserves the right to reject any ad. Advertisers must agree to accept the type sizes and styles of The Daily Reveille. No refunds will be made for errors in the classifieds, as ads are proofed by the person placing the ad. No refunds will be given in the event of an overrun, as advertisers select thier own dates in which to insert the ad. In the event of error, immediate notice must be given to the staff: the publishers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. All claims and adjustments must be made no later than 15 days after publication.

Deadline for ads is 12 noon two working days prior to the print publication date.

ADS MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE BY CHARGE ON OUR WEB SITE AT CLASSIFIEDS.LSUREVEILLE.COM.

HELP WANTED NATION AL BENCH ADVER TISING Part time or full time Some heavy lifting involved Flexible hours Must have valid drivers license 573-3363 or 767-7535 ECG TECHNICIAN Attn Medical Students:: part time positions in local hospitals, after hours, weekend shifts, occasional overnight on weekends. Energetic, mature, responsible please.

Extensive training, then $9.00 hr. Apply at 12133 Industriplex Blvd., Baton Rouge or fax 225/7513284.

EARN EXTR A MONEY Students needed ASAP Earn up to $150 per day being a mystery shopper No Experience Required Call 1-800-722-4791 P / T V E T E R I N A R Y A S S I S T ANT Armstrong Veterinary Hospital Flexible hours, great job while in school!Call 225756-5193 EXTENDED DAY COUNSELOR: The A. C. Lewis YMCA is now hiring for (Extended Day) Before and After School Care Counselors. Monday-Friday after-noons from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Pay Rate $7.25.

Please e-mail resume, apply in person, or contact Eddrick Martin if interested. 225.924.3606.

ESL TEACHERS/AIDES NEEDED Mon. Tues. & Wed. evenings. Teachers earn $13-15/ hr. Aides $7.50-10.00/ hr. email resume to mstaub@ccdiobr.org G ALLERY ATTENDANT S LSU Museum of Art, Shaw Center. $8/ hr. Monitor galleries; answer visitor questions. 3 ?- & 4-hour shifts; min. 7 hrs/ week. Tues. - Sat., Sun. afternoons. Contact: Fran Huber, fhuber@lsu.edu, 225.389.7214 ALOHA! Looking for energetic and fun leaders to join our Ohana at Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies. Flexible part time positions open.

Apply by email. Geauxsmoothies@gmail.com 225287-2413 225.335.4984 PARKVIEW BAPTIS T PRESCHOOL Preschool Teachers needed 3-6 p.m. flex days.

225.293.9447 DON’T MISS THIS OPPOR T U N I T Y! 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 WE PAY UP TO $75 per online survey. www.

CashToSpend.com GREYS TONE GOLF &COUNTRY CLUB is now accepting NEW applications for bartenders, servers, cooks, and beverage cart attendants.

Please call Diane Newman 225.667.674 PAR T-TIME N ANNY Mon-Thurs. 8:30-2:00; Off Highland and I-10; Great Pay. 225.252.3946 RECORDING S TUDIO OFFICE HELP Must be able to work Mon, Wed, Fri. 4hr each day. Hours are flexible around class schedule. For more information contact Sockit Studio 225-216-0167 !BAR TENDING! Up to $300/Day. No Experience Necessary. Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 1-800965-6520 xt127

G Y M N AS T I C S / T U M B L I N G I N S TRUCTOR C. G.’s Gymnastics Inc. is searching for knowledgeable, reliable, & committed staff. 225.275.5597 FRONT DESK COORDIN ATOR Hiring Full/PartTime Front Desk Coordinator - Must have great people skills and office experience a plus. Please call (225) 769-4100.

NURSERY S TAFF - YMCA KIDS ZONE Great opportunity! Flex schedules, 20 hrs per week, afternoon/evenings 4:00-8:30 pm and 1 Sat. a month. Must be age 18, child care experience and a passion for caring for children. FREE membership. Apply in person: Paula G. Manship YMCA, 8100 YMCA Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA (225) 767-9622.

