The Daily Reveille - March 23, 2010

Check the second round in the lager of Malt Madness. Log on Online division to lsureveille.com to make sure For: your favorite beer advances.

OUT OF TIME

REVELRY

Looking for spring activities? Check page 6 for suggestions.

Lady Tigers lose to Duke in second round of NCAA tourney, page 9.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

VolumeÊ 114,Ê IssueÊ 114

Tuesday,Ê MarchÊ 23,Ê 2010

WHAT GOES AROUND...

MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille

J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

[Left] Former chancellor James Wharton looks at a paper about budget cuts from 1986. [Right] Chancellor Michael Martin points out the similarities between recent budget cuts and cuts from the ’80s.

...COMES AROUND

Former chancellor draws comparisons between today’s budget cuts and those in the ’80s

By Xerxes A. Wilson Senior Staff Writer

The threat of cutting colleges and programs is an old story for faculty and administrators who have been at the University since the mid-Õ 80s.

Former University Chancellor

James Wharton led the University through a budgetary crisis during the Õ 80s. He remains active in the current crisis as a member of the Post Secondary Education Review Committee Ñ a committee tasked with reforming higher education statewide.

Two years into the current crisis,

the University has taken about $43 million in state funding cuts because of shrinking state appropriations.

The mid-Õ 80s saw a similar period in which the state general appropriations shrank by more than $10 million in three years, according to archived financial reports.

Fluctuations in state appropriations and higher costs of running the University resulted in 11 funding cuts for the University between Õ 82 and Õ 88, Wharton said. Ò I ruined my health,Ó Wharton

A voter’s guide to today’s SG election

WHARTON, see page 19 Editor’s note: Information boxes are listed in order of presidential candidate’s last name.

Leading the Way

Students FIRST

Geauxing the Distance

Two Kings

Presidential candidate - Brooksie Bonvillain VP candidate - Chris Sellers

Presidential candidate - J Hudson VP candidate - Dani Borel

Presidential candidate - Theo Williams VP candidate - Millena Williams

Presidential candidate - Bryan Wooldridge VP candidate - John Craig

Issues

Issues

•Class gift: “The Class Gift Committee strived to take this to a vote of the students. It’s never an opportune time to add a fee to the fee bill, but I think it’s a great project to better our University.”

- BB •Tuition/fee hike: “Ideally, I don’t want to raise the tuition of any student. As hard as we will try to keep tuition at its current cost, it may not be possible.” - BB •Current administration: “Nothing really hits me as something that needs to be completely overhauled. Some of the things we feel could be improved on ... is better streamlining the executive departments.” - BB

•Class gift: “When we’re talking about massive budget cuts and not having enough classes or professors to attend for us to get our degree in four years, then this is not necessarily a fee that J and I support.” - DB •Tuition/fee hike: “When I walk with my diploma, I’m going to want that thing to mean something.

The only way to do that is to keep funding up.”

- JH •Current administration: “They’ve done an excellent job this year going to the legislature.

One thing I would like to follow up with is to keep those relationships with the legislature they’ve already established.” - JH

Issues •Class gift: “It’s a great idea, but the timing is wrong. I think it’s not fair to do it to the students right now.” - TW •Tuition/fee hike: “I think it’s going to be necessary whether we like it or not. It’s going to be necessary to raise that tuition, if we don’t, our University will fall and we won’t be paying tuition at all.” - TW •Current administration: “I don’t think there is anything the current administration is doing wrong. It’s going to be different because they didn’t come in with the burden of the economic crisis.” - TW

Issues •Class gift: “It’s 30 bucks. That’s like fourth grade allowance.” - BW •Tuition/fee hike: “People are going to need to invest more at LSU, and unfortunately that means more tuition. Obviously the deal was too good to last.” - JC •Current administration: “We have zero idea of how it currently works, but considering I’m not a really big fan of career politicians so I think a mix up will be good for students.” - JC

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

INTERNATIONAL Afghan president Karzai studying peace offer from militant group KABUL (AP) — Afghan President Hamid Karzai held an unprecedented meeting Monday with representatives of a major Taliban-linked militant group, boosting his outreach to insurgency leaders to end the eightyear war.

Less certain is whether the talks with the weakened Hizb-iIslami faction represent a gamechanger in the conflict, given its demand to rewrite the Afghan constitution and force a quick exit of foreign forces.

Israeli soldier mistaken for armed militant, killed by ‘friendly fire’ JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces mistakenly shot and killed a fellow soldier Monday while looking for three Palestinians who crossed the border from the Gaza Strip, the military said.

The three Palestinians crossed

Nation & World the heavily åguarded border after sundown, the military said. Soldiers thought they were under attack and set out on a patrol to find them.

Another group of soldiers looking for the Palestinians mistook the first patrol for armed Palestinian militants and fired on them, killing the soldier.

Influential Islamic Yemeni leaders oppose ban on child brides SAN’A, Yemen (AP) — Some of Yemen’s most influential Islamic leaders, including one the U.S. says mentored Osama bin Laden, have declared supporters of a ban on child brides to be apostates.

The religious decree, issued Sunday, deeply imperils efforts to salvage legislation that would make it illegal for those under the age of 17 to marry.

The practice is widespread in Yemen and has been particularly hard to discourage in part because of the country’s gripping poverty.

NATIONAL

STATE/LOCAL

Activist group ACORN disbanding because of financial woes, scandal

Jindal: Health care overhaul is unconstitutional, will be challenged

Jury finds teen guilty in 2004 Jazz Fest second-degree murder

CHICAGO (AP) — The oncemighty liberal activist group ACORN announced Monday it is folding amid falling revenues — six months after video footage emerged showing some of its workers giving tax tips to conservative activists posing as a pimp and prostitute.

(AP) — Louisiana’s Democratic attorney general says he will challenge the congressional health care legislation approved this weekend, a health overhaul that Gov. Bobby Jindal calls unconstitutional.

Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says he hasn’t decided whether Louisiana will join other states in currently pending lawsuits or file a separate lawsuit on behalf of the state.

It’s unclear on what grounds Caldwell will argue against the health overhaul. A Caldwell spokeswoman says the challenge likely will be on constitutional issues, but she says a decision hasn’t been made.

Jindal asserts states’ rights privileges and contends the federal government can’t require people to buy insurance.

State lawmakers will consider a bill that attempts to nullify parts of the health care legislation.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An Orleans Parish jury has convicted John Duncan of the 2004 murder of a man shot after leaving the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Jurors on Monday found the 19-year-old guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Daniel Breaux. Under Louisiana law, Duncan, who was 14 at the time of the killing, can only be imprisoned until he turns 31.

Opponents of gay marriage ban must release memos, e-mails SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Civil rights groups that campaigned against California’s same-sex marriage ban have lost an attempt to withhold internal memos and e-mails from lawyers for the other side.

U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Monday that the groups must surrender the campaign documents as evidence in a federal trial on the constitutionality of Proposition 8.

Walker’s decision upholds a ruling by a federal magistrate.

TODAY

Weather 72 46

FINAL Showtime at the Cotillion Auditions Calling ALL TYPES of TALENT Performers Competing for cash and other prizes March 25th WCA Activity Center, 6:30-9:30 Contact kdufau1@tigers.lsu.edu for more info.

Couple cited with 22 counts of illegal possession of pythons OAKDALE (AP) — Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents have cited an Oakdale couple for allegedly possessing pythons without a permit.

Wildlife agents cited the couple with 22 counts of illegally possessing pythons over 12 feet in length without the required permit.

TODAY ON lsureveille.com

@ lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports

Campus Housing Contract Renewal (Residence Halls) Current residence hall residents can reserve their same room in their residence hall.

PAGE 2

Baseball pitchers work on their game. Read about them in the Baseball Blog.

Keep up to date at facebook.com/lsureveille

Compare budget cuts in ’86 to the ones going on now. Read the Budget Cuts Blog.

WORKIN’ ON MY FITNESS

Partly Cloudy

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

76 54

71 54

FRIDAY 75 52

SATURDAY 78 55

Women’s Networking and Business Etiquette Dinner Thursday, March 25th 6:00pm @ the Faculty Club Registration Required: www.lsu.edu/wc

MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille

Women’s History Month Keynote Address Dr. Jean Kilbourne “the Naked Truth-Advertsing’s Image of Women” Esprit de Femme Awards Presentation Monday, March 29th, 6:00pm Holiday Forum for more information visit: www.lsu.edu/wc

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

Women in the Arts Gallery Thurs. March 17th- Sun. March 28th Music and Dramatic Art Studio Theatre In conjunction with Swine Palace Production of Self-defense or Death of Some Salesman

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

DO YOU HAVE AN OCCURRENCE? Call Isaiah at the Student Media Office 578-6090, 9AM- 5PM or E-mail: officemanager@lsureveille.com

PHOTO BLOG : A blue army man in an ashtray.

The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 5784811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.

The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-34 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Secondclass copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La.,70803.

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Newsroom (225)578-4810 • Advertising (225)578-6090

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 3

SG ELECTIONS

Candidates asked opinions about other tickets in debate Two Kings attends, doesn’t participate

By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer

Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates debated for the fourth and final time Monday night in front of both an audience of more than 100 students in the Manship School of Mass Communication and those elsewhere on campus watching the live broadcast.

TigerTV hosted the debate, and Station Manager Lance Frank moderated. He asked questions submitted from the Tiger TV Web site. Audience members also asked questions and candidates posed questions for each other.

Brooksie Bonvillain and Chris Sellers of “Leading the Way,” J Hudson and Dani Borel of Ò StudentsFIRST” and Theo Williams and Millena Williams of “Geauxing the Distance” participated in the debate.

Bryan Wooldridge and John Craig of “Two Kings for LSU” were present in the audience but

left their reserved seats on stage vacant and decided to not participate in the debate.

