The Daily Reveille - November 19, 2009

TIME TO SHINE

ENTERTAINMENT

TV use continues to rise among audiences, page 9.

Keiland Williams ready to fill holes in RB depth chart, page 7.

THE DAILY REVEILLE Volume 114, Issue 61

WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

Thursday, November 19, 2009

A New Design?

CRIME

BRPD warns residents of crimes

Program changes may include faculty cut, architecture merger

By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer

In response to a string of recent armed robberies around campus, the Baton Rouge Police Department hosted an informational session for concerned residents Wednesday night at Oakbrook Apartments on ‘This is N i c h o l s o n more of a Drive.

There have be aware, been 65 armed in be alert, robberies the immedistay alive ate off-campus since Ockind of area tober, said Cpl. thing.’ Drew White of BRPD. Cpl. Drew White White presented safety BRPD tips and information to five Oakbrook residents.

He said he didn’t want to make anyone paranoid but wanted them to be aware of the problems and their surroundings.

“This is more of a ‘be aware, be alert, stay alive’ kind of thing,” White said. “As much as I hate to say it, these things are going to happen.”

The most recent Oakbrook robbery occurred at about 8:30 ROBBERIES, see page 19

By Olga Kourilova Contributing Writer

photos by KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT and JASON BORDELON / The Daily Reveille

[Top] Allison Pogue, interior design sophomore, works on her final project Tuesday afternoon in the Design Building. [Bottom] Amber Aucoin, interior design senior, finishes her final project Wednesday.

The Department of Interior Design at the University may experience a program redesign which could include a faculty cut and a merger with architecture.

Program faculty have been asked to assess the program’s present curric‘We’re ulum, said Dean David Cronrath of the College of Art and concerned.

Design.

No one Curriculum evaluations take place periodically to wants their match programs with what’s going on in the professional program to field, he said. They are often be cut.’ the result of student performance data and feedback T.L. Ritchie and interviews provided by interior design chair alumni.

The assessment and possible changes are in anticipation of making the program stronger and not because of potential budget cuts, Cronrath said.

Though accreditation is a concern, no changes will take place that may put that in jeopardy, he said.

Keeping up with CIDA certification is critical for a program, said Judy Girod, 1971 DESIGN, see page 19

ADVOCACY

KKK planning rally in Miss.

Klan to protest ban of ‘Dixie’ song

By Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer

photo courtesy of THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN

Ole Miss fans cheer on the Rebels on Nov. 14 during the team’s 42-17 win against Tennessee. The Ole Miss chancellor prevented the band from playing “From Dixie with Love” because of controversial lyrics, and a local Ku Klux Klan organization is planning a rally during Ole Miss’ game Saturday against LSU.

The Ku Klux Klan will be among the masses descending on Oxford this Saturday when the Tigers play the Rebels.

Shane Tate, the North Mississippi great titan for the Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, confirmed via e-mail

‘‘

‘I don’t see [the ‘Dixie’ chant] as necessarily racist.’

Christopher Cox

a black Ole Miss student

the KKK will rally on Ole Miss’ campus in protest of the Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones’ decision to remove “From Dixie with Love” from the Ole Miss band’s

song selection.

“From Dixie with Love” is one of Ole Miss’ traditional songs on game day, and the student section has chanted “the South will rise again” during the song for years, said Brian Ferguson, alumni chairman of the Colonel Reb foundation.

The controversy began last month when the Ole Miss Associated Student Body passed a resolution in favor of discontinuing chanting “the South will KKK, see page 19

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Nation & World

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Clinton: US will keep pushing for Afghan government reform

92-year-old Byrd becomes longestserving Congress member

KABUL (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stressed on Wednesday that the United States will keep pressing the Afghan government to crack down on rampant corruption, saying the American military cannot defeat militancy without the help of a strong partner.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Robert C. Byrd became history’s longest-serving member of Congress on Wednesday, earning a formal salute from the Senate and President Obama for his nearly 57 years of service.

“I’ve loved every precious minute of it,” the frail West Virginia Democrat, who turns 92 on Friday, said moments before the Senate passed a resolution marking the milestone. Obama described the onetime segregationist as a touchstone for constitutional values and a role model to all lawmakers.

Iran rejects deal to surrender uranium to UN TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran will not ship its low-enriched uranium out of the country for processing, its foreign minister said Wednesday, once again rejecting a U.N. plan aimed at thwarting any attempt by Tehran to make nuclear weapons.

The United Nations last month offered a deal to take 70 percent of Iran’s low-enriched uranium to reduce its stockpile of material that could be enriched to a higher level and used to make nuclear weapons.

Navy discovers lax behavior aboard submarine in collision GROTON, Conn. (AP) — The crew of a U.S. submarine made dozens of errors before the vessel collided with an American warship in the Persian Gulf, an accident that exposed lax leaders who tolerated sleeping, slouching and a radio

room rigged with music speakers, a Navy review found.

Navy investigators placed blame for the March collision on the submarine’s “ineffective and negligent command leadership,” including what they called a lack of standards and failure to adequately prepare for navigating the busy Strait of Hormuz.

Two Virginia students mistaken for deer, both shot, one killed FERRUM, Va. (AP) — Officials in Virginia say a college student was shot to death while collecting frogs for biology class by a hunter who mistook her and her classmates for deer. A Ferrum College spokeswoman said three students were collecting frogs Tuesday afternoon along a trail a mile west of campus.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries says 23year-old Jessica Goode was shot and killed and 20-year-old Regis J. Boudinot was shot in the hand. The third student wasn’t hurt.

PAGE 2

STATE/LOCAL

Saints acquire veteran defensive back Chris McAlister METAIRIE (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran cornerback Chris McAlister.

The 32-year-old former Ravens star has been elected to the Pro Bowl three times in his 10-year career but missed most of last season with a right knee injury and was released

by Baltimore last February.

McAlister started for Baltimore’s Super Bowl winner in 2001 and ranked third on the Ravens’ career list with 26 interceptions when he was released. He also scored seven touchdowns for Baltimore, including a 107-yard return of a missed field goal. Both Saints starting cornerbacks are nursing injuries. Jabari Greer has a groin pull and Tracy Porter a sprained left knee.

Man booked in alleged assault of Edwards’ ex-wife NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Baton Rouge man has been arrested on a

TODAY ON

lsureveille com

charge he assaulted an ex-wife of former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards during a domestic dispute.

Brian Low, 34, allegedly grabbed Candace “Candy” Edwards, 45, by her neck, punched her in the face and broke one of her teeth after she arrived at his Baton Rouge home to pick up their child on Sunday.

Low was booked on a seconddegree battery charge, said Casey Rayborn Hicks, a spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s office.

Nicholls State University touts stay-at-home graduates THIBODAUX (AP) — Nicholls State says it does more than educate Louisiana residents, it’s also a big contributor to the state’s work force.

According to data compiled and released by Nicholls on Tuesday, an overwhelming number of Nicholls graduates remain in Louisiana. Of the 9,260 students who graduated between 1998 and 2008, a total of 8,294 have stayed in the Pelican State.

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ONGOING IN NOVEMBER DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY’S 7th ANNUAL AIDS WALK Sunday November 22nd, Atchafalaya Room, 10:00am For more information contact: cstokes2@tigers.lsu.edu BESO SWEET POTATO AND RICE SALE!!

On the corner of Highland and S. Stadium Nov. 16-20 and 23-25 from 8:00am-6:00pm GROOVIN’ IT INTERNATIONAL STYLE Cultural Dance Event with incredible performers Free food and drinks. Hosted by ISA At the ICC, 3365 Dalrymple Drive Friday, Nov. 20, 6p.m.-9p.m.

Weather 71 45 Sunny

TODAY

STUDENT REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION Meeting Thursday, 19th 6:30pm Patrick F. Taylor room 1112 Jill Newton of ARGUS

Follow The Daily Reveille on Twitter @TDR_news, @TDR_sports and @lsureveille.

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CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 3

ECONOMY

BR improves to No. 18 in Best Performing Cities list Capital city ranked No. 40 last year

‘‘

‘A lot of metros moved up in rankings because other places didn’t do well.’

By Kristen M’lissa Rowlett Contributing Writer

Baton Rouge ranked No. 18 on the Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners’ Best Performing Cities list of 2009 — released in November — based on Baton Rouge’s job sustainability and economic performance.

The study, which is completed annually, measures the growth and sustainment of high-quality jobs across the nation, said Jennifer Manfre, Milken Institute associate director of communications.

Baton Rouge ranked on the list of the top large metro areas, which are large population areas with high economic and social

Orleans migrated to capital city of manufacturing. after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“We manufacture chemicals The population increase created a and non-durable goods, which high demand for real estate, edu- tend to be less sensitive to recescation and health sions,” Terrell services, the study said. said.

The study is Job growth compiled to proin Baton Rouge vide information from April 2008 for business and to March 2009 economic develincreased 0.5 peropers, Manfre cent, and wage said. and salary growth “They look Jennifer Manfre showed signifiMilken Institute spokeswoman at the study to cant strides, acsee what areas cording to the study. are growing right now and what LSU and Southern Univer- would be a good climate for busisity are equipped for producing ness and capital,” she said. high-skilled laborers, according The 2009 study was based to the study. on metro areas’ sustainability beDek Terrell, economics pro- cause of the economic recession, fessor, said Baton Rouge has done well in comparison to other cities because of increased spending for storm damage and the state’s type

graphic by J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

integration, according to the study.

Baton Rouge moved up 22 spots from No. 40 on the list in 2008 because of a slowing population growth and increased job growth, according to the study.

Baton Rouge’s population grew after residents from New

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Library hours discussed Wed. Senate approves to salary VP position

By Xerxes A. Wilson Staff Writer

The Student Government Senate passed a resolution supporting extended library hours during the concentrated study period beginning Dec. 2.

The resolution passed unanimously in the last senate meeting of the fall semester Wednesday night.

The resolution urges and requests the library to stay open 24 hours during the concentrated study period and final examinations.

Sen. Amanda Gammon, College of Arts and Sciences, said library officials have informed her the number of students visiting the library has steadily increased throughout the semester.

“It’s just an opportunity to help the students by providing a better study environment during that time,” said Sen. Brandon Jones, College of Basics Sciences, who co-authored the bill.

The library currently closes at midnight during the concentrated study period, Gammon said.

This resolution comes after the library began closing at midnight again after the hours were changed to be regularly open until 2 a.m.

last year.

Student Government President Stuart Watkins also tried to reinstate the extended regular hours earlier this semester but failed because of library budget difficulties.

“It was no longer feasible to stay open from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. [on a regular basis],” Jones said.

“It is not feasible because the budget of the library was cut over $500,000.”

Jones said he will be speaking with library officials in the coming days about extending the hours for the coming concentrated study period.

The Senate also approved editing the budget to reallocate money formerly located in a salary reserve to the newly created vice president salary.