TEACHERS NEEDED Fist Baptist Church PDO 3yr. room Days T&Th hr. 9-2pm/ Also PRN postions. call 225.767.4080 HABL AS ESPANOL Y INGLES? Family near LSU looking for Spanish speaker to help with light housework 1 day/week (2hrs.) and sitting on Saturdays 6-9 pm. Must have car. Please call to apply 225.405.8300 C I TADEL BROADCAS TING is seeking a Program Director for WCDV Baton Rouge. AC Sunny 103-3 is looking the for the all purpose PD. Can you program, do music, on-air, promotions, web and be Station Ambassador? Get MP3 and Resume to hr.batonrouge@citcomm.com ASAP. Citadel Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AA. Females / Minorities encouraged to apply.

VARSIT Y THEATRE The Varsity Theatre is looking for security staff.

Flexible scheduling available.

Great school job.

Email chris@varsitytheatre.com, brent@varsitytheatre.com or stop by The Chimes on Highland to fill out an application. 225.383.7018 SHADOW to attend Glasgow Middle School with my 6th grade son who has Asperger’s Syndrome, T & Th 8:00-2:30, $8hr R E C E P T I O N I S T n e e d e d f o r f r i e n d l y, r e l a x e d d e n tal of fice. Great Dr.& Staf f. Need good comput er & phone skills. Experience a plus but not nec essar y. M-Th 8-5:30, Fri 8-12. Send resume to resume70806@yahoo.com 225.706.1595 PICK UP/DELIVERY DRIVER Needed - Busy Dental Laboratory has position available. Must be neat in appearance and have clean driving record. Drug screening required. 225.201.0880 PHOTOGR APHERS NEEDED Love to take pictures? Work at Party Pics! Come fill out an application at 7342 Highland Rd. 225.767.2789 OFFICE HELP WANTED Small accting/consulting firm needs detail oriented part-time help. Light acctg, errands, filing, etc. - must have car.

Flexible hrs & days starting 1/09. Near LSU email lala6658@aol.com GR APHIC DESIGN LPCA is seeking a Graphic Design student intern to design and produce materials to promote Louisiana’s Health Centers.

225.927.7662 WORK AT NEW ALEX BOX SUITES! Hosts/hostesses needed to work 2009 baseball games at new Alex Box Stadium $7.50/hour.

578-8617 N TIGER NOTES We are seeking note takers for this semester.

Please send sample notes to thetigernotes@yahoo.com Great pay flexible schedule. 504.208.2249

STUDENT WORKER/RUNNER Administrative work, filing, runner. Contact Naomi at 225-364-3486 or email resume to nroundtree@htbcpa.com

DENTAL L AB ASSIS TANT Part-time position available with flexible hours; 20 hours per week; sterilization, inventory and other related duties; uniforms provided; $7.50/hr.; fax resume 293-3218.

225.292.8121

SUBWAY 4250 Burbank, next to Izzos.

Fast, fun, friendly. No late nights. Day shifts available. Eat Fresh!

SALON CHATEAU INC. perkins road now hiring receptionist, hair stylist booth rental and comminission. 225-936-4370

A N I M A L H E A LT H C L I N I C NOW HIRING FOR FT/PT VETERINARY TECHNICIANS WITH A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A PERSON WHO IS A QUICK LEARNER AND SELF MOTIVATED. PLEASE COME

BY TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. 225.924.1353

FLOR AL DESIGNER(1)/DRIVER(1) positions available for 1 floral designer and 1 delivery driver. Salary BOE. Must be able to work full days.

Part time ok. call Steven @ 225-928-3801 225.928.3801

U R G E N T - L I F E D R AW I N G M O D E L $12/ hr needed for spring semester on MW, 12:30-3:30. Substitute models needed for various time slots. Full-time students only apply at 123 Art Bldg.