Frank asked candidates on stage if they value passion or experience more.

Hudson said a combination of the two would be best.

“Students that have passion, you see them all over campus,” Hudson said. Ò That same passion can be in Student Government.”

Bonvillain said she will stick by their platform of leadership, experience, dedication and accountability.

“As passionate as Chris and I are, you have to have experience to properly execute initiatives,” Bonvillain said. “I assure you we are passionate about the University, the students and our 22 initiatives.”

Theo Williams said he values passion more.

“Experience without passion means nothing,” Theo Williams said. Ò You can have passion with any organization on campus. And it doesn’t matter who you are, if you care about your University, it’s an easy learning process.”

Frank asked the candidates who they would vote for if they were not running for president.

“If I were not sitting on this panel, I would vote for J Hudson because I value his experience factor,” Bonvillain said. “I admire his work ethic and passion.”

Hudson said he would vote for the Williams, Williams ticket though he noted Bonvillain’s experience factor.

Theo Williams said he would vote for the Two Kings ticket.

“They’re actually speaking the opinion of the average student at this University,” Theo Williams said of Wooldridge and Craig.

Next year, whoever is elected SG president may run for the student seat in the LSU System Board of Supervisors.

Bonvillain said she’d like to seek the position herself.

“We can’t just sit in our of-

fices,” Bonvillain said. “We have to appropriately take feedback and talk to other members of Louisiana.”

Theo Williams agreed he would also seek the position if elected president and would work with other schools in the state.

Hudson said he will reach out to other schools without being on the Board of Supervisors.

“We’re gonna ensure we have a voice on the board,” Hudson said.

“We’re gonna chose a student to be a liaison.”

To make a greener campus, Bonvillain said she wanted to expend on the director of sustainability position with their Purple, Gold and Green initiative. She also said she wants to reroute the bus route to reach more off-campus student

housing.

Theo Williams said he wants to start lessening the use of paper by creating an eTextbook program.

He also wants to extend bike paths along Dalrymple Drive, Highland Road and Nicholson Drive.

Hudson said he’s already done work with sustainability.

“On inter-fraternity council, I implemented a system where recycling bins were put in fraternity houses,” Hudson said. “That’s one great thing I got to see through.”

Students can vote today on PAWS from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and elections results will be announced Wednesday.

Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com

SG ELECTIONS

Student Government voting begins today at 7 a.m. on PAWS Referendums also to appear on ballots

By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer

After two and a half weeks of intense campaigning in Free Speech Alley, four debates and hundreds of pushcards, today is voting day.

Students can vote by logging into PAWS and clicking “Student Services” and “SG Spring 2010 Election.”

Each student can vote for SG president, vice president and University Court justices. Students can also vote for the college council president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and senators for their individual college.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates are Brooksie Bonvillain and Chris Sellers of “Leading the Way,” J Hudson and Dani Borel of Ò StudentsFIRST,” Theo Williams and Millena Williams of “Geauxing the Distance” and Bryan Wooldridge and John Craig of “Two Kings for LSU.” One of two referendums appearing on the ballot concerns changes to the Student Government Constitution.

Arts and Sciences Senator

Aaron Caffarel and Basic Sciences Senator Jared Bourgeois authored the legislation, and the bill passed Senate almost unanimously.

J. J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille The changes are to clear dis- Tiger TV director Lance Frank, center, interviews SG presidential candidates (from left) Brooksie Bonvillain, J Hudson and Theo crepancies in the Constitution Williams on Monday night in the Journalism Building. The other presidential candidate, Bryan Wooldridge, did not participate. and to clarify each branch’s role in SG, Caffarel said. clicker rental system and to inSome changes to the Consti- crease mixed paper recycling and tution include elimination of the recycling awareness around camTrial Court, reapportionment of pus. senators to number of students, a The outcome of the vote will one-term limit for SG presidents, allow $5,000 to fund one of these fall University Court initiatives from the SenGet elections and college ate Contingency Account, councils’ move to the ex- comprehensive said UCAC Senator Cody ecutive branch. coverage of the Wells.

Elimination of the candidates on the “We’re not comTrial Court was the most SG election page pletely decided yet where controversial issue dur- at lsureveille.com. we want to pull the moning Senate, Caffarel said. ey from,” Wells said.

Sean Horridge, University Ò ThereÕ s been a rumor that someCourt chief justice, spoke on be- one will write a bill that will take half of keeping Trial Court at the it out of our Student Initiative Feb. 17 meeting.

Fund.” Ò The purpose of a Trial Wells said he will write a bill Court is it’s consistent with every in Senate after students vote for governing body or branch in the one of the three initiatives. country,” Horridge said. “Why Voting starts at 7 a.m. and someone should have the right to ends at 10 p.m. Election results appeal is what this comes down will be announced March 24. to.”

If necessary, a runoff elecThe second referendum on tion would be March 30 and rethe ballot allows students to vote sults would be announced March to fund one of three initiatives.

31.

The choices are to put bike pumps at existing bike racks, Contact Catherine Threlkeld at to expand Middleton Library’s cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com

PaGe 4

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

MONEY

CLASS IN THE QUAD

Financial consultations available to students Management center offers guidance

By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

Dave Tarvin, public speaking instructor, lectures to his CMST 2060 class Monday afternoon in the Quad.

Students in need of financial consultation can now find guidance at the Student Financial Management Center.

The Center’s goals are to educate students through online resources and reach out to student organizations and faculty members, said Emily Burris, coordinator in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life.

“The average college student was more than $3,000 in debt last year, and 39 percent of graduating seniors have unmanageable debt,” Burris said.

The center is currently Web intensive, but Burris said she will meet with students one-on-one by request.

Student organizations and faculty can also request presentations from the center on topics like money management, identity theft and general financial literacy.

Burris said she hopes to expand the center to facilitate more in-person consultations and someday include a peer mentoring service.

“We’re trying to create the biggest impact on the smallest budget, and we want to teach students the same practice,” Burris said.

The Web site offers tools like a financial glossary, calculators and checklists to help students budget more efficiently.

Student finances are organized online into the categories of “earn, spend, save and repay,” Burris said.

“The Web site also includes more fun links like how to eat healthy on a budget and a financial dictionary,” Burris said.

Burris splits her time working in student assessment and managing the center.

“When you say center, you usually think some huge operation, but it’s really just me,” Burris said.

She said the idea for the center was first developed by Eric Monday, Vice Chancellor of Financial and Administrative Services. It started from scratch in August 2009. Burris promoted the program through presentations and workshops throughout the fall and launched the Web site in January 2010.

The center is located in B-4 Coates Hall.

Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 5

TECHNOLOGY

Study shows online professor rating sites influence class choices Students heed predecessors’ advice

By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer

Students log on to Web sites like RateMyProfessors.com each semester to evaluate potential instructors as they build schedules, and nearly half are looking for the easiest professor available, a new study says.

The survey, conducted by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, questioned 1,229 college students and recent college graduates. Results show 46 percent of students are influenced by rating sites to choose professors based on Ò easy grading reputation.Ó Students are attracted to professor rating sites because they want to attain the maximum educational experience, said Jeff Olson, KaplanÕ s vice president of research. Ò Why is anybody an educated consumer anytime theyÕ re making a choice?Ó Olson said. Ò They want to have a better experience.Ó Monique Spears, biology sophomore, said she uses Rate My Professors every semester to plan her schedule. She said she uses the site to weed out professors who are notoriously hard graders and unwilling to give help outside class. Ò If I get a professor willing to help me, not necessarily be

lenient or easy, I think my grades are a lot better than what they could have been,Ó Spears said.

According to KaplanÕ s study, students scored rating sites at 5.8 in reliability on a scale of zero to 10 Ñ zero being totally unreliable and 10 being very reliable.

Spears said she has found Rate My Professors to be accurate, though she does keep in mind some responses can be biased against instructors.

Trey Halliburton, computer engineering freshman, said he uses professor-rating Web sites occasionally but is more concerned with instructor quality than easy grading reputation.

Halliburton said he looks for information about how well instructors can communicate with and express opinions to students but ignores comments about how easy a professorÕ s class is.

“It’s hard to find a lot of information about content [of a course],Ó he said. Ò ItÕ s a lot about how easy it is. If thatÕ s all I can find, I don’t use that in my decision.Ó Jamie Walch, biological sciences senior, said she has never used rating sites. Reviews from students are not reliable enough because every studentÕ s learning style is different, Walch said. Ò Everybody is different, and all teachers test differently,Ó she said.

History professor Rob Outland, who holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Rate My Professors, said he has never visited the site but

has been told about his high rating.

Outland said he has no problem with students reviewing him online because students have always discussed their professors with each other. Ò ItÕ s just an electronic version of what students have always done,Ó Outland said.

Stacia Haynie, vice provost of Academic Affairs, also said these sites are an online incarnation of what has always occurred, but students should be wary of using them in a way that could damage their education quality. Ò Students should be focused on trying to get the best bang for their buck, which means getting the most rigorous education for the amount of money theyÕ re paying,Ó Haynie said. Ò If theyÕ re trying to find some avenue to avoid rigor, then ultimately their own academic experience is going to suffer.Ó Olson said the study also examined the possibility that using ratings sites to choose an easier instructor is contributing to a grade inflation phenomenon. The average U.S. college GPA increased from 2.93 in 1991 to 3.11 in 2006, according to a Kaplan news release.

Haynie said academic departments evaluate course inflation every semester and are encouraged to make judgments on how to keep course rigor up to challenge students. Ò If course grade distribution doesnÕ t suggest a particular level

TECHNOLOGY

Google Fiber Web site launched

Geaux fiBR requests residents’ responses

By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer

Baton RougeÕ s campaign to be the test site for Google Fiber continues with the launch of a new Web site — Geaux fiBR. The site, www.geauxfibr. com, was launched Wednesday. It allows Baton Rouge residents to send responses to officials about how they would use the highspeed broadband network Google is looking to test.