The student body passed a

referendum on the fall ballot prohibiting vice presidents from being employed outside the University and making the vice president a salaried position.

This amendment will now allow vice president Martina Scheuermann to begin collecting her salary which is set at a maximum of $2,500 per year depending on how many hours she reports, said Sen. Chris Sellers, College of Arts and Sciences, who proposed the amendment.

Scheuermann said she will quit her job working at the Tiger Card Office and begin drawing the salary next semester.

Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at xwilson@lsureveille.com

Manfre said.

“A lot of metros moved up in the rankings because other places didn’t do well,” she said. “If they moved up they are holding their own and hanging in there in this difficult economy.”

Anna Gradney, business management sophomore, said Baton Rouge’s high ranking on the list encourages her to stay in Baton Rouge after graduation.

“It makes me feel safer that jobs are safe here,” she said.

Other large Louisiana metros in Louisiana ranked on the list included New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.

Contact Kristen M’lissa Rowlett at krowlett@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

STAFF SENATE

POLITICS

Officials Jindal: Health care suggest reform good for GOP greener practices

By The Associated Press

By Adam Duvernay Senior Staff Writer

The University Staff Senate met Wednesday morning to discuss several upcoming issues and to hear a presentation from representatives of campus sustainability.

The Senate heard from Denise Newell, manager of facility development, and Andres Harris, facility services manager, about the University’s 2010 sustainability goals.

Newell informed the Senate the University would begin tracking its carbon footprint next year and reporting on greenhouse gases.

She also brought forward plans developed this year to help power down computers at night when they aren’t being used.

Newell said a test study of 150 computers on campus using new software to trigger sleep mode showed the University could save $25 per computer per year.

She said it could amount to savings of almost $100,000 a year.

“We want to show it’s possible to save money through sustainability — it’s achievable,” Newell said.

Newell also discussed consolidating classes into fewer buildings to save on air and heating expenses.

And she announced “Easy Streets Part II,” which would create designated bicycle lanes on campus to encourage increased ridership.

Harris discussed increasing University recycling and gave a report showing how he plans to increase total recycling next year to 25 percent of campus total waste.

Harris said the recent efforts to recycle in Tiger Stadium following home football games have been largely successful. He said he wants to expand the program to other sports facilities — like the PMAC and the New Alex Box Stadium.

Harris said the success of Fall Fest recycling and composting could be largely improved by next year’s festival. He said the overall University population is more aware of sustainability efforts than it was last year.

“If we compost at the level I want to see, we pretty much don’t have any trash left,” Harris said.

Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com

(AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal is in Texas for a Republican Governors Association conference.

Jindal, who’s seen by many to be a rising star in the Republican Party, participated Wednesday in a panel discus- Bobby Jindal sion in which La. governor he voiced concerns about health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C. Jindal said some believe that passage of a reform bill this year would bode well for Republicans in the 2010 mid-term elections

because plans currently discussed in the Democratic-controlled Congress are so unpopular with the American public.

But he said he worries about the long-term damage a pushedthrough bill could cause in terms of higher deficits and a potentially worsened quality of care.

Jindal is in the midst of his first term and has repeatedly sought to brush aside speculation that he might run for president in 2012.

He’s expected to return to Baton Rouge on Friday.

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Sports

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

PAGE 5

BABBLING BROOKS

Oxford, Miss., is a strange place

one of the top prep prospects in 2006 out of Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia where he became the school’s first 1,000yard rusher.

His performance at Hargrave earned him a five-star rating and the No. 3 ranking at running back by Scout.com.

But Williams has never had a real shot to showcase the talent he showed in high school.

He has only recorded double-digit carries 10 times in 45 career games and has only hit the 100-yard mark three times.

Some would call it underutilization,

Welcome to Bizarro World.

In this world, Ole Miss won the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division in 2003, has three football national championships, is LSU’s biggest rival and thinks it’s kosher to say things like, “The South shall rise again.”

What a truly strange existence they’ve got going on roughly 350 miles up the road in Oxford, JOHANATHAN BROOKS Miss.

Sports Columnist Well, in the real world — where the rest of us spend most of our free time — these things couldn’t be further from the truth.

Since the SEC expanded in 1991 and went to its current divisional format in 1992, the league has hosted 17 league championship games between the winners of the Eastern Division and the Western Division. Ole Miss has never made the trip to Atlanta.

In fact, in 2003, LSU won the division by traveling to Oxford and embarrassing star quarterback Eli Manning. Ole Miss is the only school in the West to never represent the division in the SEC championship game.

Likewise, Ole Miss’ three national championships in football are purely fiction. That’s “fantasy” for you Ole Miss alums. The NCAA doesn’t recognize any of these fabricated achievements. None of Ole Miss’ 1959, 1960 or 1962 squads were recognized as the best in the nation by the Associated Press or any of the other institutions the NCAA recognizes.

The notion that most LSU fans or players recognize the Rebels as

WILLIAMS, see page 15

REBELS, see page 15

IN FOCUS

KIM FOSTER / The Daily Reveille

Senior running back Keiland Williams takes a hand off from sophomore quarterback Jarrett Lee on Saturday in the Tigers’ 24-16 win against La. Tech in Tiger Stadium.

Senior running back to receive bulk of carries for remainder of season

By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor

Keiland Williams took a handoff in the middle of the fourth quarter last Saturday, slipped a tackle, danced for 8 yards and accomplished something he hadn’t done since September 2007 — crack the century mark in a game.

The senior running back took advantage of his first start of the season and only second of his career in place of the injured Charles Scott.

He rushed for 116 yards on 15 carries last Saturday against Louisiana Tech and tied a career high with two rushing

touchdowns.

Tiger fans and fellow Southeastern Conference opponents will likely see a heavy dose of Williams to close out the season.

“He gets the first go,” LSU coach Les Miles said of Williams. “I’d like to see No. 5 get on track and going and see how well he can play the back end of his career.”

Williams’ career in purple and gold is nearing a finish with only two regular season games and a bowl game left.

While no player ever wishes a teammate get hurt, Scott’s season-ending collarbone fracture he suffered Nov. 7 against Alabama may be a blessing in disguise for Williams.

The Lafayette native was considered

FOOTBALL

Miles: Jefferson expected to start Dickson, Hebert to return Sat. after injuries

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

LSU sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson practiced all day Wednesday and is expected to start Saturday against Ole Miss, LSU coach Les Miles said Wednesday.

“Unless there’s a setback, I’d expect

[Jefferson] to start,” Miles tice this week despite comsaid. “He throws the ball pleting just 7-of-22 passes extremely well, and he apagainst Louisiana Tech. pears to be mobile. To say Log on to see “[Lee] has been really he’s as fast as he once was, Miles discuss good,” Miles said. “He’s I don’t know, but mobile, Saturday’s game throwing balls and doing a yeah.” great job commanding the against Ole Miss.

Senior tight end Richoffense.” ard Dickson and sophoMiles would not say more center T-Bob Hebert, who both missed definitively if Lee would play against the the Louisiana Tech game with injuries, also Rebels. practiced and are expected to play.

“I don’t know that, but certainly he’ll Miles said sophomore quarterback Jarrett Lee has had a positive attitude in pracLEE, see page 15

lsureveille.com

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson runs with the ball Oct. 10 in the Tigers’ loss against Florida in Tiger Stadium.

PAGE 6

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Turnbow helps Lady Tigers take down Middle Tennessee Hightower leaves game with cramps

By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor

The Middle Tennessee State women’s basketball team had beaten LSU coach Van Chancellor the previous two times the schools met.

The Lady Tigers returned the favor Wednesday night in a physical matchup of two top-25 schools.

No. 7 LSU (2-0) outmuscled No. 24 Middle Tennessee (1-1) in the PMAC, 61-40, with tough defense and a well-executed game plan.

“It was one of the greatest defensive efforts I’ve ever seen,” Chancellor said. “To hold them to 40 points was unbelievable.”

LSU senior guard Allison Hightower had an uncharacteristically quiet night, scoring only seven points. Hightower suffered

from leg cramps several times during the game and left with about three minutes left to play and did not return.

Chancellor said he does not believe Hightower’s injury is serious and said she simply suffered from exhaustion during the game.

“We are playing her on the best perimeter. We are asking her to go out on the other end and beat the press,” Chancellor said. “Then we ask her to come down and every little play we run ... is run through her. Then we ask her to guard.”

Middle Tennessee scored its lowest point total since Jan. 5, 1998, when the Blue Raiders were held to 32 points against Tennessee-Martin.

Chancellor said associate head coach Bob Starkey’s defensive plan and sophomore forward Taylor Turnbow’s defense was crucial in the victory.

Turnbow faced Middle Tennessee’s top player, senior forward Alysha Clark, and limited her to 16 points.

“We knew it was going to be a

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior guard Allison Hightower is helped off the court Wednesday night after cramping up in the Lady Tigers’ game against Middle Tennessee State in the PMAC.

tough team to block out,” Turnbow said. “I just followed the coaches’ game plan and came into it levelheaded.”

Clark led the nation in scoring last season but had trouble getting to the basket against Turnbow.

“Turnbow on Clark was outstanding tonight,” Chancellor said.

“This was a coming-out party for Taylor Turnbow.”

Clark nailed 37 points in the Blue Raiders’ victory against LSU last season. She managed to collect a game-high 20 rebounds against the Lady Tigers on Wednesday night.

“When you go against someone like Taylor, she’s relentless on defense,” said LSU junior guard Katherine Graham. “I knew she would take the job and excel at it.”

Turnbow had a career-high 17 points and six offensive rebounds to add to her efforts. “[LSU] did something to us no one’s ever done,” said Middle Tennessee coach Rick Insell. “They played sound defense up the line and shut down our shooters on the outside.”

Chancellor said the Lady Tigers played Clark differently than they did last season.

“Tonight we decided we would give Clark some looks that were different,” Chancellor said. “We were calling different numbers out and letting different people double her and then most of the night not doubling her.”

Graham said the game preparations helped the Lady Tigers avenge the losses from the past two seasons.

“This year we just wanted to come out and stay focused on what we have been practicing over the past couple of weeks,” Graham said.

Graham added nine points and seven rebounds. Sophomore forward LaSondra Barrett contrib-

uted 10 points in 25 minutes off the bench.

Middle Tennessee senior guard Jackie Pickel guarded Hightower for most of the game and limited her to 2-of-7 shooting from the floor.

“I thought our defensive game plan was sound,” Insell said. “I’m really proud of Jackie Pickel.”

Hightower and Clark are both members of the ESPN.com AllAmerican Team. Clark is a firstteam member, while Hightower is on the second team.

Insell said the Lady Tigers are one of the best teams in the nation.

“They are one of the top-10

teams in the country,” Insell said.

“They’re only going to get better.”

The victory gives LSU a 3-2 series advantage against Middle Tennessee State.