LIFEGUARDS WANTED! The Paula G Manship YMCA is looking for part time lifeguards. Red Cross or YMCA certification required. stop by and visit, call, or email airacki@ymcabatonrouge.org for more info. 225.767.9622

8100 YMCA Plaza dr. Baton Rouge LA 70810 AFTER SCHOOL CARE WORKERS Needed ASAP for local private school. Great for education majors. M-F 230p-6p; Some holiday care. Send resume to lindsayv29@gmail.com EXTENDED DAY AREA SUPERVISOR The Before and After School Care Area Supervisor will be responsible for daily visits to various area school sites. The supervisor will also assist other counselors and provide care and supervision of students enrolled in the YMCA extended day program. Must be available evenings Monday-Friday from 3pm-7pm. Pay Rate $8.00-$9.00/ hr.

Please e-mail resume, apply in person, or contact Eddrick Martin if interested. emartin@ymcabatonrouge.org 225.924.3606 P A R R A I N ’ S S E A F O O D R E S T AU R A N T Now Hiring Waitstaff Apply in Person Mon - Fri 3225 Perkins Road 225-381-9922 P A R R A I N ’ S S E A F O O D R E S T AU R A N T Now Hiring Line Cooks Apply in Person Mon - Fri

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009 3225 Perkins Road 225-381-9922 PERFECT PAR T TIME POSITION Afternoon Preschool Teacher needed for child care center near LSU.2:30-5:30 M-F 225-766-1159 INTERNS WANTED P/ T interns with interest in political science or international relations. Interns will participate in political/ economic/ military simulation of formation of government and establishment of infrastructure from scratch 225.922.7109 SITTER /EDUCATION MAJOR NEEDED Soph or junior elementary ed major preferred. School nights to help mom with children’s homework & evening activities. Highland near CCL. 225.202.1471 or 225.753.4533 TJ RIBS - A CADIAN IS CURRENTLY SEEKING SERVERS, BARTENDERS, & HOSTS. APPLY IN PERSON AT 2324 S. ACADIAN THRUWAY, BATON ROUGE, LA. **EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER** LIFEGUARDS & SWIM INS TRUCTORS WANTED ASAP! Certified Lifeguards and Swim Instructors. Great opportunity! Flex schedules.

Apply in person to: Paula G. Manship YMCA,

THE DAILY REVEILLE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009 8100 YMCA Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

(225) 767-9622 ask for Anthony DENTAL OFFICE P/T dental assistant/receptionist needed for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Great opportunity for those interested in medical/dental field. Please fax resume to 225.766.2122 BABYSITTER NEEDED Babysitter needed for children ages 3&5. Hours T, Th 1:30-6:30. Reliable transportation needed. $10/hr. E-mail availability and resume to lchoate@lsu.edu

FOR SALE QUEEN PILLOWTOP MATTRESS Brand name queen pillowtop mattress set new in plastic $150. 225-924-5336 T I G E R M A N O R C O N D O M I N I U M S . U N I T S READY F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009!! Brand new 1, 2, and 3 b e d r o o m u n i t s f o r s a l e s t a r ting at $124,900.

Ask about our Guaranteed Buy -Back Program!!

3000 July St. 225-346-5055 www.tigermanor.com 99 CHRYSLER 300M FOR S ALE Gold, chrome wheels. Fully loaded. Sold as is. E-mail with inquiries to:klwilson@lsu.edu. $2,200 or best offer.

CHERRY BED WITH MATTRESS SET Both NEW in boxes with warranty $395 225.924.5336 CLEAR UMBRELL A “Rare”, “1960’s” “See thru umbrella!!” www . M y C l e a r U m b r e l l a . c o m G ARDEN HOME FOR S ALE 3 bedroom, 2 bath near LSU. 1,272 living area, $165,000. Call Julie Daboval. ReMax REG 225.572.0228

dep. req. 225.223.9700 APAR TMENT FOR RENT Sublease 3br/3ba apt with two females. $530/ mth includes cable/ internet/ water. Gated/ on bus route 318.974.0977 F E M A L E S N E E D R O O M M ATE! Lake Beau Pre Townhomes! $525 a month!

Available immediately! Call now! 318.729.2886 FEMALES NEED ROOMMATE for 3bd/2ba house in Nicholson Lakes LSU $495 +1/3util 225-9333477 FOR RENT Garage Apt $550/mo with $550 deposit. 4746 Perkins Road Call 287-1193 mon-fri 8-5.