The site gives users the option to contact Google directly or contact Baton Rouge officials through the site or social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

About 60 responses have been submitted since the siteÕ s launch, said John Zachary, director of research at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. The number is less than expected, Zachary said, but he anticipates an increase as word-of-mouth publicizes the site.

Ò I donÕ t think itÕ s the fact that people donÕ t care or are tired of it,Ó Zachary said. Ò ItÕ s the fact that folks arenÕ t aware of it quite yet. It hasnÕ t gone viral just yet.Ó The Geaux fiBR name felt right as soon as it was suggested, Zachary said.

“The first impulse — and we quickly discarded them Ñ was Baton Roogle or Google Rouge,Ó he said. “We wanted to find something that captures some of our cultural flair with technological feel but something that was modern.Ó BRAC created the community response avenue while the Office of the Mayor-President is handling the official city response. The two efforts are separate, Zachary said. Ò We havenÕ t sat down at the table with our proposal and their proposal and compared them,Ó he said. Ò We plan to do that this week and compare data.Ó As they complete the applications, city officials have worked with the Louisiana Technology Park, an Ò incubator for technology-oriented companies,Ó said Stephen Loy, interim president of the Technology Park.

The focus of the application will be the potential Baton Rouge has for success with Fiber because of technology-based companies interested in moving the cityÕ s economy forward, Loy said. Ò WeÕ ve made a lot of steps forward, and this is just a continuation of that to keep things going in that direction,Ó Loy said.

Applications to Google are due Friday. Zachary said he hopes to keep up the hype after that date because no one knows when or how Google will make its decision. Ò I hope once the 26th comes and goes Ñ thatÕ s really a start of discussion about this, not the end of it,Ó Zachary said. Ò It would be great to keep the momentum on this topic not just in Baton Rouge but around the state.Ó

Get involved with Google Fiber at www.geauxfibr.com.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

MAKING THE GRADE: Top considered factors in choosing a professor (students could choose multiple factors).

•Prior student comments about professor — 77 percent •Overall quality of a professor — 70 percent •Engaging teaching style of professor — 66 percent •Easy grading reputation — 46 percent

of rigor, the department is asked to increase rigor or challenge for students,Ó Haynie said.

Haynie said grade inflation would be difficult to identify at the University because admissions standards were recently

raised, which would explain some increase in grades.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 6

Revelry

Today’s KLSU 91.1 FM Specialty Shows: Rusty Cage (Metal) 9 p.m.-11 p.m.; Martian Mix (Mashups/Mixtapes) 11 p.m.-1 a.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

Tuesday’s 2 Spring Sports: 225 Pets to Adopt: 2

1. Baseball: Thursday, LSU vs. UL-Lafayette. Alex Box, 6:30 p.m.

2. Softball: Thursday, LSU vs. Nicholls State. Tiger Park, 6 p.m.

1. Dog: Fred (lab-standard poodle mix).

2. Cat: Emma.

(Capital Area Animal Welfare Society, 10-2:30 p.m. Saturdays at PetsMart)

5 M-A-R-C-H

M is for March Madness. This weekend’s games begin Thursday at 7 p.m.

A is for Apps for the outdoors:

1. Motion GPS - $2.99. Track your speed, distance and more during exercise.

2. Star Walk - $2.99. See astronomical events.

R is for Running Routes.

1. 4-mile LSU Lakes.

2. BREC Highland Road Park.

C is for Cinema Releases.

Mapmyrun .com

1. “How to Train Your Dragon” - Friday.

2. “Repo Men” - last Friday.

MELLOW MUSHROOM Pint Night. FREE Pint Class w/ purchase of Draft @ Regular Price FRED’S Tonight: $2.50 Bud Light Lime & Wheat; $5 Jack Daniels doubles Wednesday: $2.50 Imports, $3 Doubles, & $2 Shots all night Thursday: 8-10 Ladies Night Every Night: $2 Shots 12-2 and $1 SoCo & Limes all night

H is for Home Improvements.

1. Pod Table, $110, urbanoutfitters.com.

2. LYKTA table lamp, $12.99, IKEA.com.

7:20 a.m., 8:20 a.m.

Noon, 3:20 p.m.

4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.

8:30-9:00am Your Source 9-10:30am Saw VI 11:30-12:00pm Your Source 12-1:30pm Paranormal Activity 4:00-5:30 pm 2012 6:00-6:30 pm Your Source

7:30-8:30pm

9:00-12:00am

Student Goverment Debate LIVE Student Goverment Debate REPEAT

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

FACULTY

University instructor speaks about education in the South Douglas gives ‘last lecture’ for series

By Jacob Most Contributing Writer

Corretta Douglas discussed the wisdom she would give the world if it was her final opportunity in a “last lecture” Monday night.

The speech took place in Dodson Auditorium in front of an audience of about 35 people.

The computer science undergraduate instructor coordinator spoke about her life experiences growing up in Mississippi and Alabama and how those experiences impacted her life.

“I don’t know what it is about Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but something is wrong with our school systems,” Douglas said. “We need to do something to fix them.”

Douglas identified setting high goals as one way to improve schooling. She also said goalsetting was one of the most important ideas she wanted the audience to take with them.

She said she would advise the world to be patriotic, hardworking, humble, disciplined and frugal.

“Take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new,” Douglas said. “If you have special talents, reach out to help young people.”

EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille

Corretta Douglas, computer science undergraduate instructor coordinator, gives a lecture as part of the University’s Last Lecture series Monday in Dodson Auditorium.

Douglas also spoke about the differences in student lifestyles from when she was in college and today.

“The challenges faced by students today are difficult for me to understand and empathize with very often,” Douglas said.

Students today live in a time and place that is very different from when she was in school, Douglas said. Students’ lives are also more complicated today, she said.

Douglas told the audience to create a cheerful home, to identify role models, to not hesitate to nurture loved ones and to act as role models.

It’s important to develop high standards, especially with regard to education, Douglas said.

The lecture was a part of the University’s Last Lecture series, put on by the Student Activities Board.

The series gained national prominence in 2007 when cancer stricken Carnegie-Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch’s last lecture on “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” became an Internet sensation.

Contact Jacob Most at jmost@lsureveille.com

MUSIC

Classical acts audition at LSU ‘From the Top’ to be taped in La.

By Mandy Francois Contributing Writer

Classical musicians on campus will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the nation.

International pianist and media personality Christopher O’Riley’s show “From the Top” will host live auditions in April as part of a three-year-deal with the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.

O’Riley has been named as CMDA’s first distinguished visiting artist and will hold the title from 2010-14.

Live auditons for “From the Top” will be held April 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the School of Music recital hall. Individual times will be assigned by appointment Any classical musician from age 8 to 18 can auditon. Musical acts can be solos or ensembles.

“From the Top” is an NPR and PBS show showcasing young musicians. Auditions for the show are usually sent in on tape or DVD. “We rarely do live auditions,” said Erin MacCurtain, communications director for the show. “The fact that we are holding them at LSU is very special.”

The University has a threeyear deal with “From the Top,” including live tapings of the show throughout Louisiana, community programs and more broadcast opportunities for college-age musicians.

“The listener can’t wonder about the age of the performer — they have to sound like a pro,” said David Balsom, the show’s producer. “The perfomer also has to bring something else to the table. We want an interesting radio show.”

A live taping of “From the Top” from the University is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 2 and will feature the winner of the live auditions.

“The date isn’t set in stone, but it’s pretty firm at this time,”

MacCurtain said.

The auditions should be a great networking opportunity for the musicians trying out.

“The auditions will likely draw musicians from surrounding states,”said Pamela Matassa, communications director of CMDA. O’Riley won’t be present for the auditions. “From the Top” staff members, including Caroline Cardiasmenos, assistant music producer, and Megan Lantz, director of the scholarship program, will listen to the auditions.

Musicians who appear on “From the Top” also have an opportunity to apply for a $10,000 scholarship. The Jack Kent Cook Young Artist’s program provides money to the show for needbased scholarships.

“We are really looking forward to this partnership with LSU,” said Balsom. “Dean Kaptain has some really great ideas.”

Contact Mandy Francois at mfrancois@lsureveille.com

PAGE 7

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 8

BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

PHILANTHROPY

Telemedicine program expands, Campus Life hosts a WiFi and video in ambulances “Hunger Banquet”

arrive at the hospital, said Chad Guillot, assistant administrator of East Baton Rouge Parish EMS. The EKG strips are sent using a WiFi network owned by the city or by cellular cards, which allows

By Ryan Buxton doctors to see the actual results. BeSenior Staff Writer fore this, the results could be read Baton Rouge Emergency to doctors over the radio, but seeing Medical Services plans to expand the actual EKG is a big improveits telemedicine proment, Guillot said. gram to include more The doctors ‘It allows features and more receive a “12-lead” communication in EKG, which uses hospitals.

The telemedireal time with data more electrodes cine program, which provides a in the ambulances and began in March 2009, more thorough brings new technol- ... a doctor in the ER view of the heart ogy to ambulances, than a standard can get instant allowing paramedics 3-lead EKG. to communicate pa“We attach diagnostic tientsÕ diagnostic inall these different information.’ formation to doctors leads to the arms, en route to medical legs and chest and John Carpenter centers. assistant chief administrative officer get more diagnos“It allows comtics than just a regto the mayor-president munication in real ular 3-lead EKG,Ó time with data in the ambulances to Guillot said. the hospitals,Ó said John Carpenter, He said there have been some assistant chief administrative officer success stories of the technology to the mayor-president. “A doctor in helping patients, but results are spothe ER can get instant diagnostic in- radic because of the limited scope formation.Ó of the initial pilot.