“I don’t care what the name is on that jersey, this is a big magnificent win for this team,” Chancellor said. “They were as happy as I have seen them.”

The Lady Tigers play their first of two home games this weekend starting with Houston on Saturday in the PMAC. Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

UREC

Sand volleyball finals tonight Flag football continues playoffs

By Jonathan Schexnayder Sports Contributor

Intramural sand volleyball concludes tonight at the University Recreational Student Complex with four league championship games beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In the men’s division, Carne Buena will face UREC Men. Carne Buena advanced to the finals with a three-set, 2-1 victory against 3-Peat.

UREC Men defeated The Van Buren Boys, 2-1, to reach the finals.

Kappa Delta will square off against Sets on the Beach in the women’s final. Kappa Delta edged UREC Women, 2-1, to reach the finals, while Sets on the Beach defeated Delta Gamma in straight sets to reach the championship round.

In the co-rec divisions, Four Play faces Blue Barracudas in the “A” bracket, and MBA Ballers plays Do Net Work for the “B” bracket championship.

Matt Boyer, UREC assistant director for leagues and tournaments, said fall intramurals are expected to finish competition by the end of the week.

“We will have everything finished by Thanksgiving holiday,” Boyer said.

Flag football, the last remaining fall intramural sport, continued league playoffs this week at UREC. Todd Smith, graduate assistant for leagues and tournaments, said the remaining playoff competitions have been running smoothly at UREC. “Everything is winding down,” he said. “We are going to start planning for sports next semester.”

The Ancient Salmon of Capestrano advanced to the quarterfinals with a 45-0 rout over The GOAT in the men’s “A” bracket. They will play tonight against Old Farts, who knocked off You Dumb Punt, 2014.

Kibbles N Vicks will face Caught Ya Sleevin in another “A” bracket quarterfinal matchup tonight. Kibbles N Vicks beat Capita Punishment, 25-19, in round 2, and Caught Ya Sleevin edged Southern Hospitality, 27-20.

In the men’s flag football “B” bracket, Kama Sutra beat Team

Green Man, 32-26, to reach the Spring registration for basketquarterfinals. Kama Sutra will play ball, 4-on-4 flag football, team tentonight against Fiver Dollar Foot- nis, team table tennis, racquetball longs, who defeated Wii Not Fit, singles and 7-a-side soccer will be19-12. gin Dec. 7 and end In the womJan. 20. en’s division, Boyer said Kappa Alpha Theta spring sport regwill face Crossfire istration begins tonight in the semiearlier this year befinals. The winner cause of the semesof that game will ter starting after the play the winner of Martin Luther King Matt Boyer Delta Delta Delta UREC assistant director for leagues Jr. Holiday. and Zeta Tau Alpha “It’s a quick and tournaments in the other semifiturnaround, but nal game. we’re trying to get the word out earSmith said the intramural team ly this semester,” Boyer said.

Loose Cannons represented LSU Boyer said UREC is also hirat the West Florida Regional Flag ing officials for spring intramurals, Football Championship in Pensaco- which include soccer, softball, basla, Fla. Loose Cannons lost, 27-26, ketball and indoor volleyball. to Troy in bracket play Sunday after going 1-1 in pool-play Saturday.

Contact Jonathan Schexnayder at Smith said about 20 teams competed in the men’s tournament. jschexnayder@lsureveille.com

PAGE 7

DID YOU GET TO SECOND BASE?

‘‘

‘We will have everything finished

by Thanksgiving holiday.’

MEGAN J. WILLIAMS / The Daily Reveille

LSU sophomore infielder Austin Nola slides into second base during Game 2 of the Purple-Gold World Series, which ended in a tie.

PAGE 8

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

AROUND THE SEC

Week 12 characterized by competition for bowl eligibility UGA WR Green out with injury

By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor

Week 12 of the college football season for the Southeastern Conference is the week when teams are trying to cement their spots in postseason bowl games.

Three SEC teams gained bowl eligibility during week 11 — Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas. The SEC leads the nation with nine teams that have gained bowl eligibility. The Big 12 follows with eight bowl-eligible teams.

EASTERN BOWLING Kentucky (6-4, 2-4) travels to Sanford Stadium this weekend to face off against Georgia (6-4, 4-3).

The Bulldogs will be without sophomore receiver A.J. Green, who leads the SEC in receptions per game (5.2 per game) and reception yards per game (83.4 yards per game). Green was tackled hard last week against Auburn and sprained his shoulder.

“We are certainly playing without A.J. Green, and we’re trying to find other men that will step up and make plays for us,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt in a teleconference.

Both the Bulldogs and the Wildcats are trying to finish the season strong to move up the ladder in the SEC East and secure the best bowl game bid possible.

But the two teams’ final games won’t be easy. After they face each other, Kentucky has to face division rival Tennessee, and Georgia has to face in-state rival No. 7 Georgia Tech.

Georgia and Kentucky each have won their past two games and have gained bowl eligibility with last week’s victories. If Tennessee gets one more win and Mississippi State wins its last two games, 11 of the 12 teams in the conference will be bowl-eligible.

“What happened this year is that you had two teams that are looking like they are going to run the table, and everybody else is banging away at each other enough to where everyone is finding a way to get six or seven wins,” Richt said. “Most teams are getting victories in out-ofconference games and then winning enough in league play to get bowleligible.”

IN-STATE RIVALS Vanderbilt (2-9, 0-7) travels 180 miles east down Interstate-40 to Knoxville, Tenn., to play in-state rivals Tennessee (5-5, 2-4) on Saturday.

Saturday’s game will be Vanderbilt’s final game of the season.

The Commodores haven’t beaten an SEC team since they beat Kentucky on Nov. 15, 2008.

Tennessee, on the other hand, will be bowl-eligible with a win against Vanderbilt. If the Volunteers win, they will be the 10th bowl-eligible team in the SEC. The Commodores have struggled on the offensive side of the ball this season. Vanderbilt ranks last in the SEC in scoring offense (16.4 points per game), total offense (308.1 yards per game) and passing offense (144.7 passing yards per game).

“We haven’t had consistent play in the wide receiver position,” said Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson.

“Injuries at the offensive line have made us too inconsistent for the pass game.”

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin said his team will not be focusing on getting after the quarterback this week.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a very big factor in this game,” Kiffin said.

Instead, Kiffin expects Vanderbilt to run the ball against Tennessee after the Volunteers gave up 359 rushing yards last week against Ole Miss.

“I would certainly think these guys are going to turn around and hand off the ball a ton in this game because of what happened last week with us,” Kiffin said. “That’s kind of their style anyway.”

JOHN BAZEMORE / The Associated Press

Auburn freshman running back Onterio McCalebb (23) is stopped by Georgia junior linebacker Rennie Curran (35) in Athens, Ga., on Nov. 14.

BOTTOM OF THE WEST Arkansas (6-4, 2-4) will host Mississippi State (4-6, 2-4) on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark., in a battle between the two bottom teams in the SEC West.

“We need to come out and play one of our better, if not our best, game,” said Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen. “When you are in the road playing in a tough environment, that’s what you have to do in the Southeastern Conference.”

Mississippi State needs to win Saturday’s game to have a chance to get its sixth win next week to

become bowl-eligible.

“Our guys know that we are in a must-win situation the rest of the way to find a way to get ourselves bowl eligible,” Mullen said. “That was one of the goals of our senior class.”

Mississippi State will play Ole Miss in the final week of the regular season.

Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Entertainment

Much Too TV?

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Study: Americans watch an average of four hours and 49 minutes of TV per day

By Mary Walker Baus

‘Someone can watch four hours of the Discovery Channel and learn something.’

Staff Writer

Americans can’t get enough of the tube.

Americans ages 2 and older spend an average of four hours and 49 minutes a day watching TV, according to The Nielsen Company’s 2008-09 report released Nov. 10.

The report said households watched an average of eight hours and 21 minutes a day.

The average time Americans spend watching TV is at an all-time high, increasing by four minutes from last year and 20 percent from 10 years ago. The average TV time for households also increased to a record-breaking number.

Yongick Jeong, a mass communication professor who teaches a media research course, said Americans watching almost five hours of television a day allows advertisers and networks to send more messages and reach more people.

Jeong said increasing television consumption data shows television to be the most popular medium, excluding the Internet.

The increase in television sets per household, the increasing number of channels and new technology like digital video records, or DVR, have contributed to the increase in TELEVISION, see page 14

Paul Faciane mathematics junior

‘It’s a waste of time [to watch more than four hours of TV a day.]’

Lana Smith undecided freshman

graphic by CAITLYN CONDON / The Daily Reveille

PAGE 9

FILM

Women’s Center explores gender

By Lindsay Nunez Entertainment Writer

The Women’s Center will present the film “Almost Myself” for the Gender on Film showcase today at 6 p.m. at the Center.

Gender on Film selects an array of films dealing with women and gender issues annually to promote interest and conversation in regard to the given topics around campus. A discussion group led by professionals follows each film.

“Almost Myself” tells the story of a man who obtains a sex change and details his experiences in the transgender community. The film aims to display the trials and tribulations of transcending gender.

The film is meant to humanize transgendered people for those who have not come in contact with transgendered people, said Catherine Hopkins, director of the Women’s Center.

“It also examines the concept that gender is not binary but a fluid continuum that everyone falls on,” Hopkins said.

This specific film was chosen in support of the National Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. This national holiday is a meant to memorialize those killed because of anti-transgender hatred and prejudice, Hopkins said.

National Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999. After the death of Rita Hester. a transgender woman brutally murdered in her Massachusetts home in TRANSGENDER, see page 14

THEATER

Voodoo legend’s life adapted for Black Box stage Cast travels to learn history, rituals

By Matthew Jacobs Copy Editor

Voodoo has haunted the streets of New Orleans since the 1700s, and today its lasting impression resonates, serving as the name of a popular New Orleans music festival, a Louisiana barbeque restaurant and a high-end brand of PCs. And this week, the Department of Communication Studies brings the tale of voodoo to life

by staging a performance based on New Orleans voodoo legend Marie Laveau’s enduring impact on the city.

“Voodoo Queen” opened Wednesday in the HopKins Black Box Theatre and was adapted and directed by communication studies graduate student Brandon Nicholas.

“Voodoo Queen” will continue to run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a special matinee Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The HopKins Black Box Theatre is housed in 137 Coates Hall, and donations are accepted at the door in lieu of payment.

Nicholas, a New Orleans

native, said he has been interested in the city’s history and the intriguing ways female figures within religious practices perform.

“Whenever you’re watching this, it’s like you’re watching a secret,” Nicholas said. “It’s like watching something through a peephole.”

The plot structure of the show, which features scenes Nicholas calls “little vignettes of Laveau’s life,” follows the Black Box Theatre’s notable reputation for conceptually interesting performances.