N FOR RENT: 2BR, 2.5BA $1300, LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOUSE, READY ASAP! CONTACT PAIGE AT 985.246.9204 2 BR CONDO Walk to LSU. Beautifully remodeled.

All new floors, appliances, fixtures. Lovely view of lake. $900 225.769.6368 1-BED APT. in Tigerland near LSU $450/month.

Hot water included. W/D in complex. Call Wang.

225.278.6622

ROOMMATES R O O M M ATE WANTED TO Roommate wanted to share 3 BR, 2 BA. house with 2 males. Close to LSU. $350. mo. Call 225-907-3456 or 985-209-7349. 985.688.2757 R O O M M ATE NEEDED!! Large bedroom and separate bath in 3 bedroom apt. Rent $395. Utilities not included. 337.739.2660

FOR RENT

R O O M M ATE NEEDED to share 3 bedroom 31/2 bath in Lake Beau Pre’ Townhomes. 550/month + 1/3 utilities. 318.452.4751 318.346.6406

2BR TOWNHOUSE sharlo area. W/D, covered parking, courtyard, new carpet. 225.648.3115

R O O M M ATE NEEDED 4BD, 2 bath, Garden Dist. home w/ alarm, wash/ dryer, near LSU, $500 split utilites 985.630.1956

FANTAS T I C T I G E R L AND REMODEL Since Gustav Everything new! Sheetrock, paint, carpet, tile, tubs, sinks, cabinets, granite! Avail 1/1/09.

Highly screened- responsible students only.

Ref.req’d. 1BR $600, 2BR $850. Email inquiry to julie.tatum@verizonbusiness.com.

NICE, QUIET 1 br. apt. for rent in the garden district, hardwood floors, water, cable and int. included. $600,.00 225.603.2532 CONDO FOR RENT University View, 2 bed 2 bath, $1000 a month, $1000 deposit. Available Jan. ’09. Contact Patti 337-988-1409 CONDO FOR RENT 3BR-2B-Remodeled -Patio garden-Off Perkins-near bluebonnet-Mature Students only-$1200/ Mo-761-8702 CONDO FOR RENT 2 b e d r o o m / 2 b a t h g a t e d condo on Dalr ymple dr. Washer, dr yer, cable, internet, and water included. $1250.

225.266.4076 1 BR ON BURBANK - RENT $525 Available February 1st. or sooner. The Willows Apartments. www.lsubr.com for pictures/ floorplan. 4243 Burbank. $300 deposit. No pets, not even visiting. Leave a message. 978-1649 T I G E R M A N O R C O N D O M I N I U M S . U N I T S READY F O R S P R I N G & F ALL 2009! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today!

Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com 1 ROOMATE NEEDED to share new 4 bedroom house at Nicholson Lakes. Washer/ dryer. $420/ month + 1/4 utilities. 5 miles to campus.

805.551.0471 or 225.405.0918 3BR/2BA CONDO Like New. Free Cable.

Community Pool. Extra Parking. Great Location at LSU. $1650/mo. 225.202.1148 ROOM IN CAMPUS crossings brightside. 1bedroom/1bathroom. 3 lsu male attending roomates. $465. on bus route/1mile from lsu. for info/pics, email amill93@lsu.edu 2259384486 1 & 2 BD RM CONDO FR REN JUST OUTSIDE THE SOUTH GATES OF LSU. FRIG, WSHR/ DRYR, MICRO, STOVE, 4264, 4278 oxford 1 & 2 bed rm., 595.00 695.00 & 995.00. 323.691.3129 1 & 2 BD RM CONDO FR REN JUST OUTSIDE THE SOUTH GATES OF LSU. FRIG, WSHR/ DRYR, MICRO, STOVE, DECK. 4264, 4278 595.00 695.00 & 995.00. 323.691.3129 L SU: TIGERL AND TOTALLY REMODELED Studio, 1br, & 2br wood floors, wtr/ swg paid, pool, laundry, Quiet. *Students Move In By 12/20/08 & Receive $100.00 off 1st month rent $465-$700 225-766-7224 1 BDR/1BA G ATED condo behind Chimes. W/D etc. Avail Jan. $800 monthly. 1 yr. lease & sec.