The technology is typically Only Our Lady of the Lake used with heart attack patients. Doc- Regional Medical Center could retors can receive patientsÕ electrocar- ceive EKGs when the program bediogram, or EKG, strips before they gan last March. But the program is

Emergency teams relay diagnostics

‘‘

expanding, and Guillot said Baton Rouge General should be prepared to receive EKGs within a month.

Plans are in place to equip all other area hospitals with the EKG transmission technology soon, and the next step is outfitting the ambulances and hospitals with live video capabilities, Guillot said. Presently, only Our Lady of the Lake can receive video.

More grant funding is pending to continue expanding the program, Guillot said. The program has received about $120,000 in grants so far, he said. Baton Rouge was the second city to test this technology after Tucson, Ariz. Other cities, like Savannah, Ga., have contacted Baton Rouge for advice on how to start up their own telemedicine programs, he said.

Guillot said the technology is always improving, but it will take a while for it to reach its full potential.

“As technology gets better, the program will get better,Ó he said.

“It’s going to take several years to get the system where we have connectivity across WiFi everywhere we go, but we will always have those low spots and dead spots we have to go though.Ó Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

Portions represent Haiti class structure

By Leighann Armand Contributing Writer

Some feasted on meat, others dined on red beans and some ate only rice.

More than 50 students attended the University’s first annual Hunger Banquet on Monday in the Union Cotillion Ballroom expecting a full meal. But to raise awareness of chronic worldwide hunger, students were split into groups and rationed food to represent distribution among HaitiÕ s class structure.

Guests were divided into upper-class, middle-class and the impoverished. Those in the upper class were served chicken, pasta and a dessert. The middle class dined on red beans and rice, while those representing the impoverished received a single bowl of white rice and a cup of water. The first tables, the “upper-class,Ó represented 2 percent of HaitiÕ s population while 54 percent was represented by the back tables.

The eventÕ s opening slideshow showed this 54 percent live on as little as $1 per day. Annrose Guarino, associate professor of human nutrition and food, spoke at

the event. Guarino, a registered dietitian, presented a slideshow outlining the world hunger issue. Rie Kuplic, disaster science and management junior, created and planned the event with volunteers for two months.

“The main goal was to allow students to experience world hunger and see the difference in the amount of food,” said Kuplic. “We wanted to get students out of their comfort zone.Ó Volunteers assigned each guest a different colored wristband to determine which class group they would be assigned to. Campus Life, Tigers for Haiti and Volunteer LSU collaborated with several other organizations to plan the event.

The Hunger Banquet was originally planned as a kickoff event for the Campus Kitchens Initiative.

When Campus Kitchens couldn’t find a kitchen to further develop the student organization, Campus Life sponsored the event so planning could continue. Leaders of other organizations helped KupicÕ s efforts.

Danice Paul, kinesiology senior, spoke at the beginning of the banquet.

“This will open up eyes to poverty,Ó Paul said.

Contact Leighann Armand at larmand@lsureveille.com

Today in sports: men’s tennis at 2 p.m., women’s tennis at 3 p.m., softball at 6 p.m

Sports

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

PAGE 9

WHOOPSIES

FOOTBALL

Free game tickets up for grabs in lottery

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

GERRY BROOME / The Associated Press

LSU’s Jasmine Nelson (2) and Taylor Turnbow (35) watch from the bench Monday near the end of LSU’s 60-52 loss to Duke in Durham, N.C.

Duke knocks Lady Tigers out of NCAA tournament, 60-52

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

The Duke and LSU womenÕ s basketball teams have a combined nine Final Four appearances in the last 10 years.

But only one of them could advance into the Sweet 16 this year in MondayÕ s NCAA tournament second-round matchup in Durham, N.C. No. 7-seed LSU (21-10) took control in the first half, but ran out of gas

with one field goal in the final four minutes and 22 turnovers overall to propel the No. 10-seed Blue Devils (29-5) to a 60-52 victory.

LSU assistant coach Travis Mays said in his postgame radio interview giveaways will always come back to haunt a team, especially against a team like Duke.

“We gave a valiant effort, and our intensity was there,Ó Mays said.

“The one thing we did that you can’t do against Duke in this hostile

environment is give them an extra 20 possessions. Unfortunately it cost us tonight.”

LSU senior guard Allison Hightower closed the book on her career as a Lady Tiger with 19 points and 1,508 total points in her career. She rattled off five field goals in the first half but limped to a 1-of-11 performance in the second half.

Mays said he was upset the Lady TOURNAMENT, see page 15

Students who attend the National L-Club Spring Game this Saturday at 3 p.m. will be entered into a drawing to win free season tickets for the 2010 football season.

Tim Messa, assistant director of ticket operations, said students have a chance to win the tickets just by swiping their IDs at Tiger Stadium.

Admission is free for full-time LSU students with a valid ID, and students must be present to win the tickets.

“We’re going to draw a random lottery,Ó Messa said. Ò We havenÕ t settled on an exact number [of winners] yet.Ó Messa said students who are members of the Tiger Athletic Foundation Collegiate Club can enter their name in the drawing a second time by registering at the TAFCC table inside the stadium. Ò This is just an idea to try and get students excited about the spring game and boost student attendance for the spring game,” Messa said.

Another inaugural event for the Spring Game will be its telecast on ESPN2. Melissa Hart, Student Government executive director of athletics, said SG is working to increase awareness of the Spring Game and the benefits of attending.

“This is the first time we’re on ESPN2 for a spring game, so it would be a great opportunity to show other universities how big of a support group we have, even in the preseason,” Hart said. “It’s a great way to show the coaches, the administration and the players that LSU students are year-round fans.Ó Gates open Saturday at 1 p.m.

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

BASEBALL

Lefties help Tigers clinch series LSU finds offense during second half

By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer

A couple of southpaws were a large factor in LSU baseball’s series-clinching win Sunday against Arkansas.

Sophomore Chris Matulis and freshman Jordan Rittiner combined to pitch 8 1/3 innings of one-run baseball in LSUÕ s 5-1

victory.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri said the pitchers’ outings gave his entire pitching staff confidence. Ò TheyÕ ve shown me they can pitch in this league,” Mainieri said. Ò You start to say, Ô Wow. Maybe we’ve got some pitching depth.Õ Ó Matulis (3-0) went 5 1/3 innings in his first-ever Southeastern Conference start and allowed one run on five hits.

He worked himself out of jams several times. The leadoff batter either reached base or

homered in five innings.

The earliest of these jams was a bases-loaded situation with one out in the first inning. Ò Coach talked about competing,” Matulis said. “We didn’t want their two best hitters ... to beat us. I just tried to pitch the contact toward the end and make some adjustments and get a way to get out of the inning.”

Matulis faced 26 batters in total, struck out six and walked four.

PITCHERS, see page 15

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

LSU freshman pitcher Jordan Rittiner throws a pitch during the Tigers’ 9-2 victory against Brown on March 7 in Alex Box Stadium.

PAGE 10

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

FOOTBALL

Younger defensive line takes reins from departed seniors Pass rush a major focus this spring

By Luke Johnson Sports Contributor

Youth is all the rage this season on an LSU defensive line that returns two seniors to the trenches.

The LSU defensive line is working through some major turnover after losing several standouts from the last couple of seasons.

The Tigers have had success in recent years replacing quality players on the defensive line. Defensive linemen Glenn Dorsey in 2008 and Tyson Jackson in 2009 were both selected in the top-five in the NFL draft.

This year is no different as the Tigers have to find a way to replace the senior leadership of departed defensive end Rahim Alem and defensive tackles Charles Alexander and Al Woods.

Lazarius Ô PepÕ Levingston, one of the lineÕ s two returning seniors, has taken lessons learned from previous star LSU defensive linemen to impart on the young lineman this season.

Ò I tell the younger guys to pay attention to the coaches Ñ theyÕ re not going to steer you in the wrong direction,Ó Levingston said. Ò We try to play a leadership role, telling the guys, Ô Do what you need to do to succeed. Follow me. IÕ m going to show you the way. ThatÕ s how weÕ re going to be good as a unit.Õ Ó The Tigers have nabbed some of the top young defensive linemen in the country in the last couple of years, including redshirt freshman defensive end Sam Montgomery and sophomore defensive tackle Josh Downs.

Montgomery will be expected to display some of the pass-rushing skills that made him the No. 2 defensive end by ESPNU and the No. 3 pass rusher by Rivals.com in the 2009 class.

LSU coach Les Miles sees the potential in the young players, but said they still have much to learn. Ò All of those guys are making good, quality progress,Ó Miles said. Ò Some of those young guys are playing too high. [Redshirt freshman defensive end Michael] Brockers and [redshirt freshman defensive tackle Chris] Davenport play too high.Ó Miles looks for his younger linemen to play with a lower center

of gravity, so they can hold the point of attack better against towering offensive linemen. Ò We got to crank it down. We got to get them to come to the line of scrimmage a little bit more aggressively,Ó Miles said. Ò When that happens, those two guys can play.

At times they show flashes, but that takes some time.Ó Aside from Levingston, senior defensive tackle Drake Nevis is the only returning defensive lineman with more than one varsity letter to his credit.

Nevis is the TigersÕ returning sack leader. He tallied four sacks in his junior campaign last season, but LSU is looking for better returns from their young defensive line.

The pass rush has been major point of focus for the Tiger defensive lineman this spring. LSU only recorded 21 team sacks in 2009, the teamÕ s lowest sack total since 2001. Ò We played the run good last year as a unit, so weÕ re trying to improve our pass rush skills,Ó Levingston said. Ò We kinda struggled with that, being productive in the pass rush game last season, but this season I think weÕ re gonna do wonderful things.Ó The Tigers averaged 35.7 sacks

MEN’S TENNIS

Tigers to host top-ranked team Lady Tigers travel to Tulsa for match

By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor

The No. 55 LSU menÕ s tennis teamÕ s 7-0 beatdown Sunday at the hands of Tennessee may not have been such a bad thing after all.