VOODOO, see page 14

JASON BORDELON / The Daily Reveille

“Voodoo Queen” cast members practice during dress rehearsal Monday in the HopKins Black Box Theatre. The play depicts the life of voodoo legend Marie Laveau.

PAGE 10

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

FILM

Pop culture generates hype over 2012 predictions Movies capitalize on apocalypse scare

By Emily Slack Entertainment Writer

The four horsemen, mushroom clouds, super volcanoes and meteors are all said to be signs of the apocalypse.

With the release of movies like “2012” and “The Road,” and the upcoming end of the infamous Mayan Long Count calendar, the biggest apocalypse prediction since the Y2K scare is generating hype. “[An apocalypse] is the hope for something better,” said Delbert Burkett, religious studies professor who teaches a course on religious ideas that deal with apocalypse predictions. “People look around at this world and aren’t happy with it — [an apocalypse] isn’t the hope for the end of the world, it’s the hope for a better world after.”

Though rumors about the world’s end in 2012 are circulating, not all are convinced of the Earth’s impending doom.

“There’s been predictions about [what will happen after] the end of the Mayan calendar, but our calendar ends every year,” said Jeremy Baumgartner, mechanical engineering sophomore. “It doesn’t mean it’s going to be the

photo courtesy of THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this film publicity image released by Columbia Pictures/Sony, Lily Morgan, left, and John Cusack brave the apocalypse in a scene from “2012.”

end of the world. If anything happens, it will be something predicted by science.”

Predictions of apocalypses have been made through the centuries, Burkett said.

“Historically, people believing in apocalypses were being persecuted — they were hoping that an external power would step in and change something.” Burkett said.

Supporters of the idea of a

2012 apocalypse often use the impending end of the ancient Mayan Long Count as evidence for the predictions because the Maya are often associated with the occult, said Heather McKillop, an anthropology professor who studies Latin American cultures.

The Long Count calendar is set to end on Dec. 21, 2012, the date most apocalypse believers say the world will end.

“The Maya thought of life not

as a beginning and an end but as in cycles,” McKillop said. “With 2012, it’s just the end of another big cycle. People who are alarmists just want to make something big out of this.”

McKillop said the Maya do not have any known stories or records of a belief in the impending doom of Earth, and they kept track of time mainly to record their own history and to proclaim their victories in war.

“I don’t know if there will be an apocalypse, but it gives you a reason to sit up, take notice of your life and live it to the fullest,” said Eve McCulloch, biology graduate student.

Kayla Parker, international studies sophomore, said she doesn’t subscribe to the notion of the apocalypse because people stir up crises often.

“People have always had a fascination with the unknown,” Parker said.

The Mayan Long Count calendar is often associated with being an accurate prediction of the future because of the Maya’s ability to accurately track the stars and the passage of time, according to McKillop.

“People are interested in astrology and the predictions of the Maya — with all the mystery of their rise and fall, their glyphs and DOOMSDAY, see page 14

Jordan Bowman

‘I kind of believe in it because the [Mayan] calendar has never been wrong.’

sports administration sophomore

‘It’s like Y2K. It’s freaking out over nothing.’

Matt Rabalais studio art sophomore

Danice Paul kinesiology junior

‘Just because the Mayan calendar ends in 2012 doesn’t mean the whole world ends in 2012.’

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 11

ART

Organization sells pottery outside Student Union C.A.S.A. to show wares through Sat.

By Mary Walker Baus Staff Writer

With the holidays just around the corner from finals, buying gifts may be the last thing on students’ minds.

But the Ceramic Artist Student Association’s semiannual Ceramic Art and Pottery Sale may relieve some holiday stress.

The sale showcases the work of undergraduates, graduates and professors in the ceramics program in the School of Art. Pottery plates, cups, vases, animals and jewelry are on display in tents outside the LSU Student Union from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week through Saturday.

Adrienne Lynch, art graduate student, said C.A.S.A. organizes the

sale around Thanksgiving to attract holiday shoppers and to coincide with students’ finals.

“We want to raise money to enhance the opportunities for ceramics students,” Lynch said.

Lynch said profits from the Ceramic Art and Pottery Sale will allow C.A.S.A. to invite professional ceramics artists to the University to lecture and demonstrate their work to students. She said C.A.S.A. also uses its profits from sales to help replace or repair equipment.

Lynch said the money is also used to send ceramics students to the annual conference for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. Lynch said the 2010 conference will be held in Philadelphia in March and will feature seminars, discussions and exhibitions of ceramic art.

She said previous conferences have been good opportunities for University ceramics students to meet professional artists, see what’s

hot in the ceramics world and make connections with other students.

Andrew Shaw, art professor, gave C.A.S.A. some of his work to sell to help students travel to the conference and attract visiting artists to the University.

Shaw said artists who sell their work at the sale receive 50 percent of profits from sold items, and the other 50 percent goes to C.A.S.A. Shaw said this event gives students insight into how art galleries operate.

Seana Higgins, non-matriculating art graduate student, said even though she focuses more on sculpture, she made clay tiles to contribute to the pottery sale.

“I wanted to be a part of [C.A.S.A.] and contribute because I plan to go to the conference,” Higgins said. “It’s give and take.”

Amberlee Roaden, nursing sophomore, said she will buy art from the sale because she likes to invest in local art.

“It’s inspirational because you

CRIME

Jackson’s doctor avoids jail time Murray was pop star’s personal trainer

By The Associated Press LAS VEGAS (AP) — The physician being investigated in Michael Jackson’s death reached an agreement Monday in a separate child support case that will keep him out of jail.

Prosecutors sought an arrest warrant for Dr. Conrad Murray after he failed to appear for previous hearings in the case. He is accused of owing more than $14,000 to a California woman and her son dating back to October 2008.

With Murray in court, his lawyer Christopher Aaron paid $700 cash and promised to pay another $303 as part of the deal approved

by Clark County District Court Judge Gerald Hardcastle.

Aaron has said Murray, a cardiologist, has been unable to pay because he had to close his medical practice and move due to threats following Jackson’s death June 25.

“He’s radioactive,” Aaron told The Associated Press. “He’s unemployed and unemployable.”

In Oct. 27 court filings, Clark County Deputy District Attorney Gerard Costantian asked the court to find Murray in contempt and send him to jail unless he could demonstrate an inability to pay.

The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Jackson’s death a homicide, caused primarily by propofol and another sedative.

Murray told investigators he administered propofol as a sleep aid, along with multiple sedatives, in the hours before Jackson died.

Murray has not been charged with a crime but is the focus of the Los Angeles police investigation, according to docu-

ments made public with search warrants served as his home and offices.

Miranda Sevcik, a spokeswoman for Murray, said he continues to maintain he neither prescribed nor administered anything to Jackson that should have killed him.

Murray, who is licensed in Nevada, Texas and California, had been hired to a lucrative $150,000-per-month contract to be the pop star’s personal physician during a world tour.

At the time, the financially troubled physician owed at least $780,000 for settlements against his business, outstanding mortgage payments on his large Las Vegas house, delinquent student loans, credit cards and child sup-

port.

Another judge in Las Vegas is due Wednesday to consider unsealing search warrant documents stemming from a police raid Aug. 11 at a Las Vegas pharmacy from which authorities say Murray legally purchased propofol.

Meanwhile, Janet Jackson said she blamed Murray for her brother Michael’s death.

She told ABC News in an interview to air Wednesday that Murray should no longer be allowed to practice medicine.

“He was the one that was administering,” Jackson said. “I think he is responsible.”

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

JASON BORDELON / The Daily Reveille

Aaron Smith, studio art senior, Jaclyn Smith, biological sciences senior, and Brian Allen, civil engineering senior, browse ceramics at C.A.S.A.’s pottery sale Wednesday.

know they start with clay and turn it into a functional piece,” Roaden said. “It’s cool to watch raw materials build into the cavities of the mind.”

Lynch said the prices of the smaller pieces are as low as $3. She said the jewelry ranges from $8 to

$15, cups and bowls range from $20 to $40, and the larger vases and platters range from $40 to $60.

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mbaus@lsureveille.com

PAGE 12

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

FILM

Movie projects on track to beat Louisiana record this year

By Stacey Plaisance The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — With hurricane season ending, film and TV production in south Louisiana is picking up, and New Orleans is on track to break last year’s filming record.

David Simon, creator of “The Wire” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” started shooting the first season of his HBO series “Treme” in New Orleans this month, and actor Jason Statham had a downtown office building bustling with production of a scene for the action thriller, “The Mechanic.”

They are among at least eight film and TV projects in the New Orleans area this fall — and more than a dozen statewide — providing an end-of-the-year boost after a sluggish summer, said Sherri McConnell, head of the state film office.

“Summer is usually a slow time for us,” McConnell said, citing higher production costs during hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, as a factor. But this year, film industry strikes, the economy and uncertainty over the future of Louisiana’s entertainment tax credit program were also to blame, she said.

Before the state Legislature approved a 5 percent boost in incentives for movie and TV makers this spring, the 25 percent tax credit was set to drop to 20 percent in 2010 and 15 percent in 2012.

“That had a lot of production companies reluctant to do business here,” McConnell said.

The boost to 30 percent “was a very positive move,” she said.

McConnell said her office received 25 applications for projects in the first half of 2009, but since July 1 more than 60 have come in.

“We have more than doubled the amount of applications in the office since the change in the law,” McConnell said.

If all the projects get under way before the end of the year, the state may reach its filming record of 84 projects, set last year.

Bill Chartoff, producer of “The Mechanic” — a remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson film — said the stable state tax credit was a plus, as was the charm of New Orleans as a backdrop.

“New Orleans has a wonderful mood and atmosphere and character to it,” he said.

Robert Sertner, executive producer of “The Business of Falling in Love” starring Hilary Duff, which also is filming in New Orleans this month, said his decision to shoot in Louisiana was bottom-line driven.

“It’s always about the financial bottom line,” he said.

While activity is spread across the state — with the action flick “Battle: Los Angeles,” in Baton Rouge and Shreveport and “Secretariat” with Diane Lane and John Malkovich in Lafayette — New Orleans is seeing the bulk of the action with at least eight projects

through the end of the year.

Among them is “Brother’s Keeper,” a film by World Wrestling Entertainment, which also shot “12 Rounds” in Louisiana last year and “Knucklehead” earlier this year.

The city is on track to break last year’s record of 21 projects, said Jennifer Day, director of the New Orleans Office of Film and Video, which expects to have 23 projects by year’s end.

Since 2002, more than $400 million in tax incentives have been awarded in Louisiana, and production expenditures since 2002 exceed $2 billion — including $200 million in payroll — according to state figures.

The incentives program has not been without problems. Former state film commissioner Mark Smith pleaded guilty in 2007 to taking about $65,000 in bribes to help inflate tax credits. He was sentenced to two years in federal prison in July.