ROOMATE WANTED! Wanted: Roomie to live with t h r e e L SU girls, own bedroom, bathroom shared with one other, large living room and kitchen, full laundr y. Burbank Commons, with pool, fitness center and tanning facilities included.

W e ’ r e v e r y c l e a n a n d c h i l l ! $ 4 3 5 / m o n t h . To move in AS A P ! E m a i l f o r p i c s l c a h i l 2 @ l s u . e d u .

Or call 802.373.5191 ROOM IN UNIVERSIT Y hills Nice house/neighbor-

hood. 3 christian roomates. $500w/utilities included. email cmered1@gmail.com for pictures/details. 2252873716 ROOM IN GOOD house. W&D, alarm, etc. No lease needed. $260 + shared utilities. $250 dep.

225.921.1209 MALE GR AD Needs roommate to share 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath Lake Beau Pre Townhouse minutes from class.

Gated, Workout Room, Pool, Tennis Court $625 ALL UTILITIES UNCLUDED! Grad or Vet student preferred. 225.247.0567 $395 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!!! ROOMMATESWANTED TO SHARE HUGE-3BR-3BATH-HOUSE WITH MALE. EXCLUSIVE AREA-CONGRESSPERKINS. HIGHSPEED-NET-CABLE-ALARM-WASHER-DRYER-LARGE-YARD-GATED. GREAT FOR ENTERTAINMENT-LSU.225.772.2506 $500 INCLUDES EVERYTHING Roommate to share 2 bed 1 bath house in Capital Heights. 6 month lease. 225.810.2729

PERSONALS COFFEE FOR THE NEW YEAR? Single, outgoing, very attractive, brown Creole LSU Senior gal look-

PAGE 15 ing to date interracially a mature, outgoing, nice looking male student or Grad/ or non student (26-38) for coffee, museum dates, enjoyment of the Arts. If interested email me Selena_millieux@yahoo.com..

I WANT TO BE YOUR DERIVATIVE so I can lie tangent to your curves. Nerdy ndn chick seeking an intelligent and attractive conversationalist. Ladies only, please—I’m tired of natural logs approaching the asymptote. sheenyinabottle@hotmail.com COFFEE FOR A NEW YEAR Single, outgoing, very pretty, dazzling brown Creole LSU Senior gal looking to date interracially an equally mature, outgoing, nice looking male student or Grad/ or non student (26-38) for coffee museum dates, enjoyment of the Arts and music. If interested feel free to reach me before or after finals Selena_millieux@yahoo.com.

COFFEE AFTER FIN AL S? Single, outgoing, very pretty, dazzling brown Creole LSU Senior gal looking to date interracially an equally mature, outgoing, nice looking male student or Grad/ or non student (26-38) for coffee museum dates, enjoyment of the Arts and music. If interested feel free to reach me before or after finals Selena_millieux@yahoo.com..

S U M M A C U M L AUDE male student seeking hot

sorority blonde to take me out for a good night on the town. I’ll even help you study!! Contact me at: summacumlaude09@yahoo.com OMG I AM SO DESPER ATE! Just kidding...?

Ok seriously tho, I’m a single brown female (lol) looking for someone hilarious but very down-toearth and classy in the streets. Freak in the sheets not necessary. I’m mainly looking for a cuddle buddy for this cold weather. Ladies only please! sheenyinabottle@hotmail.com LOOKING FOR MY SOULMATE I am a Business Major here at LSU. Looking for guys ages 45-60.

If you are interested send me an email. c.mumford@yahoo.com SEARCHING 4 SOULMATE 20yo Asian guy seeking masculine guy 18-23 to date. Races open.

I’m a sweetheart! tigerboy1988@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS HELP WANTED: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is NOT a joke. You’ll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons.

Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before. Call 337-280-7836

PAGE 16

THE DAILY REVEILLE

wednesday, february 4, 2009