Two days after receiving its third 7-0 blanking of the season, LSU coach Jeff Brown thinks his team may have saved enough juice in the tank to pull off its second upset in the last week.

The Tigers (5-8, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) host No. 4 Ohio State (14-1) today at 2 p.m., four days after pulling off a monumental come-from-behind, victory against No. 21 Wake Forest. Ò Having necessarily not spent as much energy [Sunday] than we normally would, I think weÕ re a little fresher for [todayÕ s] match,Ó Brown said.

LSU will need all the energy it can gather against an Ohio State team that holds a 14-1 record with its only blemish coming from No. 1 Virginia, 4-1.

Despite arriving in Baton Rouge with a six-match win streak, the Buckeyes will have one thing against them Ñ bleachers full of LSU fans.

About 150 fans came out in support of the Tigers on Friday, helping the team rally back against the Demon Deacons.

The fan support wonÕ t win any points for LSU but it can

certainly help, Brown said. Ò WeÕ re still going to have to hit the ball, and theyÕ re certainly not going to win the match for us,Ó he said. Ò But if things get close, they tend to play a role.Ó LSU has continually fallen behind at the start of matches by losing the doubles point, something Brown recognizes as its Achilles heel.

The Tigers are 31-48 as a team in doubles Ñ a pedestrian .392 winning percentage Ñ not to mention their No. 1 doubles team

of sophomore Neal Skupski and freshman Roger Anderson are 3-7 in their last 10 matches and 1-4 against nationally ranked opponents. Ò ItÕ s been a sore spot for us,Ó Brown said. Ò WeÕ re still trying to find answers, and we’re going to continue to see what we can do ... any experiments or combinations or formations ... just to see if something can start to work.Ó Sophomore Mark Bowtell RANKED, see page 15

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

Steven Ensminger [tight ends coach], left, watches as the football players practice Monday afternoon at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility.

per season from 2002-08. The Tigers received seven or more sacks from one of their defensive linemen in that time frame in every season except 2002. Ò Our defensive line pass rushed pretty well today, and I think that is a piece that at some point in time we

have to readdress because we have to be balanced,Ó Miles said after a March 13 scrimmage.

Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 11

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

FOOTBALL

Players compete at kick-off return position to fill void ranked behind Holliday with 252 yards on 13 attempts, including three returns for 86 yards against Ole Miss. Ò IÕ ll hopefully get back and return more kickoffs next season,Ó

By Katherine Terrell Brooks said. Ò IÕ m also working on Sports Contributor punt returns as well.Ó Key losses in the return game LSU coach Les Miles said gave a number of LSU football Brooks, junior cornerback Patrick players the opportunity to compete Peterson, sophomore wide receiver for the kicker position.

Russell Shepard and sophomore The Tigers wonÕ t have their wide receiver Rueben Randle will familiar duo in the backfield to have opportunities on the return return kickoffs and team. punts next year with Ò I like senior Trindon Holsaying those liday graduating and names,Ó Miles junior Chad Jones said. Ò TheyÕ ll leaving for the NFL be something draft. else.Ó Holliday ranked Senior Derek Helton second in the nation punter Derek statistically in punt Helton said senior punter returns with 18.10 Shepard and yards per return. He had 362 yards Brooks could influence those tryon 20 return attempts, including a ing out for the return team. season long 87-yard touchdown Ò WeÕ ve got about six or seven against Arkansas. The 5-foot-5- guys trying out to see if they can fit inch wide receiver also led the in and do what Trindon did,Ó Helteam in kickoff returns with 537 ton said. Ò I know Russell ShepardÕ s yards on 22 attempts. back there, and heÕ s got lightning Jones attempted six punt re- speed. Ron Brooks is back there, turns and returned one 93-yard and he did some kick returns.Ó return to the end zone against MisLSU has plenty of experience sissippiS tate. in the punting and kicking game The Tigers donÕ t lack kickoff with senior kicker Josh Jasper and returners with experience, how- Helton both returning. Helton, a ever. Junior safety Ron Brooks junior college transfer who aver-

Shepard, Randle among competitors

‘‘

‘Six or seven guys ... [are trying to] do what Trindon did.’

aged 39.91 yards per punt last year, will handle most of the punts next season.

Jasper will play on pooch punts, which has been his duty for the past two seasons. Ò DerekÕ s improved a lot since last season,Ó Jasper said. Ò He learned a lot after coming from a juco [junior college] ... He got a lot of experience last year, so heÕ s just going to get even better for next year.Ó Helton and Jasper punted six times each in SaturdayÕ s scrimmage. Helton averaged 40.6 yards per punt while Jasper averaged 37 yards per punt.Miles brought up sophomore placekicker/punter Drew AllemanÕ s name as a possible candidate for kickoff duties.

Alleman replaced an injured Helton last year against Tulane, punting twice for an average of 25.5ya rds. Ò Our punter is back. Our kicker is back. Those guys will be more mature and more consistent and want to be the best,Ó Miles said. Ò ThereÕ s a chance that Drew Alleman could be a guy who factors in competitively to kick off. Our specialists will be fine.”

Jasper said the special teams unit felt satisfied with its performance and statistical ranking in 2009, but will focus on taking care of little things and maintaining their success next season.

J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

LSU wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, right, helps sophomore Reuben Randle (2) with his footwork during practice in the Indoor Practice Facility on Mar. 1.

“I think we finished first or second in the SEC for special teams and third in the nation in some categories,Ó Jasper said. Ò For the most part, itÕ s going to be the same thing weÕ ve been doing, trying to get maximum hang time and letting our little speed demons get downfield and make a play.”

The kickers and punters picked up where they left off last

season, said the Memphis, Tenn., native. Ò Our kicking and our punting are coming along just like we didnÕ t even stop after the bowl game,Ó Jasper said. Ò It feels like we just kept going into another season.Ó Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com

PAGE 12

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

SOFTBALL

Tigers face Nicholls St. tonight before off weekend LSU riding current 21-win streak

By Chris Branch Sports Writer

The LSU softball team has earned a weekend off. Capped by a sweep of Auburn last weekend, the No. 14 Tigers (26-4, 8-0) have torched opponents since Feb. 20, their last loss.

The top of the schedule is tonightÕ s midweek matchup against Nicholls State (14-8), after which the Tigers have off until March 24. Ò From here on in, it gets really tough for us on the road,Ó said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. Ò We have to take care of the midweeks this week, and weÕ re going to give them a welldeserved weekend off. WeÕ re a little banged up right now, and I think everybody will benefit from that.”

The Tigers have certainly been busy. Winning, that is. LSUÕ s formidable pitching stable of senior Cody Trahan, senior Kirsten Shortridge, sophomore Brittany Mack and freshman Rachele Fico has made life easy on Tiger hitters. Trahan and Fico were named Southeastern Conference Pitcher and Freshman of the Week, respectively, for their efforts in the circle. Trahan ran her record to 8-0 during the weekend against Auburn, allowing only one run and striking out 12 in the process. Ò SheÕ s just a totally different pitcher right now,Ó Girouard said. Ò She starts ahead. ThatÕ s something weÕ ve fought her whole career. She could make as good a pitch as anybody in the country, but she couldnÕ t

follow it up. ThatÕ s changed this year.Ó Fico and Mack have certainly benefited from LSU’s deep rotation.

The evenly divvied innings have been crucial in the pairÕ s development in a sport known for high pitch counts. Ò ItÕ s an incredible advantage,Ó Girouard said. Ò For Fico and Mack down the line and down the road, itÕ s innings off their arms. They know they donÕ t have to throw so much, and so by the time theyÕ re seniors, theyÕ ll be really healthy.Ó The hitters didnÕ t have too shabby a weekend themselves. The Tigers put up 15 runs to AuburnÕ s three

in the series. Senior left fielder Rachel Mitchell went 3-for-3 Saturday, including a key two-run home run in the sixth inning to seal the victory. Ò I knew in my mind she was going to work me inside a lot,Ó Mitchell said. Ò I was looking for that one specific pitch, and she just happened to throw it to me. I made sure my foot was down on time, and I got it out of here.Ó Mitchell and the rest of the Tigers are showing no signs of slowing down. The players attribute the good play to team chemistry rather than hitting and pitching. Ò ItÕ s been said time and time again that our team has awesome

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior outfielder Rachel Mitchell takes a swing during the Tigers’ 2-0 loss Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, against Michigan at Tiger Park.

chemistry Ñ we canÕ t stress it Ò Cody works with Rachele on enough,Ó Fico said. Ò It really makes her rise, and Shorty works with her a difference on and off the field. We on her drop and Mack has an incredall really mesh well together. WeÕ re ible changeup,Ó Girouard said. Ò ItÕ s all there for each been a great staff other.Ó in that theyÕ re all Fico, a about the Tigers freshman, has instead of themmade a garganselves.Ó tuan impact this With FicoÕ s season. The Oxhelp, the pitching ford, Conn., nastaff has the lowest tive has collected ERA in the SEC. nine straight Ò I challenged wins since the them to truly beYvette Girouard opening weekcome a staff, and LSU softball coach end. theyÕ ve done an inÒ I just came credible job of helpin with the attitude of doing what- ing each other and noticing weakever I could to help the team,Ó Fico nesses,Ó Girouard said. Ò Never in my said. Ò WeÕ ve all been working hard career have I had this many quality since the start of the year. We all do arms.Ó what we can to help our team out.

Every single person one through 20 matters.Ó Contact Chris Branch at Fico learned drop and rise techcbranch@lsureveille.com niques from Shortridge and Trahan.

‘‘

‘We’re going to give them a well-deserved weekend off ... I think everybody will benefit from that.’