Malcolm Petal, producer of “Bug,” ‘’Factory Girl” and “Mr. Brooks,” pleaded guilty Dec. 12 to conspiring to bribe Smith. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

A state law tightened oversight of the program in 2007, which provides tax credits to production companies that use goods and services while shooting in Louisiana.

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

thursday /07&.#&3 Mellow Mushroom 2 for 1 Draft and Shroom Tea till 10PM LIVE: Michael Liuzza @ 10PM Plucker’s Wing Bar Monday: $14.99 All you can eat wings and $3 Plucker’s Lemonades Tuesday: $2.50 Mexican Beers and Margaritas Wednesday: Trivia at 8PM. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs Thursday: $15.99 All you can eat wings. $4 Mother Plucker Mugs. $3 Margaritas and Plucker’s Lemonades Fred’s Bar Ladies Night 8-10 $2.50 Bud Select and Michelob Ultra Friday: Fred’s Facebook Fridays 8-10 $2 Shots 12-2 Bogie’s Thursday: Ladies Free Till 12’ Friday: Two White Crew @ 10

t BEWFSUJTF ZPVS FWFOU BOE TQFDJBMT GPS BT MPX BT B EBZ t RAVE MOTION PICTURES NOVEMBER 20th-November 22nd WWW.RAVEMOTIONPICTURES.COM Mall of Louisiana 15 Baton Rouge 16 I-12@ O’Neal 225-769-5176 I-10@ Mall of LA Exit 225-769-5176 ** 2012 PG13 12:10, 1:10, 2:10, 3:35, 4:35, 5:30, 7:05, 8:05, 10:05, 10:35 **ASTRO BOY

PG 11:05 AM ONLY **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 12:30, 1:30, 3:45, 4:45, 7:10, 8:10, 10:15 **COUPLES RETREAT PG13 2:35, 7:55 **DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3D PG 11:50, 1:20, 2:20, 3:50, 4:50, 7:35, 10:10 **THE FOURTH KIND PG13 11:40, 5:10, 10:40 **MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS R 7:40, 10:20 ** LAW ABIDING CITIZEN R 11:30, 2:25, 5:05, 8:15, 10:50 MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT PG 11:15 ONLY **PARANORMAL ACTIVITY R 11:25, 4:40, 10:55 **PLANET 51 PG 11:10, 2:15, 4:55, 7:20, 9:45 **PRECIOUS

R 11:45, 1:45, 2:30, 4:30, 5:15, 7:15, 7:45, 9:55, 10:25 **THE STEPFATHER PG13 1:50, 8:25 ** THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON PG13 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00

9-10:30 AM 12-1:30 PM 3:00- 3:30 PM 7:00-9:30 PM 10:00-10:30 PM 11:00- 12:30 PM

** 2012

PG13 11:05, 11:40, 1:40, 2:25, 3:40, 6:40, 7:20, 9:40, 10:10, 11:10 **THE BLIND SIDE PG13 12:00, 3:45, 6:45, 10:00 **THE BOX PG13 4:45 PM ONLY **COUPLES RETREAT PG13 10:40, 1:35, 7:50 **DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3D PG 10:35, 11:35, 1:10, 2:10, 4:10, 5:10, 7:55 **THE FOURTH KIND PG13 4:20, 9:50 **MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS R 12:20, 7:05 ** LAW ABIDING CITIZEN R 2:20, 5:05, 8:10, 11:20 MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT PG 5:20PM ONLY **PARANORMAL ACTIVITY R 10:50 PM ONLY **PIRATE RADIO R 11:10 AM ONLY **PLANET 51 PG 10:45, 1:45, 4:30, 7:45, 10:45 ** PRECIOUS R 10:30, 11:00, 1:15, 2:00, 4:15, 5:00, 7:15, 8:00, 10:15, 11:15 **THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON PG13 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:30, 9:45, 10:30, 11:00 11:30

Blade Trinity Underworld Evolution News Beat Live Interview with A Vampire News Beat Repeat The Forsaken

41&$*"- 5)"/,4 50 063 $*/&." 410/4034

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Reveille Ranks

MUSIC MOVIES BOOKS TELEVISION

John Mayer Battle Studies

2012

Columbia Pictures

Sony Music Entertainment

Assassin’s Creed II (PS3) Ubisoft

The guitarist everyone loves to hate is back with more love-lorn crooning on his latest album, “Battle Studies.” John Mayer’s latest release proves he’s certainly no slouch at the guitar and still has the ability to churn out a few catchy tunes, like the bluesy “Crossroads” and the single “Who Says.” Unfortunately, “Battle Studies” seems to lack the spark he had on the albums “Room For Squares” and “Heavier Things.” Mayer’s virtuosity on the guitar keeps this album afloat, though he should pick up the tone in the future.

Avoid “2012.” The only thing that could top how depressing this movie was is if the world actually exploded — and even then it would probably be because of this movie. When this movie was made, I sincerely believe the directors, producers and cast sat down to watch every disaster movie ever made, took notes and proceeded to hack away at what potentially could have been a serious movie. In the end, the film is just a perfected form of the formula movie, cliché upon cliché and cheesy dialogue upon cheesy dialogue.

I hope this is the end-of-theworld flick to end all end-ofthe-world flicks.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise returns with a vengeance with this beautifully made sequel that is sure to get players’ mouths watering. The graphics and overall quality of the images are beyond superb, creating as crystal clear and realistic of a world as one could imagine.

Another plus is the game’s focus on a true high-definition game experience allowing the game to be played on glorious 1080p. While the story mode is drawn out early on and tedious at times, the pace allows gamers to properly settle into the journey that is Assassin’s Creed II.

E. SLACK

J. CLAPP

A. WHITE

[B] [D-] [B+] Them Crooked Vultures

Dare

Gigantic Pictures

Pirate Radio Universal Pictures

Them Crooked Vultures Interscope Records

Them Crooked Vultures brings together Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones to create some of the most rocking and strangest music out today. This album mostly resembles a jam session, which isn’t surprising considering it was released just over three months after the supergroup first appeared onstage. They take a bunch of turns throughout the album, resembling something from a Queens album to jamming riffs off Led Zeppelin II. The songwriting isn’t incredibly ambitious, but it doesn’t have to be — these guys have proven they can rock, and Them Crooked Vultures is no exception.

B. BOURGEOIS

While in their last semester of high school, the characters of “Dare” discover themselves through sexual experimentation and end up in a complicated love triangle.

“Dare” includes the typical coming-of-age high school stereotypes but tries to reach further than the norm with its satirical perspective. This film goes for the shock factor with awkward but honest sex scenes. The love theatrics became a bit dramatized, but the film still manages to give a fresh look to the social cliques classically associated with high school microcosms.

L. NUNEZ

While “Pirate Radio” shouldn’t be a Golden Globe winner for cinematography or development, it is a fantastic party with a phenomenal play list. This film features a cast of disc jockeys broadcasting rock ‘n’ roll 24 hours a day across England over a pirate radio station from a decrepit ship. Stuffed with stars like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy, the cast brings impeccable flavor and humor to the screen. “Pirate Radio” is one of the best rock movies since “Almost Famous.”

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!

C. VOGELS

[A] [C] [B]

PAGE 13

PAGE 14 TELEVISION, from page 9

television consumption, according to the report on the Nielsen Wire.

“The figures ... include livetelevision viewing plus any DVR playback within seven days,” Alana Johnson, The Nielsen Company communications department specialist, said in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille.

Cierra Cambre, kinesiology sophomore, said if she had DVR, she would probably watch more television to catch all her favorite shows and not worry about commercial breaks.

Ann Ruble, Cox Louisiana public affairs manager, said Cox Communications has seen an increase in DVR sales and rentals every year since they’ve been available.

Ruble said Cox’s other “timeshifting” products, including On Demand and MyPrimetime, allow viewers to become “hooked” on new television shows.

She said MyPrimetime allows networks like ABC and NBC to put their popular primetime shows on the program 24 hours after the

VOODOO, from page 9

“Shows in the Black Box Theatre are not meant to entertain or make you feel comfortable,” said Jordan Cheatham, communication studies and French senior and assistant director of “Voodoo Queen.”

Cheatham said the shows are available to make people think for themselves. “The show itself acknowledges misconceptions about voodoo and plays with them,” she said. “It’ll force people to ask questions.”

And asking questions is exactly what the cast and crew of “Queen” did.

Prior to starting rehearsals, the cast visited New Orleans and learned about the history of voodoo by taking the city’s

TRANSGENDER, from page 9

November 1998. Her death rattled the community and led to an outflow of anger and grief.

“Remembering Our Dead,” a Web site made to commemorate those murdered by transgender hate crimes, was created, and a candlelit vigil was held in San Francisco in Hester’s honor. The observance has grown into a national event, now celebrated in hundreds of cites and more than fifteen countries, according to National Transgender Day of Remembrance’s official Web site.

The memorial has reached as far as Kenya and Australia, according to the Web site.

“I would definitely go see it,” said Ruth Navarre, music junior.

“It’s worth informing ourselves about.”

The Women’s Center will show “The Souls of Black Girls” in February, “Girls Rock!” in March and “Crimes of Honour” in April.

Follow Lindsay Nunez on Twitter @tdr_lnunez.

Contact Lindsay Nunez at lnunez@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

original broadcast. She said viewers who cannot watch these shows during the live broadcast, turn to MyPrimetime to catch their favorite shows.

“When you put shows [on On Demand and MyPrimetime], it helps acquire broadcast audiences,” she said. “We’ve seen more and more demand for time shift because you can watch it whenever you want. It has increased viewership of network shows.”

Ruble said DVR, On DEMAND and MyPrimetime will continue to affect television consumption because of the increased amount of options these technologies give consumers. “[There is] a generation that’s never had to wait for a show to come around or rerun,” she said.

“The habits of people will change.

People will get more and more picky about what they want to watch.”

Hayes Barber, chemical engineering junior, said he watches most of his television shows on Hulu.com, a free online video service that allows viewers to watch hit TV programs.

“I’ve become spoiled with Hulu and DVR,” Barber said.

“Now, if what I want to watch isn’t on, I don’t watch TV. Sitting and flipping [through channels] isn’t appealing to me.”

Johnson said Nielsen’s television consumption data does not include any Internet viewing.

Barber said he only watches TV during meals and study breaks.

He said he watches fewer than two hours a day because of his academic schedule.

Rima Massasati, mass communication and graphic design sophomore, said she watches two to four hours of television per day. She said she learns about current events from her favorite shows like “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report.”

“Sometimes I should be more productive,” Massasati said. “But when I’m tired, I use my eyes [and watch TV].”

popular graveyard tours and visiting Laveau’s tomb.

“All the voodoo rituals in the show are real and based on research,” Nicholas said. “The story is told in a series of narratives from the perspective of a journalist who chronicled Marie Laveau’s life, and all the set pieces represent something important within voodoo rituals.”