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TuEsdAy, MArch 23, 2010

TRANSPORTATION

Easy Streets project will not affect tailgaters on Tower Drive

Nunez: LSU fans’ safety is priority

By Chris Branch Sports Writer

LSU football fans don’t need to worry about Phase II of the Easy Streets project infringing on their tailgating.

The University is currently considering a proposal to limit vehicle access on Tower Drive, a popular parking spot for tailgaters during football season. Many have expressed concern about the status of parking availability next season.

“That’s not impacted at all,” said Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation.

Graham said the only areas closed to parking will be between

South Campus Drive and South Stadium Drive. The parking areas near the Parade Ground will remain open.

The area between South Campus Drive and South Stadium Drive will not be closed to through traffic. The parking lots connected to Coates Hall and Nicholson Hall will remain open.

“If the street were completely blocked off and you couldn’t have access to those parking lots, then tailgating spots would be taken,” said Herb Vincent, senior associate athletic director. “But I don’t think those parking lots will be blocked off. The whole discussion is a little premature. The Easy Streets [proposal] hasn’t even been accepted, or funded for that matter.”

The project, if approved, is slated to begin in the summer, Graham said.

“It’s going to be an ongoing

one if it gets approved,” Graham said. “It’s going through recommendations, and nothing has been approved.”

University officials are hoping the new-look Tower Drive will aid bicycle traffic through campus.

“It has to do with bicycle routes, bicycle paths, safer travel for bicycles,” Vincent said. “For instance, it would create angled parking instead of parallel parking, where people open up doors into the street. It just makes better flow for bicycles and pedestrians.”

The amount of pedestrians and bicycles traveling Tower Drive every day makes the idea a viable option, Vincent said.

“As far as Tower Drive in particular, there is a tremendous amount of pedestrian traffic that crosses that road every day during the course of the day,” Vincent said. “That’s why there is

NBA

Hornets defeat Dallas, 115-99 Chris Paul returns after 25 games out

By The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ Chris Paul played for the first time in 25 games, and Marcus Thornton scored 28 points to help the Hornets to a 115-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

Returning from a left knee injury, Paul started but was limited to 21 minutes and had 11 points. He helped New Orleans pull away in the fourth quarter, but rookie Darren Collison ran the floor when the Hornets had a remarkable run of 23 straight points from late in the second quarter until early in the third to take a lead they would not relinquish.

David West had 25 points and 10 assists, Morris Peterson had a season-high 20 points and Collison scored 16 for the Hornets.

Jason Terry scored 24 for Dallas, which squandered a 16-point first-quarter lead.

After shooting only 32 percent in the first quarter (7 of 22), the Hornets went 38 of 61 (62 percent) from the field during the rest of the game.

The Hornets led 60-45 after their 23-0 run. The closest Dallas got after that was when Jason Terry hit a 3 to make it 73-66 with 3:06 to go in the third period.

Peterson responded with a 3, and soon after, West hit a couple of jumpers and had a steal to set up Collison’s fast-break dunk to put the Hornets up 82-70 heading into the fourth quarter.

Darius Songaila opened the fourth quarter with a jumper from the top of the key and Paul scored his first points on a baseline fade with 11:05 remaining in the game.

Paul later added three 3-pointers as the Hornets built a lead as large as 21.

BILL HABER / The Associated Press

Mavericks guard Rodrigue Beaubois (3) and Hornets guard Darren Collison (2) chase a loose ball Monday during the Hornets’ 115-99 victory in the New Orleans Arena.

Dallas still finished shooting 52 percent (42 of 81), but was hurt by porous defense and 20 turnovers, which the Hornets converted into 35 points. Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points for the Mavericks, while

Shawn Marion added 14 and Caron Butler 12.

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

occasional discussion about closing off all those roads.”

Eddie Nunez, associate athletic director of operations and project development, said he has only had preliminary discussions with Graham and his staff. The Athletic Department is considering adding more parking spots even if the Easy Streets project does not affect tailgaters, he said.

“Honestly, we really haven’t gotten into those discussions yet,” Nunez said. “We are considering expanding parking options anyway, though.”

The Athletic Department is also concerned about the amount of fans parking directly on Nicholson Drive, Nunez said. He said the safety of the fans is a priority for the Athletic Department.

“We just want to alleviate some of those concerns,” Nunez said. “Our fans are resourceful. I don’t doubt they would find a way

to enjoy themselves. We’ve been looking at some other opportunities, though.”

Nunez mentioned expansion of free parking lots near the levee and the new parking lot to be constructed at the old Alex Box Stadium as locations for new parking on game days.

Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010 RANKED, from page 10

has been the most consistent in singles, posting a 6-4 record in his last 10 matches, as well as a 7-6 (13-11), 7-5, upset victory Friday against No. 97 Iain Atkinson of Wake Forest. Ò HeÕ s got a really good understanding of how important

PITCHERS, from page 9

Rittiner earned his first save of the season after a three-inning relief appearance.

He said he didnÕ t initially know how many hitters he was would see in his first taste of SEC play. Ò [Mainieri] never really gave me a definite time span of how many batters I was going to face,Ó Rittiner said. Ò He told me when I went to warm up that I was going out there to face the two left-handed hitters and see where weÕ d go from there.Ó The Jesuit High School graduate started three games this season but has appeared in six.

Rittiner allowed two hits while striking out two and walking none to preserve the win for the Tigers. Ò In RittinerÕ s case, he doesnÕ t have a lot of stuff to get you out of a jam, but heÕ s not going to hurt himself by walking batters or those kinds of things,Ó Main-

every point is, whether its a 30love point or a 15-love point,Ó Brown said of the hard-hitting Bowtell.

LSU and Ohio State have played the all-time series evenly, as the two are tied 5-5 in the overall series.

The Buckeyes won the most recent meeting in 2009 with a 7-0

in three of their past four matches. Ò WeÕ ve got a little momentum going,Ó said LSU coach Tony Minnis in a news release. Ò WeÕ re hoping we can build on that.Ó The match against Tulsa (135, 2-1 Conference USA) marks the last non-conference game of the year for the Tigers, as they will play seven-straight SEC

matches before the SEC Tournament begins April 22.

LSU defeated Tulsa last year, 5-2, and leads the all-time series 7-2.

Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com

ieri said. Ò He did a tremendous job and was really a big key to the game.Ó

probably the fans,Ó said junior catcher Micah Gibbs. Ò They were playing Ô Calling Baton RougeÕ out of the scoreboard, and they LSU BATS COME ALIVE IN started getting into it. When they SECOND HALF OF WEEKEND did that, the pitchers kind of lost LSUÕ s bats stayed dormant it a little bit and thatÕ s what this until the seventh stadium does for inning of the sechome field advanond game of the tage.Ó weekend series.

LSU totaled The Tigers 12 runs on 18 hits only amassed for the rest of the four runs on eight weekend and nevhits in the first er trailed again.

15 innings of the Ò For 16 inPaul Mainieri weekend. nings they were LSU baseball coach They lost 6-3 whipping us,Ó to the Razorbacks Mainieri said. on Friday and were on the verge Ò ThatÕ s why the games are nine of losing again Saturday. They innings in duration and not sevtrailed Arkansas, 5-1, through 6 en innings in duration. If it was 1/2 innings. a seven inning game [Saturday], But LSU changed offensive- we probably would have lost Ñ ly during the seventh inning, and maybe.Ó some players said the support of Tiger fans contributed to their success.

Contact Johanathan Brooks at Ò Ninety percent of that was jbrooks@lsureveille.com

‘‘

‘They’ve shown me they can pitch in this league.’

Ò If we could have taken care of the ball better, we would have Tigers could not advance farther established ourselves in the secand extend HightowerÕ s career in ond half,Ó Mays said. Ò Instead we had two turnpurple and gold. overs in the first Ò I spent three 40 seconds that years with her as fueled Duke and a young coach in made Duke beBaton Rouge, and lieve they could sheÕ s been exactly win this game.Ó what any coach LSU sophowould want on more forwards and off the court,Ó LaSondra BarMays said. Ò IÕ m rett and Courtney extremely disapTravis Mays pointed for the LSU assistant basketball coach Jones each played 31 minutes and loss, but IÕ m more disappointed for the kids and es- scored in double figures with 12 pecially Hightower. I wanted this and 11 points, respectively.

Mays said although the Lady dance to go as long as it could possibly go.Ó The 22 turnovers tied a season high for LSU, which ranked No. 2 in the nation with an average of 12.5 turnovers per game in the regular season.

There were 15 ties and seven lead changes during the game.

LSU led by as many as seven points in the first half, in which it outshot Duke, 52 percent to 42 percent, en route to DukeÕ s worst defensive half of the season. Ò Our game plan was going really well in the first half, with the exception of giving them a couple of easy baskets,Ó Mays said. Ò We thought we had the momentum of the game even though it was tied 25-25 at halftime.Ó The second half was a virtual role reversal, as Duke shot 46 percent from the floor to LSU’s 33 percent.

Duke junior guard Jasmine Thomas scored 15 points on the night, including a layup with 3:30 to play that put the Blue Devils ahead for good and clinched their 12th Sweet 16 berth in the last 13 seasons.

TOURNAMENT, from page 9

‘‘

triumph in Columbus, Ohio.

The LSU womenÕ s tennis team meanwhile will step away from SEC play Tuesday to take on Tulsa at 2 p.m.

Following a 6-1 win March 12 against Mississippi State, which broke an eight-match losing streak, the Tigers (6-9, 1-3 SEC) have strung together wins

PAGE 15

‘If we could have taken care of the ball better, we would have established ourself in the

ERIN ARLEDGE / The Daily Reveille

LSU sophomore pitcher Chris Matulis throws a pitch during the Tiger’s 8-1 victory against Pepperdine March 6 in Alex Box Stadium.