Lisa Flanagan, manager for the Black Box Theatre, said the performance is especially intriguing because of its ties to Louisiana’s history.

“It’s investigating the history, lore and legend of Marie Laveau and other notions of voodoo and

Louisiana culture,” she said. “It’s a real part of Louisiana history.”

Flanagan said HopKins Black Box, known for its oral, avant-garde interpretations of literature, is an appropriate venue for the production as well.

“We’re a laboratory,” she said. “Just like a science lab with people mixing experiments, that’s what we’re doing. Sometimes we’re successful; sometimes we’re not. That’s how we perform.”

Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com

Contact Matthew Jacobs at mjacobs@lsureveille.com

DOOMSDAY, from page 10

their exotic location, people tend to make assumptions,” McKillop said.

David Roberts, biology sophomore, said he has read about different theories of a 2012 apocalypse, including theories about sun flares and the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar, but said he doesn’t believe in any of it.

“I look forward to December 21, 2012, so I can wake up that day and laugh at all the people who bought powdered milk and canned food,” Roberts said. “People like to think they can understand something — it makes them feel more complete, but there really isn’t anything there.”

Eric Pham, biochemistry freshman, said the priest at his church made predictions about the

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009 end of the world in his sermons.

“My priest kind of scared me because he said the end of the world is coming, and that there are signs of it everywhere — I don’t think it’s true though,” Pham said.

Jordan Bowman, sports administration sophomore, said he keeps an open mind about the predictions.

“I guess we won’t really know [what will happen] until 2012,” Bowman said. “I kind of believe in it because the calendar has never been wrong — I guess people get scared when they think the end is coming.”

Follow Emily Slack on Twitter @ tdr_eslack.

Contact Emily Slack at eslack@lsureveille.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009 LEE, from page 5

be ready,” Miles said.

In the wake of LSU’s 24-16 win this past Saturday, Louisiana Tech freshman defensive back Chad Boyd was suspended for a half-game by the Western Athletic Conference for a helmet-to-helmet hit on LSU junior wide receiver Terrance Toliver.

The officials did not penalize Boyd for the hit during the game, but Miles said it was clear from the sidelines it was helmet-to-helmet

REBELS, from page 5

a rival is false as well. Ole Miss is more of a pest to the Tigers than an actual competitor.

LSU holds a 55-38-4 all-time record against Ole Miss and has won seven of the nine games so far this millennium. This is not a rivalry — it’s more an annual throttling.

The strangest part about Ole Miss is the general backlash from students and Rebel supporters alike against a proposal to change the words to the ending of some silly song their band plays, “From Dixie with Love.”

The song was threatened to be banned earlier this year by the university for some objectionable lyrics it contained.

The ending line used to be “And the South shall rise again.”

The school is attempting to change the lyrics to “To hell with LSU.” Way to stay classy, Rebels.

It’s fine LSU is the new supposed target of the Rebels’ rage —

WILLIAMS, from page 5

while others may blame the talent pool LSU has had in the backfield the past few years.

Regardless, Williams wants to focus on ending his career with a bang.

“When I look back, I definitely won’t feel like I’ve had the career I’ve wanted to,” he said. “But these [final] three games can say a lot for me.”

It won’t be all smooth sailing for Williams in the backfield, as sophomore Stevan Ridley is expected to factor into the running game as well.

Ridley has similarities to Scott.

Both are bulldozers who have fullback experience, while Williams is known for his speed, blocking and pass catching ability out of the backfield.

“It’s hard to get all the reps that he wants to get in the game,” senior offensive tackle Ciron Black said of Williams. “We have so many great athletes who are capable of running the ball.”

Although Williams was coming off a disappointing performance in Alabama after failing to record a rushing attempt and losing a friend and teammate to injury, his outbreak against Louisiana Tech was nothing new to his teammates.

“We definitely needed a big force in the running game, and we knew Keiland could do it,” said senior linebacker Perry Riley. “He proved to us that he could.”

His 15 carries against Louisiana Tech were seven more than his eight carries he recorded in his previous five contests combined.

“People say we normally don’t ride the hot hand out, but this past game, Keiland got hot,” Ridley said.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 15

contact.

“It’s nice to see the review procedure works when those things happen,” Miles said.

Miles said true freshman running back Michael Ford has been simulating Ole Miss senior wide receiver Dexter McCluster in practice this week. McCluster ran for 33 of the Rebels’ 102 rushing yards and caught three passes for 37 yards in their 31-13 victory in Baton Rouge last season.

McCluster comes into Saturday’s

game hot after rushing for 282 yards in the Rebels’ win against Tennessee last Saturday.

“It’s been fun for [Ford] certainly, and our defense is responding,” Miles said.

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt has defeated LSU for two straight seasons. Nutt was the coach at Arkansas in 2007 when the Razorbacks handed the Tigers their second triple-overtime loss, 50-48. Miles said Nutt’s offenses are some of the best he has faced.

“The 2007 Arkansas team, with those two big running backs [Darren McFadden and Felix Jones], was something special,” Miles said. “McCluster is pretty special too.

Miles said there is a want for revenge against an Ole Miss team that handed Miles his worst home loss in his career at LSU. “Any time you line up against a team that beat you the year before, it’s one you want back,” Miles said.

“Certainly, we’re motivated.”

LSU has played in a bowl game

every year since Miles became coach in 2005. Miles said he has not fueled any discussions among the team about possible bowl invitations.

“I have not talked to our team about specific bowls,” Miles said.

“There’s a lot to be said to that ... but I don’t need to push to the best bowl. Our guys understand what that means.”

that’s not the issue.

Ole Miss’ envy of LSU’s success is pretty hilarious. They would go out of their way to damn it to hell even when the two schools aren’t even playing — pathetic.

The real issue here is the song before the proposed change.

At some point, Ole Miss fans thought yelling about a potential second uprising of a failed nation was a good idea. This is the most repugnant notion I’ve ever heard.

The whole situation is such a poor reflection on not just Ole Miss — which, admittedly, no one really thinks highly of anyway — but the entire Southern region of the United States.

The chant has been labeled as racist by its opponents, thus the need for a change — but I disagree. The chant in itself isn’t racist, but the people supporting it seemingly are.

The Mississippi chapter of the Ku Klux Klan is planning an oncampus march in support of the South rising again, as well as keep-

ing the phrase “The South will rise again” a part of the Ole Miss song, according to various news outlets near Oxford.

But racism isn’t only from outside the school. An Ole Miss student, Michael Hudec, was featured in a video posted on YouTube about the cheer — a video that has since gone viral. In the video, Hudec drops a few f-bombs, a few n-bombs and says he supports the South rising again. It’s sure to do wonders for recruiting those black athletes Ole Miss relies upon so heavily.

The chant and its supporters reek of racist overtones and overall stupidity about the Civil War. Anyone who knows anything about history would never think the South will rise again — at least any time soon.

Did the people at Ole Miss fall asleep in American history class?

The South got spanked for the better part of four years during the war, and quite frankly, I don’t want to see Atlanta burned down.

When people yell about a Southern uprising at the top of their lungs like it’s something the majority of us believe in, we Southerners look like the backward yokels, as the rest of the country generally characterizes us.

It’s fine for people to be idiots, and at Ole Miss, it appears idiocy is being celebrated with this cheer. But seriously, the Rebels and their fans need to keep this junk at home and away from college football.

I guess we as college football fans and citizens of the South shouldn’t expect any better from Ole Miss.

They sing “Dixie,” wave their

confederate flags around proudly and, up until a few years ago, had a Colonel Sanders-looking “Southern Gentleman” roaming the sidelines as their mascot.

It’s just a different, ignorant, racist way of life they have in Oxford.

Bizarro World, indeed.

“There was no question about it.”

Despite picking up his highest workload last Saturday since 2008 versus South Carolina, Williams remains humble behind the permanent smile on his face.

“I’m going to approach [the rest of the season] like I did last week — not knowing how many touches I’m going to get,” Williams said.

Williams spent his first two seasons behind Scott and former Tiger running back Jacob Hester but figured to see an expanded role in Gary Crowton’s offense once his junior season rolled around. The 6-foot, 221-pound Williams showed a glimpse of greatness in LSU’s 48-7 annihilation of Virginia Tech in

2007, rushing for 126 yards and two scores.

But his performance only teased Tiger fans as he failed to break the 50-yard rushing barrier in LSU’s remaining 12 games that season.

Williams will try to improve on his less than stellar career stat line this weekend at Ole Miss, one that includes only 52 rushing yards and a touchdown in three career games.

“The key is how bright you shine,” Miles said. “He has plenty of time here to distinguish himself and distinguish his career.”

Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

Johanathan Brooks is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Powder Springs, Ga. Follow him on twitter@TDR_jbrooks.

Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

AGE OF DELIGHTENMENT

Minimize awkwardness on the first date with someone EDITOR’S NOTE: This column is the third in a four-part series about behaving on and around campus. The final column will run in the Dec. 3 edition.

My mother spent a lot of her time trying to raise a good Southern belle. Seeing how I’m as much my father’s daughter as I am hers, she definitely had her work cut out for her. I didn’t quite turn out to be a prim debutante who loves to host teas and never raises her voice, but Mama managed to at least instill a good sense of how to act in public and a respect for other people.

My November columns are dedicated to those classmates who weren’t quite so lucky.

A lot of people are unsure just how to act on a first date. People get unnecessarily nervous about something that should be fun, and

anxiety doesn’t usually turn people on.

Consider this a short list of do’s and don’t’s to help you have the best date you possibly can, not make a fool of yourself and even act like someone most people would want to go out with again (unless you just have a horrible, horrible personality — you will need a serious trust fund to get someone to go out with you a second time if that’s your situation). Speaking of cash money...

1. Guys, offer to pay for stuff.

It’s just the classy thing to do. If she says, “Oh, no, let me get it!” or, “Hey, let’s split it!” then feel free to take the out and not make a big deal about it.

And ladies, don’t offer to do either if you’re not prepared to follow through. If you offer to pay and he takes you up on it, you have

no right to gripe to your friends about how he didn’t understand some stupid unwritten code where there must be X amount of back and forth before you finally give in and “let” him pay.

2.

Guys should try to doors Sara Boyd open whenever posColumnist sible, but they don’t need to sprint to every door to make sure they get them all.

If you get to the door in time to open it for her, congratulations, you nabbed some brownie points. If not, there will always be more doors.

Girls, always thank a guy who opens a door for you — anytime, anywhere. And if you don’t want men opening doors for you, just say

so — in the least bitchy way possible. If they keep doing it anyway, then you can be a bitch.

3. Don’t talk about yourself the entire time or your favorite (insert person, place or thing here).

Oh, your dad is Rambo? And he’s killed like 345 people? And he lives in a tree house with his sidekick who’s a walrus named Wilford?

Neat. Glad I got to hear about that for 45 minutes.