Tigers fell short in their quest for their first national championship and will lose Hightower next season, he said he likes what the future holds at LSU. Ò I hope the young players really appreciate who theyÕ ve had as a mentor and example day in and day out,Ó Mays said. Ò I hope they have that taste in their mouth where if we work just a little bit harder, a game like this wonÕ t slip away when we have the opportunity again.Ó

GERRY BROOME / The Associated Press

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

Duke’s Joy Cheek, left, and LSU’s Allison Hightower reach for the basketball in LSU’s 60-52 loss against Duke on Monday night in Durham, N.C.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 16

OUR VIEW

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

SG elections are today — get informed before voting Contact senators to voice Class Gift views Today is Election Day for LSU. Every student on campus has the chance to let his or her voice be heard on who will represent us, the student body, to the University administration and the state government.

In addition to the main event — SG presidential and vice presidential candidates — students have a chance to vote for the University Court and the officers for their individual colleges.

There are also referendums that would eliminate the SG Trial Court and allow students a choice to dictate one SG project.

Voting is quick and easy — you can do it from your PAWS account. Simply go to the “Student Services” tab and find the link labeled “SG Elections.”

But voting responsibly requires a lot more than just logging on and clicking. If you’re going to vote, take the time necessary to get informed about the candidates and issues involved.

Finding all that information is now easier than ever thanks to the Student Government Election Page on our Web site, lsureveille.com.

You can find everything you need to make an informed decision there: video interviews with all the presidential and vice presidential candidates, questionnaires for every candidate on the ballot and links to every Reveille article about the elections from this semester.

It’s all there in one place, so take a few minutes and get informed before you vote.

One particularly contentious issue students should be aware of is the Class Gift Project. The Student Government Senate voted earlier this month to attach a mandatory $30 Class Gift Fee to the diploma fee for graduating seniors.

The money would go to pay for bricks engraved with the student’s names that would be used to construct a walkway around the Parade Ground.

SG specifically voted not to put the proposal to a vote by the student body.

The Daily Reveille stands firm in our condemnation of SG’s decision, which we believe circumvents the will of its constituents.

If our senators honestly believe a majority of students are willing to pay an extra $30 for a

brick in a time of fee increases and looming tuition hikes, then they should be willing to put the proposal to a vote.

By not doing so, our representatives are only contributing to the existing impression that they aren’t our representatives at all, but rather self-interested elites more concerned with padding their résumés than maintaining the interests of the students — hardly a sentiment they want to build the week of elections.

That said, all we care about is students’ voices being heard.

To the right is a list of current senators and whether or not they voted for the proposal.

The first vote was to approve the project and fee while the second vote was a motion to rescind it — so an “aye” vote in the first column is a vote for the Class Gift Project and fee, while an “aye” vote in the second column is a vote against them.

Whatever your opinions on the fee, we strongly encourage you to contact your senators.

For those who think the Class Gift Project Fee is important: Not only senators have taken a stance on the issue. Brooksie Bonvillain and Chris Sellers, presidential and vice presidential candidates, both support the measure.

The other ticket heads largely oppose the mandatory fee.

J Hudson and Dani Borel, running on the “Students First” ticket, think the project is a good idea, but maintain “the proposal should have gone to a vote of the students.”

Theo Williams and Millena Williams of the “Geauxing the Distance” campaign like the idea of the class gift walkway, but say “the time isn’t right for it now.”

Brian Wooldridge and John Craig of the “Two Kings for LSU” campaign, are ambivalent, saying the $30 is “like a junior-high allowance.”

Whether you agree with the proposal or not is not our concern.

Our job is merely to keep the student body as informed as possible.

We hope that, in addition to this information, you’ll use the resources on our Web site, lsureveille.com, to get informed before you vote.

Students can vote today on PAWS from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Results will be announced Wednesday.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

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

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor

Senator (E-mail): In favor of Class

Gift fee: Speaker Tyler Martin (tmart24@lsu.edu) Abstain* Speaker Pro Tempore Brooksie Bonvillain (bbonvi3@lsu.edu) Aye College of Agriculture Rebecca Schulin (rschul1@lsu.edu) Nay Kasey Gillum (kgillu1@lsu.edu)\ Nay Jake Landry (jland99@lsu.edu) Aye College of Art and Design Ashley Free (afree1@lsu.edu) Aye College of Arts and Sciences Marcus Alexander (malexa9@lsu.edu) Nay Aaron Cafferel (acaffa1@lsu.edu) Aye David Jones (djone58@lsu.edu) Nay Drew Prestridge (dprest1@lsu.edu) Aye Meighan Brown (mbrow73@lsu.edu) Aye Andy Palermo (apaler4@lsu.edu) Nay Keely Knapp (kknapp2@lsu.edu) Aye Jeffrey Wale (jwale2@lsu.edu) Nay College of Basic Sciences Jared Bourgeois (jbour41@lsu.edu) Aye Ken Erhardt (kerhra1@tigers.lsu.edu) Abstain Ben Clark (bclark3@lsu.edu) Aye Brandon Jones (bjone46@tigers.lsu.edu) Aye E.J. Orso College of Business Curtis Elmore (celmor2@lsu.edu) Aye Anne-Marie Fontenot (afont41@lsu.edu) Aye Emily Landry (eland21@lsu.edu) Aye College of Education Cameron Parker (cparke9@lsu.edu) Aye Tiffany Compagno (tcompa1@lsu.edu) Aye Kathryn Strong (kstron1@lsu.edu) Aye College of Engineering Alex Grashoff (agrash1@lsu.edu) Aye Alex Cagnola (acagno3@lsu.edu) Aye Evan Ledet (eledet3@lsu.edu) Nay Jennifer West (jwest25@lsu.edu) Aye Joseph Jebara (jjebar1@lsu.edu) Aye Graduate School Vinay Amatya (vamaty1@lsu.edu) Nay Benjamin Phelan (bphela1@lsu.edu) Nay Nicole Hansen (nhanse1@lsu.edu) Nay Sean Mills (smills5@lsu.edu) Aye David Widenski (dwiden1@lsu.edu) Aye Manship School of Mass Communication Zac Lemoine (jlemo26@lsu.edu) Nay College of Music and Dramatic Arts Meredith Westbrook (mwestb5@lsu.edu) Abstain University Center for Advising and Cancelling Kenn Barnes (kbarn22@lsu.edu) Aye Samantha Bates (sbates6@lsu.edu) Aye Kristina Sanchez (ksanch6@lsu.edu) Abstain Jacob Harris (jharr38@lsu.edu) Abstain John Gambino (jgambi1@lsu.edu) Abstain University Center for Freshman Year Megan Arcana (marcan1@lsu.edu) Aye Serena Pentney (spentn1@lsu.edu) Aye Mallory Richard (mrich62@lsu.edu) Aye Lesli Roussel (lrous19@lsu.edu) Abstain Kelli Spahn (kspahn2@lsu.edu)\ Aye Justin Terracciano (jterra5@lsu.edu) Aye Abbey Vaughn (avaug14@lsu.edu) Abstain Kathleen Bordelon (kbord17@lsu.edu) Aye Chloe Chetta (cchett1@lsu.edu) Abstain James Chetta (jchett1@lsu.edu) Abstain Nick Ferrer (nferre1@lsu.edu) Aye Brittany Foster (bfost11@lsu.edu) Nay Cody Wells (cwell14@lsu.edu) Aye Aimee Simon (asimo32@lsu.edu) Aye

In favor rescinding bill: Nay Abstain*

of

Nay Nay Nay Nay Aye Aye Aye Nay Nay Aye Nay Aye Nay Nay Nay Nay Aye Aye Abstain Nay Nay Abstain Abstain Abstain Abstain Nay Abstain Aye Aye Aye Nay Abstain Aye Nay Nay Nay Nay Abstain Abstain Nay Nay Nay Abstain Nay Nay Nay Nay Abstain Abstain Abstain Abstain Abstain Nay

*Note: Brooksie Bonvillain had to abstain from the second vote because Speaker Martin temporarily stepped down to vote on the proposal.

EDITORIAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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

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

“Liberty means responsibility.

That is why most men dread it.”

George Bernard Shaw Irish playwright July 26, 1856 — Nov. 2, 1950

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

MURDA, HE WROTE

PAGE 17

Even if health care bill is flawed, ‘no’ not an option Republican congressmen made a variety of claims throughout the excruciating health care debate Sunday in Congress — one largely marred with political tricks to delay.

From emotional appeals to the freedom loving founders to the threat of communism, the main motif was fear.

They claimed there was a new government takeover of medicine (though that happened in 1965 when the widely popular Medicare and Medicaid programs were enacted).

They raised the specter of abortion.

They claimed the bill was too expensive, even though the independent Congressional Budgetary Office confirmed it would reduce the federal deficit by $1 trillion dollars during the next 20 years.

But for all the fear — including predictions of a communist state — the republicans were marked by the realities of the health care proposal.

In truth, the bill will cut the costs of the ballooning Medicare entitlement program by $455 billion during the next 10 years. It will do

this while largely expanding services for seniors.

Now Medicare recipients can go to the doctor for regular checkups — not just when they are sick. They also won’t be caught in the so called “donut hole” where they are stuck between two categories of drug coverage and can’t get reimbursed.

Some of the payment for new services comes in the form of savings. The rest of the money is generated by taxes on the higher income earners in our country. Unlike under the happy times during the Bush administration, the framers of this bill didn’t pretend they could cut taxes and increase spending at the same time.

The bill also ensures 32 million Americans who don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid will have insurance and access to preventative health. This won’t just make our country a better place to live — it should save costs. People not going to the emergency room for their primary care and addressing the medical problem before it is 10 times

more expensive saves us all money.