4. Don’t answer your phone unless it’s really important or you need to fake an emergency to escape your date with Ted Bundy.

The same rule applies to texting.

5. Make plans ahead of time.

There are few things more awkward than meeting up with someone and having that “What do you wanna do? — I dunno, what do you wanna do? — I dunno, what do you wanna do?” conversation for 30 minutes.

6. Don’t get too personal on a first date. It’s not time to swap stories on how many people you’ve slept with or the car wreck that killed your best friend in 11th grade.

Wait until things are a little serious before you tell someone your deepest, darkest secrets.

7. It’s 2009. You can kiss on the first date.

Those rules aren’t so hard, are they? Now get out there and date the pants off each other, LSU student population.

Sara Boyd is a 22-year-old general studies junior from Baton Rouge. Follow her on Twitter @ TDR_sboyd.

Contact Sara Boyd at sboyd@lsureveille.com

VIEW FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL

Spotlight on Palin sickening, should be removed

By Teddy Minch The Tufts Daily

MEDFORD, Mass. — The arrival of her memoir, “Going Rogue,” further reinforces the fact that Sarah Palin refuses to go away.

The folksy, not-even-one-term governor from Alaska has absolutely captivated a large number of American conservatives; Sarah PAC, the political action committee Palin created in January 2009, raised upwards of $730,000 in just five months, presumably to support a Palin 2012 presidential bid.

Claims by Palin supporters that she is just as qualified as Barack Obama was when he began his bid for presidency are simply wrong: Obama’s three years in the U.S. Senate and seven years in the Illinois State Senate outweigh and outrank Palin’s fewer than three years as Alaska’s governor and six years as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 7,028.

Those that herald Palin as a “true maverick” and celebrate her political arrival as the end of “politics as usual” would be well-served to observe the list of Palin’s scandals — her “bridge to nowhere” line, her dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and the Branchflower Report findings, among others, as well as her incessant use of dirty smear tactics and

gross oversimplifications, like her statements “Obama pals around with terrorists” and “health care death panels.”

Palin represents the frightening trend in American politics to completely disregard any semblance of reality in political discourse, to avoid any issues of substance and to gain political support not through some form of intelligent or rational conversation but by getting a reaction out of a crowd.

This is not a trend limited to the Republican Party by any stretch of the imagination — who could forget such meaningful slogans as “Hope” engineered by our current President during the 2008 election? But Palin’s brand of mindless politics represents a unique challenge for the highlyfragmented Republican Party.

One can cite the now-infamous Katie Couric interviews as proof of Palin’s shortcomings, but surely she has matured politically since. Palin appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Monday and, when asked why she chose to write her book, gave a two-minute response of which a minute-anda-half was used to explain how she has a journalism degree, loves writing and loves looking through her childhood diary entries about stacking firewood and the

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor

ERIC FREEMAN JR.

Columnist

MARK MACMURDO

Columnist

highlights of her hunting and fishing trips.

The fact that Palin is in any way still relevant in American politics is sickening. The shameful circus that is her national political career is insulting to Americans, regardless of individual political persuasion.

Those who hail Palin as the future of the party need to quit deluding themselves and take a good, hard look at reality: Sarah Palin is not and never has been a maverick. She is a small-town, former beauty queen who blatantly shirked her one responsibility to the citizens of Alaska by refusing to finish her first and only term as a scandal-plagued governor. She is the epitome of a political onetrick pony and further legitimizes the irrational state of political discourse in this country while simultaneously eroding the ideological foundations and political base of a once-proud Republican Party.

If Republican National Convention Chairman Michael Steele is truly concerned about resurrecting the Republican Party and affecting politics for the better, he will rein in Palin. Then again, asking Steele for any sort of leadership is not unlike asking New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick to punt on fourth down: It simply won’t happen, even in an obviously critical

situation. In short, it would be best for all parties involved — men, women, Republicans, Democrats, blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, Rust Belt residents, Sun Belt residents, Joe Bidens,

Joe Six-Packs and even Joe the Plumbers — if Sarah Palin sat down and shut up.

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

BEST AND WITTIEST

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-26 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author.

Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor-in-chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

cartoon courtessy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

QUOTE OF THE DAY “The great secret of power is never to will to do more than you can accomplish.”

Henrik Ibsen Norwegian playwright and poet March 20, 1828 — May 23, 1906

THE DAILY REVEILLE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Opinion

PAGE 17

MURDA, HE WROTE

Voters have spoken: Big ideas have no place in BR Voters went to the polls last weekend to determine the fate of East Baton Rouge Parish MayorPresident Kip Holden’s $901 million bond proposal. Most of the proposal sought funds for improving Baton Rouge’s decrepit infrastructure through improved drainage and municipal buildings, but it was heavily criticized for its inclusion of the $225 million Audubon Alive project.

Borrowing words from our eloquent former president after his party’s sound defeat in the 2006 midterm elections, “It was a thumpin’.” Thirty-six percent voted in favor, 64 percent were opposed.

Holden had attempted to run a slightly larger bond issue back on the same ballot as the 2008 presidential election. Defeated narrowly in a less than 1 percent margin, Holden cut nearly $100 million. But, with the leaner bond proposal as the only item on the parish-wide ballot, the result was

resounding defeat.

The measure was widely supported by the Baton Rouge community. Besides groups like the police union, who had clear direct benefits from the proposal, the measure even gained support from the conservative editorial page of the Business Report.

But while those closest to Baton Rouge supported the measure, they didn’t vote in the numbers they did in November of last year.

The story of this election was the suburban white vote. They came out in droves, while urban areas didn’t make it to the polls.

Where is Barack Obama when you need him?

It wasn’t just the fact some people felt they were being taxed for something from which they weren’t going to benefit. The failure of the bond proposal was a direct result of the “do nothing” mentality increasingly espoused by the more conservative elements of our society. They say no to new

taxes, whatever the reason.

It’s true we shouldn’t be instituting new, long-term taxes at the whim of our elected officials. But few would say the majority of the improvements in the new bond proposal are unMark Macmurdo necessary exColumnist penses. Rainy days flood the city’s inadequate drainage system, and the current state of our municipal buildings ­­­— particularly the police stations and jails — ­­­ is embarrassing.

But detractors jumped on the included Alive project as an overly ambitious theme park ungrounded in detail ­­­— “tax and spend” pork.

Of course, they were blind to the reasoning behind the whole proposal (and the fact Alive only accounted for a quarter of the

total cost).

First, it’s clear ­­­— one way or another ­­­— something must be done to improve Baton Rouge’s infrastructure. No one enjoys new taxes. But as things stand right now, it’s clear the city government is unable to provide basic needs. We have to fix these things some time, and the money isn’t coming out of a hat.

Instead of offering a proposal that would only drain the government’s coffers, the mayor wanted economic development included in the package to help pay them off early. Holden cited economic projections that said Alive’s attendance could help pay off the bonds in 12 years.

Holden’s proposal ­— Alive and all ­­­— offered to shorten the payment time for these improvements, spur economic growth and leave Baton Rouge’s fledgling downtown district with a worldclass museum.

Now, when the bond

issuance comes up again next year (as it must, given the city’s dire need), politicians will give us the debt without any plans to pay it off early or make Baton Rouge a desirable place to live.

I guess we’ll just have to continue to attempt to lure tourists with the USS Kidd, some mediocre casinos and a substandard convention center (which was also supposed to be revamped in the proposal).

The bond measure wasn’t just a missed opportunity ­­­— it was a referendum. Voters who showed up at the polls were clear in their message: We don’t like taxes, and we’re happy with the status quo.

Mark Macmurdo is a 22-yearold history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.

Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com

PRESS X TO NOT DIE

Big-name video game stirs big-time controversy

I did it.

I am very proud of myself right now for pulling this off.

What is my great achievement you ask?

I put down the controller and stopped playing Infinity Ward’s highly anticipated shooter, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” long enough to write this column.

Those close to me know I have been looking forward to this title for quite some time, and they probably haven’t been seeing me as much as they’d like.

“Modern Warfare 2” sold nearly 5 million copies in the first 24 hours of its launch last Tuesday.

The first-person shooter seemed to make a lot of people happy, but anything with this much hype can’t please everybody.

With all of the anticipation leading up to this game, there was a big storm of controversy brewing as well.

The first red flag flew after a commercial during the Oct. 4 Sunday night football game, in which scenes of a war-torn Washington D.C. were depicted in the game.

Groups such as the Christian Science Monitor felt it was too soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to show such horrendous acts of terror on American soil, even in a video game.

I can understand the concern, but many people seem to forget this is all just fantasy, in the same vein as movies or comic books.

But while it does seem unbelievable to see the nation’s capital in such a way, terrorist attacks have happened, and people should always remain alert.

Yet another level in the game caught more spotlight than the war-ravaged Washington D.C. A video leaked a week before the launch of the game showed what appeared to be a player in a terrorist group massaAdam Arinder cring civilians Columnist in an airport.

This sent the media into an uproar — though they had no idea what was going on.

How can a video game “meant for kids” allow the player to be a terrorist?

Well, that’s an easy answer — it doesn’t.

The media loves to associate all types of video game with young children, when they clearly miss the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating on the front of the game.

The “Modern Warfare 2” box clearly shows the game is rated M for Mature (meaning people ages 17 and up).

Also, without giving too many spoilers for those yet to play the game’s campaign, you don’t step into the shoes of a terrorist. You play as a CIA undercover agent trying to infiltrate a terrorist organization attempting to bring down a criminal mastermind who wants to watch the world burn.

It’s easy to see how this “terrorist” aspect of the game can be taken out of context. The level is a very powerful, emotional scene which is a little tough to swallow.

But it’s the main catalyst that gets the events of the story going.

It also does a great job showing the evils of terrorism and what it is we are trying to stop today in the real world.

The creators of “Modern Warfare 2” aren’t trying to turn the youth of America into terrorists by making them play this — they are trying to prove a point.

The big picture shown in “Modern Warfare 2” shows how “absolute power corrupts absolutely” and how people will make the wrong decision for what they believe is

right.

The developers do provide a disclaimer before the game begins informing the player of scenes in the game that may be offensive — and players have the option to skip these scenes, if desired.

While there may be political undertones about terrorism and war within the story of “Modern Warfare 2,” I’m glad Infinity Ward exercised its right to free speech to keep these controversial levels in the game amid all of the scrutiny.

The scenes may be graphic,

but they are necessary to show America isn’t invincible, and we always must be ready for what may head our way.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my team is missing me. I’m going to get back to my game.

Adam Arinder is a 20-year-old electrical engineering junior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.

Contact Adam Arinder at aarinder@lsureveille.com

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HOUSE 4 SALE $132,500 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 7 min. from LSU located off Burbank on Pecan Tree Drive 225-803-537

For Rent SUBLEASE 1 BR APT. $740 Starting Jan. 1in Tiger Plaza, Cable/Internet Incl, W/D, Gated, LSU bus route jessica2869@hotmail.com

Housing

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

Deadlines: 12 noon two school days prior to the print publication date

Merchandise

LSU, TIGER PARK APT, 1&2BR Townhouse & flat, woodfloor, pool, busline, move-in special, $450625/mo., 225.615.8521

Transportation

Personals

review. Tell me: do you see me too?

You can see me by the bike racks Tuesday after bio review.

IMPERFECTIONS are in all of us, I’m just trying to find an 18-20 y/o girl who understands that... about herself, email me at lessthanhumble@ gmail.com

LET’S PLAY! Fit/very active male, 22. Looking for a Female to run around with! (running the lakes, tennis, basketball, etc) No need to be a super athlete, willing to teach, but must have a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and be comfortable getting a little sweaty. Email: ilikerunaroundmuch@gmail.com when you’re ready to play

BRIGHTSIDE PARK TOWNHOMES 2 br 2.5 bath on S. Brightside View. $850-$900. $500 dep.

All appliances plus w/d, pool. now/spring.southlandpropertiesinc.com. 225-955-6480 APTS FOR RENT 2br & 3br units aval. Zero Dep from Nov to Dec 1. Baker, La. www.greenwoodllc.net 877.824.7565 ROOMATE NEEDED LAKE BEAU PRE TOWNHOMES 550/mo + util. 3br/3ba. Close to campus. Trey 337.349.0376 CONDO FOR RENT 2Br/2.5 Ba condo for rent. Near Bluebonnet & Perkins. $970/month + utilities. Call Erin.

225.288.4506 225.288.4506 TIGER MANOR CONDOMINIUMS. UNITS READY FOR SPRING 2009! Reserve Now! Brand new 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms available. Reserve your unit today! Walk to class! 3000 July St. 225-346-5055. www.tigermanor.com Location. Location. Location... Start Living.

3BR/2.5BA 1500SQFT $1125/MONTH South Brightside View Drive: On-Site Manager, Flexible Leasing Terms, Washer & Dryer, Ceiling Fans, Central A/ C, Near Bus Stop, Small Pets Allowed, Master Bedroom has it’s own Bathroom and Walk-In Closet 225.978.7400 1BR APARTMENT 175 Burgin Ave, $545$589rent/$400 deposit, located Highland and Lee. 225.252.3163 3BD/2BA HOME OFF BRIGHTSIDE @ 5037 AMBERALYNN DR $1550.00/ MONTH 5 MIN TO CAMPUS 225.276.0393 WALK TO CLASS 1BR at 3265 Carlotta $395/ mth 379-8653 WALK TO CAMPUS 1Br, 2Br, and Townhomes.

Starting as low as $400.00. www.lsuwestchimesplace.com 225.346.4789

5252 BRIGHTSIDE VIEW 3BR 2 BATH W/D $950 avail now/spring 955-6480southlandpropertiesinc.com

Roommate Wanted UNIVERSITY VIEW CONDO female roommate for spring semester 2010. rent $450 +share of utilities. call Katie 281.468.7237 ROOMMATE NEEDED @ Campus Crossing- Brightside for Spring 2010! $424/mo. 4 BR/ 2 BA, email kjudd2@gmail.com or call 504.298.9494 ROOMATE NEEDED ARLINGTON PLANT $500/mo plus utilities (usually $65) 3Bed/3Bath. Near Campus, Bus-Route, Preferably Male. Darren 504-382-5603 $400/MO INCL. UTILITIES 2 Fully furn. rooms in a quiet 3bed/1bath house 3 blocks off campus.

Avail. Jan. 1st. Pets welcome. 225.330.2305

Services

SASSY (3RD CHEERLEADER FROM the right/ your left) You are my favorite cheerleader. Your fantastic moves at the game this weekend and sassy attitude warm my heart. There’s room for 2 in my LSU snuggie ;) Email me: snuggiewithmelsu@ gmail.com ARACHIBUTYROPHOBIA? Let me help. I see you at the climbing gym, the dining hall and bio

ARE YOU A REDHEAD GIRL? A guy looking for a cute / sexy redhead to spend time with. Email NeedARedhead@live.com FREAKISHLY TALL GUY WANTED : Well endowed 20 yr old is tired of wearing flats. Facial hair is awesome but not necessary. Must like football.

Send a message to blueeyedsaintsfan@yahoo. com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

DESIGN, from page 1

graduate and director of interior design at Lothrop Associates in New York City.

The students found out about possible changes to the curriculum through the committee’s Facebook page, DeJean said.

“Most larger firms won’t even look at you if you don’t come from a CIDA program,” said Ashley Broussard, 2008 interior design graduate who works for Dallasbased RTKL Associates as a staff designer.

Changes being considered include reducing the seven present faculty to four and altering the four-year program to a two-year interior design concentration within architecture, according to a letter from LSU ID Plus, a committee of LSU Interior Design alumni.

LSU ID Plus was formed to gather feedback from other alumni and spread awareness, said Maria Bilbao, 2002 interior design graduate and LSU ID Plus member.

If the program is changed, Danielle Johnson, interior design

graphic by CAITLYN CONDON / The Daily Reveille

instructor, said she will probably lose her position, along with other adjunct faculty.

“We’re concerned,” said T.L. Ritchie, interior design department chair. “No one wants their program to be cut.”

The faculty will turn in the report by the end of this week and will know more about the program’s future in December, Ritchie said.

“No matter what, it’s going to affect our degree,” said Allison Pogue, interior design sophomore.

Merging the program may make it less focused, Pogue said.

“Part of the problem is we don’t really know a lot about it,” said Colette DeJean, interior design sophomore.

Heidi Meibaum, 1987 graduate and ID Plus committee member, said she became aware of changes being considered while attending of the International Interior Design Association, which works to elevate the profession and allow networking among professionals.

PAGE 19

Meibaum and Bilbao became consistently about 200 students in concerned with the direction of the program, she said. higher education in general in LouLouisiana Tech University in isiana, but especially with interior Ruston and University of Louisidesign because of their personal ana-Lafayette also offer bachelors and professional relationship with of interior design, according to the the field.

Council for Interior Design AcGirod said creditation Web she does not see a site. Both are fourmajor issue conyear programs. cerning merging The Almanac interior design of Architecture with architecture and Design has as long as students ranked the Uniare taught by actual versity’s program interior designers. in the top 15 in “If you allow the nation during architects to teach the last 40 years, Ashley Broussard interior design, Ritchie said.

2008 interior design alumna they would try to The departteach it the way ment’s graduates they understand it,” she said. include Kenneth Brown, who hosts Started in 1969, the interior HGTV’s reDesign, and Jacques design program was one of the Saint Dizier, who was ranked in first 17 accredited programs in the Architectural Digest’s top 100 incountry and is one of three in the ternational architects and interior state, Ritchie said. designers for 2009.

The program accepts about 50 percent of students who apply Contact Olga Kourilova at through its selective admission requirements, Ritchie said. There are okourilova@lsureveille.com

‘‘

‘Most larger firms won’t even look at you if you don’t come from [an accredited] program.’

“It might be hard to fight, but scream as loud as you can,” White p.m. on Nov. 5, White said. said. “Once they see you’re feisty, White said the incident hap- they’re more than likely to stop pened after a hooded man asked a because they don’t want to get student for a cigarette lighter. When caught.” the student said he didn’t have one, White said 86 percent of White said the people who fight man pulled a gun back don’t end up on him. getting raped or White said killed. But he said the robberies are most injuries are not isolated to sustained before Oakbrook, and the a victim starts to problem is not a fight back. new one.

He recomCpl. Drew White White advised mended poking at the attendees sim- Baton Rouge Police Department the eyes, punching ply give up their the throat or kickbelongings if confronted with a ing the groin of an attacker. similar situation. If the perpetrator “Mace is good if it’s in your asks for anything else — like hav- hand,” White said. “If it’s in your ing a victim get into a car — White purse, it’s garbage.” said they should fight for their College students are generlives. ally easy targets for the criminals

ROBBERIES, from page 1

‘‘

‘Once they see you’re feisty, they’re more than like to stop.’

KKK, from page 1

rise again” to replace it with “to hell with LSU.” The resolution was never fully enacted because it was not signed by the proper officials after passing the senate, said Peyton Beard, Ole Miss Associated Student Body director of athletics.

The student section largely ignored the resolution and other attempts to stop the chant, continuing the chant during “From Dixie with Love,” said Ole Miss English junior Dean Julius.

After a written warning by the Ole Miss chancellor, the student section’s continued chanting resulted in Jones banning “From Dixie with Love” last week, said Barbara Lago, Ole Miss director of media and public relations.

“We cannot even appear to support those outside our community who advocate a revival of segregation,” Jones said in a written address to the Ole Miss student body. “Consequently, I have asked the band not to play ‘From Dixie with Love’ at upcoming athletics events. The absence of this song will send a clear

who come into the area to prey on weaker victims, White said. Students are often the least dangerous targets.

White, who lives in Oakbrook, has been with BRPD for 11 years and said he has only seen the problem get worse over time.

Aubrie Lasyone, mass communication junior and Oakbrook resident, said she had heard of crimes in the area, but isn’t frightened.

“I’m not uncomfortable living here,” Lasyone said. “It makes you think about it more, but I’m not scared to live here.”

Brittany Green, kinesiology junior and Oakbrook resident, said she has always been nervous about crime.

Contact Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@lsureveille.com

message that the university is shape Ole Miss into yet another neither facilitating nor indirectly liberal sodomite college.” condoning the chant.”

Julius said he continued the This decision to ban the song chant despite the resolution behas drawn the attention of the cause he felt he was carrying on KKK, which plans to protest the a tradition. ban in full robes Saturday from Christopher Cox, a black stu10 a.m. to 11 p.m, Tate said. dent at Ole Miss, said he agrees “We are comwith the chanceling to Ole Miss lor that the chant to say enough is is offensive, but enough on attackhe doesn’t think ing our Christian, the students southern heritage chanting it are and culture, and racist. it’s time for every “I don’t see person to have a it necessarily as Shane Tate right to freedom racist,” Cox said. of speech,” Tate Miss. White Knights great titan “There is a dissaid. connect between Lago confirmed Ole Miss the people who are chanting it has been contacted by the KKK and the people who are hearing it and said the group has the right and taking it into a different conto voice its opinions as long as it text. The students who do want doesn’t interfere with university the chant feel its tradition, while activity or the personal rights of others who want it removed feel others. the chant is a support for a past “We aren’t coming there to we have moved far from.” cause problems or cause trouble,” Tate said. “Trouble has already been caused by a handful at Ole Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at Miss, including the black student xwilson@lsureveille.com body president, who wants to

‘‘

‘[The KKK is not] coming there to cause problems or cause trouble.’

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 20