Under this bill, Americans won’t be denied coverage based on preexisting conditions or lose coverage when they get sick. Dependents can be under their parents’ health care plan until they are 26.

Americans will continue to have their insurance when they are in between Mark Macmurdo jobs — someColumnist thing which could drastically improve the efficiency of the U.S. economy by allowing workers greater freedom to switch jobs. When people are out of work, they won’t at the same time take on new expenses when they lose their coverage.

These are just a few of the reforms which item by item are popular among Americans. Yet — as opponents are quick to point out — a slight majority of Americans did not approve of the bill according to

opinion polls. This is a testament to the failure of the democrats — or perhaps the success of the republicans — in communicating their message about the substance of the proposal.

The GOP is already looking to exploit the situation. Much of the time in the House on Sunday was devoted to a parade of republicans who lined up to say the same words: “Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in opposition to this flawed health care bill.”

This sort of thing is traditionally done to make sure a representatives position is recorded, but you can count on the fact that statement will be used in commercials in the midterm elections rallying against “ObamaCare.”

The republicans make an obvious point. Yes, the health care bill is flawed. But they have exhausted any constructive ideas they had after an open process which resulted in the first ever “health care summit” and more than 200 republican

amendments to the bill.

And sorry, tort reform is not the answer. At best, it would only bring modest savings.

The remainder of their argument is to just say no.

Health care costs are spiraling out of control. Some 32 million people are uninsured. Health care bills are a leading cause for bankruptcies.

Emergency rooms are clogged. The Medicare program is destined to be insolvent.

We need reform now — even imperfect reform — to put our country on the right track. It will undoubtedly be a continuous process.

Given our current situation, no is not an option.

Mark Macmurdo is a 23-year-old history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter@TDR_mmacmurdo.

Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com

CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE

Worship of soldiers: a fascinating phenomenon Feb. 15 can mean different things for different people. Some find relief in the 364 remaining days until the next “Singles Awareness Day.” Others suffer from the V-day hangover and realize their bank accounts are now empty and their significant others are still not happy with them.

But for other, non-Cupid possessed zombies — this is the holiest day of the year.

A group of natives across the world in Tanna, Vanuata, are hoisting the stars and stripes at sunrise while the entire village observes and applauds with bewilderment. Then, a battalion of well-trained pseudoG.I.’s bearing bamboo rifles marches in unison to the tune of a drill sergeant. Each of the performers has a U.S. flag painted on their chests — and the love of John Frum in their hearts.

Religious relics litter the area — but don’t expect to find holy burial sites or erected crosses. Mockairstrips lie in fields, wooden and straw airplanes dot the landscape and coconut headphones alongside soup-can radio towers surround the village. You may be asking yourself at this point, “What the hell is going on here?” — and you’d be justified in your confusion.

This little group of potential patriots are not devotees of our constitution, nor our American Jesus.

Rather — in John Frum they trust. In place of the ambiguous “God” that graces our current currency — they have deified a G.I. who once toured their insignificant corner of the Earth.

Who then, is this commandodeity, John Frum?

He is white, American and destined to return to Tanna to bring

his followers prosperity in the form of Coca-Cola and Spam. Most Americans think themselves divine — this one actually is.

World War II brought death to tyranny for many, but it also birthed a new religious movement for Pacific Islanders. Cargo Cults, as they’re Andrew Robertson often called, are the direct result Columnist of U.S. and Japanese forces trekking through exotic jungles and encountering natives, who mistook them as gods because of their technological advancements and material wealth.

One of these soldiers, apparently named John Frum, convinced the natives he would return in the future to bring prosperity to his faithful followers. The remnant of this epiphany now exists in small groups of villagers eagerly awaiting the homecoming of their messiah. With diligent prayers and sincere hearts they salute the American flag — hoping for answered prayers that brings radios, washing machines, canned meat and soda.

Think about their situation before you start laughing too hard.

It might be similar to flying cars whooshing by us today, with purple skinned humanoids bearing a soda that is far superior to any we’ve yet tasted. Would we not consider the bearers of this newer-new-Coke as somewhat divine? And would you not sell your soul for a sampling of that refined-sugar substance and hopes to venture to the planet of the

wealth-bringers?

Or perhaps you could be swayed with promises of prosperity in the afterlife. Mansions of gold, surrounded by white things — I know, this is crazy talk, right?

When a journalist asked why John Frum devotees still await their doubtless deceased savior — Chief Isaac, head of the faith, gave an unsettling yet befitting reply: “You Christians have been waiting 2,000 years for Jesus to return… and you haven’t given up hope.”

However irrational and ludicrous the John Frum cult may seem

to our Western eyes, it exemplifies that timeless religious phenomenon — also called the “God-shaped hole” that supposedly lies within each of us. Blaise Pascal originally coined the phrase — though his description of the filler was rather discriminatory.

It’s been called the Jesus-shaped hole, the God void — yet now we can tack on another deity to fill that apparently hollow abyss that longs for domination within each of us: John Frum.

They’re not much different than Western religion — as both deify material sensationalism — despite the

seeming audacious nature of these beliefs.

For Tanna natives, the God-hole is apparently shaped like a Coke bottle — and for them, “it’s the real thing.”

In John Frum’s name — Amen.

Andrew Robertson is a 23-yearold religious studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_arobertson.

Contact Andrew Robertson at arobertson@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Classifieds

PAGE 18

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WHARTON, from page 1

said. Ò By 1988, I was having heart problems. I was having diabetes.

You canÕ t imagine the stress.Ó Wharton said the two budget periods have differences, but he emphasized he wasnÕ t criticizing the current administration. Ò ItÕ s a different situation than it was in my time,Ó Wharton said. Ò I really sympathize with Chancellor Martin. I would do anything I can to help with the situation here.Ó MAKING ENDS MEET Wharton said the University struggled to make ends meet in the Õ 80s on a monthly basis because of state cash flow problems in which the state didnÕ t have enough money to pay bills. Ò LSU didnÕ t operate on a budget — it operated on cash flow,” Wharton said. Ò The state had no cash to speak of in that time period, and that was my biggest problem.Ó The University received its monthly funding late because of this problem, Wharton said. Ò We would go three months, and you had to figure out some way to meet payroll even though you were not getting enough state money,Ó Wharton said. Ò There was one Friday in which I just didnÕ t have the money to meet the payroll, and I knew it would be a national disaster if I didnÕ t.Ó Wharton said he was able to draw extra federal dollars in that particular situation to make ends meet.

Both he and Robert Kuhn, current associate vice chancellor of budget and planning, said this is a

major difference from todayÕ s crisis because while the state has a budget deficit, it doesn’t currently have a cash flow problem.

FACULTY MORALE Preparing for potential cuts has the University facultyÕ s attention as it did in the Õ 80s. Ò We made the commitment to all employees that nobody was going to get fired,” Wharton said. “Faculty were confident we were going to get through the crisis.Ó The University recently sent non-renewal notices to more than 400 faculty members. Martin stressed the termination notices are only preparations for the worst and can be rescinded. Ò I can tell you those people who got that letter of non-appointment, their view of LSU has changed forever,Ó Wharton said. Ò We moved heaven and earth to avoid losing people.Ó The mood on campus is decidedly different than in the Õ 80s, Wharton said. He said he also cut vacant positions, leaving administrators to pick up extra duties.

The University employed a similar tactic in January, eliminating 153 vacant positions saving an estimated $5.5 million, according to the midyear cut guide.

CUTTING ACADEMICS Wharton said the University eliminated about 50 degree programs and consolidated another 50 to reign in operating costs during the Õ 80s crisis. Ò When covering the cuts, you really need to lower the cost of oper-

ation,Ó Wharton said. Ò I can tell you that LSU became a more efficient University during that time period.Ó Martin said he will propose some similar Ò vertical cutsÓ to programs or colleges before the legislative session to save the University between $12 and $15 million annually.

Making such cuts before the legislative session would help reduce costs and send a message to the legislature, Martin said.

PAGE 19 of admission requirements, the enrollment dropped by 5,000 students during the decade, Wharton said.

Some University faculty feel higher tuition could have the same effect in modern times.

Martin said he believes the University needs the legislature to allow tuition increases to bring in $12 million to $15 million in additional revenue.

STOPPING THE NEXT ONE The cause of the separate situations are similar in nature but TUITION INCREASES Another tool in WhartonÕ s bud- were driven by different factors, get balancing arsenal was tuition in- said James Richardson, economics creases. The University raised tuition professor and member of the three84 percent between 1983 and 1987, person conference that forecasts the state budget. according to figures from See The situations arenÕ t University Catalogs.

Kuhn said raising tu- The Daily Reveille cyclical, but event-drivition during the crisis prob- pages from the en, Richardson said. The ably saved the Univer- budget cut crisis cause in the Õ 80s was an sity from disaster. Tuition in the 1980s on overreliance on the minerclimbed by 5 percent during lsureveille.com. al economy which dipped.

Similarly the cause now the last three years, and multiple bills in the coming legislative was an overreliance on temporary session may allow the University to revenues generated by Hurricane Katrina, along with other factors in raise tuition further. Ò Tuition was raised very judi- the dipping economy, Richardson ciously in terms of what impact it said.

The state government fixed the would have on enrollment knowing we would have to implement admis- problem in the Õ 80s by increasing sion requirements and how much taxes, accurately predicting revenues could we afford to use,Ó Wharton and introducing programs like the gambling industry to create new revsaid.

The UniversityÕ s reliance on enues, Richardson said.

The way out of the crisis is less revenues from tuition ballooned from $23 million in Õ 82 to $52 mil- clear this time, but Richardson said lion in ’87, according to archived fi- it will likely involve higher tuition. nancial reports.

Considering tuition increases and massive enrollment attrition sufContact Xerxes A. Wilson at fered because of the implementation xwilson@lsureveille.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

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